Eco-Seis Phase 2

The EcoSeis methodology reduces the total amount of line clearing within a seismic program by up to 50% and results in reduced land footprint and GHG/methane emissions from burning fossil fuels and emissions from peatlands compacted by machinery. This is accomplished by utilizing irregular, alternative geometries that minimize line clearing while maintaining subsurface data quality and reducing costs. Additionally, EcoSeis has the potential to reduce seismic data acquisition costs by 10-25%. This methodology was developed during the successful EcoSeis Phase 1 project. The purpose of this project, EcoSeis Phase 2, was to demonstrate this methodology provides equal to or superior subsurface information while reducing environmental footprint compared to standard practice and also meeting industry standards for safety, thereby advancing towards commercial acceptance.

Project results include: 1) a technically proven method to reduce land footprint and the emissions associated with seismic acquisition without compromising subsurface data quality, (2) generation of high-quality datasets for additional studies, and (3) job creation and retention. Benefits of this methodology are significant. The oil and gas industry can acquire cost-effective, high-quality subsurface data while reducing environmental impact and ensuring safety standards. Operations can be lower carbon from the beginning of the exploration cycle, more easily meeting emissions reduction goals. It allows more sustainable resource development in all sectors using subsurface imaging, allows environmental and geo scientists to work together for ecological development of resources, and data collected in this project will provide opportunities for further research in geophysics, environmental science, and data analytics.