Shelby Agrees to Hold off On Seismic Survey at River Bends Park

The Shelby Township Board of Trustees has agreed to table a seismic survey in River Bends Park.

Great Lakes Geophysical Inc., on behalf of a request by Savoy Energy LP, offered the township $3,000 as a “crossing-fee” to conduct the survey.

Peter Kiewit of Great Lakes Geophysical said the seismic survey tracks natural gas and oil activity by installing pin plates in the ground and laying cable with geofoam sensors. In between the stations, the company would drill a few hundred small holes about 3 inches in diameter and 5 to 10 feet deep. The holes would be used to read a light charge. The charge is what would be processed and interrupted.

Great Lakes Geophysical Inc. has done seismic surveys in Livonia and Adrian. Attorney Rob Huth and a representative from Fazal Kahn, the township's engineering firm, spoke with those cities and asked if there were any negative impacts on the residents.

Livonia Assistant City Engineer Kevin Roney said some residents complained of feeling vibrations from the drilling machines, but nothing more than the vibrations felt by nearby road construction.

Residents cautioned the board to research the geological company’s request because the surveys could potentially contaminate the township’s wells and water supply.

Trustee Paula Filar made a motion to table the company’s request so the board could do more research. The motion was unanimously agreed upon.