Using vibrations, seismic data are generated to capture a two-dimensional picture of the rock layers beneath the surface. Interpretation of the data will allow scientists to estimate the type of material, its structure and its depth below the surface. Collection of the data involves a few large trucks with “thumper” devices traveling slowly along public roadways.
John Quigley, acting Secretary, said: “Our initial review of data already available showed that four geologic formations that underlie most of the state show potential for storing carbon underground. Collecting more detailed seismic information will give us a clearer picture of what lies beneath the ground to help us further refine the geologic formations that might be suitable to safely and permanently store carbon dioxide. Our schedule for beginning seismic data collection will begin in Indiana and Westmoreland counties, move to Schuylkill County and then on to the Lancaster area.We also are acquiring some already existing seismic data for Lackawanna, Lycoming, Monroe and Wyoming counties.”
In Indiana County, the trucks would work along roads in Armstrong, Center, Conemaugh and Young townships, Blacklick, and in Derry and Loyalhanna townships in Westmoreland County. The routes in Schuylkill and Lancaster counties are not finalized yet. The work is expected to be commenced in September 2009. DCNR’s Bureau of Topographic and Geologic Survey would oversee the project, with the field work to be performed by ARM Geophysics of Hershey.
In May 2009, DCNR submitted a report to the Governor and General Assembly that contained detailed and technical information about the state’s geology. A carbon sequestration network would involve first capturing carbon dioxide from coal-fired electricity generating plants and other industrial sources. It would then be compressed into a liquid and cooled, and transported through pipelines to a sequestration site, where it would be injected into the rock formations or other suitable geologic features deep beneath the surface.
Quigley, said: “Because this intensive scientific work needs to be conducted with the highest degree of care, DCNR has formed a Science Advisory Committee composed of more than a dozen nationally-recognized experts in various aspects of the geologic storage of carbon dioxide. All indications are we will continue to rely on burning coal to produce electricity for the foreseeable future, so we need to do that in the cleanest way possible. Storing carbon dioxide underground can help us achieve that goal.”
