Carbon storage team works with farmers

In response to a number of issues raised by the Harvey-Waroona Reporter, the South West Hub Carbon Capture and Storage team has promised it will not enter private property without the landowner’s permission during its feasibility study.

Access for the 3D seismic data survey is being negotiated with landowners and the standard forms allow landowners to set conditions and for agreed compensation where required.

South West Hub manager Brendan Gaynor said during the survey a vibroseis vehicle would move along a pre-arranged path stopping to send signals into the earth every 50 metres.

“These signals are reflected off different sub-surface features and formations and are then recorded by a range of receivers,” Dr Gaynor said.

“The signals are then put together into a map form and interpreted to build a three dimensional image of what lies below the surface at different depths.”

Dr Gaynor said land access agreements would specify the route to be taken by vehicles to avoid buildings, farm structures, wetlands and native vegetation.

“Where possible, established roads, tracks and paths will be utilised,” he said.

“It is expected that vehicles will generally pass through a property within a day, although receivers will be kept in position for up to three days.”

Dr Gaynor said the project would utilise local contractors and services such as fencing, accommodation and hospitality during the various data acquisition phases.

“For instance a Waroona company prepared the site, put in the dams and undertook the fencing during the recent Harvey 1 well program,” he said.

“A crew of more than 30 stayed for a month at a local motel during the earlier 2D seismic program in 2011.

“In the event the project proceeds past the feasibility stage the more likely outcome from any future activity is a commercially negotiated access arrangement that involves leases beneficial to all parties.’’

CCS is a proven science — see story next week.