ABSTRACT

Acquiring contracts and shooting 3-D seismic in densely populated and culturally diverse environments requires obtaining permits from the State Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Fisheries, Department of Transportation and Development, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Army Corps of Engineers, Coast Guard and municipalities negotiating with industry participants, landowners and municipalities.

3-D Data acquisition, once rejected as too costly or risky in populated areas in South Louisiana, is being accomplished today in areas such as Avondale, Thibodeaux and Lafayette. Landowners and municipalities are becoming more familiar with 3-D seismic and companies have become responsible, utilizing more land management liaisons between companies and land owners. Municipalities, such as Lafayette, have been more supportive of 3-D seismic activity. To date, there has not been a significant seismic trespass case negatively affecting seismic acquisition companies.

Companies need to make contracts with landowners, spelling out whether their permits will be exclusive or non-exclusive. Seismic operators need to shield themselves from industry competition, and need to protect their prospects while data is being shot, processed and interpreted.

The key to successful shoots is landowner relations...."Creating a business partnership for the future!".

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