An area near Ann Arbor in Southeast Michigan has seen a recent increase in seismic testing activity.
Bishop Land Service holds the permit for the testing site.
In 2012, Washtenaw County approved 40 permits, and 20 so far in 2013.
That’s up from 14 seismic testing permits approved in 2009, seven in 2010, and 16 in 2011, the Ann Arbor News said.
Seismic testing is used for underground mapping as a first step in oil and gas exploration.
Drilling in Washtenaw County has been concentrated in Saline Township, with eight producing wells, and five completed wells set to begin production.
Two other wells have been drilled, and permits have been issued for an additional 10 locations, according to the Ann Arbor News.
Exploration in Washtenaw County has increased since ‘a solitary well produced about 24,500 gallons of oil in 2009. Gaylord-based Paxton Resources, LLC produced about 4.6 million gallons of oil from six wells in the township in 2012, ’ the Ann Arbor News said.
