SIOUX FALLS (KELO AM) - The City of Sioux Falls and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) are conducting a state-of-the-art groundwater survey this fall. CGG Canada Services, who is under contract with the City, will begin flying a helicopter over the Big Sioux Aquifer to collect, record, and map its geophysical measurements. The study will determine groundwater, soil, and sand characteristics to help in the future planning of water access points.
Starting on October 6, 2015, and lasting for three to five days, a low-flying helicopter towing a large cylindrical sensor, typically called a “bird,” will fly north of Sioux Falls along the Big Sioux River. The bird will transmit electromagnetic waves deep into the ground to measure its physical properties to determine where the soil and sand is most porous and will likely contain the most groundwater.
The City and USGS will host an open house to provide more information to the public and property owners in the flight path. The open house will take place on Monday, October 5, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Water Purification Plant, 2000 North Minnesota Avenue. Parking will be provided on the west side of the building. If an ADA accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Relations Office at 605-367-8745 or humanrelations@siouxfalls.org.
For more information and other examples of similar USGS studies, go to pubs.usgs.gov/of/2011/1240/.