Seismic exploration is the primary method of
exploring for subterranean hydrocarbon deposits. When a survey of
the earth's substructure takes place, the waves of sound vibrate underground
and bounce back to the surface and are analyzed. Controlled charges
of dynamite, thumper trucks, or vibrator trucks are used on land to
created the sound waves. Since the thumper trucks and vibrator trucks
often operate on local roads and highways, the Town finds that it
is in its interests to regulate such activities on Town highways to
protect the integrity of the roadways, and the infrastructure thereunder,
and to minimize impacts on traffic.
The following defined terms are used in this Chapter
253.
APPLICANT
Any person who makes an application for a permit authorized
by this chapter.
COMPLETION DATE
The date that the permit holder notifies the Town that the
seismic survey has been completed.
GEOPHONE
A recording device used in the collection of soundwaves for
a seismic survey.
MULCHING EQUIPMENT
Any equipment used in the clearing of brush and smaller trees
and typically used in the creation of seismic lines.
PERMIT HOLDER
A person to whom a permit has been issued pursuant to the
requirements of this chapter.
SEISMIC LINE
The locations for the distribution of explosive devices and
recorders to be used in certain forms of seismic surveys. This term
is also referred to as a "source line."
SEISMIC SURVEY
The production and recordation of images produced by generating
and analyzing sound waves that travel through the earth. It includes
any geophysical operation that uses a seismic energy source to generate
acoustic waves that propagate through the earth for the purposes of
exploration. It also includes any reflection seismology used to map
the subsurface structure of rock formations or gather data to map
structural traps that could potentially contain hydrocarbons.
THUMPER TRUCK
Any vehicle, including but not limited to any weight-drop
truck, that emits acoustic waves by dropping a weight to the ground
for the purposes of conducting a seismic survey.
TOWN HIGHWAY
Shall include any highway located in the Town of Bethel meeting
the definition of New York Highway Law § 3, Subdivision
5, and shall include the necessary sluices, drains, ditches, waterways,
embankments, retaining walls, rights-of-way, culverts and bridge approaches
appurtenant thereto.
VIBROSEIS TRUCK
Any vehicle, including but not limited to a vehicle that
contains a shaker unit or vibrator, that emits energy signals into
the earth for the purposes of conducting a seismic survey.
Persons who violate this chapter shall be guilty
of a violation and subject to punishment by a fine of not less than
$50 nor more than $500 or by imprisonment of not more than 15 days
or by such fine or imprisonment or other penalties as may be available
under the Town Law or the Penal Law. Each separate violation shall
constitute a separate additional offense.