Geophysical Services Business Profile
HYDROCARBONS MINERALS & METALS
POWER INFRASTRUCTURE & ENVIRONMENT
WorleyParsons’ Expertise Transcends Major Industry Sectors
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Corporate Overview WorleyParsons is a leading provider of project delivery and consulting services to the resources & energy sectors and complex process industries. Our services cover the full asset spectrum both in size and lifecycle – from the creation of new assets to services that sustain and enhance operating assets. Our business has been built by working closely with our customers through longterm relationships, anticipating their needs, and delivering inventive solutions through streamlined, proprietary project delivery systems. Strong growth continues to characterize our performance both through organic development and through strategic acquisition as we strive to provide tailored services wherever our customers need us.
EcoNomics™ is our enterprise-wide framework that ensures profitable integration of environmental, social and financial sustainability into our customers’ projects and operating assets. It is a seamless extension of our established project delivery capability, providing customers with competitive business advantage by enhancing project risk management and improving sustainability performance. We are committed to working with our customers to turn their sustainability objectives, commitments and opportunities into profitable business outcomes.
Zero Harm is our corporate vision for health, safety and the environment (HSE). We are committed to our vision; it applies to all of our operations, at all times, in all locations, and at all levels of responsibility. We will actively work to align our expectations and behaviours with those required to achieve our vision through a dedication to continuous improvement. The launch of our integrity management framework, OneWay™, enables us to further align and consolidate our global systems and procedures and continue to work with our personnel to reinforce a culture that underpins our drive to achieve our corporate differentiator of industry leadership in HSE performance.
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WorleyParsons geophysical techniques include electromagnetics (EM), time domain EM (TDEM), magnetics, magnetotellurics (MT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), 1-D resistivity soundings, direct push conductivity, ground penetrating radar (GPR), cross-hole GPR, seismic reflection, seismic refraction, vertical seismic profiling (VSP), gravity, multi-channel analysis of surface waves (MASW), and geophysical borehole logging. Many of these techniques can also be conducted on water. 4 | Geophysical Services Business Profile
Hydrocarbons Power Minerals & Metals Infrastructure & Environment
Geophysical Services Founded in 1990, the WorleyParsons Geophysics Group has over 20 qualified staff, an extensive inventory of geophysical equipment and software, and local and international experience. This group has frequently been profiled in the media for outstanding project work and innovative, cost-effective approaches. Geophysical investigation methods are recommended for their efficient, cost-effective, non-intrusive, and non-destructive nature. WorleyParsons has developed innovative technologies and methods for numerous applications, including:
1,500+ geophysical projects
XX tailings pond and dam assessments XX characterization of contaminated sites XX characterization of pipeline corridors and river crossings XX detection of underground cavities, caverns, faults, and buried metal XX investigations of landfills XX delineation of bedrock topography, and XX archaeological investigations for human artefacts and remains
Geophysics also plays a major role in resource exploration and study, including: XX exploration for hydrocarbons and metallic minerals XX kimberlite exploration XX groundwater exploration XX steam-zone monitoring for enhanced recovery of oil sands XX mapping overburden thickness in exploration programs, and XX delineation of buried gravel deposits
EM31
ERT
Seismic
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Site Assessments Geophysical investigations provide cost-effective, non-intrusive environmental characterizations of the subsurface A geophysical survey of a site prior to more costly drilling, sampling, or excavation programs can improve the accuracy of the environmental site investigation and determine the optimal locations for intrusive sampling. Geophysical data can also
Technologies Used: • Electromagnetics (EM) • Magnetics • Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) • Borehole Logging • Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) • Seismic • Push-Probe
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provide information on geological structure and are easily incorporated into complex Geographical Information Systems. Time-lapsed surveys can monitor changes in contaminant plumes or groundwater levels. Geophysical technologies delineate the locations and extent of: XX pipeline releases XX former landfill boundaries XX saline, metals, and other inorganic contaminant plumes in groundwater or soil XX bedrock fractures related to groundwater contaminant pathways studies, and XX metallic debris, utilities, buried tanks, and drums.
Geophysics can significantly lower the overall costs of environmental cleanup and monitoring. WorleyParsons often combines complementary geophysical techniques to provide a more detailed characterization of the subsurface and the volume of a contaminant impact. Where practical, 3D images and interpretations are provided.
Project Geophysical Surveys of Northern Drilling Waste Sumps Customer Several Major Oil Companies Project Location Northwest Territories, Canada WorleyParsons completed preliminary site investigations at more than 100 heritage drilling sites in the Northwest Territories, Canada to assess historical drilling waste sumps from environmental and health risk perspectives. The use of geophysical technologies aided in rapidly and efficiently assessing the presence and extent of inorganic impacts at each site.
Project Geophysical Investigation of a Nitrate Fines Landfill Customer Confidential Project Location Alberta, Canada WorleyParsons conducted geophysical investigations of a capped nitrate landfill at a client’s fertilizer facility. Electromagnetic (EM) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) data were acquired to assist in determining the lateral and vertical extent of the nitrate landfill, and to map surrounding areas of elevated terrain conductivity that may indicate salinity impacted soil or seepage of impacted groundwater. The geophysical results were useful in optimizing a supplemental intrusive investigation, resulting in a highly efficient, cost-effective landfill delineation program. The EM and ERT surveys were able to accurately delineate the nitrate landfill extents and differentiate areas within the landfill containing the highest nutrient concentrations, as later confirmed by intrusive investigations.
Project Geophysical Investigation at a Produced Water Spill Site Customer Confidential Project Location Alberta, Canada A geophysical investigation was completed at the site of a produced water spill resulting from a buried pipeline release in order to determine the lateral and vertical extents of the spill. EM38 terrain conductivity and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) surveys successfully identified elevated terrain conductivity anomalies centered over the approximate location of the release. An excavation of the site was completed based on the geophysical and soil sampling results. A second EM38 survey was completed, which indicated that the majority of the spill had been excavated and determined those areas that required further excavation.
Project Environmental Investigation at a Petrochemical Plant Customer Carboquímica S.A. Project Location Bogotá, Colombia During its 45 years of operation, the Carboquímica Chemical Plant has produced a variety of organic chemicals used to manufacture polyvinyl chloride (PVC). An extensive surface and subsurface investigation performed by WorleyParsons included soil test pits and boreholes, geophysical surveys, surface water sampling, and groundwater monitoring wells. The study involved delineation of the extent of contaminants in groundwater, development of a hydrogeologic conceptual model, and assessment of the hydraulic communication and contaminant transport between groundwater and the adjacent Tunjuelito River. A Preliminary Endangerment Assessment was performed to develop riskbased clean-up levels for soil and groundwater.
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Water Resources Geophysics is an effective tool to aid in the management of water, the world’s most precious resource. Aquatic applications of geophysics include groundwater exploration, steam-chamber monitoring, and plume delineation. Changes in moisture content and lithology can be measured. The use of waterborne geophysics, with data being collected on rivers and
Technologies Used: • Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) • Electromagnetics (EM) • Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) • Seismic • Borehole Logging • Time Domain EM (TDEM) • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
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lakes, has also been successful in characterizing saline intrusions (process water or sea water), delineating buried channels, and determining depth to bedrock. WorleyParsons geophysical expertise extends to a much wider range of applications, including: XX mapping buried valley aquifers and identifying faults and fractured bedrock XX mapping of sediments and determining depth to bedrock in rivers, lakes, and marine
settings for determining routing and foundations for pipelines, bridges, and other structures XX imaging geological properties for mine or other industry dewatering operations XX collecting bathymetric, side scan sonar, and sub-bottom data for aquatic outfall and cable route assessments, and XX executing Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) surveys to measure current speeds in a water column
Project Geophysical Survey on a River Customer Confidential Project Location Confidential WorleyParsons conducted an electromagnetic (EM) terrain conductivity survey along a 100 km stretch of a remote major river. Conductivity values of the subcropping bedrock were measured to delineate zones of naturally elevated salinity, including possible seeps where groundwater may be discharging into the river. The results of this investigation suggested that zones of elevated conductivity were natural, as there are no industrial developments along this stretch of river.
Project Aquifer Delineation at a Proposed International Airport Customer Servicios y Remediaci贸n S.A. / Aecon Project Location Quito, Ecuador WorleyParsons was retained to conduct 2D resistivity surveys at the site of the proposed new Quito International Airport. The survey helped dilineate, both laterally and vertically, potential water-bearing geological units in the upper 180 meters. The resistivity surveys were used in conjunction with an ongoing hydrogeological assessment of the entire plateau on which the new airport will be located. WorleyParsons also provided numerous other environmental and geotechnical services related to the new site.
Project Groundwater Exploration Project Customer Geological Survey of Canada Project Location Northeastern Brazil WorleyParsons geophysicists prepared and delivered a training session on Geophysical Methods Applied to Groundwater Exploration in Northeast Brazil, where severe drought is a problem. This technology transfer and capacity building project included classroom sessions on theory, case studies, and the current scope of applied geophysics in Brazil. Practical field training sessions were conducted in the interior of Rio Grande do Norte, Pernambuco, and Cear谩. These sessions included training in survey design, data acquisition, and the processing and interpretation of electromagnetic data. Attendees of the course included personnel from the Brazilian Geological Survey, universities, state institutions, and industry. Two Ph.D.s from WorleyParsons delivered the training.
Project Bathymetric Surveys of Williston Lake Customer Canadian Kailuan Dehua Mines Co. Ltd. Project Location Williston Lake, Canada In March 2011, WorleyParsons conducted bathymetric surveys, and ice-thickness mapping in northern British Columbia on behalf of Canadian Kailuan Dehua Mines Co., Ltd.. The purpose of this survey was to aid in the determination of a shipping route, based on sufficient water-depth. Seasonal ice coverage and bottom features prevented the use of conventional acoustic surveys. Approximately 500 kilometres of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) data were collected over a two-week field program. Manual waterdepth and ice-thickness measurements were collected at 32 auger holes to calibrate radar velocity, and to confirm interpretations. The GPR surveys were successful in determining the lake bottom profile through ice cover at depths up to 25 metres.
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Engineering Geophysics WorleyParsons applies geophysics to engineering challenges requiring rapid characterization of engineered structures or subsurface conditions.
Technologies Used: • Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) • Seismic
Geophysical techniques complement geotechnical and civil engineering by providing information pertaining to physical properties of the subsurface. Geophysics can be utilized at several stages of engineering projects, including prior to design, prior to construction, during construction, and after construction, depending on the desired application. Some practical engineering applications of geophysics include imaging faults and fractures, imaging lithologic structure, and measuring P-wave and S-wave velocities for determining various engineering moduli. Other applications include:
• Ground penetrating radar (GPR)
XX Pipelines and Linear Corridors — assisting in route and right-of way selection,
• Geophysical borehole logging
XX Tunnels — delineating a tunnel route, measuring the thickness of lining, locating
• Vertical seismic profiling (VSP)
XX Dams — evaluating dam integrity and detecting defects (voids, cracks, cavities) and
• Multi-channel analysis of surface waves (MASW)
XX Bridges — mapping the geology for bridge foundations and measuring the depth
• Vibration / Blast Monitoring • 1-D Resistivity Sounding • Push-Probe
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river crossings (depth to bedrock and lithology), and detection of pipeline leaks rebar, and helping determine lining integrity (voids, cracks) dam seepage to rebar or to an unknown foundation. Also, detecting scour, voids, cracks, or other defects and characterizing the relative integrity of reinforcing structures in bridges or other transportation structures XX Pavement / Runway / Road — characterizing the geology and roadbed conditions
under a proposed roadway. Also, providing detection of cracks and voids (mines, tunnel) under a roadway, pavement evaluations, and measurements of the thickness of pavement
Project Geophysical Investigation at a Proposed Bridge Crossing Customer Confidential Engineering Company Project Location Alberta, Canada WorleyParsons conducted a geophysical investigation at a proposed new bridge location, approximately 20 m from an existing bridge where a highway crosses over a major river in Alberta. The purpose of the near surface geophysical investigation was to help determine the lithology across the river and, in particular, to attempt to map bedrock depth and near surface granular deposits in the vicinity of the proposed new bridge. Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) surveys were conducted on the river and along the river banks. Seismic refraction and ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveying were also conducted along the river banks, providing a 3D interpretation of the crossing.
Project Geophysical Assessment at a Proposed Pipeline River Crossing Customer Town of Sundre Project Location Sundre, Alberta WorleyParsons was contracted by the Town of Sundre, Alberta, to conduct seismic refraction and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) surveys on the Red Deer River along and across a proposed pipeline right-of-way (ROW). The objectives of the ERT survey were to detect lateral changes in nearsurface lithology and to determine the depth to bedrock. The seismic refraction survey was used as a secondary method to map the depth to bedrock. Resistivity and induced polarization values gathered from the ERT survey were successfully used to determine the thickness of near-surface granular materials and delineate interpreted clays. The results were used in conjunction with geotechnical boreholes to aid in the design and installation of a proposed sewer pipeline.
Project Geophysical and Geotechnical Mapping of Bedrock Customer Confidential Oil Company Project Location British Columbia, Canada An oil company utilized WorleyParsons geophysics prior to installing a buried pipeline up the slope of a mountain. The geophysics crew safely overcame logistical obstacles and difficult conditions to provide the client with the desired data. The geophysical data were successful in determining the depth to bedrock and identifying the location of a major fault that crossed the right-of-way.
Project Geophysical Investigation at a Pipeline River Crossing Customer Confidential Project Location Saskatchewan, Canada WorleyParsons was retained to conduct geophysical surveys at a pipeline crossing in Saskatchewan. Horizontal directional drill installation was already underway, but had been hindered by a suspected zone of coarse-grained, unconsolidated material. The initial geophysical survey (a land based resistivity survey) successfully identified bedrock depth and delineated the zones of coarse-grained material. A follow-up investigation (a waterborne resistivity survey) delineated bedrock depth and relief beneath the river, and helped assess the feasibility of a potential open cut crossing.
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Resource Exploration Geophysical data provide geologists and engineers with detailed information about an exploration target prior to intrusive investigations. The WorleyParsons geophysics team utilizes geophysical techniques in a wide variety of exploration applications, including shallow gas exploration, oil sands delineation, coal seam delineation, and others. Integrating the geophysical data into
Technologies Used:
maps, cross-sections, 3D models, and geologic information provides the client with a detailed interpretation. Applications include:
• Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT)
XX Oil Sand Exploration — delineating the distribution of oil rich sand channels,
• Seismic
identifying zones of thick marine clays and shales, and determining Quaternary thickness
• Geophysical borehole logging
XX Groundwater Exploration — mapping buried valley aquifers, identifying fractured
• Magnetics
XX Shallow Gas Exploration — rapid regional exploration for shallow gas reserves
• Electromagnetics (EM)
XX Coal Exploration — determining thickness of overburden and mapping of geologic
• Magnetotellurics • Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
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bedrock, siting induced infiltration systems, and identifying high permeability zones
structures, coal seam subcrops, and underground mine workings XX Mineral Exploration — locating kimberlite intrusions, mapping depth extent of
massive sulphide zones, and Identifying sources of magnetic anomalies
Project Geophysical Exploration and Delineation of Heavy Oil Resources Customer Madagascar Oil, S.A. Project Location Madagascar Madagascar has one of the largest oil sand deposits in the world. In close proximity are large areas of heavy oil in a block approximately 6,600 km2. In 2008, a small cyclic steam pilot delivered Madagascar’s first oil production. WorleyParsons was retained to conduct electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) surveys over their Tsimiroro pilot area as well as exploration areas on the same concession block. The objectives were to explore and delineate heavy oil deposits, enhance previous seismic surveys, delineate shale caprock, and establish baseline information for future 4-D steam monitoring. This was the first exploration program of its kind outside of North America.
Project Geoelectrical Exploration for Shallow Gas Customer Large Oil and Gas Company (Confidential) Project Location Northeastern British Columbia Canada, Denmark, Argentina, Russia, and other countries have large reserves of very shallow gas (depths of less than 400 m) trapped in Quaternary reservoirs beneath impermeable lacustrine deposits, glacial deposits, or permafrost. These gas deposits are too shallow for cost-effective exploration with traditional seismic reflection techniques. WorleyParsons utilizes a variety of innovative non-seismic techniques to directly detect such shallow reserves of gas in a cost-effective manner. Wells producing as much as 5 mmcf per day from depths as shallow as 30m have been drilled on targets identified by WorleyParsons. The same geophysical techniques have also been applied to coal and oil sand exploration.
Project Geophysical Surveys for Kimberlite Exploration Customer Confidential Project Location Alberta and Northwest Territories, Canada WorleyParsons has provided geophysical surveys to assist several companies in their exploration for kimberlite (an intrusive, igneous rock sometimes containing diamonds). Kimberlite exploration boreholes have been logged using downhole geophysical technologies to differentiate between sedimentary host rocks and igneous intrusions. Other geophysical techniques such as magnetic and electromagnetic surveys were also conducted.
Project Groundwater Exploration Customer Gitec Consult; Government of Malawi Project Location Malawi The geophysical methodologies employed by WorleyParsons have enabled them to have success locating groundwater in subsurface aquifers. The German Development Bank (KfW) funded a rural water supply program to provide safe drinking water to approximately 100 villages where traditional water supplies were unreliable. WorleyParsons carried out a regional geophysical program to determine drilling locations for water supply wells. Conventional techniques generally yield a 10-20% success rate. However, by utilizing geophysics, 192 water wells were drilled for a 93% success rate.
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Mining WorleyParsons provides mining companies with the subsurface information necessary for cost-effective decision making. Non-invasive geophysical technologies are applied by WorleyParsons to characterize the subsurface in a rapid and cost effective manner prior to, or in place of, more costly drilling or excavation. Applications include:
Technologies Used: • Ground penetrating radar (GPR) • Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) • Geophysical borehole logging • Seismic • Vibration / Blast monitoring
XX mapping the thickness of overburden, permafrost, and muskeg XX locating deposits of coarse-grained material XX clay lens mapping for geotechnical projects XX delineating groundwater aquifers, kimberlite intrusions, oil sands deposits, coal
seam subcrops, shallow gas reserves, and depth extent of massive sulphide zones in exploration projects XX delineating and monitoring the steam zone for in-situ heavy oil extraction, and XX imaging geological properties for mine dewatering operations WorleyParsons further assists mining companies with a wide range of other sub-surface investigations: XX detecting voids and cavities in earthen dams and old mine workings
• Magnetics
XX determining the stability of waste rock piles
• Magnetotellurics (MT)
XX characterizing subsurface conditions for proposed dykes and tailings storage
areas, and XX monitoring seismic vibrations associated with construction and blasting
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Project Geophysical Investigation of Conn Creek Exploration Area Customer Laricina Energy Ltd. Project Location Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada WorleyParsons completed a geophysical study using electrical resisitivity tomography (ERT) to characterize and delineate geological properties, thickness of overlying muskeg, and extent of the oil sands deposit in this exploration area. The results helped the client to properly assess the potential of the survey area and assisted in the design of future exploration drilling programs. Subsequent drilling programs by the client have confirmed the accuracy of the ERT results and have given the client greater confidence in the regional lithologic trends.
Project Metal Detection Survey for Missing Wear Plate Customer Albian Sands Energy Inc. Project Location Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada Albian’s Muskeg River Mine suffered a short production shutdown due to a major tear in the conveyor belt that transports ore from the mine into a crusher. The source of the tear was a large, triangular metal wear plate from a Heavy Hauler. WorleyParsons was retained to find a second buried wear plate missing from the same truck which could have caused additional damage. Using a combination of magnetometer and EM61 metal detecting technology, WorleyParsons’ geophysical survey uncovered a number of large buried metal objects, including the missing wear plate. The geophysical investigation proved to be very cost-effective for the client and prevented a second mine shutdown.
Project Geophysical Investigation of Proposed Tailings Facility Customer Confidential Project Location Alberta, Canada WorleyParsons conducted an electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) program to delineate nearsurface granular deposits in the vicinity of the proposed tailings storage area. The client required this information to properly model the hydrogeological processes and geotechnical properties under the proposed tailings structure. In addition to achieving the project’s main objective, the ERT results identified a buried channel with connectivity to a nearby creek that drains to a major water body. This significantly changed the planning and design of the tailings facility and made the client aware of a potential environmental hazard.
Project Geophysical Investigation of External Tailings Pond Customer Shell Canada Energy Ltd. Project Location Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada WorleyParsons conducted waterborne electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), sonar, and geophysical logging surveys on Shell’s external tailings pond at the Muskeg River Mine site. The goal was to investigate the applicability of geophysical tools to monitor the physical properties of the tailings pond, both in plan view and in cross-section. ERT was used to image the interface between beach sand deposits and the tailings, and sonar monitored the ‘clear water’ interface between clear water at the surface and deeper water containing suspended solids. Geophysical logging in the pond was used to aid in the interpretation of the waterborne geophysics and to provide increased vertical detail.
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Historical & Archeological Studies WorleyParsons often utilizes geophysical techniques at historical and archaeological sites. A geophysical survey can help avoid complications in development of areas with a history of human activity. Historical structures, artefacts, and imprints can be imaged using geophysical techniques. WorleyParsons provides world class services in historical and archaeological geophysics (archeogeophysics) and forensics. Applications include the detection and delineation of: XX underground hidden structures, objects, aqueducts, transmission lines, and landfills XX old mine workings, cavities, voids, hidden tunnels, buried walls, and ditches XX buried site structures or foundations XX sites of historical importance, such as military posts, forts, camps, and battlefields,
and XX graveyards and indigenous burial sites
The value of geophysical methods is partly the rapid, non-invasive, three-dimensional reconnaissance of a site.
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Project Detection of Historic Buried Objects and Debris Customer Various Project Location Canada A small oil and gas company purchased an existing gas plant. Records revealed that somewhere on the gas plant property a rail car had been buried, possibly containing barrels of various chemicals. A GPS-coupled high resolution metal detection survey was used to successfully locate the buried rail car. For other clients at other locations, our geophysicists have detected buried metal drums, storage tanks, air cylinders, culverts, telecommunication cables, pipelines, landfills, sumps, a bunker, and a buried jet fighter plane.
Project Ancient Sea Wall Delineation Customer Maurice Greenberg Center, University of Hartford Project Location Tel Akko, Israel Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) was used at Tel Akko to characterize an ancient sandstone sea wall, which is thought to have been utilized during the bronze period of Phoenician settlement. A 3D photogrammetric survey was conducted at the site employing low-altitude high resolution balloon aerial photography. The positions of various control targets across the site were recorded using a differential global positioning system (DGPS) and used to create a georeferenced 3D digital elevation model (DEM). This work aided archeologists in modeling the ancient seaport and active coastline.
Project Discovery Channel Documentary: Finding Atlantis Customer Maurice Greenberg Center, University of Hartford Project Locations Parque Nacional Coto de Doñana, Spain WorleyParsons was retained to conduct geophysical surveys in support of an ongoing interdisciplinary archaeological project, led by University of Hartford archaeologist and acclaimed author, Richard Freund, at Parque Nacional Coto de Doñana (Coto de Doñana National Park) in southern Spain to assist in identifying architectural features buried beneath the mud flats of Doñana. The project is based on the hypothesis that large-scale geometric features detected in satellite photos of the region closely resemble those which Plato described in his story of Atlantis in the Timaeus and the Critias. WorleyParsons’ work was featured in the National Geographic documentary Finding Atlantis, which aired in the United States and Canada in early 2011.
Project Delineation of Gravesites and Burial Grounds Customer Various Project Location Globally Numerous municipal, provincial, First Nations, academic, and private customers in Western Canada have requested archeogeophysical surveys to confirm the existence of, or delineate the perimeters of, historic cemeteries and traditional First Nations burial sites. On a larger scale, WorleyParsons geophysicists also assisted in the archaeological investigation of the former Nazi extermination camp at Sobibór, Poland, including site layout, structures, artefacts, and mapping of the mass graves.
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Related Services The acquisition and integration of spatial, subsurface, and environmental data are central to most environmental and site management projects. The ease with which site information can be retrieved, displayed, and analyzed is critical to project efficiency.
900+
geomatics projects
Geomatics. WorleyParsons can seamlessly and efficiently integrate geophysical data with all other types of site information. The multi-disciplinary teams at WorleyParsons have extensive experience in geomatics, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), thematic mapping, cartography, and aerial and satellite image analysis. Advanced database and spatial analysis software are employed to manage site analytical data, local and regional mapping data, and subsurface information. Aerial Photography. WorleyParsons offers unique imaging services, including low altitude, high resolution aerial photography using kites or balloons—available at a fraction of the cost of using airplanes or helicopters. Geotechnical Engineering, Hydrogeology, and Soil Science. The WorleyParsons geophysics team works closely with geotechnical engineers, hydrogeologists, and soil scientists to arrive at a complete subsurface analysis. Geotechnical drilling and analyses supplement geophysical findings. These are often compiled to find engineering solutions compatible with the natural site conditions and identify suitable quality construction material. Similarly, geophysical data combined with hydrogeological information obtained through groundwater sampling and modelling provides a more accurate characterization of contaminated sites and groundwater aquifers.
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Project Groundwater Exploration and Management Study Customer United Nations; Nexen; CIDA; Government of Yemen Project Location Yemen WorleyParsons achieved a major breakthrough in water exploration in the Yemeni desert through comprehensive investigations that revealed previously untapped groundwater resources. The project involved geophysical, hydrogeological, and geomatics components, among others, to provide a wealth of information for identification and management of water resources. WorleyParsons provided geophysical interpretation of seismic data to determine the detailed structure of regional water-bearing units and help locate drilling targets. This was combined with groundwater and surface water modelling, well installations, pumping tests, and water quality sampling and analyses. Aerial photography, satellite imagery, and the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) produced comprehensive thematic hydrogeological maps.
Project Geophysical Imaging of Subsurface Conditions for a River Crossing Customer Canadian Hunter Project Location Alberta, Canada Horizontal drilling under an environmentally sensitive river was required to route a pipeline from a producing gas well to a plant. Trenching in the river was not permitted. WorleyParsons provided a hydraulic risk analysis and hydraulic design recommendations, followed by a geophysical investigation, including electrical resistivity tomography, seismic refraction, and ground-penetrating radar surveys. A geotechnical boring program tied the geophysical data to lithology and confirmed geophysical interpretations. These data informed drilling contractors of the thickness of overburden, the lithology of the overburden and the bedrock, and whether or not the bedrock was fractured, contributing to a successful horizontal drilling program.
Project Geophysical Investigation of an Orphan Well Site Customer Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) Project Location Peace River Region, Alberta, Canada WorleyParsons conducted electromagnetic (EM31 and EM34) surveys to detect possible soil and/or groundwater impacts at a flowing sour gas well that had been “orphaned” for more than 80 years. The EM surveys revealed inorganic impacts in the vicinity of the well site that extended to an adjacent open field. An electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) survey was then conducted to delineate the depth of the potential impacts. As part of the preliminary assessment, WorleyParsons carried out high resolution, low altitude photography of the flowing well and the surrounding farm field. A photographic mosaic of the entire 20+ hectare site was created. Aerial photographs were geo-referenced and used as a photographic base map for geophysical figures.
Project South Tailings Pond Investigation Customer Suncor Energy Inc. Project Location Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada A detailed understanding of the geologic properties of sand channels in the vicinity of Suncor’s South Tailings Pond is necessary to properly model the hydrogeological processes and geotechnical properties under that pond. WorleyParsons worked closely with Suncor and used leading-edge, innovative geophysical technologies to delineate granular deposits associated with a buried Pleistocene channel. The South Tailings Pond structure is a critical component, essential to future planning and mine development at the Suncor site. This benchmark project was completed to the highest standard.
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Advantages of Geophysical Methods
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XX Non-intrusive, non-destructive, environmentally friendly XX Characterizes large areas relatively quickly XX Provides high data density and quality XX Provides high resolution 3D imaging XX Cost effective and reduces risk XX Integrates with GPS and GIS XX Provides continuous data XX Highly portable
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WorleyParsons’ Geophysics Group travels the world.
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Our Vision
WorleyParsons will be the preferred global provider of technical, project and operational support services to our customers, using the distinctive WorleyParsons’ culture to create value for them and prosperity for our people. Leadership
Agility
• Committed, empowered and rewarded people • EcoNomics™ – Delivering profitable sustainability • Integrity in all aspects of business • Energy and excitement • Minimum bureaucracy
• Smallest assignment to world-scale developments • Local capability with global leverage • Responsive to customer preferences • Optimum solutions customized to needs
Relationships
Performance
• Rapport with all stakeholders • Open and respectful • Collaborative approach to business
• Zero harm • Results for our customers and employees • Creating wealth for our shareholders • World-class resources, capability, and experience
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For further information about our global capability, email geophysics@worleyparsons.com
www.worleyparsons.com\geophysics
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