TERRE HAUTE —
Indiana State University got permission Monday from city officials to begin testing for oil and gas on university property downtown.
The Board of Public Works and Safety granted permission for Bay Geophysical Inc. of Traverse City, Mich., to use sensors and other equipment to begin seismic testing at several locations on university property downtown.
The university is looking for oil and gas reserves.
The testing will not begin until after Homecoming celebrations, which take place the first weekend in October, said Diann McKee, vice president of business affairs, finance and university treasurer.
The testing will last about eight days, weather permitting, said Ron Carr, a geophysicist with Bay Geophysical, who spoke to the board. Other aspects of the testing will last a little longer, up to 20 days, he said.
ISU received permission Aug. 2 from the Terre Haute Board of Zoning Appeals to explore for oil and gas on university property. The potential drilling would be centered on a former industrial manufacturing site on the east side of campus around 10th and Chestnut streets.
If oil is discovered, ISU has stated drilling will take place horizontally, reaching under university property. Any pumps would be submerged below ground and any fumes or gases reaching the surface would be incinerated to prevent odors from escaping, university officials said.
Pioneer Oil, an Illinois-based company, holds a lease on the property and will conduct any exploration or drilling.
Large oil deposits were discovered in downtown Terre Haute in the late 19th century. One of the largest strikes at the time took place at a site about one block south of where ISU is planning to center its operations now.
• The Board of Works, which is made up of five members appointed by the mayor, also approved plans to expand biking and hiking trails in the city.
Board members approved plans submitted by the Department of Engineering that will connect the Poplar Street trail, which runs from Deming Park to Dobbs Park, with the Heritage Trail, which currently runs from ISU to East Glenn.
The connecting trail will run through Deming Park and along Fruitridge Avenue.
• The board also voted Monday to increase the amount of contracted work with the city that would require a formal bidding process. Under former Board of Works policy, the board required formal bids for any jobs costing at least $75,000, officials said. The new limit, which is based on Indiana law, is $150,000.
Reporter Arthur Foulkes can be reached at (812) 231-4232 or arthur.foulkes@tribstar.com.
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ISU gets OK to start tests for oil, gas exploration
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