Airborne Electromagnetic (AEM) Survey 2022 Active

When and where will it happen?

Flights are expected to start in late February/early March 2022 and exact dates will be weather dependent. At this time, surveying will take place in the following counties: Grant, Iowa, Lafayette, Green, Waukesha, Walworth, Racine, and Kenosha.

Why is measuring subsurface geology important for water quality?

Sources/Usage: Public Domain.

Much of Wisconsin’s drinking water comes from groundwater and groundwater sources. Degradation of groundwater quality has been a rising concern as well as the influence of groundwater connections to our streams. Having a better understanding of aquifer properties as well as connectivity to the surface (depth to bedrock), allows practical guidance for the development of approaches to maintain a healthy groundwater system. Using AEM allows scientists to develop a 3D image of the subsurface geology to better predict how water moves through those layers and how groundwater and surface water are connected.

How does this benefit the public?

This survey supports public health efforts to help protect groundwater and promote water quality. The results of the survey will:

• Create a better understanding of aquifer properties

• Address groundwater quality

• Improves understanding of the influence of surface activities (agriculture, mining, development, etc.) on groundwater quality

This project uses the strength of local, state, and federal resources to help many citizens in southern Wisconsin.

Helicopter Activity: What to Expect

Map of where the helicopter will be flying:

Sources/Usage: Public Domain.

Sources/Usage: Public Domain.

• Flights are expected to take 14-21 days depending on weather and flight conditions
• The helicopter is flying a grid pre-determined flight track based on study locations, so it will be seen several times in the same area 
• The helicopter will fly relatively low, hundreds of feet above ground
• The helicopter will not fly within 500​ ft of buildings according to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules, and will make efforts to fly around people or large equipment on the ground
• The electromagnetic device will not harm plants, animals, or humans
• The low flying helicopter may startle wildlife and cattle and the helicopter will make efforts to fly around confined animal areas
• Local enforcement and conservation contacts are informed of the activity
• A flight trac​ker will map the daily progress of the study
• Only depth to bedrock and hydrogeologic properties will be identified through this process 

Additional Information

General footage of the surveying equipment: ​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSTddN9njuk

Example of how to view and use the data: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fbCZLgQPl8