Helicopters With Giant Sensor Hoops Will Map Michigan Groundwater Across Southwest Region This Spring

Residents Across Southwest Michigan Should Expect to See Low-Flying Helicopters Carrying 60-Foot Sensor Hoops Starting Around Mid-April

West Michigan residents may soon notice an unusual sight in the sky. Helicopters carrying massive sensor hoops will begin flying over 16 southwest Michigan counties this month as part of a state and federal groundwater mapping project.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy announced on April 3 that it will begin another round of airborne electromagnetic surveys in collaboration with the U.S. Geological Survey. The flights will continue through the summer over areas in Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Eaton, Hillsdale, Ingham, Ionia, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Ottawa, St. Joseph, and Van Buren counties.

What Will You See

You will see a helicopter flying at approximately 50 mph, roughly 200 feet above the ground. Suspended about 100 feet below the helicopter will be a massive sensor hoop that is over 60 feet in diameter and weighs more than 2,000 pounds.

Because the helicopter is required to fly a predetermined, gridded flight track based on specific study locations to collect accurate data, you will likely see it pass over the same area several times.

Why Are They Mapping the Ground

This initiative is part of the larger Hydrologic Enhancement for Michigan project, a collaboration between EGLE and USGS designed to expand surface water and groundwater data collection across the state.

The AEM survey acts somewhat like an MRI for the earth. As the helicopter flies, the sensors in the hoop measure how well the ground conducts electricity. This allows scientists to map the 3D distribution of underground sediment, rocks, and aquifers.

Mapping this unseen resource is incredibly important because 44 percent of Michigan residents get their drinking water from groundwater. Furthermore, groundwater naturally supplies water to rivers, lakes, and streams, and is used heavily for irrigation and industry.

By better understanding where water is stored, state managers can make informed decisions to protect the water supply.

The 3D models and maps are important for improving our understanding of water resources, said Burke Minsley, the USGS research geophysicist in charge of the airborne survey. This type of airborne survey allows us to cover large areas very effectively.

Is It Safe

Yes. EGLE and the USGS have highlighted several important safety facts regarding the AEM survey.

No Harm to Life: The electromagnetic device being used will not harm plants, animals, or humans. The magnetic field generated is exceptionally low, measuring less than one-tenth of one percent of the accepted general public exposure level. It is roughly the equivalent of standing one foot away from a kitchen toaster.

Flight Restrictions: According to Federal Aviation Administration rules, the helicopter will not fly within 500 feet of buildings.

Avoidance Measures: The pilots will make conscious efforts to fly around people, livestock, and large equipment on the ground.

Why Southwest Michigan

Southwest Michigan was selected due to the number of large-quantity water withdrawals, fast population growth, and groundwater availability issues that have been identified in that part of the state.

The work poses no risk to humans, animals, or plant life and does not collect photos or videos.

Local officials and conservation contacts have been informed of the activities.

A flight tracker will map the daily progress of the study once the flights begin.

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