Survey of Youghiogheny River to be conducted
The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), in conjunction with Fugro Inc. of Toronto, Canada, will conduct an aerial survey of the lower Youghiogheny River starting today. A low-flying helicopter will conduct an airborne geophysical survey over the river from Connellsville to the junction of the Youghiogheny and Monongahela rivers in McKeesport.
The aerial survey is the third such flyover of the Youghiogheny River and will use high-tech geophysical techniques to study six layers beneath the water’s surface. The mapping data will allow scientists to search for areas where the Youghiogheny and other water systems flow into contaminated mines under the river.
The survey will take about six hours to complete.
Due to sensitivities after Sept. 11, NETL officials said they felt the need to alert the community since the helicopter will be using a 30-foot-long tube-shaped sensing device that dangles about 100 feet. The device poses no significant threat to the community.
According to Otis Mills, NETL public affairs manager, the initial flight for the survey will be based out of the Connellsville Airport and pass over the Youghiogheny River between Connellsville and McKeesport.
The helicopter used to conduct the survey is owned and operated by Questral Helicopters Limited and bears the call letters CG-ECL. It is white with green and gold stripes.