Seismic lines are an essential operation in the exploration for natural resources, providing more efficient and safe travel through a variety of topography with predictable costs associated. However, legacy seismic lines have not forested over and now provide an easier method of travel for wolves, increasing the predation opportunities against woodland caribou. In addition, the low impact seismic lines typically occur at higher densities and have created concerns of edge effects in the boreal forest.
Canada’s Oil Sands Innovation Alliance (COSIA) and it's member companies have established a goal to achieve a near zero-footprint when conducting seismic exploration operations within Canada's oil sands. This report was constructed to creatively explore options to achieve this goal. It details their core findings, including 5 opportunities that were identified, an introduction and rational, a summary of the current baseline, the project methodology, current realities and perceptions of near zero footprint seismic, opportunities for achieving near zero footprint seismic, the evaluation of the limitations and benefits of technologies identified in the literature review, and a discussion detailing the results and their next steps.