Quantec Geoscience contracted for exploration work in American Samoa
U.S. territory of American Samoa, Pacific (source: flickr/ benmiller23, creative commons)
Alexander Richter
25 Tem 2014
Quantec Geoscience will soon start doing exploration to assess the geothermal potential of Tutuila, in the American Samoa with the aim of replacing costly diesel generators for electricity.
The American Samoa Power Authority has teamed up with Quantec Geoscience to look for a source of geothermal energy beneath certain parts of Tutuila, as confirmed by ASPA CEO Utu Abe Malae in response to Samoa News queries. The hope is that this form of renewable energy will be able to replace diesel fired power plants in the territory. He said that ASPA contracted Quantec Geoscience based out of Toronto, Canada as part of the Geothermal Resource Evaluation Project funded through the Department of Insular Affairs. “They are performing geologic exploration utilizing geophysical methods that save money and impact compared to drilling exploration. The technique is similar to the way a medical doctor uses ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging, but on a much grander scale.”
Utu explained that the investigation and mapping of deep geologic and hydrologic conditions of certain areas of Tutuila are helping ASPA to discover new groundwater and renewable energy resources. “The results of the investigation will help ASPA lower the cost of utilities.” Tim Bodell, who is the engineer driving the geothermal investigation, further explained that this project is designed to cost effectively map the deep layers of rock and water beneath certain parts of Tutuila without the expense and impacts of drilling. He said, “It’s sort of like a big MRI scan. The underground map will be used to manage groundwater resources, discover potential alternative energy sources and better understand potential geologic hazards.” Bodell further pointed out that the investigation program received approval to access properties and place temporary equipment through the Samoan Affairs Office.
“A lot of data needs to be analyzed before publishing conclusive results in a report scheduled to be completed later this year.” He also pointed out that they have geoscientists working on our project to look for a source of geothermal energy in order to replace diesel fueled power plants. According to Quantec’s website, they are a geophysical survey company specializing in ground-based electrical and electromagnetic surveys. This company was formed in 1986 in the Canadian minerals exploration market, as it began to envision more advanced ways of doing things. Throughout the 1990’s, the company expanded into the United States, South America, and Australia.
From the start Quantec has been a geophysical survey acquisition company with some 5,000+ surveys, and counting, conducted by Quantec “which have been located in basically any and every type of environment found on this planet’s surface – arctic, desert, mountain, jungle; hot, cold, dry, wet; populated, remote, dangerous, safe.” “We know what it takes to plan a survey, deploy equipment and personnel to the survey site, record the data, and get out — efficiently, effectively, and safely. Our customers get the benefit of this experience on every project,” says their website.
Source: Joyetter Feagaimaalii-Luamanu in Samoa News Website
