Information gathered will benefit operations and process will have no impact on residents, businesses or the environment
(Bishop, CA) April 12, 2024 –
Please be advised that starting next week, LADWP will be surveying local groundwater resources utilizing the Airborne Electromagnetic (AEM) method in portions of Mono County, Inyo County, and Mineral County.
AEM surveying provides supporting information about hydrogeologic – groundwater movement in a region. The information will help to improve groundwater models and best management practices to better safeguard Eastern Sierra watersheds.
The AEM survey consists of state-of-the-art measuring equipment with a helicopter carrying a large hexagonal frame suspended about 100 feet above the ground that sends radio signals into the ground and then measures the returned signal to determine the soil types. The practice is completely nonintrusive to the landscape and provides a clearer picture than previously used underground mapping methods.
The flights are planned to start on April 15 and will continue over two weeks (the schedule may be extended pending weather or other delays). The survey will be conducted along a pre-determined flight path during daylight hours. During that time, the helicopter will not fly over the Highway, power lines, or other structures. The operator follows all established Federal Aviation Administration rules and regulations, with public safety as the highest priority.
Again, there will be no impacts on residents, businesses or the environment.
California Department of Water Resources AEM Factsheet
owensvalleycommunity@ladwp.com | 213-367-1291
