Low flying helicopter bringing giant science hoop to scan our groundwater Nov. 11 and people will definitely notice

MENDOCINO Co., 11/2/21 — The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) is planning to survey the underground aquifer structures with the use of a low-flying helicopter starting Nov. 11, according to a press release issued by Mendocino County this afternoon. The aircraft will be “towing” an Airborne Electromagnetic (AEM) rig described as a “large hoop with science equipment” around Ukiah as well as parts of neighboring counties. Pilots will be making multiple passes over some areas and may very well be visible to residents.

“The AEM method is safe, and surveys have been conducted successfully in several locations throughout California,” county staff wrote. “Surveys will be conducted during daylight hours only, and the helicopter will not fly over businesses, homes, other inhabitable structures, or confined animal feeding operations.”