JEFFERSON CITY, MO, MAY 30, 2025 – The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Missouri Geological Survey is continuing its study to identify possible underground aquifers in northeast Missouri’s Clark, Scotland and Schuyler counties. Finding additional groundwater sources will assist landowners in locating favorable water well construction sites, reducing drought impacts on the region’s water supply.
To complete this study, MGS will conduct three separate projects in the three counties. In October and November 2024, residents may have seen a low-flying helicopter towing a large hexagonal frame. MGS contracted with SkyTEM and Aqua Geo Frameworks LLC to conduct these airborne surveys. This phase of the project is now complete and the data are being processed.
The project’s second phase involves collecting passive seismic data. MGS began collecting data in Clark County in November 2024 and will continue collecting data in Schuyler County and Scotland County through July 2025. MGS is collecting these data by placing a device on the ground to gather seismic readings from natural vibrations in the subsurface. MGS is conducting its passive seismic task on public lands, primarily in road rights-of-way.
Both the airborne and seismic surveys will measure the thickness and type of materials left by glaciers following the Ice Age. These glacial deposits overlie the bedrock in much of northern Missouri. Areas with higher sand or gravel content are more likely to hold groundwater and be suitable for well construction. MGS has completed data collection in Clark County and will begin collecting data in Schuyler County starting this June.
The study’s third phase began May 28 and involves drilling geologic test holes to collect subsurface data. MGS has contracted with Brotcke Well and Pump, Inc. (BWP) to drill seven test holes using a sonic drilling rig, starting in Schuyler County, then proceeding to Scotland County and Clark County. Requiring two days of drilling, each test hole be drilled to a depth between 60 and 160 feet, and continuous core sampling will be collected for each test hole. After completing the test hole, BWP will abandon the hole pursuant to state regulations. MGS will use the material from the test holes to corroborate the airborne and passive seismic data. MGS will also conduct the geologic test hole phase on public lands, primarily in road rights-of-way.
For more information about the project, contact the Missouri Geological Survey at 573-368-2100.