Environmental Constraints on Geothermal Development

Abstract

American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers, Inc. This paper was prepared for the 45th Annual California Regional Meeting of the Society of Petroleum Engineers of AIME, held in Ventura, Calif., April 2–4, 1975. Permission to copy is restricted to an abstract of not more than 300 words. Illustrations may not be copied. The abstract should contain conspicuous acknowledgment of where and by whom the paper is presented. Publication elsewhere after publication in the JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY or the SOCIETY OF PETROLEUM ENGINEERS JOURNAL is usually granted upon request to the Editor of the appropriate journal provided agreement to give proper credit is made. Discussion of this paper is invited. Three copies of any discussion should be sent to the Society of Petroleum Engineers office. Such discussion may be presented at the above meeting and, with the paper, may be considered for publication in one of the two SPE magazines. Introduction In recent years, questions have been raised regarding the environmental effects of geothermal development. Although geothermal steam is considered by many to be a cleaner alternative source than fossil fuel-generated steam, geothermal development still encounters long delays in receiving approval from governmental regulatory agencies. Delays such as these must be eliminated before geothermal power can expand to its full potential and become a significant contributor to America's energy resources. Although geothermal power is a relative newcomer to the energy industry, its operating techniques have advanced rapidly. Programs to prevent accidents and pollution Programs to prevent accidents and pollution incidents have been implemented by operators in order to carry out their efforts to remain good neighbors. This effort, coupled with future passage of enlightened and less conflicting government regulations, should result in accelerated geothermal exploration and development. This paper will explore some of the environmental regulations for geothermal development, describe the chief environmental characteristics of geothermal development and some current environmental studies being performed at geothermal projects, and suggest some possible ways projects, and suggest some possible ways to overcome conflicting laws and jurisdictions in order to avoid delays. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS ARE NOT UNIFORM AND JURISDICTIONS OVERLAP A variety of environmental laws, regulations and agencies control geothermal developments.