Rhyolite Plateau Geothermal Exploration Project

Map of Rhyolite Plateau Exploration Sites

PROJECT:  In order to allow sufficient time for a thorough public review process, Mammoth Pacific is proceeding on a parallel track to its exploration efforts, working to permit a pipeline to bring new geothermal fluid to our existing power plants. The proposed pipeline would connect production wells developed under the Basalt Canyon Exploration Drilling Program to the existing pipeline system, should the geothermal resource prove sufficient for energy production. This pipeline would support approximately 4,000 gallons per minute of geothermal fluid flow. This flow would optimize electrical production at the existing facilities and enable aging, less efficient wells to be shut down.  

STATUS:  The proposal was submitted in April 2003 and a public tour of the project was conducted on July 26, 2003 by the various agencies. The U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and Mono County will now prepare an Environmental Assessment and Environmental Impact Statement on the Basalt Canyon Geothermal Pipeline Project in conformance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act and the California Environmental Quality Act. The USFS, the BLM, and Mono County will solicit comments from various interested parties during the permitting process.

At Mammoth Pacific, we welcome the public’s involvement and believe that the project will be found to have no significant impacts. As is our general practice, Mammoth Pacific will utilize best management practices and implement various mitigation measures to ensure that the project achieves our standards of excellence in addition to meeting all regulatory requirements.

• Rhyolite Plateau Plan of Exploration (dated: May 2003, 58 pages)