BLM To Prepare EIS For Two Geothermal Projects In Nevada

Published: 25-Oct-2009

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) for proposals to build two new geothermal plants in Churchill county, Nevada, mercurynews.com reported. The two Salt Wells Energy projects have been proposed by NV Energy, Inc. (NV Energy), Ormat Technologies, Inc. (Ormat Technologies) and the Vulcan Power Company (Vulcan Power). The projects may result in construction of seven, 30 to 60 MW geothermal power plants.

NV Energy's Mark Sullivan said that the plants will serve two needs: reliability and interconnection to existing plants.

Oromat Technologies' Scott Kessler said that the project will cost between $80 million to $100 million. He said that the nearest neighbor to the 32-foot high facility would be 1,000 feet away.

"It's on private property, so we will be coming to the county for a special-use permit," Kessler said.

Kessler said that about five people live within a half mile of the plant located 10 to 15 miles southeast of Fallon.

Vulcan Power's Ken Bonin said that the environmental review is scheduled for the beginning of 2010. The final impact statement is scheduled to be released in December of 2010 with a record of decision coming in February 2011.

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