Hot Dry Rock Project Modification and Expansion, Fenton Hill, Sandoval County, New Mexico: Environmental Assessment

摘要

This environmental assessment (EA) addresses the modification and expansion of the ongoing Hot Dry Rock Project at Fenton Hill, New Mexico. Modifications to the Project include the upgrading and improvement of the hot dry rock (HDR) heat transfer system and the onsite support facilities. At least one new heat extraction well will be drilled to accommodate a large thermal loop experiment. The existing wells will be redrilled to greater depth. Expansion of the Project includes the construction and operation of heat utilization facilities (that is, 60 kW electric generator and greenhouse), wellbore equipment test station, large-capacity water supply and storage system, water treatment facility, and additional seismic monitoring stations. This EA addresses the potential environmental impacts of the total facility as expanded to accommodate the large thermal loop and heat utilization experiments.