Clear Lake
What's New   Links   Contact Info   Email   Discussion Board    Comments for EIR   Our Newsletter   Get Involved!

Proposed Clearwood Geothermal Power Plant at Sulphur Bank Mine Road, Clearlake Oaks

Update: On 2/17/2004, the Lake County Board of Supervisors approved 5-0, to amend the Lake County Zoning Ordinances with an Extended Geothermal Setback surrounding Clear Lake.

The Geothermal Setback prevents geothermal power plants, field development, exploratory and research wells within one mile from the edge of
Clear Lake along the North, East and West sides of Clear Lake. It extends to Highway 29 on the south side, to protect Mt. Konocti from geothermal development,
with extended areas around the sensitive Middle Creek area in Upper Lake, and around the Clearlake Oaks Keys development, which is on landfill. The ordinance would allow direct use geothermal wells, typically used for heating, spas and greenhouses.

The setback does not apply to projects which currently have an application with the California Department of Oil, Gas and Geothermal, such as the Clearwood project, which is proposed for the Sulphur Bank Mercury Mine Site in Clearlake Oaks. But, there is a "sunset clause" specifying a two-year time limit on the Clearwood application, which is currently on hold.

Summary:
On Dec. 3rd, Recurrent Resources unveiled plans to build a closed-loop geothermal power plant at Sulphur Bank Mine Road. The plant and wells would be located partially upon the Mercury Superfund Cleanup, 500 yards from Clear Lake and just East of Rattlesnake Island and the Elem Indian Reservation.

Recurrent Resources is a Palo Alto-based subsidiary of  AMP Capital Partners holding company. This is the first geothermal project for the year-old business, and will be done in two steps. The first phase consists of drilling up to 6 test wells « mile to one mile deep, to determine feasibility. The second phase consists of building a 25 ft high, one-acre (in size) power plant in close proximity, as well as running power transmission lines to hook up with an electrical substation. Each phase is subject to an Environmental Impact Study (EIR).

Recurrent Resources already holds geothermal lease agreements with Dennis Pluth, Bradley Mining and others, as well as a contract with the California Department of Water Resources, which will purchase up to 30 megawatts of energy from the proposed site. This is enough electricity for 12,500 homes, but in all probability will be sent out of Lake County to service other locations.

While the project is estimated at $60 million, the drilling project will employ about 10 or 11 people while the plant itself will employ 15 people. Very little of this money will actually filter into Lake County.

Who Are We?
We are an Alliance of East Lake residents and property owners who are concerned about the lack of public knowledge regarding this project. We feel that more should be done to inform anyone affected by this potential project, so that they may direct concerns to the appropriate people.

What Are Our Concerns?
We want the EIR to examine every possible aspect that could affect/change our community - noise (particularly as magnified across the water), visual impact to the community, hazardous waste exposure, toxicity to the environment, potential increased seismic activity, light pollution, etc. Environmentally speaking, the site choice at the Mercury Superfund Clean-Up site leaves a lot to be desired, as well as its position on the edge of Clear Lake.

The site itself is quite close to one of the most incredible bird-viewing and fishing sites on the Lake - Rattlesnake Island - where herons, bufflehead, osprey, cormorants, grebes, and the occasional eagle can be seen. The drill rigs will be quite noisy, with potential noise and vibration impacting the wildlife as well the community. The site is quite close to the water, which will increase the noise travel and volume, as well as being quite visible to anyone overlooking the Lake. The proposed plant will be at least 25 feet high and cover 1 acre of land. There will probably be 24-hour lighting at the plant. Property values may be adversely affected.

Timeline:
Has this been approved? No!

The rescheduled Public Meeting was held on Jan. 16th  5:30pm at the Moose Lodge in Clearlake Oaks. The purpose was to gather oral and written comments/concerns from the public regarding the Phase 1 Test Well Drilling, to be addressed in the first Environmental Impact Report. The preliminary EIR is estimated to be available in May, 2003. If approved in the EIR and drilling clearances are subsequently obtained, the wells will be drilled during the summer/fall of 2003. If the wells are found to be successful, then a 2nd EIR will be prepared regarding the proposed Power Plant.

What You Need To Do:
Attend one of the upcoming Community Action Meetings on Saturday, March 22, 1-3pm or 4-6pm at the Clearlake Oaks Moose Lodge, Hwys 53 & 20!
Further Information: