UNDERSTANDING and PROTECTING the THERMAL RESOURCE by Chuck Pettee, Water Resources Division, National Park Service

UNDERSTANDING and PROTECTING the THERMAL RESOURCE by Chuck Pettee, Water Resources Division, National Park Service TAKE HOME INFORMATION Global Resource Basic Resource Parameters Protection Mechanisms Communication Issues

Thermal Resources Source: Geothermal Education Office

Near-Surface Thermal Resources Source: Geothermal Education Office

Near-Surface Thermal Resources

The Hydrothermal Resource Cycle HEAT – PRESSURE - WATER Source: Geothermal Education Office

Regulation of Thermal Resources Geothermal Steam Act (on federal ownership) Hot water or hot brine Heat (injection fluid) Pressure (steam) Significant features (no reasonable likelihood of a significant adverse effect) Monitor features Water Law Montana + Wyoming – cold, warm, hot Idaho (water) – cold + warm Idaho (geothermal) - hot Federal – primary purpose of the reservation

Unregulated Thermal Resources Pressure - non-geothermal holes (oil and gas, small water wells) Heat in non-commercial quantities or temperatures Brines and Steam on private ownership (Montana and Wyoming)

Communication Issues Commercial vs Conservation use Problems with scientific uncertainty about hydrothermal system and effects Notification of development actions Leases Water right Permits Non-leasables (warm temperatures, private) Small water uses Oil and Gas drilling

Yellowstone Case Study Status in 1988 Geothermal Steam Act Two KGRA’s Island Park Area EIS Report to Congress due Water Rights Adjudication of water rights in Montana and Idaho Middle Creek (East Entrance) adjudicated in Wyoming New warm well near the park at the Royal Teton Ranch

Geothermal Steam Act Congressional moratorium on leasing in KGRA’s and Island Park Area Significant thermal features listed for Yellowstone – “entire park unit” USGS report for Corwin Springs Area incl. the warm well – Some development may be possible NPS report to the Secretary Likely connection – allow use of only surface thermal flows Old Faithful Protection Act designated a protection zone and required notification and standards for examining actions Some features monitored but no park-wide monitoring plan

Water Rights Montana Compact Right to all hydrothermal water within the park Controlled groundwater area Criteria to distinguish thermal from cold water Requires applicant to prove no connection Technical Oversight Committee Idaho Undetermined Wyoming Silent in the Middle Creek watershed Remainder of Park not yet adjudicated

Hydrothermal Criteria Temperature below 60 degrees F Cold water development not limited – protected by land use (Park or National Forest Wilderness) Temperature over 59 degrees F Burden is on applicant to demonstrate that the water is not connected to the hydrothermal system in the park In borderline cases water over but near 59 degrees can be developed when; Water temperature is result of normal thermal gradient, and water has soluble chloride less than 10 ppm, and Water is not produced from the Madison Formation.

SUMMARY All parties need education Develop ongoing relationship with Scientists Monitor, but it is problematic to rely on monitoring to protect against impacts Keep your ear to the ground