Puna Geothermal Venture application for amendment to geothermal resource permit no. 87-1

Abstract

"PGV proposes that the GRP be amended to allow PGV to develop and operate a 60 MW geothermal power project consisting ofmultiple power generating units up to 30 geothermal wells drilled within the subject property, brine and steam pipelines, pollution control equipment, steam separators, production and injection wells, associated wellfield equipment, holding ponds, switch yards, office buildings, warehouses, workshops, control buildings, access roads, and auxiliary facilities such as an air compressors, fire protection equipment, etc., all in a manner consistent with applicable standards and permits. The project will occupy approximately 25 net acres ofsurface area located within the Kapoho Section ofthe Kilauea Lower East Rift Geothermal Resource Subzone. Each drilling site will be engineered to support the drilling equipment and to keep drilling effluent contained on site and separate from any natural drainage. Each wellpad will have drilling mud pits, sumps with gently sloped walls used to temporarily store drilling wastes which typically consist of rock cuttings, waste drilling mud, cement particles, lost-circulation material and other drilling mud additives, and other waste drilling liquids. The high porosity of the volcanic soils and rock in the site area results in rapid downward percolation of rainwater. Berms will be provided to contain possible spills in areas where chemicals are handled. Catch basins, culverts, ditches, and berms will be provided for drainage control. In accordance with the requirements of the Department of Health NSP, geothermal emissions will be vented through an approved abatement device during well/pipeline cleanouts. Noise will be generated during well drilling, construction, and operational phases of the project. However, the sites have been located in agricultural areas away from urban population concentrations. The sites will also be located to take advantage of existing topography and vegetation to muffle or block noise from the drilling operations."