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U.S. EPA ISSUES FEDERAL PERMIT FOR PUNA GEOTHERMAL VENTURE

Release Date: 8/28/2000
Contact Information: Leo Kay, U.S. EPA, (415) 744-2201

     Requires safe system operation and resource protection

     SAN FRANCISCO   The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Friday signed the final underground injection well permit for Puna Geothermal Venture, which   effective immediately  requires safeguards to protect groundwater, ensure safe operation of the system, and protect public health and the environment.

     The permit, issued under the Safe Drinking Water Act, authorizes PGV to operate three existing geothermal injection wells and outlines specific requirements for future construction of up to seven new wells.  Federal and state permits are intended to protect groundwater from contamination due to injection, and ensure the injection system operates safely and efficiently.

     The Puna facility produces electricity using steam from groundwater that is heated by an underground geothermal resource.  The condensed steam, super-heated salt water and gases from the production wells are reinjected back into the geothermal reservoir at depths below 3,900 feet.  

     Federal and state underground injection control (UIC) programs regulate the injection of these fluids and gases.  The EPA has the primary responsibility implementing the federal UIC program.  The final permit and public notice are available on EPA's Region 9 web page at.