Geothermal district heating institutional factors: the Klamath Falls experience

Journal Article · Sat Dec 01 00:00:00 EST 1984 · Bull., Geotherm. Resour. Counc. (Davis, Calif.); (United States)

OSTI ID:6498774

Lienau, P J

The city of Klamath Falls Geothermal District Heating System began providing heat to ten government buildings on March 20, 1984. This start is two and one-half years after completion of the system. Construction and this operation is scheduled for only a four month test period. The delay was the result of citizens objecting to pumping from and injecting fluids into the geothermal reservoir and was legally enforced by means of a city ordinance passed by the voters. This Initiative Ordinance essentially regulates production of the resource by requiring any water pumped from a geothermal well be returned to that same well. The state of Oregon filed a law suit against the city, claiming that the state was not pre-empted and the ordinance was valid and enforceable. Historical description of developments that led up to these institutional and legal problems are discussed. Citizens objections and third party mitigation measures by means of reservoir engineering studies and public meetings are described. Lessons learned from the Klamath Falls experience are pointed out so future development in other communities may benefit.

• Research Organization: Oregon Institute of Technology, Klamath Falls
• OSTI ID: 6498774
• Journal Information: Bull., Geotherm. Resour. Counc. (Davis, Calif.); (United States), Vol. 13:11
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
BUILDINGS
GEOTHERMAL DISTRICT HEATING
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
PUBLIC RELATIONS
URBAN AREAS
GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES
CONSTRAINTS
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
LEGAL ASPECTS
OREGON
DISTRICT HEATING
FEDERAL REGION X
GEOTHERMAL HEATING
HEATING
NORTH AMERICA
RESOURCES
USA
151000* - Geothermal Energy- Direct Energy Utilization
150400 - Geothermal Energy- Legislation & Regulations