Geothermal space heating applications for the Fort Peck Indian Reservation in the vicinity of Poplar, Montana. Final report, August 20, 1979-May 31, 1980
The results of a first-stage evaluation of the overall feasibility of utilizing geothermal waters from the Madison aquifer in the vicinity of Poplar, Montana for space heating are reported. A preliminary assessment of the resource characteristics, a preliminary design and economic evaluation of a geothermal heating district and an analysis of environmental and institutional issues are included. Preliminary investigations were also made into possible additional uses of the geothermal resource, including ethanol production. The results of the resource analysis showed that the depth to the top of the Madison occurs at approximately 5,500 feet at Poplar, and the Madison Group is characterized by low average porosity (about 5 percent) and permeability (about 0.004 gal/day-ft), and by hot water production rates of a few tens of gallons per minute from intervals a few feet thick. The preliminary heating district system effort for the town of Poplar included design heat load estimates, a field development concept, and preliminary design of heat extraction and hot water distribution systems. The environmental analysis, based on current data, indicated that resource development is not expected to result in undue impacts. The institutional analysis concluded that a Tribal geothermal utility could be established, but no clear-cut procedure can be identified without a more comprehensive evaluation of legal and jurisdistional issues. The economic evaluation found that, if the current trend of rapidly increasing prices for fossil fuels continues, a geothermal heating district within Poplar could be a long-term, economically attractive alternative to current energy sources.
- Research Organization:
- PRC Toups Corp., Orange, CA (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- FC07-79ID12046
- OSTI ID:
- 6664705
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/ID/12046-4
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
GEOTHERMAL DISTRICT HEATING
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES
RESOURCE ASSESSMENT
MONTANA
AMERICAN INDIANS
AQUIFERS
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
GEOTHERMAL SPACE HEATING
GROUND SUBSIDENCE
INDIAN RESERVATIONS
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
PERMEABILITY
POROSITY
RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
SEISMICITY
SOILS
STATE GOVERNMENT
WATER QUALITY
DISTRICT HEATING
ECONOMICS
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
GEOTHERMAL HEATING
HEATING
MINORITY GROUPS
NORTH AMERICA
RESOURCES
ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION
SPACE HEATING
USA
Geothermal Legacy
151000* - Geothermal Energy- Direct Energy Utilization
150904 - Geothermal Engineering- Geothermal Reservoir & Well Performance
150101 - Geothermal Energy- Resources & Availability- USA- (-1989)