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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Near-surface groundwater responses to injection of geothermal wastes

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/7064210· OSTI ID:7064210

Experiences with injecting geothermal fluids have identified technical problems associated with geothermal waste disposal. This report assesses the feasibility of injection as an alternative for geothermal wastewater disposal and analyzes hydrologic controls governing the upward migration of injected fluids. Injection experiences at several geothermal developments are presented, including: Raft River, Salton Sea, East Mesa, Otake and Hatchobaru in Japan, and Ahuachapan in El Salvador. Hydrogeologic and design/operational factors affecting the success of an injection program are identified. Hydrogeologic factors include subsidence, near-surface effects of injected fluids, and seismicity. Design/operational factors include hydrodynamic breakthrough, condition of the injection system and reservoir maintenance. Existing and potential effects of production/injection on these factors are assessed.

Research Organization:
Idaho Univ., Moscow (USA). Idaho Water and Energy Resources Research Inst.
DOE Contract Number:
AM07-81ID12210
OSTI ID:
7064210
Report Number(s):
DOE/ID/12210-T1; ON: DE84015139
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English