Geothermal

Geothermal energy currently makes up less than 1% of U.S. electricity generation, largely due to geographic constraints. However, with new technologies, increased investment, and bipartisan support and driven by rising power demand from data centers, manufacturing, and electric vehicles, this carbon-free source is gaining momentum in the U.S.

Environmental Science Associates (ESA) has been supporting geothermal development since the 1980s. Our work began with the permitting of the original Mammoth Geothermal Complex east of Mammoth Lakes, California, and has continued through the complex’s most recent development, the Casa Diablo IV geothermal powerplant. We facilitated the permitting of The Geysers, located north of San Francisco, CA, which is now one of the single largest geothermal electrical operations in the world. To this day, we are actively supporting generation facilities in both regions providing biological compliance services and geochemistry data evaluation. ESA has worked on numerous other geothermal projects, some of which are highlighted below.

As a multidisciplinary environmental consulting firm, ESA has a combined understanding of geothermal technology and expertise in permitting at the local, state and federal levels. Our specialists have a deep knowledge of key environmental concerns such as water quality, terrestrial and aquatic resources, cultural and tribal resources, and air quality.  We also have a comprehensive grasp of the environmental, regulatory, and political challenges and opportunities in key geothermal reservoir regions such as the Imperial Valley (Salton Sea), The Geysers, and Mono Lake/Long Valley. In short, ESA can provide reliable client service through every phase of geothermal development. Reach out to our team to learn how we can help assess critical issues and develop creative strategies for permitting, avoidance, mitigation, and monitoring to optimize your project schedule and economic investment while keeping your project compliant and sustainable.

Contact Us For

• Planning and siting
• Impact avoidance and minimization strategies
• Aquatic, botanical, fish, and wildlife resources services
• Cultural, paleontological, and historic resources services
• Hydrological and water quality assessments
• Air quality services
• Federal (NEPA) and state-specific (CEQA, SEPA) permitting, environmental review, and documentation
• Regulatory permitting
• Restoration and mitigation planning, design, and implementation
• Environmental monitoring and compliance
• Data and compliance management