Press release

MAMMOTH LAKES, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management Bishop Field Office, in coordination with the Inyo National Forest Mammoth Lakes Ranger District, has approved a proposal by Ormat Nevada Inc. to conduct a 30-day flow and injection test of two existing geothermal wells near the town of Mammoth Lakes.

The flow and injection test is scheduled to begin shortly after Labor Day (Sept. 5) and end in early October. During the test, geothermal fluid from well 14-25 will flow through a temporary 8-inch pipeline laid above ground and be injected into well 12-25. Well 14-25 is located approximately one-quarter mile northwest of Shady Rest Park and well 12-25 is located approximately 1,100 feet north of well 14-25.

“The test will provide data needed to further characterize and better understand the geothermal resource in the Upper Basalt Canyon area, said Steve Nelson,” BLM Bishop field manager.

The test will also provide an opportunity to monitor groundwater response at two nearby groundwater monitoring wells that were drilled by the U.S. Geological Survey in 2015, as well as other groundwater wells in the vicinity.

Area residents and visitors should be prepared for increased activity and vehicle traffic near Shady Rest Park, but all roads and recreational trails are expected to remain open.

For more information contact Dale Johnson at the Bureau of Land Management’s Bishop Field Office, (760) 872-5055.