News release

MAMMOTH LAKES, Calif. – Crews working for Ormat Nevada, Inc. have started work on a geothermal monitoring well on an existing well pad just south of Shady Rest Park, near Mammoth Lakes.

The Bureau of Land Management Bishop Field Office, in coordination with the Inyo National Forest Mammoth Lakes Ranger District, approved the installation as part of the Groundwater Monitoring and Response Plan for the Casa Diablo IV Geothermal Development Project.

Residents and visitors should anticipate increased activity and vehicle traffic along Sawmill Cutoff Road between the town of Mammoth Lakes and Shady Rest Park. Nearby roads and trails are expected to remain open, except for limited temporary closures to ensure public safety.

Drilling operations will run 24-hours per day, seven days per week, for about three weeks. Sound barriers or other noise dampening devices will be required if sound levels exceed specified levels.

The BLM manages public lands and resources for the benefit of current and future generations, and is committed to providing for environmentally responsible energy development that contributes to America’s energy independence.

For more information on this project, contact BLM geologist Mark Spendel at BLM Bishop Field Office, 760-872-5012.

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The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any federal agency. This land is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM’s mission is to manage and conserve the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations under our mandate of multiple-use and sustained yield.