Lakeport >> Geysers Power Company was given a time extension by the Lake County Planning Commission on Use Permits for two of its well sites.
The time extensions for the two sites, known as “L’Esperance 1” and “Cal State 92-6” were brought before the commission together because the two well beds are adjacent to each other, with part of Cal State residing on the site of L’Esperance.
The Use Permit expiration date for L’Esperance was March 17, 2017, and the expiration date for Cal State was July 25, 2015. Under the extensions, the use permit expirations are extended to March 17, 2047 and July 25, 2045, respectively.
A stipulation recommended by staff is that no new construction beyond that which was previously approved be done.
The L’Esperance 1 site is currently an injection well that is not in use due to seasonal and drought concerns. Cal State 92-6 is “plugged and suspended,” meaning the well is currently unused and measures have been put into place to preserve the asset for future potential use.
Robert Stark, a representative Friends of Cobb Mountain, stated that he had concerns regarding H2S being released by this project historically and in the future. He wanted the Planning Commission to postpone the hearing to allow for more time to discuss with Geysers Power what mitigations are in place and could be put in place to reduce environmental impacts. He was explicit that the Friends of Cobb are not outright opposed to the extension, and that he wasn’t asking the Planning Commission to deny the time extensions, but he did warn that his organization would probably appeal an approval to permit more time to meet with Geysers Power.
Bruce Carlsen of Geysers Power stated that there are no emissions related with injection wells. Also, he stated that the wells are monitored monthly, with additional bi-annual water quality testing done on a stream that borders the project sites.
Community Development Department Director Richard Coel suggested postponing a vote until the next commission meeting, stating he would be happy with either postponement or approval, and in either case he would reach out to concerned parties to try to assuage or accommodate any concerns.
The commission elected to continue with a vote, and pass the time extensions for both wells 5-0 in favor.
