A reactive tracer method for predicting EGS reservoir geometry and thermal lifetime: development and field validation Award Number: DE-EE0006764 CX(s) Applied: A9, B3.1 GeothermalTechnologies Office Date: 09/11/2014 Location(s): NY Office(s): ...
Office of NEPA Policy and Compliance
February 25, 2016
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A reactive tracer method for predicting EGS reservoir geometry and thermal lifetime: development and field validation
Award Number: DE-EE0006764
CX(s) Applied: A9, B3.1
Geothermal Technologies Office
Date: 09/11/2014
Location(s): NY
Office(s): Golden Field Office
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is proposing to provide funding to Cornell University to develop a new tracer data inversion method, apply the new method to existing tracer data, update reservoir simulation models, and then develop recommendations for geothermal operators in order to develop a more standardized procedure for tracer testing at working geothermal fields.
The proposed project activities would be divided into two phases. Phase I activities would consist of computer modeling of tracer data, laboratory testing of chemical tracers, data analysis and field testing to validate the computer models. Phase II - Task 1 activities would consist of computer modeling and is included in this NEPA determination. Field testing in Phase I would occur at the William Miner Experimental Forest, Altona, NY for a duration of 15 to 20 days. Field testing activities would include injection of one kilogram of non-hazardous chemical tracers per 1,000 liters of hot water and discharge of the diluted solution into the target reservoir eight meters below ground surface adjacent to the well field. The wells that would be involved in this project are pre-existing Class V experimental wells. Following standard operating procedures at Altona, Cornell would obtain a written notice From the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation stating that the tracers used at the Altona site must be environmentally benign and non-hazardous to human health; therefore, a permit for field testing activities would not be required. There would be a temporary and minor increase in groundwater fluid salinity within the study area; however, the water source can be qualified as an “exempted aquifer” under 40 CFR 146.4 so no negative effects to drinking water are expected as a result of the proposed project. While the field testing activities in Phase II would be the same as those in Phase I, the site location is currently unknown; therefore, Phase II - Tasks 2, 3, and 4 activities are prohibited until further NEPA review of the site location has been conducted. Existing Cornell University Environmental Health & Safety policies and procedures would be followed including employee training, use of personal protection equipment (PPE), engineering controls, monitoring, and internal assessments.