CX-100850 Categorical Exclusion Determination

The Convergence of Heat, Groundwater, & Fracture Permeability: Innovative Play Fairway Modeling Applied to the Tularosa Basin
Award Number: DE-EE0006730
CX(s) Applied: A9, B3.1
Geothermal Technologies Program
Date: 4/3/2017
Location(s): TX
Office(s): Golden Field Office

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is proposing to provide funding to Ruby Mountain, Inc. to address the overarching theme of uncertainty quantification and reduction for geothermal exploration, specifically through the development of Geothermal Play Fairways. Phase/Budget Period 1 of the FOA was reviewed by GFO-FOA0000841-001 on 07/31/14. A previous NEPA determination for this project reviewed BP2 activities (GFO-0006730-001; CX A9, B3.1; 07/29/16) but restricted Task 13 pending additional information. This NEPA determination is for Task 13 of BP2: “Conduct Flow test of well RMI 56-5 at the McGregor Range.” Additional NEPA review will be required if the recipient is selected to move forward into Budget Period 3.

Proposed activities associated with Task 13 of the project would include data analysis, computer modeling, site characterization, ground work and excavation. A flow test would be performed on an existing well (RMI 56-5) located in a previously disturbed area on McGregor Range at U.S. Army Fort Bliss in Otero County, New Mexico. The estimated duration of the test would be 7-14 days, during which it is anticipated that roughly 3,000,000 gallons of water would be produced. Ground disturbing activities would involve construction of a 180ft by 360ft infiltration pond adjacent to the well pad to accommodate water from the test. A Fort Bliss Excavation Permit would be obtained before commencing any ground disturbing activities. A decision on whether to fill in the pond or retain it for future use would depend on the needs of the Army. No change in the use, mission or operation of existing facilities at Fort Bliss would arise as a result of proposed Task 13.