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SACRED LAND OR TOXIC DUMP SITE?
By Peggy Risch, Environmental Research Associate

Geothermal power production that requires dumping tens of thousands of gallons of toxic acids into a geothermal well is not "green" energy. Yet this is exactly what Calpine proposes for the sacred Medicine Lake Highlands.

Calpine's contractor-Haliburton Energy Company-suits up in hazmat attire...
a view of what the proposed EGS project planned for the Medicine Lake Highlands could look like!

It all began last year when Calpine applied to the Department of Energy for millions of dollars to do a multi-phased project at the Medicine Lake Highlands involving the dumping of toxic acids, inducing microseismic earthquakes and experimental drilling techniques in order to try to produce commercial quantities of geothermal power that would be economical for them to de-velop. " Enhanced geothermal systems" or "EGS" is the buzzword describing these ex- perimental techniques that are used on a non-producing or low producing geothermal system.

Even without these techniques, the Bonneville Power Authority documented that impacts to water quality and quantity are geothermal's biggest problems. So common sense would dictate that you don't mess with mother nature like this at the source of the largest fresh water spring system in California. Hydrofluoric (transported as ammonium fluoride) and hydrochloric acids are toxic to aquatic life and do not biodegrade. The acids produce toxic fumes and require full facepiece respirators and protective clothing. (See photo). We have voiced strong opposition to the agencies on the use of Enhanced Geothermal Systems.

However, Calpine discovered a mammoth monetary resource for their geothermal proposals at the Medicine Lake Highlands. Agencies like the Department of Energy and the California Energy Commission have given Calpine millions of dollars and ignore input from the public on documented environmental justice impacts of the projects, and even bend the rules when Calpine fails to meet the conditions of their awards.

Unfortunately, this form of corporate welfare (much of it from the taxpayers who support sacred lands protection, environmental justice, and preservation of natural resources) would degrade the quintessential spirit of the land - sacred waters and pure air by introducing industrial toxic elements that are out of character with the natural surroundings. It is clear that without this funding resource, Calpine would not be interested in pursuing a geothermal resource.