Geothermal authority plans more drilling

Posted
The Pagosa Area Geothermal Water and Power Authority (PAGWAPA) discussed two items at its Monday night meeting — the plan to continue drilling thermal gradient (TG) wells and the need to figure out its funding sources for the future.

First, Pagosa Verde Project Manager Kirsten Skeehan explained that drilling permits and landowner permission had already been secured for three more wells — one behind the Pro Line store on Goldmine Drive, another near the Trinity Anglican Church in the Harman Park subdivision and the last one in the middle of the cul-de-sac at the end of Cornerstone Drive in front of the Centerpoint Church.

None of these wells would endanger habitat for the Pagosa skyrocket, a federally protected endangered species that can be found nowhere else in the world except Archuleta County.

Additionally, each well would be about 300 feet deep, would cost between $30,000 and $40,000 to drill and had to be completed by June 30. Skeehan confirmed the driller has already agreed to begin drilling by tomorrow, and each well should only take two days to complete.

The full version of this story is available in the print edition and e-edition of the Pagosa Springs SUN. Subscribe today by calling (970)264-2100 or click here.