Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests
Crooked River National Grassland

Geology Geothermal Energy The Deschutes National Forest is one of the few national forests with potential for geothermal energy development. Such potential offers a great economic opportunity for the area, while providing a long-term renewable energy resource.   Current Status - Newberry Geothermal Pilot Project   Energy From the Ground Here in the Pacific Northwest and the Western Pacific, a series of volcanoes formed a "Ring of Fire" where underground heat has escaped. These volcanoes range from dormant ones, such as the Three Sisters in central Oregon and Mt. Fujiyama in Japan, to active ones, such as Mt. St. Helens in southwestern Washington and Mt. Pinatubo in the Philippines. This energy can be tapped by drilling wells, usually less than 10,000 feet deep, to bring hot fluids or steam to the surface where it can be used to generate electricity. The world's largest geothermal development is located at The Geysers near San Francisco. This facility produces about twice the amount of energy as the Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River near Portland, which produces about 1,000 megawatts, enough for a city of one million people. Geologically young volcanoes found on our area suggest that central Oregon may contain some of the best prospects for geothermal exploration in the continental United States. One study done at Newberry Volcano estimated the energy potential to be up to 13,000 megawatts. Another study by Bonneville Power Administration estimates a 16,000 megawatt potential. The need to find alternative, renewable, and “clean” energy sources to reduce our country’s demand for fossil fuels and hydropower supports greater study of geothermal development. The Deschutes National Forest Plan states that one or two geothermal power plants with 10 to 30 megawatt capacity may likely be developed on the Forest in the future. Geothermal resource activity is one of the multiple uses of the National Forest.

GEOLOGIC SITES GEOLOGIC INFO Geologic Summary Geomorphic Provinces Geothermal Energy Holocene Eruptions Local Earthquakes Oregon Volcanoes Soils IMAGE GALLERY

Central Oregon Opportunities

Newberry Volcano holds the most promise for a viable geothermal development. Located southeast of Bend, Newberry Volcano covers 500 square miles. Hot springs in the caldera have water temperatures ranging from 95 to 175 degrees Fahrenheit.

In 1990, the Newberry Volcano area was designated as Newberry National Volcanic Monument. This Congressional designation restricts geothermal development within the caldera, but provides for exploration outside the Monument’s boundaries.

Development

Before any development occurs, considerable effort is spent on exploration. Test wells drilled to date show that they need to be over 2,000 feet deep to reach beyond the cool ground water, and possibly go 1 to 2 miles or more deep to reach high temperatures and fluids.

Once a proposal is submitted to explore and/or develop an area within an existing lease, extensive environmental analyses are required. This includes planning, research, and public involvement. A proposal could involve limited exploration activities and drilling 1 or 2 wells, or a more complete development and operations plan. A complete facility would consist of a power plant fed by steam or hot water from nearby wells, access roads, well pads, pipelines, and an electric transmission line. Approximately 20 to 50 acres of land would be needed for a 50-megawatt facility.

Current Leases

Geothermal leases were first issued on the Forest in 1974. Most of the current leases on the Forest are in the Newberry Volcano area. While the Deschutes National Forest has jurisdiction over the surface of the land, the Bureau of Land Management is responsible for the leasing program and management of the underground geothermal resources.

Environmental Protection

Drilling geothermal wells and siting well pads, power plants, and transmission lines on National Forest lands requires strict environmental controls. Before any development plans are approved, they must address issues and concerns to protect forest resources and values.

Controlling the location, design, and even the color of the facilities can minimize visual impacts. Similarly, wildlife habitat can be protected by the location, timing, intensity, and types of activities permitted. A number of mitigation measures can be incorporated into a development plan to ensure that adverse impacts are minimized or eliminate. While a project is in the planning and environmental review process, it is important that the developer work closely with the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and state regulatory agencies to be sure that the best possible project is designed.

Social and Economic Impacts

A geothermal power project would increase the local tax base and add revenues to local counties. Initial construction as well as operation and maintenance of a facility would create new employment opportunities.

The Future

More information is needed to better understand the real potential for developing geothermal energy in central Oregon. Properly planned and managed, it can make a major contribution to the economy of this area while still protecting the environment. It would also help supply our nation with a clean, green, renewable energy resource.

5/96 (Revised 2/2000)

USDA Forest Service - Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests
Last Modified: Thursday, 30 December 2004 at 13:20:04 EST