Ormat to Conduct Geothermal Well Testing Near Mammoth Lakes

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Bureau of Land Management, California

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Central California District Office

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Machines, trucks, pipes and other heavy equipment in an open area near a forested area. Photo by Mark Spendel, BLM.MAMMOTH LAKES, Calif. - The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Bishop Field Office, in coordination with the Inyo National Forest Mammoth Lakes Ranger District, has approved a proposal by Ormat Nevada Inc. to conduct a 30-day flow and injection test of two existing geothermal wells, expected to begin August 21, near the town of Mammoth Lakes, California.

Residents and visitors should anticipate increased activity and vehicle traffic along Sawmill Cutoff Road, between the town of Mammoth Lakes and Shady Rest Park, as crews prepare for the upcoming test. All roads and recreational trails in the area are expected to remain open. Additional public information regarding the flow and injection test will be provided once testing begins.

In preparation for the test, Ormat has begun staging equipment and assembling temporary pipelines at two existing geothermal well pads, located just northwest of the Shady Rest Park. The flow and injection test will collect data from the geothermal reservoir and the groundwater aquifer.

The BLM manages public lands and resources for the benefit of current and future generations, and is committed to providing for environmentally responsible energy development that contributes to America’s energy independence.

For more information on geothermal well testing, please contact Mark Spendel, geologist, at the BLM Bishop Field Office, (760) 872-5012.


The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.