Interagency Cooperation on Geothermal Permitting: The Coso Case Study in Speed Permitting

Abstract

When the California Energy Company Inc. (CECI) Navy 2 power plant units 4, 5 and 6 went online in late 1989, the Coso Known Geothermal Resources Area became the fourth largest producing geothermal field in the world. In 1988, CECI obtained permits for three power plants (80 MWe, 48 MWe, and 30 MWe) two development well fields, a 28 mile 220 kV transmission line and three mile transmission in. These permits were issued by multiple agencies with overlapping jurisdictions. The key factor in securing approval of these projects in just on year was the close coordination between the two federal agencies and the three state agencies. These agencies cooperated on the federal and state environmental review process and in developing mitigation programs through Memoranda of Agreement and Understanding. Other key factors in obtaining the fast track approvals were the development of a schedule that all participants agreed to meet, the availability of an existing baseline database, the use of third party contractors, and an airplane in the ready to criss cross the state.