A Comparison Study of Environmental Impacts of a Binational Geothermal System: Imperial Valley, CA., U.S.A. and Cerro Prieto, Mexicali Valley, BC, México

Abstract

The Cerro Prieto Geothermal Field is located in the Valley of Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico. It is the most important geothermal field in Latin-America (540 MW). The geothermal system in Imperial Valley, California, U.S.A. is distributed in multiple sites (Brawley, Calipatria, East Mesa, and Heber & Salton Sea). Its capacity exceeds 704 MW. The development of each site in both sides of the border have been different due to various factors: land rights, site preparation, type of reservoir, temperature, depth of wells, drilling, chemical composition, geothermal process, production and utilization, legislation and environmental policy. After visiting the two systems in comparison can be established great differences in relation to the environmental impacts attributable to their development. After quantifying these differences in an objective manner based on scientific information, measures have been provided to correct or mitigate the effects and impacts of chemical contaminants on the physical environment, and the neighboring communities. These measures focused with emphasis on the Mexican side.