As part of a strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2015, Cornell University is exploring utilization of deep-source geothermal energy for direct-use heating (Earth Source Heat). A recently completed feasibility study indicated that geothermal energy could potentially provide as much as 80% of the renewable heat needed for the Cornell campus, with the rest provided by biomass and other sources. Multiple potential target bedrock units were identified in the lower sedimentary basin rocks and crystalline basement rocks at depths ranging from 2240 – 3500 m. Cornell intends to drill a test well through the sedimentary basin rocks and into the crystalline basement to investigate and confirm the bedrock and reservoir properties, including collecting data necessary to adequately characterize the risk of induced seismicity associated with development of the reservoir and operation of the geothermal system. Prior to test well installation, in order to make a preliminary assessment of geologic and technical factors including seismic risk, Cornell has undertaken a series of projects to collect, analyze, and interpret regional geologic data and geophysical measurements that can be made from the surface near our proposed well site. Information from these studies, and from a planned test well, ultimately will be incorporated into a methodical assessment of seismic hazard and risk. This report summarizes our data collection and analysis to date, which incorporated records of historical seismicity in Central NY; regional structural geology and stress maps; geological and geophysical logs from stratigraphic wells drilled in our region; active seismic imaging; passive seismic monitoring; and potential field (gravity and magnetic) data. Our preliminary analysis concludes that seismic hazard related to deep geothermal development at Cornell appears relatively low. This assessment, coupled with other geological and engineering evaluations that suggest a reasonable potential for producing significant geothermal heat from the deep bedrock layers beneath campus, supports Cornell_s plans to proceed to the test well phase of the ESH project.

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