Help/Assistance

Other sources of help, information, and references:

Helpdesk phone:

(360) 902-1450

Subject matter expert contact information:

(360) 902-1454

maryann.shawver@dnr.wa.gov

Geothermal Drilling Permit

Description/Purpose

To administer and enforce provisions of the Geothermal Resources Act, RCW 78.60 related to drilling a new well, deepening an existing well, or redrilling an abandoned well for geothermal resources.

Triggers and activities which would require this permit

Drilling, redrilling or deepening of a geothermal well requires a permit, "Any person proposing to drill a well or redrill an abandoned well for geothermal resources shall file with the department a written application for a permit to commence such drilling or redrilling" RCW 78.60.070(1).

Costs/Fees
n/a
n/a

A geothermal exploration (drilling) permit fee to drill, redrill, or deepen is $200.00 per well. A performance security is required, the minimums are as follows:

  • Geothermal resource single well is a minimum of $15,000.
  • Geothermal resource blanket security for two or more wells is a minimum of $50,000.
  • Core hole (temperature gradient) well is a minimum of $5,000.
  • Core hole (two or more temperature gradients) blanket security is a minimum of $25,000.
Application Information

The application is called 'Geothermal Exploration Permit Application (Geothermal Form 1)' is online and can be accessed at http://www.dnr.wa.gov/programs-and-services/geology/energy-mining-and-minerals/rules-regulations-and-forms.

The applicant shall provide with the application the following information (see WAC 332-17):

  • Drill site layout, blowout prevention equipment details, mud program, casing and cementing program, and, mud pit details.
  • A map by a licensed surveyor of the well location.
  • Location and source of water supply.
  • Topographic features of well site area, including drainage patterns and associated surface waters and wetlands.
  • Narrative statement describing proposed measures to be used for protection of the environment, including but not limited to: fires, soil erosion, pollution of surface and ground waters, damage to fish and wildlife or other natural resources, air and noise pollution, hazards to public health and safety, site restoration, and methods and site for disposal of waste materials.

Department of Natural Resources
Geology and Earth Resources Division
1111 Washington Street SE
PO Box 47007
Olympia, WA 98504-7007

Per WAC 332-17-300, a well shall be properly abandoned when drilling, redrilling or deepening operations have ceased, or geothermal resources cannot be produced from the well.

Permit Timeliness Results

Permit Timeliness data collection is in response to a State Auditor’s Performance Audit and RCW 43.42A. Each regulatory agency developed a plan to improve permit clarity, predictability, and timeliness. Each agency considers the customers experience to ensure permit assistance is simple to use, easy to access, and designed in a customer-friendly manner. Agencies report progress to the Governor’s Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA). ORIA prepares and distributes reports, with participation from the State Auditor’s Office and Results Washington. See latest report here: https://www.oria.wa.gov/ORIA-2020-PermitTimelinessProgressReport.pdf.

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Process a Permit Application (Definition)
Average days from Receipt to Complete: 1
Maximum days from Receipt to Complete: 1

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Issue a Permit Decision (Definition)
Average days from Complete Application to Decision: 60
Maximum days from Complete Application to Decision: 60


(Summary results based on 1 submittals in 2018, no data for latest year [2024])

Published Decision Time
n/a

The estimates of application completion and permit decision (processing) times shall be based upon actual data for calendar year 2015 and will be available by March 1, 2016.

Legal authority
Notes / Comments

Applicants should review the seven permit conditions listed in the permit requirements section of the Instruction for Geothermal Drilling Applicants available online at: Rules, Regulations and Forms | WA - DNR.

Contacts
Department of Natural Resources
Geology and Earth Resources Division
Headquarters
1111 Washington Street SE
PO Box 47007
Olympia WA 98504-7007
Telephone: (360) 902-1450
Fax: (360) 902-1785
Triggering Questions
  • Do you propose to drill a new well, deepen an existing well, or redrill an abandoned well for geothermal resources?
* Credential details last updated 5/31/2022
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