West Virginia Geothermal Water Access & Water Rights(19-WV)

In West Virginia, a geothermal developer may need to obtain a permit from the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection in order to protect all water resources of the state. W. Va. Code § 22-33-7(b)10.

West Virginia has directed the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection to promulgate “guidelines for the safe disposal of spent geothermal fluids and other unusable or contaminated fluids generated in the production of geothermal resources” and “standards to ensure protection of all water resources of this state”. W. Va. Code § 22-33-7(b)9-10.

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection has not yet promulgated any of these regulations.

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Determine Which State and Federal Permits Apply

Use this overview flowchart and following steps to learn which federal and state permits apply to your projects.