RAPID/Roadmap/4-CA-a
California State Exploration (4-CA-a)
State Exploration Process
1
2
4-CA-a.1 – Consult with Other State, City, and County Agencies
The developer should consult with other state, city, and county agencies with jurisdiction over the area where the proposed lease is located to ensure they are aware of any additional approvals needed for the project. California State Lands Commission – Lease and Permit Application Process Webpage.
4-CA-a.2 – Application for Use of State Lands for a Geothermal Resources Prospecting Permit
The developer must submit an Application for Use of State Lands for a Geothermal Resources Prospecting Permit (Application) to the Commission. The Application form is available on the California State Lands Commission – Lease and Permit Application Process Webpage. The Application must also include:
- A statement of the nature of the geothermal resources or type of mineral deposits expected to be located within the proposed permit area, including the basis upon which the statement is made and include all background and reference materials;
- A statement of the proposed methods to be used for the proposed activity, including a detailed exploration program including specifics on the proposed equipment to be used, sampling locations, new road construction, total surface disturbance, drill-hole abandonment procedures, and site reclamation plan.
- A deposit of not less than $1 per acre or fraction thereof for each acre within the boundaries of the land(s) described within the application for mineral prospecting;
- If there is a joint bid associated with this application, please indicate the names of all persons, firms or corporations interested in the particular joint bid; and
- A non-refundable filing fee of $25 and an Approximate Expense Deposit, which reflects the typical staff costs to process a routine application. Application, Supplemental G-1; California State Lands Commission – Lease and Permit Application Process Webpage.
4-CA-a.3 to 4-CA-a.6 – Review Application for Completeness
The Commission must review the Application for approval, which includes:
- Reviewing historic maps for titles and boundaries to determine the extent to which State lands and resources could be affected by the project;
- Assessing whether the project is consistent with the public trust doctrine;
- Analyzing whether the project is in the best interest of the state;
- Reviewing whether the developer has any other required approvals from other state or local agencies;
- Conducting outreach with Tribal governments that may be impacted by the project; and
- Reviewing the project to ensure it is consistent with the Commission’s environmental justice policy. California State Lands Commission – Lease and Permit Application Process Webpage.
The Commission must also evaluate the environmental impacts of the project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). For more information, see:
State Environmental Process:
9-CA-a
The Commission must also draft a staff report upon completing its review of the Application. The staff report provides a recommended decision on the Application. California State Lands Commission – Lease and Permit Application Process Webpage.
4-CA-a.7 to 4-CA-a.8 – Provide Notice of a Public Meeting
The Commission must provide notice of a public meeting at least ten days before the meeting is held. The Commission must consider the Application during the public meeting. California State Lands Commission – Lease and Permit Application Process Webpage.
4-CA-a.9 to 4-CA-a.10 – Review Application for Approval
The Commission must review the Application for approval. The Commission must vote to approve, approve with modifications, deny, or defer the Application by a vote at the public meeting. California State Lands Commission – Lease and Permit Application Process Webpage.
4-CA-a.11 – Prospecting Permit
The Commission includes terms and conditions with the approval of a Prospecting Permit, which includes a prospecting program and a time schedule, which may include, but not be limited to, the conduct of surveys, tests, or experiments using geological, geophysical, or other exploratory methods, including exploration drilling. The Prospecting Permit requires the developer to drill a geothermal well within the term of the permit. The rental is $1 per acre during the first year, a maximum of $5 per acre during the second year, and a maximum of $25 per acre during each year thereafter. The Prospecting Permit gives the developer the exclusive right for a term of two (2) years to prospect for geothermal resources upon lands included within the Prospecting Permit. The Commission has discretion to extend the term for up to two (2) additional years so long as the total length of the term does not exceed four (4) years. Upon the discovery of geothermal resources in commercial quantities within the project area, the developer is entitled to a lease by the Commission if provided as a term of the permit, for such lands within the permit area. California State Lands Commission – Lease and Permit Application Process Webpage.
Agencies
Contact Information
Suggest a contact using the Feedback button above.Suggest edits using the Feedback button above.
References