RAPID/Roadmap/4-CO-a

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Colorado State Exploration (4-CO-a)

Information current as of 2024
In Colorado, a geothermal developer must obtain a geothermal exploration lease from the Colorado State Board of Land Commissioners (CSBLC) before geothermal exploration or activity may take place on state lands.

All geothermal exploration, well construction, flow testing, production and reinjection must be conducted in a manner that will:

a. afford reasonable protection for human life and health and for the environment;
b. contain underground fluids to the reservoirs in which they occur with the exception of the producing reservoir; and,
c. prevent the waste of the geothermal resource.
Geothermal Regulations In Colorado



State Exploration Process


4-CO-a.1 - Is the Project on State Land Board Land?

Before any activity can take place on State Land Board-administered land, the developer must obtain a geothermal exploration lease from the Colorado State Board of Land Commissioners. This lease can cover activities up to and including deep exploration test wells.

On private land the scheduling of activities is primarily controlled by the landowner and permitting required by local authorities.

Geothermal Regulations In Colorado

4-CO-a.2 - Initiate Geothermal Exploration Lease Process

Geothermal Lease:
3-CO-a


4-CO-a.3 - Will Activity be Pre-Drilling Exploration or Exploration Drilling?

All well drilling associated with geothermal exploration and development requires permits from the Colorado Division of Water Resources or the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission. These permits and water use are the only regulatory activities that are the same on all types of land. Geothermal Regulations In Colorado. C.R.S. § 37-90.5-106 Pre-drilling exploration includes all exploration activity short of drilling wells, e.g., seismic, soil samples, mapping, etc.


4-CO-a.4 - Initiate Drilling and Well Development Process

Drilling and Well Development:
5-CO-a


4-CO-a.5 - Check with Landowner/Local Authorities; Continue with Project

Private, non-drilling exploration activities will be permitted at the local level.


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Contact Information






Edit Colorado Division of Water Resources
Geothermal Contact 303-866-3581 x8290 Visit Website


Edit Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission
ECMC Contact 303-894-2100 Visit Website

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