be compared with historic
measurements to show whether
significant changes have taken
place. Since such comparisonsre-

20

quire statistical analysis, continued

15

monitoring by the present

E

seismograph networkis essential to
enlarge the existing data base. _

oO

gy

£10

.

@®

a

a

Conclusions
On the basis of assessments con-

|

5

et ll
Ane

0

ia

ty Mit
ar

ty

}

Salto n
To

ri

AY)

geothermal facilities can be
operated in an environmentally acceptable manner. However, contro!

640

sulfide abatement) will probably be
required. Continuous monitoring

UI

Sea

<< TT5200
ME
3630
Uryy 3650

.

Ordinate

3670

*~ km

[Fig al

—

3690 680

ducted so far, we believe that

6

660

Subsidence for a 5-year period (1972-77) on a line of bench

°
marks that runs from north to south in the central part of
the Imperial Valley. We recommend that measurements of surface elevations be
continued after geothermal operations begin to determine whether the extraction of geothermalfluids results in subsidence significantly greater than that
occurring naturally.

technologies (such as hydrogen
will play an important role in

deciding what preventive actions
and environmental controls-are
necessary.” We also hope to use
the data so obtained to verify our
predictive assessments.
Key words: geothermal energy—environmental studies; hydrogen sulfide; Imperial
Valley; Salton Sea area.

Notes and references
1. A progress report on the IVEPis included in

the May 1976 Energy and Technology
Review (UCRL-52000-76-5), pp. 21-25.

2. D. W. Layton, L.R. Anspaugh, N. B. Crow,
D.L. Ermack, C. H. Hall, J. R. Kercher, P.
Leitner, W.F. Morris, and Y.E. Ricker, An
Assessment of Geothermal Development in
the Imperial Valley of California, Vol J. Environment, Health, and Socioeconamics.

USDOE, Washington D.C. (in press).

22

a

IOG8E Lb
a

Select target paragraph3