FAQs

Benefits could include: reduced energy costs, a cleaner and more dependable energy source, local job creation, inflation reduction and building community. Learn more about the possibilities of geothermal on our Potential page.

The 3 surface geothermal springs have temperatures of 40 – 46 °C (104-115 °F) and estimated discharge of 0 – 15 gallons per minute (GPM).  There are potential reservoir temperatures between 120 – 140 °C (248-284 °F) (Oerter, 2011). More studies are being conducted now as part of the Phase I Scoping Study to determine what possible uses we can expect.

Two surface springs on the east side of the Dolores River are owned by Atlantic Richfield, a mine remediation company. The surface spring on the west side of the Dolores River and next to the highway is privately owned, but open to locals (with a waiver). The subsurface geothermal reservoir is not owned by anyone and has potential as a community resource with more studies and careful management.

No, this is not a part of the current plan for the geothermal exploration. The Rico Geothermal Coalition will continue to work directly with the Rico community to determine what future plans can provide the greatest benefit to the community, based on the community values and needs.

Teverra is a subsurface geoscience firm that is supporting the Rico Geothermal Coalition to conduct studies, create models and mapping of the resource and administer grant funds to support the Rico Geothermal Project. Learn more about them on our Partners page.