Geothermal lease controversy cools

Dec 22 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Tracy Harmon The Pueblo Chieftain, Colo.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management's Colorado state office has awarded a geothermal lease sale for the first time in nearly 30 years on a parcel of land near the Mount Princeton Hot Springs, a popular swimming pool and resort.

The high bidder at $29,600 was 3E Geothermal LLC of Colorado Springs, a subsidiary of Young Life, which owns Frontier Ranch, a Christian youth camp. The firm is one of 60 private landowners within the 799-acre parcel located at the foot of Mount Princeton, 18 miles north of Salida.

John Kreski, who owns the Creekside Hot Springs vacation rental in the lease area, is among private landowners breathing a sigh of relief.

"They (3E Geothermal) have 10 years to develop it and I think the reason they bought it was to protect the drinking water supply in the area and keep the aesthetics of the area pristine," Kreski said.

According to a BLM lease document, a lease issued as a result of the sale has a primary term of 10 years. It will continue beyond its primary term as long as geothermal in paying quantities is produced on or for the benefit of the lease.

Since the lease was first offered in late 2009, the BLM has accepted public comment letters during the lease protest period. A total of 16 letters were submitted.

Several area residents issued letters of protest, many focusing on fears of potential groundwater well contamination, among other concerns such as noise from geothermal energy development.

The lease will not be issued until the 16 protest letters have been resolved. If the lease is issued, it would be the first step in any geothermal development process, according to Keith Berger, BLM field manager.

"The BLM's next action would come if the lessee submits a project proposal. The BLM would then initiate an environmental review of the proposal and seek public input for concerns and potential issues related to that proposal," Berger explained.

Kreski said it is the quiet and isolation that makes his vacation rental desirable among skiers in the winter and rafters and other travelers visiting the area in the summer. It is a 2,500 square-foot A-frame home located on 1.5 acres and featuring three bedrooms, two baths, a deck and a geothermal soaking pool.

"It is located right next to Chalk Creek and has wonderful views of the Mount Princeton Chalk Cliffs. There is a private soaking pool fed by the Mount Princeton geothermal bed with temperatures ranging up to 108 degrees," Kreski said.

Located at 15654 Chaffee County Road 289A, the vacation rental is available for up to eight people. Cost during the winter is $245 a night, Monday through Friday, for four people plus $15 a night for each additional person.

Discounts are available for longer stays.

Visit the website or e-mail info@creeks idehotsprings.com for additional information or reservations.