We’ve contracted with GeoTherm International LLC to build our system. Right now we’re in the permitting process.

Our goal is to build an open loop system, using our existing well which delivers >10 gpm (gallons per minute) of water and then take the outflow into the lake.

I’ve spoken with a couple of DEC folks and they’re not quite sure what sort of permits or engineering we need. It seems like the key issue will be controlling the outflow temperature so that it does not disrupt the lake ecosystem. I’m not sure how we do that other than flow it through the ground before it enters the lake so that it is equivalent to rain/melt runoff.

Other than “temperature pollution”, it doesn’t appear that our system would have any negative consequences to the environment and would have the positive of reducing our carbon footprint.