BLM And USGS Begin Geothermal Monitoring Well Installation in Mammoth Lakes, California
A drill rig digging a geothermal monitoring well
Credit: Mark Spendel, BLM
May 3, 2021 - MAMMOTH LAKES, Calif. Crews from the U.S. Geological Survey Research Drilling Unit, working on behalf of the Bureau of Land Management Bishop Field Office, have started installing a geothermal monitoring well in Mammoth Lakes on National Forest System lands in the northwest portion of the Old Shady Rest Campground.
Residents and visitors should anticipate increased activity at and near the well site, including increased vehicle traffic on State Route 203 (Main Street, Sawmill Cutoff Road and Forest Trail Road), as USGS mobilizes and works to complete the well. Drilling operations are planned for 12-hours per day, seven days per week, during the first two weeks of well installation. Beginning in early May, operations will be ramped up to 24-hours per day to ensure well completion prior to opening the cam