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Geothermal Rules <br />Statement of Basis and Purpose <br />RULE 4 DEFINITIONS <br />The terms used in these Rules that are defined by statutes, Sections 37-90.5-103, <br />37-91-102 and 37-90-103, C.R.S. (2003), are listed for reference purposes. They have <br />the identical meaning as in the cited references and are not repeated in this Rule. Other <br />terms are defined so that their meaning is clearly understood. The terms defined in Rules <br />4.2.4, 4.2.5, 4.2.14, 4.2.18, 4.2.28.2 and 4.2.28.3 are specific to the installation of loop <br />fields in a geoexchange system. <br />Underground disposal of geothermal fluids may be desirable or necessary. Reinjecting <br />these fluids into the same zone from which they were produced will lessen the impact of <br />fluid withdrawals on other valid, prior water or geothermal rights, minimize the impact of <br />temperature extractions on the geothermal reservoir and most likely have the least <br />problems associated with different water qualities. Therefore, Rule 4.2.24 defines <br />"reinjection" as reintroducing geothermal fluids through a well into the same reservoir from <br />which they were produced. <br />RULE 5 GENERAL RULES <br />Rule 5 contains general provisions addressing the responsibilities of geothermal well <br />owners, operators and certified individuals, requirements for the operation and use of <br />geothermal wells, and the State Engineer's authority to enter upon a well owner's property <br />and inspect and monitor the construction of geothermal wells and diversion of geothermal <br />resources and for enforcing compliance with these Rules and applicable statutes. The <br />provisions of this Rule are similar to the State Engineer's statutory authority for regulating <br />surface water diversions and water wells. <br />Rules 5.1, 5.2, 5.15, and 5.16 address the responsibilities of the well owner, operator, <br />constructor, and certified individual for owning, operating, constructing, repairing, <br />plugging, or maintaining safety of a geothermal well. <br />Rule 5.3 clarifies the State Engineer's authority to enter upon a geothermal well owner's <br />property for the purpose of inspecting facilities producing and recovering geothermal <br />resources and for otherwise enforcing compliance with these Rules. <br />Rule 5.5 describes the standard requirement for drilling vertical boreholes (within <br />allowable sidetracking) unless directional drilling has been specifically approved by the <br />State Engineer. Rule 5.6 describes the requirements, including notice that must be met <br />to obtain approval for directional drilling. <br />When a single well is proposed to recover geothermal resources from multiple reservoirs, <br />Rule 5.7 establishes a procedure to inform and seek input from the owners of any valid, <br />3 <br />