08-27-2018, 03:43 PM
geochem - What you are missing ironyak is that you are comparing the compositions of geothermal steam (at the Geysers) with geothermal brines in Puna.
Doh - you are right, my apologies for the bad math again (yes, crow is not so tasty
I have not found a clear set of data to fully compare Geyers' brine to PGV (does one exist?) so I guess I am limited to such statements as:
- PGV steam contains less than 50% as much Arsenic as Geyers' steam, but can be up to almost twice as much as Cerro Prieto.
- PGV brines contain more mercury and arsenic than Hveragerdi, but less than Salton Sea or Los Azufres.
- and so forth with the specific nuanced comparisons.
geochem - You seem to be intent on fearmongering
I'm sorry you see it that way, but the interest is actually in trying to assess actual data, instead of broad generalities. As others here have suggested PGV brines are comparable to the Blue Lagoon resort and could be used in a similar manner, the misunderstandings are not only on the anti-geothermal side. While "what fluids PGV brings to the surface for the greatest part, go back into the ground" now, that of course has not always been the case. Apparently some would have paid to go swimming in the retention ponds, so consider that a missed opportunity of secondary geothermal benefits.
At the end of the day, it would be nice to see a neutral party do a full analysis on geothermal, as performed here, so we could get at clear facts instead of having parties with a vested interest making sales pitches to the entrenched factions. I'd also like a unicorn and likely have a similar chance of getting either.
For what it is worth, I do appreciate you taking the time to engage on the topic and point out any mistakes or misconceptions, I, or others, may have. As I have said many times before, for geothermal to be equally successful here as other comparable areas such as Iceland, then a similar investment by the local, state, and federal governments as well as private industry would be needed - but the history of geothermal in Hawaii has not demonstrated any level of similar commitment and the results reflect that IMHO.
Doh - you are right, my apologies for the bad math again (yes, crow is not so tasty
I have not found a clear set of data to fully compare Geyers' brine to PGV (does one exist?) so I guess I am limited to such statements as:- PGV steam contains less than 50% as much Arsenic as Geyers' steam, but can be up to almost twice as much as Cerro Prieto.
- PGV brines contain more mercury and arsenic than Hveragerdi, but less than Salton Sea or Los Azufres.
- and so forth with the specific nuanced comparisons.
geochem - You seem to be intent on fearmongering
I'm sorry you see it that way, but the interest is actually in trying to assess actual data, instead of broad generalities. As others here have suggested PGV brines are comparable to the Blue Lagoon resort and could be used in a similar manner, the misunderstandings are not only on the anti-geothermal side. While "what fluids PGV brings to the surface for the greatest part, go back into the ground" now, that of course has not always been the case. Apparently some would have paid to go swimming in the retention ponds, so consider that a missed opportunity of secondary geothermal benefits.
At the end of the day, it would be nice to see a neutral party do a full analysis on geothermal, as performed here, so we could get at clear facts instead of having parties with a vested interest making sales pitches to the entrenched factions. I'd also like a unicorn and likely have a similar chance of getting either.
For what it is worth, I do appreciate you taking the time to engage on the topic and point out any mistakes or misconceptions, I, or others, may have. As I have said many times before, for geothermal to be equally successful here as other comparable areas such as Iceland, then a similar investment by the local, state, and federal governments as well as private industry would be needed - but the history of geothermal in Hawaii has not demonstrated any level of similar commitment and the results reflect that IMHO.