[Geysers] Polictical Action regarding Green Energy

[Pinkcone]

May I suggest a page on the GOSA site with what happens to geysers when drilling occurs? This should be one of the first pages students and reporters get when they research geothermal energy.  I volunteer myself to write it if needed (I am sure others would be better for this).  Lets do that as a first step. GOSA directors what say you?

I'm all in favor of establishing contacts and preparing for quick action if action is needed.  How does one do this?  Maybe Bill or John can help with this angle.

Jan Johns

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: JOHN WARNOCK 
  To: geyser observation reports 
  Sent: Tuesday, April 28, 2009 12:02 PM
  Subject: RE: [Geysers] Yellowstone Science article


  I think Udo makes a great observation regarding geothermal being viewed as a "green energy" source.  I remember in the late 1980's or early 90's,  a private company was looking to lease land in the Island Park geothermal areas in order to explore the potential to generate electricity from the thermal waters.  This happened shortly after brother Bill and I (with the help of many of you) had finished our encounter with the NPS regarding removal of all the cabins in the Old Faithful area, among other issues.  We had established a solid core of contacts in Washington DC , including Senators and House Representatives, and within the Park Service it self.  I was amazed at how quickly the word went out that Old Faithful and the other geothermal wonders of Yellowstone were under assault from energy development.  As I recall, wells were being proposed within 12 miles of the Upper Geyser Basin.  The leases were not granted.  If a new assault may be coming, I can think of no higher cause for GOSA than to begin organizing now, making contacts in Congress, NPS, USGS and the press.  That way if new assaults begin, we can immediately mobilize and hopefully cut them off at the pass.  Speaking from experience, Brother Bill and I can testify that persistence can pay off.
   
  Respectfully;
   
  John Warnock      
   
   
   Mon, 27 Apr 2009 07:11:05 -0700
  From: udo.freund at lmco.com
  Subject: RE: [Geysers] Yellowstone Science article
  To: geysers at lists.wallawalla.edu



  Here's Tami Blackford, the editor's, response to my mentioning the reversal of that image to her: "Yes, that image was transposed. Thanks for noticing!"  Sad that those who live in Mammoth don't notice these things beforehand.  Either they don't know better or don't look at details carefully, both are poor excuses when portraying science.  But we humans do make misteaks (sic).

  As for the content of the article, I too found it greatly under-researched.  If I recall correctly it is a condensed version of a master's thesis, probably written some time before being reproduced in YS.

  But at least this type of info is getting published, hopefully leading to more media attention on the subject.  Which brings up a point.  Media are portraying geothermal as a green energy source with seemingly little adverse impacts.  The Obama administration is pushing this agenda and they are essentially the boss of those who might object, namely NPS and USGS.  I'm sure most of you are aware that using geothermal aquifers kills geyser activity.  That proven fact should be brought to the media's attention whenever the subject comes up.  In the USA we've already lost geysers at Steamboat and Beowawe in Nevada and Mammoth in California.  In my opinion, since few others will advocate for this cause, GOSA and its' associates should take up the task.  In other words, I believe that it's time for GOSA to become politically active rather than being a passive hobby club.

  Thanks, 
  Udo Freund 
  Blessed are those that run around in circles for they shall be called big wheels! 




------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  From: geysers-bounces at lists.wallawalla.edu [mailto:geysers-bounces at lists.wallawalla.edu] On Behalf Of TSBryan at aol.com
  Sent: Saturday, April 25, 2009 12:54 PM
  To: geysers at lists.wallawalla.edu
  Subject: [Geysers] Yellowstone Science article


  The Curmudgeon here, at least for item #1... this e-mail will also respond to some off-list stuff, on which I've been a bit delayed because of my step-daughter's surgery for a badly herniated disk. (She's much better today, thank you.)

  1. The first 2009 issue of "Yellowstone Science" contains a nice article by Alethea Steingisser and W. Andrew Marcus, titled "Human Impacts on Geyser Basins" (www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/upload/ys17(1)p1.pdf and click on the top (part 1) link -- the article starts on page 7). Good enough (except for a couple of minor comments below)

  BUT... how about that title photograph. If I was the authors I'd be severely disappointed; if I was anybody with the NPS who has anything to do with Yellowstone Science, I'd be really (really) upset. If you haven't seen it, here's a scan of that image (small jpg, embedded and attached)
  I trust you see what is wrong. The scene might look better if you hold the picture to a mirror.

  Sorry, folks, but that's bad.

  2. In Table 1 of the article, several places are noted with asterisks ("No data available"). This is, I guess conservatism by the authors, but I must say that since there has been zero geothermal development (other than use of natural runoff) in Kamchatka's Valley of Geysers, then the asterisk in the table's first column should be replaced with "No." Same for Umnak. Also, in this table, there most definitely was a negative effect of tourism on the geysers and springs at Steamboat Hot Springs (that, by the way, being the proper name for the place). There were what amount to tourism activities there at least as early as the 1860s plus there was the resort (I don't recall its date offhand), and there were some substantial alterations to the valley springs at Beowawe. I could make note of some other asterisks but won't.

  3. Here comes a point at which it is unfortunate that the annotated bibliography, that appeared in editions 1, 2, and 3 of my book had to be deleted from edition 4 (where the discussion about places around the world was significantly reduced, too) due to cost constraints. Anyhow, regarding the note on page 17 of the article, I wish it stated something a bit stronger -- not just records, but written records. I possess numerous reports, often including maps, that were never actually published -- I recall significant trials in obtaining several unpublished reports from the National Library in Australia. Anyhow, if it is in my book, it can be documented.

  4. I know there are always delays from manuscript to print, but still -- the 4th Edition of my book did come out around August 1, 2008, several months prior to this publication, so I find it too bad that it did not find its way into the "Literature Cited." I think some slightly-different numbers might be found there.

  T. Scott Bryan


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