The Research

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Modoc Co. Planning Department

Ormat’s Initial Study and Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Surprise Valley Geothermal Exploration Project (UP2025-02)

SV Advisory Community Brief

This document summarizes the exhaustive research from your friends and neighbors who care about Surprise Valley. It is not exhaustive nor inclusive of all necessary scientific expertise!

Why We Are Concerned, What We Have Learned, and Why We Are Asking for Your Help!

CEQA Process Flow Chart

Before a Modoc County approves a project that could affect the environment, California law (the CA Environmental Quality Act) requires that agency to first look hard at what the project might do, tell the public about it, and take public input seriously before deciding.

SV Advisory Research

We believe in transparency! This is all the research we have gathered ourselves to ensure that corporations don’t take advantage of our people and our place.

We are not experts in the field. Just caring citizens that want to protect and preserve what makes SV special.

Map of proposed project area

Ormat proposes to develop geo-thermal test wells southwest of Upper Alkali Lake, and 1.85 miles north of Lake City. Specifically, this would involve the development of up to 11 geothermal test wells on nine well pads drilled to a depth of 3,000-5,000 feet.

Ormat's Geothermal Operations

See pictures of Ormat’s Geothermal Power Plants across California, the US, and the world.

Ormat’s objective is to become a leading global provider of renewable energy. You can read about their global projects and investors as well.

Information will continue to be added as we progress!

Sketch of a large Victorian-style house labeled as the headquarters for Surprise Valley in Eagleville, with trees in the background and text indicating a rally.
Sketch of a large Victorian-style house labeled as the headquarters for Surprise Valley in Eagleville, with trees in the background and text indicating a rally.
Black and white drawing of a corner store named 'Rexall Drugs' in Cedarville, with cars parked in front and trees in the background, and the words 'Surprise Rally the Valley! Vally' written around the scene.
Black and white drawing of a corner store named 'Rexall Drugs' in Cedarville, with cars parked in front and trees in the background, and the words 'Surprise Rally the Valley! Vally' written around the scene.
A horse pulling a wagon with a building labeled 'Back Hill Flour Milling Mill' in a forested landscape with trees and mountains, and the words 'Rally the Valley!' and 'Lake City' surrounding the scene.
A horse pulling a wagon with a building labeled 'Back Hill Flour Milling Mill' in a forested landscape with trees and mountains, and the words 'Rally the Valley!' and 'Lake City' surrounding the scene.
Black and white illustration of a vintage gas station labeled 'Lonell's Store' with Chevrolet cars parked outside. The station is marked as 'Rally the Valley!' with arrows pointing to the left labeled 'Surprise' and to the right labeled 'Valley.' The location is Fort Bidwell.
Black and white illustration of a vintage gas station labeled 'Lonell's Store' with Chevrolet cars parked outside. The station is marked as 'Rally the Valley!' with arrows pointing to the left labeled 'Surprise' and to the right labeled 'Valley.' The location is Fort Bidwell.