Ormat mandates strict speed limit and new route for Crescent Valley workers

This reporter joined Commissioner Mike Schoenwald and Vickie Etchinek, for a visit at the Ormat Crescent Valley Geothermal Plant work site, where Ensign Drilling is installing two production wells. They visited with Dustin Boyd, Ormat site manager, to address concerns.

In response to concerns about speeding on McDaniels and Dean Dann Spa Road out to the work site, Boyd said all workers will now access the site from an alternative route off Hwy. 306, and they have been instructed to drive no more than 25 mph. “Twenty-five, or you’re gone,” Boyd said.

This phase of drilling two wells will continue for 80 to 90 days until they get more permits. Water from the wells will be pipelined to the power plant to create electricity off the stream.

To encourage local employment, Etchinek and Schoenwald recommended Ormat look into using Truck ’n Water and Dottie Mae Water Service in Crescent Valley for dust suppression. The contractor, Ensign, has “guys from all over,” and workers have man camp trailers at the work site. 

Representatives from Ormat will be present at the Crescent Valley Town Advisory Board meeting Aug. 20 at 5 p.m.