This page is dedicated to members who have questions or just need more information on a timely topic. Please help if you can!
Leslie:
I was wondering if you would be willing to forward my inquiry regarding geothermal systems to the group.
I am looking for information from other cities and agencies regarding the use, regulation, or problems related to geothermal systems. In particular, I am looking for information as it relates to water resources. There appears to be a growing interest in the use of these systems for heating and cooling homes and businesses; however, not all the systems being installed are closed-loop, in-ground systems. Open loop and pond loop systems are offered as well.
To my knowledge, the open-loop systems pump water from the ground similar to a well and discharge it on the surface. According to the information available from the distributers, it appears that the open loop systems may draw and discharge as much as 5 gallons per minute of groundwater for a typical home. I believe the pond loop systems generally are “closed-loop” but most likely would be installed at the bottom of a lake, wetland, or drainage pond.
I have a general understanding of how the geothermal systems function and are installed, but I would like to know more about experiences with these systems related to groundwater, surface discharges, impacts to water resources, and regulations or policies implemented in other communities. I also would be interested in any regulations that you are aware of from the MN Department of Health, MN Department of Natural Resources, or other agencies. I am primarily interested in how other communities and agencies are handling the recent increased interest and use of these systems and especially any permitting or regulations regarding the use of open- and pond- loop systems.
Please let me know if you have any information you can share.
Aaron Schwartz Natural Resource Specialist Public Works Department 11522 Minnetonka Blvd. Minnetonka, MN 55305 (952) 988-8422 (952) 988-8406 Fax aschwartz@eminnetonka.com
Hi Leslie,
I have a question for the Water Resources Coordinators' Group, and I was wondering if you would be willing to pass it along for me. Blue Thumb is thinking of adding a virtual tour to bluethumb.org and needs good examples of raingardens, native plant shoreline stabilizations, and native gardens; and, we were hoping some of the Coordinators have some suggestions to add to the list. The tour may even have a location map on the website so that people can check out examples in the neighborhood, so to speak. We would need to know the address the example is located at, a general location on the site (e.g. front yard, backyard, viewable from street/water, etc), and property owner or project designer information if available.
Also, if anyone has a really good picture series of before, during (installation), and after; or, knows of a property owner that may be willing to give testimonials, that information would be helpful too.
Any suggested sites can be sent on to me. Thanks for the help.
