(a) The regulations in subparts 3270 through 3279 of this part cover the permitting and operating procedures for the utilization of geothermal resources. This includes:

(1) Electrical generation facilities;

(2) Direct use facilities;

(3) Related utilization facility operations;

(4) Actual and allocated well field production and injection; and

(5) Related well field operations.

(b) The utilization regulations in subparts 3270 through 3279 do not address conducting exploration operations, which is covered in subpart 3250, or drilling wells intended for production or injection, which is covered in subpart 3260.

Your utilization operations must:

(a) Meet all operational and environmental standards;

(b) Prevent unnecessary impacts on surface and subsurface resources;

(c) Result in the maximum ultimate recovery of geothermal resources;

(d) Result in the beneficial use of geothermal resources, with minimum waste;

(e) Protect public health, safety, and property; and

(f) Comply with the requirements of § 3200.4.

BLM may issue:

(a) Geothermal resource operational orders, for detailed requirements that apply nationwide;

(b) Notices to lessees, for detailed requirements on a statewide or regional basis;

(c) Other orders and instructions specific to a field or area;

(d) Permit conditions of approval; and

(e) Oral orders, which BLM will confirm in writing.