Geoexchange industry helps Colorado draft construction standards

Geoexchange contractors supported the Colorado Division of Water Resources’ desire continue to requiring construction permits for vertical geothermal loops and for horizontal loops like this one. (Photo by Delta-Montrose Electric Association)

Industry usually greets regulation with slightly less enthusiasm than, say, a homeowner might show for a skunk under the porch, so it is refreshing to hear Ed Thomas talk about the Colorado Division of Water Resources’ revised geothermal rules.

Thomas, a manager of the Western slope geoexchange company Intermountain Energy, applauded CDWR’s Rules and Regulations for Permitting the Development and Appropriation of Geothermal Resources Through the Use of Wells. “It brings another level of professionalism and validation to the geoexchange technology,” he insisted.

Contractor welcomes standards
Thomas’ company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Delta-Montrose Electric Association, has installed 300 systems in six years, so he knows a thing or two about professionalism. “We’ve heard horror stories about do-it-yourselfers who don’t install the units properly and then complain that the technology doesn’t work,” he explained.

The rules state that only individuals certified by the state engineer can install loop fields. To become certified, contractors must apply to CDWR and successfully pass an examination. There is no fee for this certification process.

Thomas was the seventh person in the state to pass the certification test since the rules went into effect Sep. 30, 2004. DMEA Energy Services Manager Ron Fleshood received the fifth certification. “Intermountain plans to put all its key employees through certification,” Thomas said.

Once certified, contractors must obtain a "Permit to Construct Geoexchange System Loop Fields" from CDWR. The non-transferable permit costs $480 and is valid for one year. All work performed under the permit must be done or supervised by the certified contractor specified on the permit. Since Intermountain Energy installed over 75 geoexchange systems last year alone, it’s good business for the company to make sure that all its key staff are certified.

Lawmakers benefit from industry expertise
Thomas’ support for the revised rules goes beyond mere compliance, however. Intermountain and DMEA were part of the government-industry partnership that hammered out the regulations. “Joe Lambert in the state Governor’s Office of Energy Management & Conservation pulled us into the process in the beginning,” recalled Thomas. “There were e-mails and hearings, and we had a chance to review drafts in advance. The process was very inclusive.”

“We felt that the technology should be regulated in a way that encouraged its use,” said Lambert, an OEMC program manager. “The CDWR deserves kudos for listening to input from other government agencies and the industry.”

Input from energy experts and geoexchange professionals helped to clarify some questions and issues surrounding the technology. Initially, for example, the state wanted to certify backhoe operators, but Thomas and other consultants pushed for contractor certification. “Contractors are the ones designing and building the system, not the people digging the trenches,” he said.

Closed loop systems were treated the same as open loop systems under the past regulations. Since closed loops don’t appropriate groundwater, Lambert pointed out, the permitting process worsened the economics of installation. “Involving the industry helped to resolve some of those inconsistencies,” he said.

Rules show mainstream acceptance
Ultimately, the geothermal rules should help promote the energy-efficient heating systems by simplifying and standardizing construction procedures and permitting. Contractors must submit a construction report and as-built drawings for each project, and that information will be kept in the permit file at CDWR.

Such records add a layer of protection for geoexchange system owners, Thomas noted. Intermountain has received calls from people who punctured loops putting in fences. He recalled one mishap that cost a customer thousands of dollars before technicians were able to find the leak.

Records, permits and certification are all tools to advance the broad acceptance of geoexchange technology, in Thomas’s view, so he welcomes Colorado’s revised geothermal rules. “The state recognizes that geoexchange has moved out of R&D to become a mainstream heating and cooling option,” he said.

To apply for geothermal certification and take the exam, contact CDWR at the Denver office or any of their seven division offices. Telephone numbers are: Denver: 303-866-3581; Greeley: 970-352-8712; Pueblo: 719-542-3368; Alamosa: 719-589-6683; Montrose: 970-249-6622; Glenwood Springs: 970-945-5665; Steamboat Springs: 970-879-0272; Durango: 970-247-1845. Permit applications should be submitted to the CDWR Denver office to the attention of John Gabert or John Bilisoly for processing.