October 19, 2024: Imperial Valley Press
EPA settles case with Hell’s Kitchen Geothermal over wetlands discharge impacting on Salton Sea
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reached a settlement with Hell’s Kitchen Geothermal, LLC (HKG) for damaging wetlands connected to the Salton Sea through illegal dredging and ditching activities as part of a lithium extraction and geothermal power project. The work, carried out on land leased from the Imperial Irrigation District (IID), led to the discharge of materials into wetlands and diverted water flow, affecting 1,200 acres of wetlands that are now ecologically impaired.
HKG is required to restore the damaged wetlands under the settlement. The EPA emphasized its commitment to enforcing environmental laws while supporting clean energy projects that comply with federal regulations.
HKG’s work involved extending drain channels, impacting approximately 27 acres of wetlands directly and leading to a larger disturbance across 1,200 acres. The company’s geothermal plant and lithium extraction project aim to harness energy from the heated waters beneath the Salton Sea, which is key for renewable energy and electric vehicle batteries.
The project has faced opposition, particularly from environmental groups like Comite Civico del Valle, who have filed lawsuits claiming the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was inadequate in addressing concerns about air quality, water supply, and hazardous waste. These groups advocate for stricter environmental mitigation measures. Despite legal challenges, local governmental bodies, including the Imperial County Planning Commission, have approved the project.
Environmental activists and experts argue that while renewable energy projects are important, they should not bypass environmental regulations, emphasizing the need for careful oversight and responsible project execution to protect local ecosystems and communities.
Salton Sea Coalition 