The Environment Agency (EA) in England and Wales and The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) in Scotland have regulations concerning the use of water from Crown lands.

Most regulations concerning the extraction and re-injection of water and the use of closed loops are to protect natural aquifers. Because of this GeothermalPlus has recommended chain of events:

Prior to the first regulatory stage of a geothermal project, it is desirable to know, if possible, the required demands (loads) for heating and/or cooling the buildings involved. This can be provided in initial building designs and documentation or GeothermalPlus can provide the necessary services.

The first task that would usually be undertaken is to carry out a desk based feasibility study of geology, hydrogeology and Thermogeology of the area in question. GeothermalPlus would look  at local borehole yields based on British Geological Society (BGS) data and national data bases. We would then be able to compare open loop and closed loop options and based on development project. In conjunction with the EA or SEPA we would weigh up the regulatory risks and costs and  recommend a preferred route,

Once this has been completed and only if there was not enough satisfactory historical evidence, GeothermalPlus would advise drilling and construct either an open or closed loop borehole to design depth to allow for:

Closed Loop: a thermal response test(TRT). We would then analyse the results and provide detailed design and costings of the full borefield array. From this we would analyse the data provide a detailed design.

Open Loop: Pumping Test. This will determine the water yield and quality. We would then analyse the results and provide detailed design and costings of the full borefield array. From this we would analyse the data provide a detailed design.

From the analysis and reporting provided by the above steps, GeothermalPlus would then be able advise and design the full system and borefield.