On July 11th, the City of Aspen hosted a neighborhood meeting in Herron Park to provide information and answer questions from neighbors. Every resident within 350 feet of the drill site was invited to the meeting via mail. Twelve neighbors attended the meeting and the discussion was productive.
On July 14th, the City presented the geothermal test well project to the Aspen Open Space and Trails Board. The Board voted unanimously to support the project.
On August 3, a letter and overview handout on the project was hand delivered to each home immediately next to the project site, in an effort to ensure that these neighbors are informed and to encourage them to share any questions or concerns about the project.
The City issued a request for proposals for a drilling and engineering consultant contractor team in August which received no responses. A revised request for proposals with an adjusted project start and end date and noise limits was issued and two proposals were received. Dan's Water Well and Pump Services, Inc. was selected from a second RFP, and City Council approved that contract on October 11, 2011. Notices were sent out to all homeowners within 350 feet.
On October 24th, an area neighbor requested that Council reconsider their previous decision due to changes in project plans, concerns of pollution and impacts on neighbors. Council voted to reconsider and discussed the project and contract again on October 25, 2011, where public comment was received. After questions were answered by City staff, Council decided to maintain their previous decision to approve the contract and move forward with the project.
On November 3rd, a third mailing was sent to all neighbors within 350 feet of the project site, providing start date details and other information.
Equipment was moved to the project site and set up on November 7th and 8th and drilling officially began on November 9th.
As of December 12th, we reached 1,003 but there was no hot water yet. Drilling was wrapped up for the holiday and winter season. Once continued in the spring, water temperatures will be measured every 10 feet. The project is not expected to exceed 1,500 feet and will be wrapped up as quickly and safely as possible.