Orni 5 Project (Conditional Use Permit#18-0038)

The Orni 5 Project, identified by Conditional Use Permit 18-0038, involves a geophysical survey and the drilling and testing of up to six geothermal exploration wells in the Truckhaven Geothermal Exploration Area of western Imperial County, California. Located south-southwest of Salton City, the project encompasses approximately 2,739 acres of school and private lands. Each exploration well will be situated on an individual well pad constructed on lands under a geothermal lease. The California State Lands Commission has amended the existing five-year Geothermal Resources Lease to extend the performance period through October 31, 2030. The project is governed by a Mitigated Negative Declaration and a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program adopted by Imperial County on December 11, 2019, as well as an independent Mitigation Monitoring Program adopted by the California State Lands Commission. A Notice of Determination issued on August 21, 2025, confirms that the project will not have a significant environmental effect. Administrative oversight involves the California State Lands Commission and Imperial County, with key points of contact including Afifa Awan, Maurine Fakkema, and David Black.