Exploration and Identification of Thermal Waters
Steps in the investment process for implementing this system
Exploration and identification of thermal waters is the first of two main stages in the investment process for systems utilizing geothermal resources. At this stage, it is necessary to obtain a number of geological approvals as well as a concession for the exploitation of thermal waters.
Step 1 – Approval of the geological works project
Activities related to the exploration or identification of mineral deposits in the form of thermal water do not require obtaining a concession (Article 21(1)(1) and (2) of the Geological and Mining Law in connection with Article 10(1) of the same Act), but it is necessary to obtain approval of the geological works project.
Detailed description of this procedure can be found at:
Approval of the Geological Works Project
Step 2 – Approval of a mining plant operation plan
When performing works involving excavations and drilling holes deeper than 100 m, in certain cases it will be necessary to obtain approval of a mining plant operation plan.
If drilling is carried out in a mining area, the procedure is always required, regardless of the depth of the borehole.
Detailed description of this procedure can be found at:
Approval of a Mining Plant Operation Plan
Step 3 – Notification under the Water Legislation
According to the provisions of the Water Law and its implementing regulations, if thermal waters from trial pumping of the borehole are to be discharged into a watercourse or surface reservoir, it will be necessary to submit a water law notification.
It is also permissible to introduce used geothermal waters into groundwater, provided that the authority competent for water law permits determines that such discharge does not conflict with environmental objectives for waters or water quality requirements (Article 76(1)(5) of the Water Law). It should be noted that fees for discharging hot water are relatively high, and the introduction of used geothermal waters as mentioned above reduces the efficiency of the system.
Detailed description of this procedure can be found at:
Notification under the Water Legislation
Step 4 – Decision on environmental conditions
The exploitation of thermal water deposits should be classified as a project that may potentially have a significant impact on the environment, to which the provisions of the Act on Access to Environmental Information, Public Participation in Environmental Protection, and Environmental Impact Assessment apply.
In practice, before drilling a borehole intended to capture thermal waters, it will be necessary to obtain an environmental decision, which is issued by the mayor, town mayor, or city president. This decision is granted based on a project information sheet or an environmental impact report, depending on the classification of the project.
Detailed description of this procedure can be found at:
Decision on Environmental Conditions
Step 5 – Notification of intent to commence geological works
Before starting geological works, it is required to submit a notification of intent to commence geological works.
Detailed description of this procedure can be found at:
Notification of Intent to Commence Geological Works
Step 6 – Approval of hydrogeological documentation
Hydrogeological documentation is subject to approval.
In terms of formal requirements, the approval of hydrogeological documentation should be appropriately related to the previously described approval of geological documentation.
Hydrogeological documentation is approved by decision of the competent geological administration authority (the competent marshal of the voivodeship who approved the geological works project).
Other geological documentation prepared during geological works that do not end with documenting mineral deposit resources or groundwater resources does not require approval by decision (Article 93(7) in connection with Article 88(2)(4) and Article 92 of the Geological and Mining Law).
The documentation must be submitted in one paper copy and three electronic copies on data carriers within six months from the completion of works to the competent authority that approved the geological works project.
Documented mineral deposits and documented groundwater within the boundaries of planned protection zones for intakes and protection areas of groundwater reservoirs, for their protection, are disclosed in municipal spatial development studies, local spatial development plans (MPZP), and voivodeship spatial development plans (Article 95(1) of the Geological and Mining Law).
Step 7 – Concession for the extraction of minerals from deposits (for the exploitation of thermal waters)
The exploitation of groundwater classified as minerals (in this case, thermal waters) is a licensed activity. This follows directly from the provisions of the Geological and Mining Law, according to which the activity of extracting minerals from deposits may be carried out only after obtaining a concession.
Detailed description of this procedure can be found at:
Concession for the Extraction of Minerals from Deposits (for the Exploitation of Thermal Waters)