| Geothermal resources allow Klamath Falls farm to diversify, produce clean fuel |
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If Tracey Liskey’s grandparents revisited their homestead south of Klamath Falls, they would certainly be surprised at the diversity of agricultural products grown on the property today. Tracey Liskey and his siblings have harnessed the geothermal energy first discovered on the property by his grandparents to create new economic opportunities for their own operation and for the region.
Tracey Liskey believes his grandparents first discovered the property’s geothermal resources when they tried to develop a spring or well for drinking water. Today, hot water from the two wells is piped around the property, providing an excellent source of heating for several greenhouses and ponds.
After water comes out of the wells at 185 to 190 degrees, it is cycled into the greenhouses. The tailwater from the greenhouses is used to warm the ponds.
Until recently, the Liskeys grew nursery products in the greenhouses, supplying many of the hanging baskets in the city of Klamath Falls. The greenhouses are now leased for fruit and vegetable production, to a company that grows spider mites, and for growing tropical fish.
“The warm air in the greenhouses warms the fish tanks,” Liskey explains. His lessee, Ron (last name), also raises tropical fish in the ponds warmed with greenhouse tailwater for sale in pet stores.
Recently, the Liskeys and business partner Rick Walsh harnessed geothermal energy for another renewable project – a canola crusher and biodiesel production facility. The first batch of canola oil was recently processed through the facility.
“The fire marshall was very pleased to know we were heating the operation with geothermal energy,” Liskey says. “It really increased the safety of the operation.”
In the future, Liskey Farms plans to create an agricultural business park featuring other products grown with geothermal energy.
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