Above: Montserrat

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Montserrat will soon begin long-term testing at one of its geothermal wells, according to Director of Public Works Ron Beardsley.

The process, which he said will take about three weeks, follows the completion of Iceland Drilling Company’s work on the island.

“Well MON-01 is currently flowing and long term testing which will take approximately three weeks is about to commence,” he said. “Although IDC have left site we have an experienced drilling engineer from Capuano Engineering, who project managed the drilling phase on behalf of government, who remain in full time attendance.”

Beardsley was responding to concern by residents in the Salem/Friths area about a roaring noise which can be heard from the well.

The second well, MON-02, is shut in and currently warming up after the drilling phase, Beardsley said.

Once testing of both wells is complete, both will be shut in as Montserrat moves “into the next phase of development,” he said.

The island’s ultimate goal is to fuel a five-megawatt power plant using geothermal energy.