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The Toledo Zoo took a new step Tuesday in its commitment to keeping energy costs down by beginning geothermal drilling. The step will provide heating and cooling to the Zoo's Aquarium, which is scheduled for future renovation.
The Zoo's geothermal system will use 32 300-foot wells which will be connected to three 20-ton water source pumps and two ultra-high efficiency hot water boilers.
Existing boilers at the park were installed in 1950. Replacment with the new geothermal system is expected to reduce the Zoo's carbon footprint by over 400,000 pounds, or 38% annually. Utility costs are expected to drop by $25,000 each year.
The Aquarium renovations are part of the Zoo's overall Master Plan, which Lucas County voters approved in November 2006.
