Ecological Restoration of Construction Sites of Geothermal Power Plants

Abstract

Vegetation and soil in the Hengill area of Iceland were disturbed at the construction sites at Hellisheidi and Nesjavellir geothermal power plants. The disturbance was related to the establishment of buildings, drilling platforms, ditches, roads, etc. Restoration interventions have been implemented with the goal of minimising disturbance to the land caused by constructions. Furthermore, the goal was to restore the disturbed sites with vegetation and soil similar to the local one prior to disturbance, thereby reducing the negative environmental impacts and to increase sustainability of the power production. In addition by doing this, helps mitigate carbon emission due to construction, which puts its weight on reducing climate change. Methods such as turf relocation, hay and moss fragments dispersal have been used with promising results. The presentation will address the challenges and results of these restoration procedures.