A Participatory Soil Research to Assess Geothermal Impacts: A Case Study in Eburru-Kenya

Abstract

The Eburru geothermal field is located within Eburru forest, which forms parts of Mau escarpment. The 2.4MW Eburru geothermal power plant was commissioned in January 2012. Until, July 2018, the power plant has had challenges including frequent tripping of the distribution line and mechanical breakdown. Vertical discharge process was mainly applied to resuscitate the well, resulting to discharge of geothermal fluid comprising of silica and other brine constituents to the environment. On several occasions, the neighbouring farmers complained of crop damage as result of operation of the geothermal plant. Further, in the year 2017 a number of farmers in the plant vicinity complained of low crops yield attributing it to soil pollution. The farmers attributed the soil degradation to geothermal activities in the area. A participatory research with Eburru farmers, Ministry of Agriculture, Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services to address the concern. The research set up entailed soil sampling in the vicinity of the power station to the North, East, North East and South of the power station, soil sampling at the reference points, mapping and analyzing the samples. The laboratory results indicated high soil pH, pronounced deficiency in Nitrogen and Phosphorous. Key words: Eburru forest, participatory research, vertical discharge, soil analysis, geothermal utilization