Preliminary environmental impact assessment of a geothermal project in Meshkinshahr, NW-Iran

Abstract

In this report, a preliminary environmental impact assessment is presented for a geothermal project on the western slopes of Mt. Sabalan, approximately 16 km SE of Meshkinshahr City, in the province of Ardabil in Northwest Iran. Various researchers have investigated this area??s geothermal resources over the past few years for the possibility of using the geothermal energy to generate electricity. A preliminary review was carried out of the possible environmental effects of this proposed project as aprecursor to an environmental impact assessment (EIA). In this study, an attempt has been made to identify the likely key impacts of geothermal exploration, drilling, and operation, and potential mitigation measures. The results of this study suggest that detailed studies be carried out on water supply for drilling; on how to properly dispose of effluent water; on the monitoring of gas emissions to the atmosphere during drilling andoperation; and methods to reduce soil erosion. It is also recommended that a detailed assessment survey on the biology of the area be done, as well as the socio-economic effects of this project on the lives of residents of Meshkinshahr City and the nearby villages.