Environmental Impacts During Geothermal Developmenf: Some Examples from Central America
- Location
- Zunil, Guatemala; Berlin, El Salvador; Ahuachapan, El Salvador
- Conference
- Japan International Geothermal Symposium
- Year
- 1997
- Session
- Environmental
- Language
- English
Full text
845KB, opens in a new tab
Abstract
The impacts of geothermal development projects are usually positive. However, without appropriate monitoring plans and mitigation actions fIrmly incorporated into the project planning process, there exists the potential for signifIcant negative environmental impacts. We present fIve examples from Central America of environmental impacts associated with geothermal development activities. These brief case studies describe landslide hazards, waste brine disposal, hydrothermal explosions, and air quality issues. Improved Environmental Impact Assessments are needed to assist the developing nations of the region to judiciously address the environmental consequences associated with geothermal development.
Copyright 1997, Japan International Geothermal Symposium. Readers who download papers from this site should honour the copyright of the original authors, and may not copy or distribute the work further without the permission of the original publisher.