EIA of geothermal exploration in Tanzania : The laws and regulations, EIA process and preliminary EIA of exploration drilling in Ngozi area, SW-Tanzania

Abstract

Ngozi geothermal prospect is located in the Southwest part of Tanzania. The distance from Dar es Salaam to Mbeya is 817 km. Detailed surface exploration has been carried out in the area and exploration drilling is expected to prove the existence of a geothermal resource. Environmental laws and regulations in the country that have to be taken in account during the EIA process are presented. A preliminary EIA of the three main environmental factors that the project is expected to have impact on i.e. noise, land use and social economy, is introduced. Mitigating measures are proposed for the aforementioned impacts. The report aims to provide a basis for future EIA work for geothermal exploration drilling in Tanzania. A detailed Environmental Impact Assessment based on evaluation of baseline data is recommended as a first step to provide a better understanding of the potential impacts and mitigating measures during the development.