Environmental baseline study for geothermal developments : case study of Arus-Bogoria geothermal prospects, Kenya

Abstract

Arus and Lake Bogoria geothermal prospects are located North of Menengai and South of Lake Baringo within the Kenya Rift. Geothermal phenomena in form of fumaroles, hot pings, steam jets, geysers, sulphur deposits and high geothermal gradient expressed by anomalously hot ground and groundwater water characterized by temperatures above ambient in the area. As an effort to explore the geothermal potential areas in the north rift, the Kenya Government, through the MoE and KenGen carried out surface investigations in the area to determine its geothermal resource potential. The survey was conducted from the 14th February 2005 to 8th July 2005 and was co-funded by the Kenya Government and KenGen. An environmental survey to collect and compile baseline data was undertaken to ensure that any possible environmental concerns that can arise could be predicted well in advance. Results of the study indicate that anticipated environmental impacts could be significant within LBNR. However, social impacts are insignificant in magnitude. The impacts, however, could be effectively mitigated during civil works, drilling and testing of geothermal wells and power plant construction and operation