Preliminary Terms of Reference (TOR) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of geothermal exploration drilling in Bugarama, Rwanda

Abstract

Surface exploration studies for the Bugarama area were launched in 2014. Drilling is required to prove the existence of a geothermal resource. This report is based on experience accumulated during exploration drilling in Karisimbi in 2013, and on ESIA studies carried out for geothermal drilling projects in Rwanda. The first goal is to draw up the main procedures that must be followed during preparations for geothermal drilling, in order to ensure compliance with national and international regulations. Next is to present the preliminary terms of reference (TOR) for the ESIA that will be conducted during preparations for exploration drilling in Bugarama. Finally, a preliminary EIA of the three main environmental factors that the project is expected to impact i.e. noise, land acquisition and waste generation, is introduced. Mitigating measures are proposed for the mentioned impacts. The aim of this report is to provide a basis for future EIA work for geothermal exploration drilling in Rwanda. The main outcomes for a full EIA study are discussed.