Geothermal environmental impact assessment with special reference to the Tuzla, geothermal area, Canakkale, Turkey

Abstract

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) work is becoming more and more extensive in the world. The environmental assessment process has been defined differently in different countries. In fact, it appears that no two countries have defined it in exactly the same way. It is an aid to decision-making and to the minimization or elimination of environmental impacts at an early planning stage. The EIA process is potentially a basis for negotiations between the developer, public interest groups and the planning regulator. Geothermal energy is generally accepted as being an environmentally benign energy source, particularly when compared to fossil fuel energy sources. Geothermal fields contain heated fluids trapped beneath the earth, but the geological, physical and chemical characteristics of the geothermal resource can vary significantly. When these resources are utilized for geothermal production, the environment of an area can be affected. The Tuzla geothermal area is located within the Canakkale city boundary, where one of the important archaeological, historical and natural park sites of Turkey is situated. In this study, a brief review of the regulatory and legal requirements that will affect the utilization of the Tuzla geothermal field under Turkish law is presented. The assessment of impacts on each part of the environment, and recommendations for mitigating measures to ensure that impacts are maintained at an acceptable level will also be considered.