Evalutation of the enviromental impact at the Kamojang geothermal field in Indonesia applying the EMS of ISO 14001

Abstract

Power generation is an industry which is likely to have an adverse impact on the environment. It is, therefore, necessary to exercise careful environmental management in order to reduce any negative impact. Although geothermal energy is considered a “green energy source”, its exploration and exploitation will cause land disturbances, noise, thermal pollution and the release of geothermal gases. By careful environmental management during design, construction and the operation of geothermal power facilities, negative impacts can be minimized. At the Kamojang geothermal field in Indonesia a power plant has been in operation since 1982 producing 140 MWe. The operator of the steam supply system, PT Pertamina, has drilled 76 deep wells to provide 1,100 tons/hour of steam for power production. In 2002 the management of Pertamina adopted a new environmental management system for all its operations at Kamojang geothermal field, which has been certified in accordance with the international ISO 14001 environmental standards. The ISO 14001 certificate has been renewed annually after the management system was audited by an external examiner. ISO 14001 requires that all potential environmental hazards which may arise from the operation be identified and documented. A thorough monitoring program has to be implemented and documented, including production of geothermal steam and fluids as well as waste condensed water and gases from the power plant. The application of the ISO 14001 environmental management system has proven to be a useful tool for improving management of the geothermal resource at Kamojang.