Application of GIS in the environmental impact assessment of Sabalan geothermal field, NW-Iran

Abstract

In a world that is showing an increasing concern for the environment, there is a greater emphasis on the utilization of clean and sustainable energy sources such as geothermal energy. In this report, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is presented for a geothermal project on the western plains of Mt. Sabalan, approximately 16 km southeast of Meshkinshahr City, in the province of Ardabil in Northwest Iran. The study area is a catchment of Khiav River and its area is about 132 km2. Various researchers have investigated the possible development of geothermal resources for the past few years in order to install a power station, possibly the first of a number of such stations. A preliminary review was carried out of the possible environmental effects of this proposed project as a precursor to an EIA. An attempt was made to identify the likely key impacts of geothermal exploration, drilling, and operation, and to suggest potential mitigating measures. The results indicate that detailed studies are necessary on the water supply for drilling, how to properly dispose of effluent water, the effects of gas emissions to the atmosphere during drilling and operation, and methods of reducing soil erosion. It is also recommended that a detailed assessment survey on the biology of the area be carried out as well as a study of the socio-economic effects of this project on Meshkinshahr and the nearby villages’ residents.