Assignment #4 PB6015

Mitigation to Reduce Impacts on Flora and Fauna

Riostantieka MS - 22611030

Case Studies

Iceland

Northern Negros

Iceland
Study sites: 1. Reykjanes 2. Olkelduhals 3. Theistareykir Objectives: To relate the diversity number of vegetation and invertebrates species at soil temperature in the geothermal area. Methods: Sampling using pitfall traps from July to August fulfilled with ethylene glycol (antifreeze) to kill and preserve the catch.

Number of Vascular Plant Species vs Soil Temperature

Theistareykir Olkelduhals Reykjanes

Number of vascular species within a plot decreased as soil temperature increased. Some of vascular species in Reykjanes and Olkelduhals still resist on temperature above 50 0C. Most of these species were also found at cooler plots, and their cover tended to increase as the temperature decreased.

Number of Moss Species vs Soil Temperature

Theistareykir Olkelduhals Reykjanes

Within the hotter plots in Reykjanes and Olkelduhals, were dominating in the vegetation but in Theistareykir these plots were almost barren. As the temperature decreased other moss species became dominant and in some cases replaced the ones that were abundant at hotter plots.

Number of Lichen Species vs Soil Temperature

Theistareykir Olkelduhals Reykjanes

Lichens were rarely found within hot plots but the most common lichen species found, within both hot and cool plots.

Number of Invertebrates Species vs Soil Temperature

Theistareykir Olkelduhals Reykjanes

Number invertebrates within a plot decreased as soil temperature increased. Dominating invertebrate species differed among the study sites. The spider Erigone atra dominated the hotter plots in Reykjanes, but beetles were most common in Olkelduhals and Theistareykir. But mostly, the number of invertebrate species decreased with increase in temperature.

The Catches
Species Vascular plant species Theistareykir 51 Olkelduhals 44 Reykjanes 39

Moss species Lichen species

Invertebrate species

25 18
146

30 12
109

35 13
103

Conclusions in Iceland
Olafsson (2000) wrote, many species living at high soil temperatures were not found in colder neighboring areas and vice versa. The species that only were found at high temperatures have been found in cold habitats further away (Sadler and Dugmore 1995, Olafsson 2000) so they are not restricted to geothermal areas.
After all, soil temperature play a strong role in determining the distribution of species, it must however act in accord with other factors, e.g. pH and carbon content in soil. Weather conditions and elevation may also influence the distribution of the organisms as well.

Nothern Negros
Study sites: Northern Negros Geothermal Project in Negros Occidental, Philippines Objectives: To evaluate the impact of geothermal uid discharges during the testing of Pataan 5-D well on seedlings of mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King) at various distances from the well and on natural forest vegetation around the wellpad. Methods: Measurement of the parameters: 1. geothermal brine spray concentration; 2. plant concentration of geothermal signature ions (B, Cl, Li and Na); 3. symptoms of plant damage; 4. Plant recovery.

Collection of The Samplings Concentrations

1

Collection of The Samplings Concentrations

4

Collection of The Samplings Concentrations

6

Variation in Chloride Concentration During The Discharge Tests

The concentrations of B, Cl, Li and Na in the geothermal sprays collected from the catch basins decreased with distance from the silencer. The highest concentrations were recorded within the 5-m radius. The same trend was also recorded from the washings and the leaves of the test seedlings, and from the exposed soils.

Conclusions in Northern Negros

The results of the study indicated that one of the possible causes of vegetation damage during geothermal well testing is salinity, associated with high concentrations of saline ions in the geothermal brine sprays released from the discharging well.

The study conrmed that the impact of the well testing on vegetation was only temporary.
The severity of vegetation damage is dependent on three factors: (1) resulting brine spray concentrations; (2) distance from the discharging well; and (3) prevailing wind (plume) direction during the discharge.

9 days after the rst vertical discharge

and 3 months after completion of vertical discharge

Mitigations
Buffers Zone
Protective buffers enhance the viability of natural areas and are an important management issue. They buffer sensitive ecosystems from external modifying influences such as wind and weed invasion. The presence of surface geothermal activity can fluctuate at a particular location and across the landscape. A good sized buffer is desirable around many geothermal sites to allow for this variability.

Ecological Restoration
Ecological restoration of degraded geothermal sites would enhance the conservation values and viability of many areas - particularly the smaller areas.

References
Tuyor, Josefo B., Jesus, Agnes C., 2004. Impact of geothermal well testing on exposed vegetation in the Northern Negros Geothermal Project, Philippines, PNOC-Energy Development Corporation, Merritt Road, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, Philippines. Elmarsdottir, Asrun, Ingimarsdottir, Maria, 2003. Vegetation and invertebrates in three geothermal areas in Iceland, Icelandic Institute of Natural History, Iceland.

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