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appraisal drilling of geothermal wells in olkaria domes - Orkustofnun

appraisal drilling of geothermal wells in olkaria domes - Orkustofnun

appraisal drilling of geothermal wells in olkaria domes - Orkustofnun

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Ogola 302 Report 135.4 Risk to wildlife and biodiversityThe Hells Gate and Longonot National Parks were gazetted <strong>in</strong> 1984, three years after commission<strong>in</strong>gOlkaria I Power Station. This imposes constra<strong>in</strong>ts on operation management <strong>of</strong> the power station andpark. An environmental impact (EIA) study was made accord<strong>in</strong>g to World Bank operational directive4.0 for proposed development <strong>in</strong> Olkaria II, which concluded that <strong>geothermal</strong> development is feasiblewith<strong>in</strong> Hell's Gate Park.KenGen and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) signed a Memorandum <strong>of</strong> Understand<strong>in</strong>g (MoU) <strong>in</strong> 1994which outl<strong>in</strong>es the harmonious operations <strong>of</strong> the two parties for the mutual benefit <strong>of</strong> the country.Envisaged environmental impacts and mitigat<strong>in</strong>g measures to be undertaken, and areas that requirecollaboration between KenGen and KWS to ensure that no conflicts arise dur<strong>in</strong>g operations, areclearly stated <strong>in</strong> the agreement. The chairmanship <strong>of</strong> MoU meet<strong>in</strong>gs is rotational between KenGenand KWS divisional heads depend<strong>in</strong>g on the venue <strong>of</strong> the meet<strong>in</strong>g. The MoU document is alwaysattached to the tender document issued by KenGen for <strong>geothermal</strong> projects <strong>in</strong> order to <strong>in</strong>formcontractors <strong>of</strong> environmental obligations with<strong>in</strong> the Park. KWS is currently review<strong>in</strong>g the MoUdocument especially with regard to <strong>in</strong>com<strong>in</strong>g IPPs such as Or Power <strong>in</strong> Olkaria III.Though the current project is outside the park, KenGen will uphold the conservation and protectionvalue <strong>of</strong> both flora and fauna. The proposed well locations are with<strong>in</strong> a general area which provideshabitat for a variety <strong>of</strong> wildlife species <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g birds, mammals and fish. The cliffs provide nest<strong>in</strong>ggrounds for birds and especially for vultures.The primary impacts that could result from the proposed action are direct loss and alteration <strong>of</strong>approximately 1.5-9 acres per well and the displacement <strong>of</strong> wildlife due to <strong>in</strong>creased human activityand noise. Impacts would last from 3 to 5 years (time required for re-vegetation), if a well was drilledand then abandoned. The duration <strong>of</strong> impacts for produc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>wells</strong> could be 20 years.Habitat disturbance would result <strong>in</strong> direct loss <strong>of</strong> smaller, less-mobile species such as small mammalsand reptiles. More mobile species such as Kongoni, Zebra, Thompson’s Gazelle, Giraffe, Eland,Reedbuck, Warthog, Impala, Dik dik, Ste<strong>in</strong> buck, Klipspr<strong>in</strong>ger, buffalo, wildebeest, waterbuck wouldbe displaced. Because <strong>of</strong> the high fecundity <strong>of</strong> small mammals and reptiles, their populations wouldbe expected to recover quickly follow<strong>in</strong>g reclamation.A settlement pond will be constructed on each drill pad for storage and disposal <strong>of</strong> drill fluids. It ispossible that birds and wildlife might consume the water or drown <strong>in</strong> it. At the end <strong>of</strong> <strong>drill<strong>in</strong>g</strong>operations and prior to reclamation <strong>of</strong> the reserve pit, the pit should be fenced and the top <strong>of</strong> the pitcovered or fenced to prevent access to birds and other wildlife.There are no listed endangered species <strong>of</strong> plants or animals <strong>in</strong> the area.5.5 Occupational health and safety risksThe most probable occupational heath and safety risks associated with <strong>geothermal</strong> <strong>drill<strong>in</strong>g</strong> <strong>in</strong>cludesmall accidents, accidental gas emissions, <strong>in</strong>duced seismicity, hydrothermal eruptions or landslides. Inorder to prevent these, the site contractor will adhere to local and <strong>in</strong>ternational safety <strong>drill<strong>in</strong>g</strong>regulations. Blowout prevention equipment will be used on-site and adequate emergency plans put <strong>in</strong>place. This will be <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> the bid document as a prequalification. Other risks <strong>in</strong>clude subsidence.

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