| Title | MONITORING OF GEOTHERMAL VEGETATION AND THE EFFECTS OF GEOTHERMAL ENERGY EXPLOITATION |
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| Authors | S. Beadel, J. McQueen, C. Bycroft, A. Simpson, S. Rate, W. Shaw |
| Year | 2018 |
| Conference | New Zealand Geothermal Workshop |
| Keywords | geothermal vegetation, monitoring, priorities, ecosystems, development |
| Abstract | Monitoring of geothermal vegetation in natural areas is a resource consent requirement for all energy abstraction that occurs in geothermal fields where natural geothermal vegetation occurs. Geothermal vegetation, influenced by surface expressions of heat from the Earth’s interior, is naturally rare both in New Zealand and internationally. Rare and unusual habitats for plants arise due to varying combinations of temperature, chemistry, hydrology, and localised protection from frosts. In New Zealand, all geothermal ecosystems are classified as critically endangered. Exploitation for energy production has the potential to be a significant threat to the viability and sustainability of geothermal vegetation and habitats. Changes to underground systems have the potential to change both the above ground character of natural areas and the distribution of species within them. Changes can include both increases and decreases in above-ground temperatures, as well as altering water tables which can lead to a loss of hot springs and geysers. Within the Waikato Region, geothermal systems have been classified into one of four management categories by Waikato Regional Council. A total of c.354 ha or 41% of geothermal habitat has been mapped within Development Geothermal Systems; c.64 ha or 7% has been mapped in Limited Development Geothermal Systems; c.10 ha or 1% within Research Geothermal Systems and c. 386 ha or 45% has been mapped in Protected Geothermal Systems. Wildland Consultants has been involved in the long-term monitoring of many of the geothermal areas in Development Geothermal Systems. In this paper, we examine the history, methods, and findings of current monitoring programmes, consider whether monitoring is achieving its desired purpose, and discuss what could be done differently. |