| Abstract |
Ngozi geothermal prospect is located in Mbeya region south western Tanzania, where various studies have been carried out in the area mainly focusing on geology and tectonic evolution for geothermal exploration, in search to prove the viable existence of the geothermal resource. So far, detailed surface studies have been carried out and three wells locations have been cited for exploration drilling. Exploration drilling involve infrastructure development, construction of drilling pads, water ponds and may need resettlement. According to the law, such projects (energy development projects) requires EIA study. The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for Ngozi test drilling involved the following stages: i. Project registration and submission of project brief to National Environment Management Council. ii. Carrying out Scoping Study and preparation of ToR. iii. Carrying out detailed ESIA study after National Environmental Management Council (NEMC) approve scoping report and ToR for the proposed project and its components. iv. NEMC site visiting for verification, Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and Review process. Finally, comments from TAC incorporated in the report and re-submitted. EIA certificate is then issued. NEMC requires 135 days from the first EIA stage to issuance of EIA certificate This paper focuses on the anticipated effects on the environment that comes from drilling and related infrastructures. In analysing the impacts, the most environmental factors that the project is expected to have on the environment, i.e. noise, land use and socio economic are described. Measures are provided to ensure the activities are implemented in environmentally sustainable manner. As subject to national and international requirement, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is important before project implementation. The key important national act, regulation and policy used in this ESIA are the Environmental management Act of 2004 cap 191, EIA and Audit regulations of 2005 and National Environmental Policy of 1997. All EIA projects are being administered at the national level by National Environment Management Council (NEMC). |