| Abstract |
Both the developed and developing countries would like to move to the position of sustainable geothermal development while the restoration of natural resources and improving the quality of existence environment. Generally the impacts of geothermal energy development are positive but still there are some negative impacts. It is important, to consider, the association of positive and negative impacts in all development stages of geothermal projects including exploration, drilling and utilizations in the standard format of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) method. A drafted early in the project planning stage and well-prepared EIA report can significantly add to the quality of the overall project. In the most countries, the role of EIA, customarily ends with the decision making to proceed the project but in the case of geothermal projects with the target of sustainable development the environmental impacts analysis process could be more effective if regular monitoring and mitigation plans detail in the EIA, continues during project implementation. In other words, geothermal development EIAs should be analytic rather than encyclopaedic (1). Air quality, water resources and quality, geologic factors, and socioeconomic issues will invariably be the most important factors. The EIA should be intended to help public officials to make informed decisions that are based on an understanding of environmental consequences and take proper actions. The EIA process has been defined in different ways throughout the world. In fact, it appears that no two countries have defined it in exactly the same way. This study tries to find or prepare a guide that presents a comprehensive discussion of the environmental impacts and suggests mitigation plans which associated with geothermal development projects as a standard EIA format by reviewing the methods. Finally, the report of the EIA and executive summery should be well written and present the significant impacts, clarifying which are unavoidable and which are irreversible; the measures which can be taken to mitigate them; the cumulative effects of impacts; and the requirements for monitoring and supervision. |