The impact of geothermal resource development in Hawaii : including air and water quality

Abstract

"The following posed as questions, represent topics regarding additional evaluation, research or both: What kinds and quantities of data and what forms of analysis and modelling are required to carry out confusion-free baseline measurements in proximity to an active volcano zone? How do micrometeorological and microtopographic features of the Puna District affect the dispersal of emissions from a geothermal power station? Independent of contained toxicants, how does localized deposition of steam condensate affect exposed organisms, especially with respect to susceptibility to fungi and bacteria? Is the prediction of multi-well field compositional impacts based upon multiplication of single-well composition and impact a valid procedure? Similarly, can prediction from sites and fields to regions be effected by use of simple scale-up multipliers? Are the biota and ecosystems of a volcanic community pre-selected by colonization for resistance to toxic gases and gas mixtures? What are the major compartments, transfer numbers and fates of geothermal toxicants in the Puna district?