Environment

Mud deposit causes hot steam at Mataloko

by flankers-23 | January 29, 2009 at 07:44 pm

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Kupang (ANTARA News) - Hot steam rising at the geothermal power plant on Mataloko, Bajawa, Central Flores, which has caused more than 1,000 locals suffering respiratory problmes, could be triggered by mud deposit during the rainy season.

Former General Manager of PT PLN (state`s electric company)`s office in East Nusa Tenggara, Amir Rosidin, said in his introduction speech of the new PT PLN general manager for NTT, S Januwarsono, Tuesday night (27/1) that hot steam in the rainy season caused several land cracks.

Based on information he received from a staff member of PT PLN in Ngada district, Rosidin said that the hot steam was carried by the wind and inhaled by the locals.

The radius of the sulphuric smoke from the hot steam burst is not yet known by PT PLN. At least 1,000 local people living near the area suffered from respiratory problems.

In response to the crisis, the government has drilled six geothermal spots or wells, he said.

Rosidin said that the first well has failed, the second well has produced 100 Kilowatts (KW) of electricity, the fourth well is prepared for another power plant and the sixth is used as an injection well.

The Bandung Geology agency was expected to investigate the steam, Rosidin said. It has sent experts to Mataloko to gather samples of mud, rocks and gas for further research to obtain the hazardous level of hot steam.

Rosidin said people should not panic and should wait for the Bandung Geology team`s result to prevent any misunderstanding.

The Mataloko power plant was predicted to begin operation in April 2009 and produce 2.5 MW geothermal electricity.

However when the engine is installed, the power will decrease to 1.8 MW so a calibration needed to adjust the electricity and the geothermal energy.
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Amy Judd

at 11:57 on February 5th, 2009

Just a question - did you write this piece here as you need to use our highlight tool to post material from outside sources so that our readers know where it has come from.