Environmental Assessment
Volume B-3.10
Mine
Visual Aesthetics
Ambatovy Project
140
January 2006
Table 3.10-2 Impact Description Criteria for Visual Aesthetics
Direction
Magnitude
Geographic
Extent
Duration
Reversibility
Frequency
positive:
change
in landscape to
more natural
appearance
negative:
change
in landscape to
less natural
appearance
negligible:
no measurable
effect on visual aesthetics
low:
key viewpoints allow
distant or minor views of
project effects
moderate:
key viewpoints
allow direct but not
overwhelming views of project
effects
high:
key viewpoints allow for
close-in, overwhelming views
of project effects (views
representing a large
proportion of the visible
landscape)
local:
effect
restricted to the
LSA
regional:
effect
extends beyond
the LSA
short
term:
<3
years
medium
term:
3 to
30 years
long term:
>30 years
reversible or
irreversible
low:
views
occur rarely
medium:
views occur
intermittently
high:
views
occur
continuously
3.10.5.3 Mitigation
Project design will allow direct impacts of the mine development to avoid the
Torotorofotsy Wetlands, minimizing visual effects on tourists in this area.
During construction and operations, fully shielded lights will be used at project
facilities, and the lights will be directed away from nearby houses, villages and
conservation areas to minimize effects on both people and wildlife.
At closure, project buildings will be decommissioned and any waste from these
facilities will be properly disposed of.
During the operations and closure phases, reclamation will occur. Slope design
and erosion control will minimize both short and long-term erosion. Closure
landforms will be designed such that there will be continuity of landforms and
watershed systems between undisturbed land and previously reclaimed areas.
Revegetation with native species will allow the affected landscape to blend with
the existing unaffected forest.
