Ambatovy eBooks - page 271

Environmental Assessment Volume B-4.2
Mine Fauna
Ambatovy Project 237 January 2006
4.1). However, it should also be noted that in some instances, existing baseline
levels also exceed the guidelines.
4.2.4.5 Residual Impact Classification
The results of the residual impact classification for faunal health are presented in
Table 4.2-11.
Table 4.2-11 Residual Impact Classification for Fauna Health
Taxon Direction Magnitude GeographicExtent Duration Reversibility Frequency EnvironmentalConsequence
Issue: Air quality
species
dependent on
rare sensitive
plants
negative low local medium-term reversible medium low
amphibians negative low local medium-term reversible medium low
other species negative negligible local medium-term reversible medium negligible
Issue: Water quality
amphibians negative low
local to
beyond
regional
medium-term reversible medium low
other species negative negligible local medium-term reversible medium negligible
Air Quality
Despite mitigation, activities related to construction and operation of the mine
may result in negative changes to vegetation, including within the on-site
conservation areas. Faunal species most likely to be affected include those
dependent on rare, sensitive plants in the azonal and transitional habitats and
amphibians sensitive to airborne chemicals and potential acidifying effects on
aquatic environments. As vegetation impacts are predicted to be low (Volume B,
Section 4.1), including within the on-site conservation areas, impacts to
dependent fauna are also predicted to be low (Table 4.2-11). Impacts to
amphibians due to air emissions are predicted to be low during the dry season
and negligible during the rainy season. The impact of air emissions on fauna is
reversible since exposures due to the Ambatovy Project will end upon
decommissioning.
Water Quality
Increased heavy metals in water can negatively affect the larval development of
amphibians, resulting in reduced growth or malformations. As well, there is the