Environmental Assessment
Volume B-3.4
Mine
Climate and Air Quality
Ambatovy Project
49
January 2006
A baseline ambient air quality study was not performed for the EA; however,
ambient air quality was expected to be good based on the lack of industrial
activity in the region of the mine site. The exception could be airborne particles
resulting from fires, road dust generated during the dry season or from
agricultural activities.
In a study done on the southern coast of Madagascar in August 2000, air quality
was monitored at eight locations in and near Fort Dauphin. Results showed very
low concentrations of sulphur dioxide (SO
2
), oxides of nitrogen (NO
X
),
particulates as PM
10
(particulate less than 10 µm in diameter) and carbon
monoxide (CO). All eight locations were classified as pristine (less than 20% of
the reference standard) or clean (20 to 39% of the reference standard)
(SENES 2001). The rural stations in this study, which were all classified as
pristine, are considered representative of the ambient air quality at the mine site.
3.4.5
Impact Assessment
3.4.5.1 Issue Scoping
Through consultation with stakeholders (Volume A, Section 6) and review of
previous environmental assessments for resource developments in Madagascar
and elsewhere, specific air quality issues were identified. The following three
main factors could affect air quality in the mine study area:
•
mine fleet exhaust;
•
dust; and
•
emissions from the ore processing facilities.
The key indicators are sulphur dioxide (SO
2
), oxides of nitrogen (NO
X
), nitrogen
dioxide (NO
2
), total suspended particulates (TSP), particulate matter with
diameter less than 10 µm (PM
10
), trace metals and greenhouse gases.
The key questions addressed below for air quality are:
Key Question AQ-1
How Will The Development of the Mine Affect
Air Quality?
Key Question AQ-2
How Will The Development of the Mine Affect
the Production And Management of
Greenhouse Gases?
