Environmental Assessment
Volume C-4.2
Slurry Pipeline
Fauna
Ambatovy Project
96
January 2006
4.2.4.2 Key Question W-1 What Effect Will the Project Have on
Faunal Abundance and Distribution?
Habitat loss can result from activities during the construction and operation
phases. Habitat loss can result from the following:
•
site clearing;
•
change in stream flows;
•
sensory disturbance;
•
air emissions, including dust;
•
fragmentation; and
•
barriers to movement.
Faunal habitat can be lost through direct or indirect activities. Direct habitat loss
results from the physical removal of habitat through site clearing during the
construction and operation phase of the project. Direct habitat loss may also
result through habitat fragmentation, where habitat quality is reduced to the point
that it is no longer used by fauna. Indirect habitat loss is when the habitat is still
physically available but fauna choose not to, or may not be able to use it as a
result of physical barriers and sensory disturbance. Direct habitat loss, initial
fragmentation and sensory disturbance will be more closely associated with the
construction phase while barriers to movement and indirect habitat loss due to
edge effects are more closely associated with the operational phase. However,
both phases of the project may result in direct and indirect habitat loss. Habitat
fragmentation and barriers to movement are addressed under Key Question W-2.
Direct Habitat Loss
Potential Impact Pathways
Site Clearing
Direct habitat loss is the most visible effect and occurs when land is cleared for
other uses. Because some facilities (e.g., main roads) will be permanent for the
life of the project, habitat loss is a long-term event for these features. Site
clearing is primarily associated with construction, and for roads at closure.
Change in Hydrology
Habitat loss could occur if there are changes in runoff, streamflow and sediment
loading in streams. As impacts are predicted during the construction phase of the
project (Volume C, Section 3.6), this may impact semi-aquatic terrestrial species.
