Environmental Assessment
Volume C-4.2
Slurry Pipeline
Fauna
Ambatovy Project
97
January 2006
Assessment Methods
Site Clearing
Changes in areal extent of each habitat type were assessed from baseline to
impact case based on the mapped vegetation classification for the slurry pipeline
LSA. The pipeline route, based on a average width of 50 m, was overlain on the
vegetation classification map to assess impacts. Total watercourse length was
calculated for streams and rivers in the LSA, irrespective of size. Other ancillary
physical disturbances include side access roads to the proposed pipeline route,
worker camps and laydown areas. As noted above, the location of these ancillary
project features is not finalized so no quantitative assessment of impacts to
habitats could be completed. Potential impacts for these features were discussed
qualitatively. Reclamation will restore habitat but was not assessed
quantitatively as the areal extent of each reclamation type is not yet known. A
qualitative assessment of impacts to species using affected habitats is discussed.
Change in Hydrology
Potential impacts to fauna due to changes in runoff, streamflow and sediment
loading are discussed qualitatively based on the qualitative assessment for
hydrology (Volume C, Section 3.6).
Assessment Criteria
The assessment criteria used for fauna are presented in Table 4.2-1. Where
quantitative values are not possible, results from the literature, local specialists
and professional judgment were used to determine impacts.
Table 4.2-1 Impact Description Criteria for Fauna
Direction
(a)
Magnitude
(b)
Geographic Extent
(c)
Duration
(d)
Reversibility
(e)
Frequency
(f)
positive
,
negative
or
neutral
for the
measurement
endpoints
negligible
: no
measurable effect on
the measurement
endpoint
low
: <10% change in
measurement endpoint
moderate
: 10 to 20%
change in
measurement endpoint
high
: >20% change in
measurement endpoint
local
: effect restricted
to the LSA
regional
: effect
extends beyond the
LSA into the RSA
beyond
regional
:
effect extends beyond
the RSA
short-term
:
<3 years
medium-
term
: 3 to
30 years
long-term
:
>30 years
reversible
or
irreversible
low
: occurs
once
medium
:
occurs
intermittently
high
: occurs
continuously
(a)
Direction: positive or negative effect for measurement endpoints, as defined for the specific component.
(b)
Magnitude: degree of change to analysis endpoint.
(c)
Geographic Extent: area affected by the impact.
(d)
Duration: length of time over which the environmental effect occurs. Considers a 3-year construction period and a
27-year operations period.
(e)
Reversibility: effect on the resource (or resource capability) can or cannot be reversed.
(f)
Frequency: how often the environmental effect occurs.
