Environmental Assessment
Volume C-1
Slurry Pipeline
Alternatives Considered
Ambatovy Project
4
January 2006
1.1
INITIAL PROPOSAL
The railway route (Route A) was initially considered by the proponents due to
the convenience of using an existing cleared right-of-way. The main benefit of
this route was the relatively small amount of new clearing (footprint area) that
would be required, and thus a relatively small environmental impact. The route
was to extend from the Ambatovy mine site to Andasibe, from Andasibe to the
Ambila-Leimatso station on the east coast along the main railway line, and from
Ambila-Leimatso station to the process plant at Toamasina following the eastern
coastline rail route (Figure 1-1). This route was considered the preferred one in
the early stages of the project (early 2004).
A general survey of the route was undertaken by a team consisting of personnel
from Murray & Roberts – Engineering Solutions and Geopractica Consulting
Geotechnical Engineers that outlined technical details of how the construction
would proceed. Social investigations were also conducted along the route.
Following these evaluations, problems with constructability (potential damage to
the railway bed) and social concerns (use of the route for settlements and travel)
were clarified. The surveys to date have now confirmed that, because of these
issues, this option is both technically difficult and expensive (Table 1-1).
1.2
WESTERN ROUTE ALTERNATIVES
In March, 2004, two versions of a direct route for the pipeline were proposed. At
the west end, one extended initially northeast from the mine and cut through the
northern end of Mantadia National Park, and incorporated slightly different
options to pass the Torotorofotsy Wetlands (B-1 and B-2), and the other looped
southeast along the railway route (E-1) (Figure 1-2). These planned routes came
together near Vohibazaha to head in a nearly straight line northeast toward the
plant site at Toamasina. Though these routes were less expensive from an
engineering perspective (short and without the need for a pumping station),
concerns for the “B” routes arose due to the impact on sensitive habitats close to
Mantadia National Park and through the Mantadia-Zahamena corridor. In
addition, there was still concern that it would be too expensive to use the railway
route exclusively as part of route E-1.
An initial reconnaissance was made to evaluate all routes on May 12, 2004. The
survey focused on the forest sector in which the most problematic environmental
issues arise. Significant environmental problems were identified for all B, C and
D routes related to the amount of primary forest that would have to be crossed. It
was again concluded that from an environmental perspective, the rail route would
clearly be preferable for the western pipeline section.
