Environmental Assessment
Volume C-4.3
Slurry Pipeline
Fish and Aquatic Resources
Ambatovy Project
127
January 2006
4.3.4
Issue Scoping
4.3.4.1 Issues and Key Questions
Consultation revealed a general concern that pipeline construction might impact
water quality for both human and ecological requirements. Special focus was
also put on maintaining the aquatic resources of the Torotorofotsy wetlands
(Volume A, Section 6). The primary issues identified with respect to the
potential impact of the slurry pipeline on freshwater aquatic resources are:
•
The effects of construction and operation of pipeline watercourse
crossings on availability, quality or quantity of aquatic habitat.
•
The effects of construction and operation of access roads and
infrastructure, on availability, quality or quantity of aquatic habitat.
•
The effects of construction and operation of pipeline and infrastructure
on fish distribution and abundance.
•
The effects of construction and operation of pipeline and infrastructure
on fish health and artisanal fish harvest.
These issues and impacts have been addressed by a set of key questions:
Key Question FA-1
What Effect Will the Project Have on Aquatic
Habitat?
Key Question FA-2
What Effect Will the Project Have on the
Abundance and Survival of Fish?
Key Question FA-3
What Effect Will the Project Have on Artisanal
Fisheries?
Impacts to fish and aquatic resources could occur during construction, operations
and closure of the slurry pipeline, as illustrated in the linkage diagram
(Volume H, Appendix 9).
4.3.4.2 Assessment Parameters
Aquatic biota of significance to the proposed project includes both the fish and
invertebrates that form part of the aquatic ecosystem in the project area. By
association, the aquatic habitats that these organisms depend on to complete their
life history are also a critical part of the aquatic ecosystem.
