Environme
Slurry Pipelin
ntal Assessment
Volume C-4.4
e
Natural Habitats and Biodiversity
Ambatovy Project
149
January 2006
Throughout the EA, key questions were used to develop cause and effect
pathways, or a linkage diagram (Volume A; Section 7). The linkage diagram
illustrating the pathways between project activities and effects on natural habitats
and biodiversity is shown in Volume H, Appendix H-9. These project activities
also influence plant and animal populations which represent components of
biodiversity. Thus, changes to flora and fauna (including fish), and habitat were
assessed by asking one key question:
Key Question HB-1
What Impact Will the Ambatovy Project Have on
Natural Habitats and Biodiversity?
Only linkages that have the potential to directly affect natural habitats and
biodiversity, as measured by ecosystem and landscape metrics (Volume C,
Section 4.4.3), are evaluated and assessed. Indirect effects on biodiversity
components such as flora, fauna, fish and aquatic resources are addressed in
Volume C, Sections 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3. A summary of these anticipated effects and
the location of the impact analyses in other sections of the EA is provided in
Table 4.4-3.
4.4.4.2 Impact Evaluation
Indicators used to rank the biodiversity potential of habitats in the pipeline LSA
included primary forest types, natural wetlands, degraded forests and species
richness, species endemism and species conservation status (IUCN and CITES)
for plants, wildlife, and fish (Volume C, Section 4.4.3). Direct impacts of the
project on habitat and biodiversity indicators will be assessed through changes in
the area of habitats on the landscape.
Potential Impact Pathway Evaluation
Activities that may result in changes to natural habitats and biodiversity include
construction and operations of the slurry pipeline corridor and reclamation during
closure. The slurry pipeline will connect the ore preparation plant at the
Ambatovy mine site to the process plant at Toamasina. The pipeline will be
buried, and will be approximately 195 km long. The width of the corridor will
vary depending upon slope from 25 m to 100 m with a road right-of-way running
along it for access. Specific details of the project are described in Volume C,
Section 2.0. Briefly, primary activities associated with the slurry pipeline that
will influence natural habitats and biodiversity include:
•
route investigations including survey and demarcation of pipeline
centreline, geotechnical surveys and hydrological surveys during early
construction phase;
