Environmental Assessment
Volume C-5.3
Slurry Pipeline
Land Use
Two percent (77 ha) of forested areas (zonal, transitional and degraded) in the
LSA are affected by the project. It was estimated by studies in the mine area
that about 74 cubic metres of viable timber can be taken from each hectare of
forest cut. The market value of this timber is dependent on the species.
Changes in Hydrology and Sedimentation
Effects of the pipeline on surface water flows and sedimentation have been
evaluated in Volume C, Section 3.6. During construction, the slurry pipeline
right-of-way (RoW) is expected to have negligible effects on flow and water
levels, and low to moderate effects on levels of sediment in receiving water
bodies. Effects during operation and post-closure are expected to be negligible
due to erosion control measures. Therefore, effects on downstream land users
will be limited to sedimentation impacts over a short term (construction).
However, if such impacts do affect key agricultural areas (rice paddies) or harm
water supplies necessary for land use and land users, appropriate compensation
will be provided.
Changes in Fish Habitat and Abundance
Impacts on fish and effects on artisanal fisheries which may be used for food by
local populations are assessed in the fish and aquatic resources section
(Volume C, Section 4.3).
Increased Population Pressure
The project will result in the presence of a considerable number of people in the
LSA during the construction phase, most of whom will be housed in temporary
construction camps. Construction workers will generally not be engaging in
local land use, hunting, or fishing and are not expected to have an impact on land
use in the LSA.
Changes in Regional Access
The project will result in the construction of a road along most of the pipeline
route, and a variety of access routes from existing roadways to the pipeline route.
In general, this is considered a positive effect for land use and the establishment
of such a road without access restrictions is generally viewed favourably by local
residents in the pipeline LSA (Volume A, Section 6). However, in some cases,
especially where primary forest exists, improved access may lead to undesirable
land use such as illegal forestry, and access control measures will be needed.
Ambatovy Project
190
January 2006
