Environmental Assessment
Volume C-5.4
Slurry Pipeline
Human and Ecological Health
Ambatovy Project
192
January 2006
5.4
HUMAN AND ECOLOGICAL HEALTH
5.4.1
Introduction
The health assessment for the slurry pipeline area focuses on potential changes in
air and water quality and possible associated effects on human and/or aquatic
health during construction, operations and post-closure.
5.4.2
Study Areas
The local study area (LSA) for the slurry pipeline is the same as the LSA for the
water quality and hydrology assessments. It includes a 1 km buffer on both sides
of the route, along the length of the pipeline corridor (see map in Volume A,
Section 7, Figure 7.2-2).
5.4.3
Baseline Summary
5.4.3.1 Introduction
A quantitative human risk assessment was not conducted for the baseline
conditions in the pipeline study area. However, preliminary data suggest that
health risks to people due to surface water ingestion and air inhalation are likely
to be low. That is because air quality is expected to be pristine (Volume I,
Appendix 4.1) and assessed surface water bodies in the study area were classified
as suitable for all uses (Class A according to the Madagascar classification
system for water quality) or suitable for non-contact recreation (Class B; refer to
Volume I, Appendix 9.1).
Regarding aquatic health, measured pH and dissolved oxygen levels met
applicable guidelines for protection of aquatic health.
5.4.4
Impact Assessment
This section of the health assessment evaluates the potential adverse effects to
human and aquatic health due to the slurry pipeline construction, operation and
post-closure in combination with the baseline conditions.
5.4.4.1 Issue Scoping
The main health issue captured from consultation with all stakeholders is the
concern that air and water quality will be affected by pipeline construction and
