Environmental Assessment
Volume C-3.1
Slurry Pipeline
Topography and Geomorphology
Ambatovy Project
19
January 2006
3.1.4
Issue Scoping
The main potential issues relating to topography and geomorphology are:
•
initial removal and disturbance of unique or important topographic
features important for social or biological reasons; and
•
changes in the landscape and underlying geomorphology slope which
may represent important issues over the long term to people or the
environment.
Depending on the amount of terrain recontouring at the time of reclamation, local
changes in topography may have implications for hydrology, hydrogeology,
visual effects, growing conditions for flora, habitat for fauna, aquatic habitat and
closure planning.
The key question for topography and geomorphology is:
Key Question TG-1
What Effect Will the Slurry Pipeline Have on
Topography and Geomorphology?
Impact pathways associated with impacts on topography and geomorphology are
shown in the topography and geomorphology figure in Volume H, Appendix 9.
During construction and operation phases, topographic and geomorphologic
features of the landscape will be disturbed. Slopes and topography will be
altered during the construction, operation and closure phases.
3.1.5
Impact Assessment
3.1.5.1 Assessment Methods
Existing topography was studied using literature and topographic maps. The
relative uniqueness of topographic features was assessed by comparing the
features to be affected by the project with other features in the LSA. The
characteristics of pre-project topography were considered generally in
comparison to the modified topography typically required for pipeline
construction.
3.1.5.2 Assessment Criteria
The assessment criteria used for topography and geomorphology are presented in
Table 3.1-1.
