Environmental Assessment
Volume C-3.5
Slurry Pipeline
Natural Risks
Ambatovy Project
44
January 2006
three identified natural hazards described in Section 3.5.4, potential hazard
scenarios were first identified and planned risk mitigations were then described.
The residual risks for all hazard scenarios were then estimated based on
experience and the local route and design. Acceptable risks were determined
according to international standards to minimize risk to downstream public and
environmental resources.
3.5.5.2 Assessment Criteria
The assessment criteria used for the assessment of natural risks included five
categories of risk:
•
Extremely Low
•
Low
•
Moderate
•
High
•
Extremely High
3.5.5.3 Mitigation
Long-term safe and reliable operation of a slurry pipeline begins in the design
phase and continues through ongoing pipeline operations. Application of proven
design practices and development of project-specific safety systems ensures this
reliability can be achieved. Commercially operating slurry pipelines have
provided reliable service without environmental impact in high earthquake zones
(Chile and Peru), extremely wet environments (Brazil), and in remote regions
(China and Australia).
The proposed slurry pipeline does not present unique conditions for which
successful pipeline designs have not been achieved. In all aspects, the pipeline is
within commercially proven limits.
The selected route and design for the pipeline mitigate the risk of damage during
operations and include the following strategies:
•
The selected route is generally located away from human activity.
•
The pipeline will be installed below ground. Weather events (cyclones,
tornados, lightning, etc.) and surface disturbances (landslides,
earthquakes, etc.) present less risk of damage to a buried pipeline than
one installed on the surface.
