Environmental Assessment
Volume C-3.5
Slurry Pipeline
Natural Risks
Ambatovy Project
47
January 2006
Another key method for minimizing the risk of damage due to natural hazards is
regular inspection of the pipeline right-of-way to identify changes that may
impact pipeline integrity. These pipeline route inspections will be integrated into
the maintenance programs.
3.5.5.4 Results
The results of the risk assessment are summarized from the reference report
(Pipeline Systems Incorporated, 2005). Risks were estimated based on
worldwide operating experience and project conditions for each of the three
principal natural hazards.
Land Slides
There is almost no commercial experience where a land slide has damaged the
pipeline. Application of the planned design and construction techniques will
result in a secure pipeline installation. Based on this commercial operating
experience and the planned pipeline design, the risk of failure due to landslide is
estimated as Low.
Water Erosion
Commercial experience suggests that the planned design methods provide
adequate protection at waterway crossings. Robust design to the proposed pipe
itself offers significant resistance to mechanical damage even if exposed by a
storm event. Based on commercial operating experience and the project site-
specific conditions, the risk of pipeline failure due to water erosion is estimated
as Low considering a proper right-of-way inspection and maintenance program
that includes timely repairs.
Seismic Hazards
There are very few known incidents of any type of pipeline failing during an
earthquake and there is no information that a slurry pipeline has ever failed
during a seismic event. The planned pipeline designs including commercially
proven designs for fault crossings are effective in mitigating this risk of failure.
Based on commercial operating experience and the planned pipeline design, the
risk of failure due to an earthquake is estimated as Low.
