Environmental Assessment
Volume C-3.7
Slurry Pipeline
Water Quality
Ambatovy Project
66
January 2006
Failure or Spill
Pipeline failure or spills also have the potential to affect water and sediment
quality and impair downstream water uses depending on the type of material,
magnitude, duration, weather conditions and location of the release or spill. The
risk of pipeline failure will be minimized by using proper design and
construction methods. During operations, a monitoring program will be able to:
•
detect substantial pipeline failures immediately;
•
detect minor failures (i.e., a leak in the pipeline); and
•
identify the potential for pipeline failures.
Although no accidental releases or spills were assessed in the water quality
section, mitigations have been identified to reduce and minimize the effects of
these events. Furthermore, Environmental Management Systems will be
developed and implemented to minimize potential occurrence, characterize water
quality changes, and reduce likely effects, if such an event should occur.
3.7.5.2 Mitigation
To mitigate the effects on water and sediment quality, the Ambatovy Project will
implement the following measures for the slurry pipeline:
•
selection of construction season, timing and method to minimize
sediment generation at watercourse and water body crossings;
•
further assessment of proposed crossings just prior to construction to
determine the need for minor adjustments in the pipeline route to avoid
or minimize impacts to sensitive areas;
•
use of erosion control measures during construction and
decommissioning phases;
•
revegetation and other erosion control measures along the pipeline right-
of-way following construction;
•
disposal of hydrostatic test waters into either watercourses or water
bodies with sufficient volumes and/or flow rates to maximize dilution or
vegetated areas of sufficient size to minimize impacts;
•
routine inspection of the disturbed areas and pipeline crossing at
watercourse or water body locations;
•
implementation of best management practices for handling and storing
all hazardous materials; and
