Environmental Assessment
Volume C-3.7
Slurry Pipeline
Water Quality
Ambatovy Project
67
January 2006
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development and implementation of an effective Emergency and Spill
Response Plan as a component of an overall Environmental
Management System.
3.7.6
Impact Analysis
3.7.6.1 Prediction Confidence
The prediction confidence associated with changes in water and sediment quality
from development of the slurry pipeline is considered to be moderate to high.
The potential for changes in water and sediment quality are primarily associated
with construction and decommissioning of pipeline crossings at watercourse or
water body locations and water withdrawals for hydrostatic testing. The duration
of these activities will be short; therefore, the effect of change in average water
quality conditions will remain negligible.
The proposed mitigation, such as erosion control measures and decommissioning
methods are based on standard practices, and are known to be effective when
implemented properly. The implementation of these measures is relatively
simple. Therefore, there is medium to high confidence in the success of the
mitigation measures. The prediction confidence associated with changes in water
and sediment quality due to runoff is considered moderate based on best
management practices and erosion control measures that are available for
limiting sediment transport from disturbed areas to receiving water bodies.
3.7.6.2 Monitoring
Routine inspections during pipeline construction will be conducted to verify the
effectiveness of erosion and sediment control measures. Suspended sediment
concentrations will be monitored during instream works. Routine inspections of
the pipeline right-of-way and pipeline crossings at watercourse or water body
locations will also be conducted during operations to monitor and evaluate the
effectiveness of erosion control measures, slope stability, stream bank stability
and revegetated and reclaimed areas, as described in Volume B, Section 6.
Careful observations and operations during water withdrawal and disposal for
hydrostatic testing will also ensure that impacts are minimized.
