Environmental Assessment
Volume C-3.8
Slurry Pipeline
Visual Aesthetics
Ambatovy Project
69
January 2006
3.8
VISUAL AESTHETICS
3.8.1
Introduction
This section presents the Environmental Assessment for the effects of the slurry
pipeline on visual aesthetics. As per the Ambatovy Project (the project) Terms of
Reference, the potential impacts on the nearest habitations or frequented
viewpoints are evaluated.
3.8.2
Study Area
The slurry pipeline Local Study Area (LSA) for visual aesthetics is the same as
the general study area presented in Volume A, Figure 7.2-2. It includes a 1 km
buffer around the preliminary pipeline route centreline. This LSA passes through
the Torotorofotsy Ramsar Site and the planned Mantadia-Zahamena conservation
area, and immediately adjacent to Mantadia National Park.
3.8.3
Baseline Summary
The pipeline route traverses a variety of landscapes, including the central
highlands and coastal plains. It crosses through the Torotorofotsy Wetlands
complex, adjacent to Mantadia Park in some locations, and parallels a portion of
the Madarail system for a short distance. The pipeline will have many potential
viewpoints along its route, and passes through scenic landscapes characterized by
steep topographic features, small and large waterways, and vegetation ranging
from primary forest to barren dune areas.
Key viewpoints for this assessment must be accessible to the public during
project activity and must be within the project viewshed. The key viewpoints are
summarized in Table 3.8-1. Baseline views from key viewpoints SP1 to SP4 are
presented in Volume I, Appendix 11.1, Attachment 1, Photographs 10
through 13.
Additional details concerning baseline conditions are provided in Volume I,
Appendix 11.1.
