Environmental Assessment
Volume C-3.8
Slurry Pipeline
Visual Aesthetics
Ambatovy Project
74
January 2006
phase. The success of erosion control measures will be critical to keep the visual
impacts of the pipeline low throughout the operation phase.
Re-forestation of the RoW immediately after construction in the Torotorofotsy
Ramsar Site and Mantadia-Zahamena protected area will reduce visual effects in
these key areas during the operation phase.
Closure
The slurry pipeline will be left in place (buried) at the time of closure. Exposed
sections will be removed and disposed of, unless a regional planning process
determines that there is an advantage to leaving them in place. The road along the
slurry pipeline and associated access routes and bridges that have been constructed
will usually be left in place but could be replaced or decommissioned, depending on
the decision of local stakeholders and government planners at the time of closure
(most local peoples favour the maintenance of such access routes at present).
3.8.5.5 Impact Analysis
Residual Impacts
Following mitigation, the residual effects during each project period are
summarized in Table 3.8-3.
Table 3.8-3 Potential Effects and Residual Impacts for Visual Aesthetics
Project
Period
Potential Effects
Mitigation
Residual Impacts
construction clearing of land and changes
in landforms (pipeline route
and access roads)
minimize construction along steep slopes;
progressive reclamation and regular
maintenance; thick walled pipeline so route can
be reforested in critical locations
low-magnitude modification of
visible landscape from key
viewpoints
changes in visible facilities
and construction machinery
remove and reclaim after construction
negligible impact on key viewpoints
changes in visible emissions
and dust
dust control measures
negligible-magnitude effects which
may be visible from longer distances
operations
clearing of land and changes
in landforms
progressive reclamation
low-magnitude modification of
visible landscape from key
viewpoints
closure
clearing of land and changes
in landforms along the row
full reclamation
negligible / long-term modification
visible landscape
changes in visible pipeline
decommissioning and removal of visible
sections of pipeline
none
Clearing of land and changes to localized topography will occur along the
pipeline RoW and associated access routes during construction. Progressive
reclamation will occur as construction proceeds. The magnitude of landform
