Environmental Assessment
Volume D-3.2
Process Plant
Soils
Table 3.2-1 Project Interaction Matrix
Project Activities or
Facilities
Soil
(a)
Issue
Comments
pre-construction phase
geotechnical drilling
N
increased short-term soil
erosion risk on slopes >10%
short-term issue
construction and operation phase
vegetation clearing
H
wind and water erosion; soil
compaction from equipment
water erosion risk will be high until
exposed areas revegetated
topsoil removal
M to H
wind and water erosion risk
increases, loss of soil quality
(nutrient loss, soil
compaction)
impact depends on length of time soil
exposed
plant site construction
M to H wind and water erosion; soil
compaction from equipment
impact depends on length of time soil
exposed
plant site operation
L to M soil contamination
spills will be cleaned up as required
reclamation and closure phase
removal of equipment
P
removal of contamination
source
positive effect
site remediation
P
remediation of any
contamination
positive effect
reclamation
P
reclamation of disturbed
areas
positive effect
(a)
Interaction Ratings: N – Negligible, L – Low, M – Moderate, H – High and P – Positive.
Impact Pathways
Key Question ST-1 analyzes the effects associated with construction, operation
and reclamation of the plant site on the loss or alteration of soil within the Local
Study Area (LSA).
Activities resulting in the direct loss or alteration of soil in the plant site area
include site clearing and surface disturbance to permit plant construction. Area
preparation for facility construction will involve the removal of the soil cover.
Plant site facility construction will result in vegetation removal, thereby exposing
the soil and increasing the probability for erosion.
Soil compaction results in a reduction in porosity and an increase in soil bulk
density. The potential loss of soil structure from soil compaction can affect
vegetation growth, especially root development, aeration and drainage. Plant site
construction will involve equipment traffic and activity on soils with possible
compaction.
Ambatovy Project
21
January 2006
