Environmental Assessment
Volume D-3.8
Process Plant
Water Quality
Based on the above qualitative assessment, acidification is not likely to occur in
the water bodies near the process plant area.
3.8.5.2 Mitigation
The following mitigations will be implemented in the process plant area:
•
implementing runoff and sediment control procedures during site
clearing and preparation, and collecting and treating runoff from project
facilities and disturbed areas before release into receiving watercourses
and water bodies;
•
source reductions in air emissions to reduce the potential for
acidification;
•
waste management practices are established for safe handling and
storing all hazardous materials; and
•
developing and implementing an effective Emergency and Spill
Response Plan as a component of an overall Environmental
Management System.
Runoff and sediment control procedures, as described in Section 3.7 (Volume D),
will minimize the introduction of sediments and substances adsorbed to sediment
into receiving watercourses and water bodies. Also, holding ponds, which
promote settling within the pond, are commonly used to reduce sediment
concentrations in runoff waters. Mitigation to reduce sediment loading is
discussed in more detail in the Hydrology Section (Volume D, Section 3.7).
3.8.5.3 Impact Analysis
Prediction Confidence
The proposed mitigation methods to manage suspended solids, are commonly
used and are known to be effective. There is medium to high confidence in the
success of the mitigations.
The prediction confidence in changes in the assimilative capacity of the Ivondro
River is high, which is based on the high confidence in predictions in changes of
flow due to withdrawals and high to medium confidence in the success of
mitigations.
The prediction confidence for the potential of acidification of adjacent water
bodies due to air emissions from the plant is medium, since baseline information
indicates that water bodies near the process plant are not likely sensitive to
Ambatovy Project
80
January 2006
