Environmental Assessment
Volume E-3.11
Tailings Facility
Visual Aesthetics
Ambatovy Project
150
January 2006
3.11.5.5 Impact Analysis
Residual Impacts
Following mitigation, the residual effects during each project period are
summarized in Table 3.11-3.
Table 3.11-3 Potential Effects and Residual Impacts for Visual Aesthetics
Project Period
Potential Effects
Mitigation
Residual Impacts
construction and
operations
clearing of land and
changes in landforms
visible facilities and
machinery
lighting
visible emissions and
dust
progressive reclamation of dams
where possible
few facilities; location of activity will be
visible to small number of local
residents
fully shielded lights directed away
from viewers
dust control measures
moderate magnitude
modification of visible landscape
from key viewpoints
negligible impact on key
viewpoints
negligible impact on key
viewpoints
negligible effects
closure
changes in landforms
will persist beyond
closure
visible facilities and
machinery
contouring and revegetation of
landforms to a natural appearance
decommissioning and removal of
facilities and machinery
moderate magnitude / long-term
modification visible landscape
none
The construction of linear access infrastructure, buildings at the tailings facility
and dam structures will occur during the construction phase. During the
operations phase, dams will be gradually built up as tailings are deposited into
the pond. Among the tailings facility features that may be visible are the
widened access corridor and the dam structures. The flat-topped tailings facility
resulting after closure and reclamation will continue to contrast visually with the
surrounding topography for an indefinite time.
The magnitude of landform visual impacts is considered moderate during
construction and operations phases of the project but will be low following full
reclamation at closure. The geographic extent of impacts is local, as rough
topography obscures the views of most areas outside the LSA. Landform
impacts are not reversible, as the landscape will not be returned to its initial state.
Viewing frequency is low, as relatively few viewers are expected to be in the
areas from which the project will be visible. Overall, the environmental
