Environmental Assessment
Volume E-5.4
Tailings Facility
Human and Ecological Health
Ambatovy Project
217
January 2006
Screening-level human health risk analysis of the baseline conditions related to
ingestion of surface water and fish living in these waters suggest potential
exposure would yield low to negligible risk.
Aquatic Health
The aquatic receptors selected for the assessment were aquatic plants,
invertebrates, benthic invertebrates and fish living in water bodies in the tailings
facility area.
Aluminium, copper, iron, nickel and zinc were considered of potential concern
for aquatic receptors’ health since their maximum measured concentrations in
water and/or sediment exceeded water and/or sediment guidelines for protection
of aquatic life.
Screening-level risk analysis of the baseline conditions related to surface water
suggested iron and copper present potentially elevated risk levels to some aquatic
biota, including invertebrates.
5.4.4
Impact Assessment
This section of the health assessment evaluates the potential adverse effects to
human and aquatic health due to the operation and post-closure of the facility in
combination with the baseline conditions.
5.4.4.1 Issue Scoping
The main tailings health issue captured from consultation with all stakeholders is
the concern that water quality will be affected around the facility and this in turn
may affect, crops, drinking water, flora and fauna.
Key questions established to address those issues are listed below. Linkage
diagrams for potential impact pathways are provided in Volume H, Appendix 9.
Key Question HH-1
What Effect Will Chemical Releases From the
Tailings Facility Site Have on Human Health?
Key Question HH-2
What Effect Will Chemical Releases From the
Tailings Facility Site Have on Livelihood
Resources?
