Environmental Assessment
Volume E-3.1
Tailings Facility
Topography and Geomorphology
Ambatovy Project
20
January 2006
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changes in the landscape and underlying geomorphology slope which
may represent important issues over the long term to people or the
environment.
Depending on the amount of terrain recontouring at the time of reclamation, local
changes in topography may have implications for hydrology, hydrogeology,
visual effects, growing conditions for flora, habitat for fauna, aquatic habitat and
closure planning.
The key question for topography and geomorphology is:
Key Question TG-1
What Effect Will the Tailings Facility Have on
Topography and Geomorphology?
Potential impact pathways associated with impacts on topography and
geomorphology are presented in Volume H, Appendix 9. During construction
and operation phases, topographic and geomorphologic features of the landscape
will be disturbed. Slopes and topography will be altered during the construction,
operation and closure phases.
3.1.5
Impact Assessment
3.1.5.1 Assessment Methods
Existing topography was studied using literature and topographic maps. The
relative uniqueness of topographic features was assessed by comparing the
features to be affected by the project with other features in the LSA. The
characteristics of pre-project topography was compared qualitatively with
topography following development of the tailings facility.
3.1.5.2 Assessment Criteria
The assessment criteria used for topography and geomorphology are presented in
Table 3.1-1.
