Environmental Assessment
Volume E-3.3
Tailings Facility
Soils
Ambatovy Project
36
January 2006
research-based reclamation trials program will be initiated to adequately address
the optimal reclamation techniques, given the nature of the tailings material.
Table 3.3-3 Disturbance of Soil Types in the Tailings Area
Soil Erosion Risk
Land Use Types
Area
(ha)
Percent of LSA
(%)
low
agroforestry, rice
paddies, disturbance,
wetlands
83
7
moderate to high
tavy
1,185
93
total
1,268
100
3.3.3.5 Impact Analysis
Residual Impacts
The environmental consequence of the tailings on soils is rated as high during
construction and operation, and low following closure (Table 3.3-4).
Tailings construction and operation will result in a gradual disturbance of the
area as tailings basin construction progresses. Also, the erosion risk of all soils
will increase substantially with the removal of vegetation during dyke
construction. Due to the long-term disturbance of soils during construction and
operation, the environmental consequence was rated as high.
The environmental consequence was rated as low following closure since natural
erosion rates are expected once a stable vegetation cover is established
Volume E, Section 6.
