Environmental Assessment
Volume E-1
Tailings Facility
Alternatives Considered
Ambatovy Project
1
January 2006
1
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
An evaluation of tailings facility site alternatives in both the Brickaville and
Toamasina areas was undertaken for the scoping portion of the Ambatovy Project
(the project) development. The Brickaville area was initially investigated as the
location for the plant site, leading to identification of potential tailings sites in the
vicinity. The Toamasina area was then reviewed and selected as the preferential
area for the plant site location. Subsequently, various potential sites for tailings
disposal in the Toamasina area were identified. Table 5.1-1 provides a site
comparison summary for the alternatives that were considered. The sites were
first compared in terms of their:
•
total capacity for tailings;
•
storage efficiency;
•
existing land use;
•
foundation conditions;
•
access and elevation;
•
downstream risks; and
•
watershed management.
As all sites were in largely man-modified habitats, flora and fauna considerations
were not taken into account at this level of analysis.
Figures 1-1 and 1-2 present the potential tailings areas identified in the
Brickaville and Toamasina areas during site visits.
