Environmental Assessment
Volume A-7
Introduction
EA Methods and Study Area
7.2.5
Hydrology, Water Quality and Aquatic Resources
Mine
The aquatic study area (Figure 7.2-1) for the mine is based on surface water
features potentially directly affected by the mine and ancillary activities. This
includes the rivers, streams, ephemeral ponds, springs and wetlands within the
drainages directly affected (i.e., footprint of the mine and ancillary activities) or
indirectly affected (i.e., change in downstream flow and water quality). The
boundaries generally identify the limit of definable impact. The study area also
includes the water bodies within the water pipeline corridor (within and
immediately downstream of the pipeline right-of-way) from the Mangoro River
and the general area of the water intake structure on the Mangoro River.
As the ore bodies lie generally on a high plateau and a drainage divide, the
headwaters of several basins originate within the ore body area. An
internationally recognized Ramsar wetlands system, the Torotorofotsy Wetlands,
is located immediately downstream of the mine site, and is included in the study
area (Figure 7.2-1).
Slurry Pipeline
The aquatic study area for the slurry pipeline includes the waterbodies:
•
within the pipeline corridor and crossed by the pipeline; or
•
potentially influenced downstream by operation and maintenance of the
system.
Most studies focus on the general study area illustrated in Figure 7.2-2, but
additional regional areas are described in appropriate discipline sections.
Tailings and Plant
The aquatics study area for the tailings facility and process plant includes
(Figure 7.2-3):
•
the drainages and water bodies affected by the footprint of the tailings
pond, pipelines or process plant;
•
the downstream portions of the drainages which could potentially be
affected by changes in water quality or volume; and
•
drainages and water bodies which may be affected by air emissions
from the processing plant and/or associated power plant.
Ambatovy Project
57
January 2006
