Summary
•
concern over the development of a “worker-based” city near the
plant, with public health and safety impacts; and
•
concern that the use of an offshore location for final metal refining
would reduce economic opportunities within Madagascar.
Environment
Activities during operations of the plant will result in the release of
sulphur dioxide (SO
2
), nitrogen oxides (NO
X
), particulate matter and
hydrogen sulphide (H
2
S) to the atmosphere. Air quality modelling was
conducted to identify the needed emission controls to achieve ambient
ground level concentration criteria in the vicinity of the process plant.
The proponent has committed to installing equipment that will meet or
better the World Bank criteria based on 24-hour and annual average
emissions.
Air quality
With respect to odour, it has been estimated that the average H
2
S
concentration may exceed the World Health Organization recommended
30-minute odour threshold at some communities south of Toamasina,
close to the plant site. Unlike the 24-hour H
2
S criteria, the shorter period
criterion is based solely on odour perception. A worst-case prediction is
that odour may be detectable about 4% of the time.
Emissions of carbon dioxide (CO
2
), methane (CH
4
), nitrous oxide (N
2
O)
and total greenhouse gases (GHG), expressed as equivalent carbon
dioxide (ECO
2
) were estimated for the operations phase of the process
plant and associated power plant. Greenhouse gas emissions from the
whole facility are predicted to be 1,920 kt ECO
2
/yr. Malagasy GHG
emissions in 1994 were estimated to be 456,323 kt ECO
2
/yr by the
National Ministry of the Environment. The emissions from the process
plant would therefore represent a 0.4% increase in national GHG
emissions.
Noise level modelling was conducted to predict continuous noise levels
at various communities as a result of the process plant operations. To
ensure a “worst case” was assessed, the model is based on the
assumption that all equipment will be in use at full design capacity. The
modelling demonstrated that World Bank noise criteria will be met at all
communities.
Noise
Of the habitats that will be impacted
as a result of the plant, all are highly
disturbed. Avoidance of native
vegetation through site selection
provides the most effective mitigation
to limit native plant community and
associated fauna losses.
Biodiversity
Disturbed vegetation at plant site
January 2006
Ambatovy Project — 29
