Azura-Edo Independent Power Plant Environmental Impact ... - IFC

7.7.1 Impact Description and Significance: Construction
Impact Description
The key impact during construction is the potential loss of vegetation cover
over the 102 ha site Project site, the transmissions line RoW. Some clearing
may be required for the laying of the pipeline spur, although this is expected
to be very minor as the spur will be located along the existing cleared RoW for
the NIPP pipeline. The removal of vegetation and soil in the site clearance
could result in an alteration of the surface water run-off regime. This could
result in sedimentation of surface drainage networks, which will impact upon
the quality of natural water systems and ultimately the biological systems that
use these water bodies (IFC, 2007).
Vegetation clearing may allow for opportunistic grass species (and any other
species) to generate in place of the original floral species, resulting in the
potential loss of vegetation. However this will not likely affect the overall
population of species in the broader area.
The change in floral species will also impact upon the availability of the
relevant habitats for faunal species. The potential fragmentation of habitats
may also occur in the Study Area. It is also important to note that any tree
species that are cleared will affect bird species in the Study Area, in addition
to influencing the pollination of any trees that rely upon birds for pollination.
During the wet and dry season baseline studies numerous ‘light’ forest areas
were observed with a mixture of juvenile and old trees. An example of this is
the rubber plantation (Hevea brasiliensis) that was identified in the forested
area. Specifically the older trees may be a considerable source (and habitat)
for faunal species particularly insects. The increased presence of traffic and
people on site will also act as a barrier to any faunal species that are normally
mobile in the area.
Other activities which will contribute to impacts on biodiversity include
construction lighting, including high mast lighting for activities and dust
emissions.
Impact Significance
The impacts on biodiversity will be negative and restricted to the site and the
immediate local surroundings. Although some of the impacts will be
reversible over the long term, the loss of habitat will be permanent. The
magnitude of the impact will therefore be moderate.
The study area comprises fallow land and secondary forest (either degraded
or re-growing), with a few farms and areas currently under development
(both residential and commercial). The habitats in the Study Area have been
previously disturbed and are not protected (1) . One endangered floral species,
(1) The Convention on Biological Diversity incorporates ecosystems, habitats, species and communities and the protection
of genetic diversity within the definition of biodiversity. The requirements of the IFC’s Performance Standard 6 are also
AZURA EDO IPP
7-45
DRAFT EIA REPORT