Application Documents for Nord Stream Pipeline in Germany Submitted
Dec. 12, 2008 | Stralsund/Hamburg | Nord Stream AG today submitted the German application documents for the construction and operation of the gas pipeline across the Baltic Sea to the competent authorities, the Stralsund Mining Authority and the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency in Hamburg. The documents concern the 81 km-long pipeline segment in the area of the German Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the German Territorial Waters, and the landfall area of the pipeline in Germany. Permitting processes are required for the other pipeline sections in the waters of Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Russia, according to the respective national laws of these countries. The Nord Stream Pipeline from Vyborg in Russia to Lubmin near Greifswald in Germany is 1,220 kilometres long.
Nord Steam has carried out the most extensive environmental surveys and planning in the Baltic Sea. The results of these studies were documented in the more than 3,700 pages of German application materials for the European pipeline project. As a whole, these documents contain a general proposal, a non-technical summary, an environmental impact analysis, the FFH impact study, an accompanying conservation plan, and a special report with regard to wildlife conservation law.
The Stralsund Mining Authority and the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency will check the nine files of comprehensive application documents for completeness in the coming weeks. Both agencies have agreed on a consolidated application and permitting process. The start of the four-week public consultations, as required by law, is planned for the first quarter of 2009.
The submission of the application materials in Germany, following submission of the application documents in Sweden, marks the start of the second national permitting process for the construction and operation of the Nord Stream Pipeline. Preparation in Germany began with a scoping event in January 2007, in which 29 public authorities and environmental organisations discussed the desired scope of surveys with the project developer.
The process will start in Denmark, Finland, and Russia in early 2009 with the submission of respective country-specific application documents. International consultations in accordance with the Espoo Convention, including all Baltic Sea littoral states, will continue simultaneously. The process ensures that all countries are sufficiently informed on possible cross-border environmental effects.
