Independence of Environmental Impact Assessment for Nord Stream Assured
Jan. 29, 2008 | Brussels | Nord Stream AG is pleased to participate in today’s European Parliament Petition Committee hearing on the impact of a natural gas pipeline to link Russia and the European Union across the Baltic Sea. The project will significantly contribute to the long-term security of supply to Europe. Natural gas will also help to diversify the energy mix, with positive effects for the climate.
Nord Stream is included in the Trans-European Energy Network Guidelines (TEN-E) of the European Union. In 2006, it was designated a “project of European interest” by the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. Nord Stream is, therefore, recognized as a key project in order to meet Europe’s energy infrastructure needs.
In the European Union the demand for imported gas is projected to grow from 336 billion cubic metres in 2005 to 536 billion cubic metres per year by 2015. Connecting the world’s largest gas reserves to the European gas pipeline network, Nord Stream would meet about 25 per cent of this additional demand.
Consultations involving all Baltic Sea countries
As a cross-border project, Nord Stream is subject to international conventions (Espoo Convention) and national legislation in each of the countries through whose territorial waters and/or Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) it passes. Before construction can start, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will need to be completed covering the whole pipeline route. This is a detailed study of environmental aspects in a transboundary context.
The international consultation process involving all concerned Baltic Sea countries began in April 2006. Since then, the environmental authorities in these countries have been kept informed and have exchanged views on the project. The transboundary EIA report will be finalised and published in April 2008.
Decision taken by national authorities
In December 2007, Nord Stream submitted application documents including technical descriptions and environmental studies to the Swedish government, as required by Swedish law. EIA reports under national application procedures in Russia, Finland, Denmark and Germany will be submitted during the first half of 2008 and will reflect the particular legislation of each country.
The actual Environmental Impact Assessment is undertaken by the national authorities of the affected countries. This assessment will be based on the environmental studies and EIA materials prepared by the independent international engineering company Rambøll A/S, which was commissioned by Nord Stream in 2006.
The comments of all other Baltic Sea countries submitted in the framework of the international consultations have been and will be taken into account in the final decision by the permitting authorities. This reflects the legal situation and best practice in the European Union and guarantees an independent EIA procedure.
Nord Stream is fully committed to preserving the Baltic Sea environment. The pipeline has been planned with a profound awareness of the environmental issues and conditions of the Baltic Sea. Nord Stream commissioned the most comprehensive study ever of the Baltic seabed. This thorough assessment will provide new data and expertise on the Baltic Sea (its conditions, flora and fauna), which will be made available to the concerned regions.
New standard of transparency
Nord Stream AG is an international joint venture established to undertake the planning, construction and subsequent operation of the new offshore gas pipeline. The company is committed to transparency, seeks an open dialogue with stakeholders and believes in informing the public as widely and comprehensively as possible on this major project. As such, Nord Stream has participated in over 100 project presentations, public hearings and exhibitions involving authorities, decision makers and NGOs.
