Nord Stream´s Espoo Report Sound Basis for Assessment of Potential Transboundary Impacts
Oct. 28, 2009 | Zug | Nord Stream AG takes note of the statement by the Estonian Parliament calling for a careful assessment of the pipeline through the Baltic Sea. Nord Stream is fully committed to preserving the ecosystem of the Baltic Sea. The pipeline is being planned with keen awareness of environmental issues and Baltic Sea conditions, taking into account concerns raised by the authorities, stakeholders and the public, including Estonia. The Nord Stream consortium has spent more than 100 million Euros on environmental impact studies and environmental planning to ensure that the design and routing of the pipeline will be environmentally sound and safe. No project has ever conducted such comprehensive environmental research of the Baltic Sea which renowned experts regard as a benchmark for future studies and projects.
Estonian scientists have made conclusions about the environmental impacts of the project. However, Nord Stream has not seen the scientific basis upon which Estonian scientists made their conclusions. Additionally, all the environmental impact assessment documentation produced by Nord Stream was made available to the Estonian authorities. Nord Stream has been, and continues to proactively promote a dialogue with the responsible Estonian authorities and stakeholders.
Espoo Report results from intensive stakeholder dialogue
In March 2009, Nord Stream as the project developer provided all Baltic Sea countries with the transboundary environmental report (‘Espoo Report’) in the nine languages of the Baltic Sea states and English. According to the United Nations Espoo Convention, countries under the jurisdiction of which a proposed activity is envisaged must inform neighbouring countries about potential transboundary environmental impact. Nord Stream’s Espoo Report follows intensive dialogue with authorities, international organisations, NGOs, environmental agencies and individuals throughout the Baltic Sea region to ensure that the pipeline is safe, environmentally sound and in line with all national and international requirements.
Since April 2006, Nord Stream has participated in 16 Espoo consultation rounds bringing together the Espoo focal points of all Baltic Sea countries, including Estonia. These designated country representatives have met with one another and Nord Stream as the project developer regularly to assess the progress of the preparation of the Report and discuss and coordinate further steps in the planning and approval procedures. In addition, Nord Stream has participated in more than 20 public hearings, also in Estonia and took part in numerous public discussions and expert seminars.
"It is Nord Stream's aim to hold regular, genuine dialogue with interested parties. Having taken into account stated concerns and having thoroughly assessed the impact of the project, Nord Stream is confident that the Espoo Report provides a sound basis for evaluation of potential transboundary impacts associated with the pipeline," said Romans Baumanis, Regional Advisor for the Baltic States.
Denmark grants construction permit to Nord Stream Pipeline project
On 20 October, Denmark's Energy Authority granted a permit to Nord Stream AG to construct the Danish section of its planned 1,220 km pipeline. The Danish authorities are very experienced in evaluating large offshore projects, and determining the optimal route for this pipeline has been an evolving process. Several possibilities were investigated and carefully evaluated against many factors, including maritime traffic, fisheries, chemical munitions dumpsites, cultural heritage and many environmental considerations. The final route alignment East and South of Bornholm was decided upon in close dialogue with the Danish authorities: it accommodates different interests while mitigating environmental impact.
Nord Stream is currently in advanced discussions with the authorities of the four other countries through whose waters the pipeline will pass: Russia, Finland, Sweden and Germany. Nord Stream aims for the permits to be granted by the end of the year.
