Environmental Studies

A number of preliminary environmental assessments and baseline studies have been carried out during the feasibility phase. The findings of the environmental studies will be used as background information and will serve as guidance for further investigations that need be taken in order to conduct the final Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for Nord Stream. The EIA will be conducted in an international consultation procedure in accordance with the Espoo Convention on EIA in a transboundary context.

The environmental baseline studies have described the following environmental parameters in the Baltic Sea:

• hydrography and bottom conditions
• marine flora and fauna
• fish and fisheries
• birds
• mammals
• protected areas
• tourism and recreational areas
• marine archaeology
• dumping sites for chemicals- and war time munitions
• existing cables and pipelines
• raw material resources and extraction
• ship traffic, routes and fairways

The environmental baseline studies give a general description and focus attention on sensitive areas during subsequent phases of the development of Nord Stream.

In the framework of the geological engineering survey for the planning of Nord Stream, comprehensive field studies will be undertaken: oceanography, water, bottom sediments, biological and other studies. These studies will be the basis for planning the exact route.

The Baltic Sea will benefit from studies arranged in relation to Nord Stream project

In the course of the geological engineering survey, over 1000 samples of water and soil will be carefully analyzed. The unique results of this research will be of utmost importance for further research of the Baltic Sea environment. This represents a significant contribution of Nord Stream to the study of the Baltic Sea.