Environmental Impact Assessment and permitting procedures

We plan to complete the comprehensive EIA report in 2008. For the “Parties of Origin” (Russia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Germany), we will submit applications to construct the pipeline in spring 2008.

We take all issued raised by the countries very seriously and take every possible measure to address and resolve them in a constructive manner with the responsible authorities.

We have conducted the most comprehensive study of the Baltic Sea seabed ever. Our first evaluations provided created a good basis for informing the authorities concerned about the Nord Stream project. This was done in November 2006, in accordance with international law (the Espoo Convention). The Baltic Sea countries submitted their responses based on the comprehensive Project Information Document.

We received 129 statements relating to the project from authorities, associations and private bodies in countries in the Baltic region and ensure that we will take every possible measure to address the countries’ concerns in an appropriate manner.

Regardless of the pipeline project, the results of our costly comprehensive surveys will be of great interest to all those concerned about the environmental situation in the Baltic Sea.

Once the results are evaluated, we will present them to the public. We are convinced that the surveys will contribute to the improvement of the environment in the Baltic Sea.

Nord Stream will comply strictly with all national and international environmental, maritime and legal requirements during the planning, construction, and operation of the pipeline. In addition, we will work in close dialogue with each country in order to find appropriate solutions. We cannot imagine an EU Member State vetoing a project whose status the EU has designated and confirmed as of one of the important Trans European Energy Network projects (TEN-E status).

The purpose of the EIA is to demonstrate to authorities in the Baltic Sea countries the minimal environmental impact of the project.

We are not conducting these surveys ourselves or with one of our shareholder companies. We contracted Rambøll, a highly regarded and leading Nordic provider of knowledge services in e.g. engineering. The process is absolutely transparent. The results will be scrutinised by the respective national authorities in each country authorities, which have good expertise in these areas. Moreover, the complete EIA report will be published and subjected to public review. This means that independent environmental experts and organisations will be able to study the report and to comment on it. This is the most impartial way of conducting an EIA, and is also fully in line with legislation and best practice.

On the basis of in-depth base studies, the route of the pipeline has been planned so that it does not cross munitions dump sites. Nord Stream has a special focus on areas near to well-known dump sites east of Bornholm and to the south-east of Gotland. These are designated dump sites that were used by the Allied Forces after World War II for dumping chemical munitions.

We have developed a concept for further research and identification of both conventional and chemical munitions along the pipeline route, which entails thorough screening of the sea bottom along the planned pipeline route using state-of-the-art technology and methodology.

Examples of these are the multi-beam echo sounder, side scan sonar, magnetometer, electromagnetic induction system (metal detectors) and video inspection.

Our survey is the most comprehensive study of the seabed in the Baltic Sea ever conducted. It will significantly contribute to a better knowledge about the underwater world in the region. Processing of any possible munitions findings will be discussed with the respective national authorities in due course.

The offshore solution is the result of thorough analysis of technical, environmental, economic and supply security factors conducted over many years. An integrated feasibility study undertaken by a Finnish-Russian consortium in 1997-1999 considered several alternative routes. The one currently envisaged was assessed as the most feasible way. The many thousands of kilometres of existing offshore gas pipelines in the world are evidence that offshore solutions are internationally accepted as an alternative to onshore gas pipelines. In general, the most direct route will be chosen, while respecting or avoiding adverse natural conditions, environmentally sensitive areas, military exclusion zones, major maritime traffic lanes and special areas used for other economic or recreational purposes.

That is not possible. Accurate Environmental Impact Assessment is obligatory before construction works can start.