South Stream Transport AG published Scoping Report for the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) of the South Stream Offshore Pipeline in Turkish exclusive economic zone prepared by “URS Infrastructure & Environment UK Limited”.
The impact assessment for the Turkish Sector of the South Stream Offshore Pipeline consists of two parallel processes: an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in accordance with Turkish legislation and an ESIA process in alignment with the guidelines of international financing institutions.
This Report found out key environmental and socio-economic issues, which are published for the coming comments. A public hearing was held in the coastal city of Sinop at the beginning of July. The results of the hearing show the offshore pipeline is not expected to have an environmental impact in Turkey, as it will be laid over 100 kilometers from the coast at a depth of more than 2,000 meters.
All stakeholders of the Project may review the Scoping Report and provide comments until 16 August 2013.
South Stream Transport AG will also consult with public interest groups so that their input can be considered in the next development of the Project.
Press Release, July 19, 2013; Image: Gazprom