South Stream Begins Consultations for EIA, Russia

South Stream Transport AG has started consultations in terms of preparation for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the South Stream Offshore Pipeline in Russia. Consultations will be held together with the Municipality of Anapa (Krasnodarsky region). The entire EIA for the Russian Sector is to be undertaken in August-November 2012.

«Public consulting with participation of involved stakeholders is a key element of our approach to the Project and underlines our commitment to a transparent and respectful dialogue, – Marcel Kramer, Chief Executive Officer of South Stream Transport AG says. – The feedback from all involved parties will help improving the environmental research and impacts exact assessment for the offshore gas pipeline».

The final stage of the Environmental Impact Assessment evaluation will be an international consultation process according to the Convention UN Economic Commission for Europe. This process will provide an assessment of potential trans-boundary ecological impact of the project.

The South Stream Offshore Pipeline will run through the Black Sea from Russia to Bulgaria, via the Turkish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Commercial operations of the South Stream Offshore Pipeline are scheduled to start by the end of 2015.

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LNG World News Staff, August 02, 2012; Image: South Stream