South Stream Eyes Two Options for Beach Crossing in Bulgaria

South Stream Transport is assessing different alternatives for the crossing of Pasha Dere Beach, near the city of Varna.

The South Stream Offshore Pipeline will cross the Black Sea and come on land at Pasha Dere Beach. During consultations and public discussions, people expressed concerns that the Project would adversely affect the beach.

In response to public feedback, South Stream Transport is assessing two alternatives during preparation for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report.

One construction methods envisages the laying of the pipes in trenches under the beach. This involves digging a trench across the beach to place the pipelines in, which is then filled back. Afterwards the beach is reinstated to the maximum extent, so that the pipelines are no longer visible and Pasha Dere maintains its beauty.

South Stream Transport is also assessing a second method, which involves drilling small-diameter tunnels under the beach and then installing the pipelines in these tunnels. This second method is slightly more complex and expensive, but the pipelines are installed at a greater depth which means that there would be no construction on the beach itself.

Both approaches envisage the pipes to be laid deep under the beach so they will be invisible on the surface after construction and during operations of the pipeline. The results of the assessment will be included in the EIA Report, which will be published later this year.

“We take our social and environmental responsibility seriously and have brought together experts from around the world to construct the pipeline with as little environmental impact as possible” says Dr. Oleg Aksyutin, CEO of South Stream Transport. He adds: “We understand the important of Pasha Dere Beach, and therefore we will pay extra attention to this area in our Environmental Impact Assessment”.

Press Release, October 11, 2013