WWF-Study "Eco-check for submarine pipelines in the Baltic Sea"

08.05.2008

Even though submarine pipelines constitute tested and mature technologies their construction and operation can cause substantial impacts to the marine environment. The recent Northern European Gas Pipeline Project NEGP from Russia to Germany, which will cross the territories of 5 Baltic Sea states, was the motivation for WWF to contract BioConsult Schuchardt & Scholle GbR to conduct a brief study on the requirements to be met by a project for laying and operating a gas pipeline in the Baltic Sea from the point of view of environmental protection and nature conservation.

The study identifies aspects of special concern during pipeline planning: e.g. the process of route selection, the pipe laying process, and also the aspect of possible cumulative and transborder impact. The study proposes elements of how “best environmental practice” for submarine pipelines can be defi ned including route selection, information and monitoring, use of best available technology, compensatory measures, early stakeholder involvement, and the implementation of an environmental management programme.

Download the WWF-Study "Eco-check for submarine pipelines in the Baltic Sea" here.