Environmental procedures for the Baltic Pipe project have been launched
Following a positive result obtained in the economic test made for Baltic Pipe, the operators, GAZ-SYSTEM and Energinet, continue with further actions carried out within the project. In December 2017, both in Poland and Denmark, efforts towards achieving Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) were commenced, in accordance with corresponding regulations, applicable in each state. In the event of such bulk infrastructure projects, implementation of the investment project depends on an in-depth analysis of environmental conditions and their potential influence upon the surrounding area.POLAND
In December 2017 a request for the decision on environmental conditions (an environmental decision) along with the Project Information Card were submitted, both relating to the subsea section of the Baltic Pipe gas pipeline, located within the Polish maritime area. This is the first stage of the procedure, heading for issuing of the environmental decision, that will determine terms and conditions of investment project, so that it remains safe to the environment and the community. Based on information contained in the Project Information Card, the body responsible for issuing the environmental decision, i.e. Regional Directorate of Environmental Protection in Szczecin, is going to specify the scope and methodology of the Report on Environmental Impact. Due to its characteristics, Baltic Pipe is in the group of ventures that are subject to the obligation of the full assessment checking an impact it exerts upon the environment and Report on Environmental Impact.
Concurrently, other sections of the Baltic Pipe project located outside the Polish maritime area are also subject to the environmental impact assessment procedure including the analysis of cumulative impacts of the entire project. These environmental procedures are conducted pursuant to applicable European Union legislation and the regulations in force in the respective countries concerned with individual sections of the Baltic Pipe project.
DENMARK
In Denmark, environmental permits are issued by the national Agency for Environmental Protection (for onshore infrastructure) and the national Energy Agency (for offshore facilities). Particular decisions will be issued on the basis of the findings from the Environmental Impact Assessment carried out by the project’s promoters.
The Environmental Impact Assessment process will include two public hearings, during which all project stakeholders may present suggestions and opinions on the scope of surveys within the Environmental Impact Assessment procedure and on the final EIA report.
During preliminary public hearings within the Environmental Impact Assessment process held from December 21, 2017 till January 22, 2018 , local residents and authorities as well as non-governmental organizations in Denmark may submit their remarks and suggestions regarding the planned installations of the Baltic Pipe project within the territory of Denmark.The Danish operator Energinet scheduled six public consultation meetings to take place from 8 to 11 January 2018.
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For more information on the Baltic Pipe project check: www.baltic-pipe.pl
Media relations:
Mariusz Kozłowski
Spokesperson for GAZ-SYSTEM
phone: 22 220 13 12, mobile: 885 888 849
e-mail: rzecznik@gaz-system.pl
