Nord Stream 2 AG, the developer of a new natural gas pipeline through the Baltic Sea to supply Russian gas to the key EU market, has published an updated draft environmental impact assessment (EIA) report following finalisation of detail design, as well as optimisation of engineering solutions and construction methods for the Russian section.Technical solutions and construction methods have been optimised toaccommodate ground conditions, further enhance reliability and reduce impacts on the environment.

Russian legislation requires all modifications, including improvements, to be reflected in the updated project documentation and approved in line with the established procedure by competent authoritiesprior to the commissioning of the gas pipeline. In accordance with Russian law, the updated draft EIA report has been disclosed on the Nord Stream 2 website and at public liaison offices in Kingisepp, Bolshoye Kuzyomkino, Kingiseppsky and Ust-Luga.

The update of the project documentation is technical in nature. Key developments are related to the onshore facilities and include:

- Changes in the plot plan, such as the positioning and layout of buildings;
- Changes in foundation design to accommodate ground conditions and reduce dewatering;
- Changes to the vent stack design at the pipeline inspection gauge area;
- Changes in the water management system;
- Extension of temporary accommodation camp for construction personnel;
- For the linear section, partial replacement of trench boxes by sheet piles to maintain the hydrological regime and avoid the potential for scour and flowing sand;
- Modified design and construction method of the temporary access road to accommodate environmental conditions.

Gregory Vilchek, Permitting Manager Russia at Nord Stream 2 AG, said: “Our goal is to deliver a safe, reliable and environmentally-friendly gas transportation system for decades to come. Our specialists have optimised engineering solutions and construction methods in Russia to further enhance reliability and reduce impacts on the environment. The updated EIA reflects technical modifications introduced during finalisation of the detailed design for the Nord Stream 2 project in Russia.”

As a responsible project developer, Nord Stream 2 is implementing a broad range of measures to mitigate, compensate and offset potential impacts on the environment in line with Russian legislation and international standards. As such, the optimised construction schedule takes into account the critical periods for marine mammals, fish and birds. Protected plant species have been replanted outside the construction corridor prior to commencement of work.

Сonstruction activities are being monitored by the competent authorities and independent watchdogs. Project activities within the Kurgalsky reserve are being audited by VNII Ecology, a prominent Russian research institute with special expertise on the management of protected areas. Royal Haskoning DHV, a leading international engineering and environmental consultancy, is retained as a watchdog to ensure compliance with international standards. ERM, a global provider of environmental, health, safety, risk, and social consulting services, regularly audits the works against the project Environmental and Social Management System.

About Nord Stream 2

Nord Stream 2 is a planned pipeline through the Baltic Sea, which will transport natural gas over some 1,230 km from the world’s largest gas reserves in Russia via the most efficient route to consumers in Europe. Nord Stream 2 will largely follow the route and technical concept of the successful Nord Stream Pipeline. The new pipeline will have the capacity to transport 55 billion cubic metres of gas per year, enough to supply 26 million European households. This secure supply of natural gas with its low CO2 emissions will also contribute to Europe’s objective to have a more climate-friendly energy mix with gas substituting for coal in power generation and providing back-up for intermittent renewable sources of energy such as wind and solar power.