GREEN LIGHT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT OF THE BURGAS-ALEXANDROUPOLIS OIL PIPELINE

The Ministry of Environment and Waters approved the report on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the construction project of the Burgas - Alexandroupolis oil pipeline, announced the department yesterday. The document was returned three times because it failed to include an evaluation of alternatives for oil unloading. The last version was returned for re-drafting in June.

Initially, the project envisaged that oil unloading will be done through the buoy system alone. The latter is an anchored platform for oil transshipment from high-seas fuel tankers via underwater pipelines to the shore. The report has also included another option referring to oil unloading at a certain port because of the fears of local residents that there could be a spillage polluting the Burgas bay, which could drive tourists away.

The pipeline is of paramount importance for the circumvention of the Bosphorus and Dardanelles, stated to Klassa daily, Andrey Delchev, Chairman of the Bulgarian Petrol and Gas Association. He approved of the idea of unloading oil tankers around the Rosenets Oil Terminal rather than of the concept of offshore oil trans-shipment. On the other hand, however, the cost-effective buoy system would spare the high construction costs of an entirely new port for the project. 

The final decision on the project has not been taken yet, specified the press office of the Environment Ministry. There are pending public discussions in the settlements through which the pipeline route is to pass. Afterwards, based on the issued report and the comments thereupon, the Supreme Environmental Expert Council with the Ministry will rule on the project's EIA. The final decision on whether to approve the project will be taken by the Environment Minster within 45 days after the discussions.