Public environmental expert committee has completed the consideration of the project on delivery of oversize cargo of Exxon Neftegas Limited at Odoptu field (North-East of Sakhalin). The review was initiated by the public organization Sakhalin Environment Watch supported by environmental organizations of IFAW, WWF of Russia and USA Pacific Environment & Resources Center, IFAW says in its press release.
Exxon Neftegas Limited is going to build a 900-meter long berth in Piltun bay for delivery of 3,000-tonne units to the drilling site Odoptu 2 (Northern) under offshore project Sakhalin-I. The construction works are to last from June 2014 till October 2015 while transportation of oversize units is to be performed during summer-autumn navigations in 2016 – 2017. All in all, there should be made 18 barge voyages. The project of the US company is to be implemented in the very center of the major feeding area of disappearing western grey whales.
The expert team spent 2 months studying the project materials. According to the resolution, the project does not comply with the requirements of Russian environmental legislation.
The expert team has made over 30 comments and recommendations to improve environmental safety of the project. Experts think there should be developed another project for transportation of oversize cargoes. In their opinion, the delivery via the existing port Moskalvo is the best way.
The conclusion of the expert committee was forwarded to Russia’s RosPrirodNadzor environmental watchdog, Exxon and involved state authorities.
All news