Posted on 05/16/2006 9:35:22 AM PDT by lizol
Russian-German pipeline ‘environmental danger’ say Poles
Poland might demand compensation from Russia for environmental damage caused by the construction of the already controversial Baltic gas pipeline.
Report by Slawek Szerfs
16.05.06
Environmental protection specialists are sounding the alarm that the construction of the Russian-German Northern gas pipeline under the Baltic Sea may cause an ecological disaster. Poland has been viewing the potential consequences and has not excluded compensation claims.
The economy ministry in Warsaw has been in contact with the European Environmental Control Commission for some time already to acquaint itself with the construction plans and schedule of this gigantic undertaking, which could affect the environment of the Baltic Sea, including its Polish waters. Poland has, so far, showed disinterest in participating in this contract of the century, as most European media have dubbed the Russian-German project. Its spectacular technical scope is matched by the potential ecological dangers inherent in the long construction process, says Jacek Winiarski, spokesman for Greenpeace Poland.
' The construction of this gas pipeline, which is planned for a few years will be a disaster for the life on the bottom of the sea, all 1200 kilometers long. It will also violate marine reserves that Greenpeace has been proposing for some time. One of them, and the gas pipeline will cross it, is Borhholm. We have also another concern - the biological and chemical weapons, which where dumped by the Russians and Germans after the Second World War. If proper research will not be done before the construction, it might appear that some of these storages of chemical and biological weapons will be damaged. This would be a disaster for everybody in and around the Baltic Sea.'
Marek Strandberg, an environmental specialist from Estonia, one of the Baltic states, points to another danger posed by the Northern gas pipeline. Once the construction work is started it will create the temptation of expanding the scope of the project, he warns.
' We know there is a large interest to sell not only gas from Russia, but also other things like crude oil or chemicals. Therefore, it's very risky if someone will think in the future that the same placements could be used for equipping this area for a second and third pipeline meant for crude oil or chemicals. Under such conditions, in case of an explosion of the gas pipeline which is under pressure, they would also explode and that means serious environment risk.'
Jacek Winiarski of Greenpeace Poland points to safer and already partially existing means of transit routes for Russian natural gas to Western Europe.
' In the opinion of Greenpeace, this construction is dangerous and unnecessary. We strongly believe the existing routes, for example the Yamal pipeline, can provide enough gas to Western Europe. Especially, if the second part of this Yamal pipe would be built, because its construction was stopped a few years ago.'
But it is not only environmental organizations such as Greenpeace that are worried by the negative influence of the Northern gas pipeline project. The Polish government, as other Baltic states, has announced it might consider applying for compensation to Russia for the damages, which the construction of the pipeline is more than sure to bring about, regardless of any future risk of an ecological disaster.
According to experts, these claims may be calculated at 10 billion dollars annually. The end of May will see an international conference in the Lithuanian Baltic port of Klaipeda devoted to the assessment of the situation caused by the Russian-German pipeline project.
creative. very creative.
I'm sure Putin is greatly concerned. /s
Wherever it is creative or not, doesn’t matter. The only important thing is a final effect. If we cannot stop you, at least you will pay as much as it is only possible.
Exactly - Poland should use every available legal opportunity to stop, or at least delay this construction.
We strongly believe the existing routes, for example the Yamal pipeline, can provide enough gas to Western Europe. Especially, if the second part of this Yamal pipe would be built, because its construction was stopped a few years ago.==
Poland refused the offer to build 2d pipeline through Poland few years ago.
Exactly - Poland should use every available legal opportunity to stop, or at least delay this construction.==
It is behaivior like "the dog on hay": "I cannt eat but won't allow everyone to eat".
BS
Call it whatever you want.
The point is - whether such a move is going to be efficient in getting the result.
If it is - then we can be "dogs on hay", I don't care.
The point is - whether such a move is going to be efficient in getting the result. ==
The point if that Poland AGAIN spoil relationship with Russia and Germany. WHY to do such thing?
Russia may stop to do business with Poland whatsoever because it is impossible to do business with someone who try to put sand in your transmission.
If we recall the polish behaivior before 1939 it was same like today. It didn't bring the happiness in Poland.
If it is - then we can be "dogs on hay", I don't care.==
Indded to make a peace it is needed 2 sides wish. To make a war the wish of only side is enough. Poland starts new hostility just now.
Cry, baby, cry :-)))
BTW - as soon as it's available in English I'll post something about the issue, that was a headline in one of Poland's main newspapers today - describing a situation, which makes the Baltic pipeline even less possible to become reality.
What a pity :-)))
I'll ping you, when I find it in English.
Okey lizol:). I just realize that Poland deliberately try to churn up hostility with Russia. I have nothing against it I personally prefer the one good fight instead of long and boring bickerings. So be it.
I just want to remember that it is Poland started first this new hostility not Russia.
I'll post something about the issue, that was a headline in one of Poland's main newspapers today - describing a situation, which makes the Baltic pipeline even less possible to become reality. ==
Not it about some american firm claims that the South Russian gas field was promised to them?
This matter is well known lizol. That american firm already tried in court of Texas, USA, last year but lost thier lawsuit. Let them try again with same result:)).
Yep, they lost their lawsuit, because they sued Russian company Gazprom before an American court, which considered itself as non-competent court (due to the location of the business - in Russia).
But now they're going to sue German BASF and EoN before German courts.
But it's to complicated for my English. As I said - we'll discuss it, when I find the source in English
You see, our relations with Russia actually can not be much worse today. The only worse thing could be a real war (which is not going to happen, I suppose).
And - at the moment - the only real threat, that Russia can pose to Poland is related to gas deliveries.
But they need the Batlic pipeline to do it.
So - if there is no Baltic pipeline, or when Poland gets different sources of energy supplies - I can suffer, that you don't like us.
I'll tell you honestly - I don't give ... (you know what), what you, and your friends think about the entrance of Poland in the EU.
And - mentioning EU in relation to the Baltic pipeline is a real joke, as it was Germany, that decided to do it totally unilaterally, regardless of EU partners.
Let me remind you, that it was, European Union energy commissioner Andris Piebalgs himslef, who criticised Germany for proceeding with a “project that is not acceptable to others, even not discussing it”.
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