Nord Stream 2 revised compensation concept submitted

The adapted concept is the result of an intensive and constructive dialogue between all parties, and takes into account the evaluation of the statements as well as the results of the public consultation. “We have reviewed many alternative compensation measures and identified those which will significantly reduce the land use requirements on the Island of Rügen. We have kept our word and found a consensual solution in the interest of the farmers and the environment”, says Jens Lange, Permitting Manager Germany, Nord Stream 2 AG.

The compensation measures ‘Wreecher See’ and ‘Mellnitz-Üselitzer Wiek’ are no longer part of the new concept. Regarding the measures ‘Ossen’ and ‘Lobber See’, the spatial requirements were reduced and only discretionary and suitable areas were taken into account. Instead of the 250 ha. of arable land with a land value below 50 that were originally discussed, only about 70 ha. of arable land on the Island of Rügen will be converted into semi-natural meadows and pastures. A viable management plan is part of this compensation measure.

The aim of the compensation concept is still to reduce the discharge of nutrients, particularly nitrogen, into the waters of the Rügische Bodden. In order to achieve this, Nord Stream 2 will invest in the voluntary auxiliary filtration of nitrogen and phosphorus in the sewage treatment plants in Bergen and Göhren on Rügen, as well as the sewage treatment plants in Stralsund and Greifswald. This will reduce the annual discharge of nitrogen into the waters of the Rügische Bodden by more than 70 t, and by over 3 t for phosphorus respectively.

The voluntary auxiliary filtration in the Bergen sewage treatment plant combined with the compensation measure ‘Ossen’ means that the discharge of nutrients will be four times less than with the originally planned conversion of arable land. This improves the ecological status of the Kleiner Jasmunder Bodden even more effectively. By combining the investments in the Göhren sewage treatment plant with the compensation measure ‘Lobber See’, similar positive effects will be achieved for the Bay of Greifswald.

The compensation measure ‘Island Schadefähre’ in Peenestrom river continues to be included in the adapted compensation concept.

The adapted compensation concept will be assessed and evaluated, inter alia, by the nature conservation and environmental authorities. Based on these results, the Stralsund Mining Authority will then carry out its assessment, which is a prerequisite for issuing the decision on the plan approval procedure.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/13112017/nord-stream-2-revised-compensation-concept-submitted/