Offshore Pipelines Through the Baltic Sea EIA

Offshore pipelines through the Baltic Sea
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Danish section
February 2009
OFFSHORE PIPELINES THROUGH THE BALTIC SEA
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Danish Section
(based on Act no. 548 of 06/06/2007, and Order no. 884 of
21/09/2000)
February 2009
Ref G-PE-PER-EIA-100-42920000-A
Date 2009-02-26
Prepared by Rambøll O&G / Nord Stream AG
Table of contents
1. Presentation of Nord Stream 1

1.1 Information about the applicant/ownership 1
1.1.1 Applicant and Operator 1
1.1.2 Shareholders of Nord Stream 1
1.1.3 Summary of competencies in Nord Stream 3
1.1.4 Brief description of the project 4
1.2 Project history 4
1.2.1 Objectives and structure 4
1.2.2 1980-1990: Russian-Nordic initiatives to launch new supply projects 5
1.2.3 1990-1995: The construction of the Yamal pipeline 5
1.2.4 1995-2000: North Transgas Oy (NTG) studies – Nord Stream's hour of birth 6
1.2.5 Excursus: The Baltic Sea – The preferred option for a new European energy
supply route 8
1.2.6 2001-2005: Gazprom takes over – NTG shifts into the North European Gas
Pipeline 10
1.2.7 Creation of Nord Stream 12
1.2.8 Outlook 13
1.3 Rationale for the Nord Stream Project: Securing Europe's Energy Supplies 13
1.3.1 New natural gas import capacities are needed to meet rising demand for natural
gas within the EU 13
1.3.2 The strategic importance of Russia as a natural gas supplier 16
1.3.3 The importance of connecting Russian natural gas reserves to the European
market at an early stage in the context of the rising demand for natural gas in
Asia 18
1.3.4 The Nord Stream pipeline as an essential element of the Trans-European
Energy Networks 19
1.3.5 Consequences in case of non-implementation of the project 22
1.3.6 Conclusion 25
2. Description of the project 27

2.1 General 27
2.1.1 Scope of project activities addressed in the Danish EIA report 27
2.1.2 Project overview 29
2.2 Pipeline route 32
2.2.1 Development of the pipeline route 32
2.2.2 Details of the pipeline route 32
2.3 Detailed design 36
2.3.1 Engineering design 36
2.3.2 Pipeline materials design and corrosion protection 37
2.4 Installation logistics 45
2.4.1 Logistics concept 45
2.4.2 Transport of line pipe and coating material to the weight-coating plants 46
2.4.3 Weight-coating plants and interim stockyards 48
2.4.4 Offshore pipe supply 50
2.4.5 Transportation of rock placement material 53
2.5 Construction 54
2.5.1 Time schedule – planning and execution 54
2.5.2 Route, engineering and construction surveys 56
2.5.3 Seabed intervention works 60
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2.5.4 Crossing of infrastructure (cables and pipelines) 65
2.5.5 Installation processes, vessels and equipment 68
2.5.6 Tie-ins 77
2.5.7 Landfalls 79
2.6 Pre-commissioning 79
2.6.1 Flooding, cleaning and gauging 79
2.6.2 System pressure-testing and tie-in 81
2.6.3 Dewatering – discharge of water 81
2.6.4 Drying 82
2.7 Commissioning 82
2.8 Operations concept 82
2.8.1 Main pipeline system facilities 83
2.8.2 Segmented pipeline design pressure 83
2.8.3 Pipeline control system 85
2.8.4 Normal pipeline operations 88
2.8.5 Transportation operations 88
2.8.6 Maintenance operations 89
2.8.7 Engineering operations 90
2.8.8 Manning philosophy 91
2.9 Decommissioning 92
3. Description of the major alternatives examined 93

3.1 Nord Stream route through the Baltic Sea 93
3.2 Nord Stream route development in the Danish section 95
3.2.1 Constraint to route planning around Bornholm 95
3.2.2 Dumped munitions 95
3.2.3 Interference with maritime traffic 96
3.2.4 Protected areas 96
3.2.5 Other issues of concern 97
3.3 Investigated routes around Bornholm 97
3.3.1 Alternative 2006 through the area under discussion between Denmark and
Poland 98
3.3.2 Route DK-01 through the risk area for the chemical munitions dumpsite 99
3.3.3 North of Bornholm alternative – in territorial waters south of Davids Bank 99
3.3.4 Route DK-03 north of Bornholm – in territorial waters north of Davids Bank 99
3.3.5 Nord Stream route east and south of Bornholm 99
3.4 Recommending a Nord Stream route in Danish waters 100
3.5 The 0-alternative 101
4. Description of the environment 102

4.1 Methods used to describe environmental conditions 102
4.1.1 General 102
4.1.2 Field investigations 102
4.2 Description chemical and conventional munitions 109
4.2.1 Chemical munitions 109
4.2.2 Conventional munitions 118
4.2.3 Results from munitions screening surveys 119
4.3 Description of infrastructure and restrictions along the pipeline alignment 125
4.3.1 Protected areas 125
4.3.2 Offshore installations, cables and pipelines 133
4.3.3 Raw material resources and offshore wind parks 134
4.3.4 Military practice areas 136
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4.4 Description of the physical and chemical environment 138
4.4.1 Meteorology 138
4.4.2 Bathymetry and hydrography 140
4.4.3 Geology and geomorphology 146
4.4.4 Contamination in surface sediments 157
4.4.5 Water quality 175
4.4.6 Future climate 184
4.5 Description of the biological environment 187
4.5.1 Pelagic environment 187
4.5.2 Benthic flora and fauna 192
4.5.3 Fish and fish stocks 204
4.5.4 Marine mammals 213
4.5.5 Birds 228
4.5.6 Non-indigenous species 247
4.6 Description of the socio-economic environment 251
4.6.1 Fishery 251
4.6.2 Maritime traffic 260
4.6.3 Tourism and recreational areas 266
4.6.4 Cultural heritage 270
5. Description of methodology used for the impact assessment 276

5.1 Methodology for impact assessment 276
5.1.1 General 276
5.1.2 Definition of the project area and possible impact area 276
5.1.3 Description of project activities and parameters that may cause impacts on the
environment 277
5.1.4 Description of environmental parameters that will be affected 278
5.1.5 Criteria for categorising environmental impacts 280
5.2 Methods for modelling spreading of sediment and sedimentation during
construction 284
5.2.1 Spreading of sediment during trenching 284
5.2.2 Spreading of sediment during pipe-laying directly on the seabed 287
5.2.3 Spreading of sediment from anchor handling 287
5.3 Method for calculation of amounts of nutrients and contaminants suspended
during construction 289
5.4 Method for evaluation of noise 289
5.4.1 Airborne noise during construction 290
5.4.2 Underwater noise during construction and pre-commissioning 291
5.4.3 Noise during operation, including maintenance and survey works (vessels) and
gas streaming in the pipelines 299
5.5 Method for calculating air emissions 301
6. Assessment of environmental impacts 303

6.1 Impacts from sediment spreading and sedimentation 303
6.1.1 Spreading of sediment during trenching 303
6.1.2 Spreading of sediment during pipe-laying directly on the seabed 307
6.1.3 Spreading of sediment from anchor-handling 307
6.1.4 Amount of nutrients and contaminants suspended during construction 308
6.2 Impacts from chemical and conventional munitions 312
6.2.1 Impacts from dumped chemical munitions 312
6.2.2 Impacts from conventional munitions 318
6.2.3 Summary of impacts from munitions 318
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6.3 Description of impacts on infrastructure and restrictions along the pipeline
alignment 319
6.3.1 Impacts on protected areas 319
6.3.2 Impacts on offshore installations, cables, pipelines, wind farms, extraction and
military practice areas 321
6.4 Impacts on the physical and chemical environment 324
6.4.1 Impacts on bathymetry and hydrography 324
6.4.2 Impacts on geology/surface sediment conditions 326
6.4.3 Impacts on water quality 327
6.4.4 Impacts from noise 333
6.4.5 Impacts on air quality 339
6.5 Impacts on the biological environment 343
6.5.1 Impacts on the pelagic environment 343
6.5.2 Impacts on benthic flora and fauna 346
6.5.3 Impacts on fish and fish stocks 351
6.5.4 Impacts on marine mammals 358
6.5.5 Impacts on birds 362
6.5.6 Impacts from non-indigenous species 365
6.6 Impacts on the socio-economic environment 367
6.6.1 Impacts on fishery 367
6.6.2 Impacts on maritime traffic 371
6.6.3 Impacts on tourism and recreational areas 375
6.6.4 Impacts on cultural heritage 376
6.6.5 Impacts from waste 379
6.7 Impacts of decommissioning 382
6.7.1 General regulations regarding decommissioning of offshore structures 382
6.7.2 Decommissioning of pipelines 382
6.7.3 Future options for decommissioning 383
7. Risk assessment and environmental contingency planning 385

7.1 Background 385
7.1.1 Individual risk 386
7.1.2 Societal Risk 387
7.2 Risk during construction 387
7.2.1 Hazard identification 387
7.2.2 Methodology – ship-to-ship collision 388
7.2.3 Collision frequencies 390
7.2.4 Risk of oil spill during construction of the pipeline 392
7.2.5 Environmental impacts of an accidental oil spill 393
7.3 Risk during operation 397
7.3.1 Hazard identification 397
7.3.2 Methodology – threats related to ship traffic 401
7.3.3 Pipeline failure frequencies 405
7.3.4 Consequences of gas release 406
7.3.5 Impacts on the environment 408
8. Identification of transboundary impacts 412

8.1 Impacts in Denmark due to establishment of pipelines in other countries 412
8.2 Impacts in other countries due to establishment of pipelines inside the Danish
EEZ and territorial waters 412
8.3 Transboundary impacts from unplanned events 413
8.3.1 Risk and transboundary impacts from oil spill 413
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8.3.2 Risk and transboundary impacts from gas release 414
9. Mitigation measures 415

9.1 General 415
9.2 Mitigation measures during planning 416
9.2.1 Route optimisation 416
9.2.2 Methods and equipment used 416
9.2.3 Logistics 416
9.2.4 Public dialogue 416
9.3 Mitigation of impacts during construction and operation 417
9.3.1 Pre-installation surveys 417
9.3.2 Traffic control 417
9.3.3 Emergency response arrangements 417
9.3.4 Cable and pipeline crossings 418
9.3.5 Dumped chemical munitions and conventional munitions 418
9.3.6 Pipe-laying 418
9.3.7 Fishery 419
9.3.9 Public dialogue 422
9.3.10 Monitoring 422
9.3.11 Compensation 422
9.4 Mitigation of impacts from unplanned events 422
10. Environmental impact control 424

10.1 Environmental monitoring and management concept 424
10.2 Corporate HSE management 424
10.2.1 Corporate HSE policy 424
10.2.2 HSE management system 425
10.2.3 Requirements for contractors working for Nord Stream AG 426
10.2.4 Emergency response arrangements 427
10.2.5 Measures to mitigate risks from dumped munitions 428
10.2.6 Quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) 429
10.3 Management during Operation 430
10.4 Monitoring within the Danish EEZ and territorial waters 431
10.4.1 General 431
10.4.2 Activities during construction and operation that may affect the environment 432
10.4.3 Identification of areas with sensitive habitats and/or species that may be affected
by the pipeline project 433
10.4.4 Proposed parameters to be monitored 433
11. Technical deficiencies and lack of knowledge 435

11.1 General 435
11.2 Technical deficiencies 435
11.2.1 Design 436
11.2.2 Construction 436
11.2.3 Pre-commissioning and commissioning 437
11.2.4 Operation 437
11.2.5 Decommissioning 437
11.2.6 Over-trawlability of the pipelines 437
11.3 Lack of knowledge 438
11.3.1 Pelagic environment (plankton) 439
11.3.2 Fish and fishery 439
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11.3.3 Non-indigenous species 439
11.3.5 Environmental monitoring programme 439
11.4 Changes during elaboration of the Danish EIA 439
11.5 Conclusion 440
12. Involved parties 441
13. References 443
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Abbreviations and definitions
ai Air absorption coefficient (dB/m)

AIS Automatic Identification System
ALARP As Low As Reasonably Practicable
ASCOBANS Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic and North
Seas
ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials
AUT Automated Ultrasonic Testing
Barg Bar gauge
BBL Balgzand Bacton Line
Bcm Billion cubic metres
BP Before present
BSPA Baltic Sea Protected Area
CFD Compututational Fluid Dynamics
CHEMU Working group on dumped CHEmical MUnitions
CL Confidence limits
CO Carbon oxide
CO2 Carbon dioxide
CPT Cone penetration test
CWA Chemical Warfare Agents
dB Decibel
DBT Dibutyltin
DDD Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane
DDE Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene
DDT Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
DHI Danish Hydraulic Institute
DL Detection limit
DM Dry matter
DMI Danish Meteorological Institute
DNV Det Norske Veritas
DSV Dive Support Vessel
Dw Dry weight
EAC Ecotoxicological Assessment Criteria
EC European Commission
EC50 Median Effective Concentration (required to induce a 50% effect)
ECI European Critical Infrastructure
EEC European Economic Community
EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
EU European Union
FIMR Finnish Marine Research Institute
FTU Formazin Turbidity Unit
GPS Global Positioning System
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H2S Hydrogen sulphide
Ha Hectares
HC Hydrocarbons
HC5 Hazard Concentration where 5% of the individuals would be affected
HCB Hexachlorobenzene
HCH Hexachlorocyclohexane
HELCOM Helsinki Commission; Convention on the Protection of the Marine
Environment of the Baltic Sea Area
HSE Health, Safety and Environment
IBA Important Bird Area
IBRD International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
IBSFC International Baltic Sea Fishery Commission
ICES International Council for the Exploration of the Sea
ICPC International Cable Protection Committee
IFAOe Institut für Angewandte Ökologie
IFC International Finance Corporation
IMO International Maritime Organisation
IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
ISO International Organization for Standardization
IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
IVO Imatran Voima Oy
kHz Kilohertz
Km Kilometre
Kow Octanol-water partition coefficient
KP Kilometre point / Kilometre post
KTH Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan
kWh Kilowatt hour
KUAS Danish Heritage Agency
LFL Lower Flammable Limit
LMIU Lloyds Marine Intelligence Unit
LNG Liquid Natural Gas
LOI Loss On Ignition
LOQ Limits Of Quantification
LpA A-weighted noise level (dB)
LWA Sound power level (dB)
m Metre
mm Millimetre
m3 Cubic metres
MARPOL International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution From Ships
MBT Monobutyltin
MCC Marine Classification Criterion
MCR Main Control Room
MCR Maximum Continuous Rating
MDO Marine Diesel Oil
MERCW Modelling of Ecological Risks Related to Sea-Dumped Chemical Weapons
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Mg Miligram
MGO Marine Gas Oil
MMT Marin Mätteknik AB
MS Management System
MW MegaWatt
µg Microgram
NaOH Sodium hydroxide
NDE Non-Destructive Evaluation
NDT Non-Destructive Testing
NEGP North European Gas Pipeline
NERI National Environmental Research Institute, Denmark
NIS Non-indigenous species
NM Nautical Miles
NOEC No Observed Effect Concentration
NOX Nitrogen oxides (NO and NO2)
nT Nano Tesla
NTG North Transgas Oy
OHSAS Occupational Health & Safety Assessment Series
OSPAR Oslo and Paris Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of
the North-East Atlantic
PAH Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon
PCB Polychlorinated biphenyl
PE Polyethylene
PEC Predicted Environmental Concentration
Pg Picogram
psu Practical salinity units
PU Polyurethane
QA Quality assurance
QC Quality control
QMP Quality management plan
RCO Rossby Centre Ocean
ROV Remotely operated vehicle
RP Recommended Practice
SAC Special Area of Conservation
SAP Salmon Action Plan
SAWL Submerged-Arc WeLding
SCADA Supervisory Control And Data Aquisition
SCI Site of Community Interest
SGU Geological Survey of Sweden
SINTEF Foundation for Scientific and Industrial Research at the Norwegian Institute
of Technology
SMHI Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute
SMYS Specified Minimum Yield Stress
SO2 Sulphur dioxide
SPA Special Protection Areas
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SSB Spawning Stock Biomass
SSCV Semi-submersible crane vessel
SSS Sidescan sonar
TAC Total Allowable Catch
TBT Tributyltin
TEN-E Trans-European Energy Network
TNT Tri-Nitro-Toluene
TOC Total Organic Carbon
TOR Tolerability of Risk
TSS Traffic Separation Scheme
TW Territorial Waters
UFL Upper Flammable Limit
UNCLOS United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
UNECE United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
Verifin Finnish Institute for Verification of the Chemicals Weapons Convention
VTS Vessel Traffic Service
WWI World War I
WWII World War II
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1. Presentation of Nord Stream
1.1 Information about the applicant/ownership
1.1.1 Applicant and Operator

In 2000 the European Commission recognised the northern European gas pipeline through the
Baltic Sea as part of the Trans-European Energy Networks (TEN-E). The European
Commission referred to the project in September 2006 as one of the highest priority energy
projects in the European Union and of interest to the whole of Europe. The TEN-E status was
confirmed in 2006.1
In September 2005, OAO Gazprom (hereinafter “Gazprom”), BASF AG (today BASF SE,
hereinafter “BASF“) and E.ON AG (hereinafter “E.ON”) reached an agreement on the joint
assumption of responsibility for the development, construction and operation of a new upstream
pipeline system. The North European Gas Pipeline Company was founded in November 2005
on the basis of the cooperative intent of these three companies, and this company was
renamed Nord Stream AG (hereinafter "Nord Stream") in October 2006.
Gazprom has a 51% share in the joint project. Each of the European companies, BASF
(indirectly via its 100%-owned subsidiary Wintershall Holding AG, hereinafter “Wintershall”) and
E.ON (indirectly via its 100%-owned subsidiary E.ON Ruhrgas AG, hereinafter “E.ON
Ruhrgas”), have each a 20% share. The gas infrastructure company Gasunie Infrastruktur AG,
a 100 % affiliate to the Dutch N. V. Nederlandse Gasunie, (hereinafter “Gasunie”) has a 9%
share. The multinational nature of the shareholders, with direct involvement extending beyond
companies in the countries of origin and destination of Nord Stream, underlines the European
character of the project. The headquarters of Nord Stream AG is in Zug, Switzerland.
1.1.2 Shareholders of Nord Stream

The structure of Nord Stream ensures an efficient and successful implementation of the project.
The reliability and experience of project implementation will be guaranteed by the shareholders
Gazprom, Wintershall, E.ON Ruhrgas and Gasunie. These companies have many years of
experience in the fields of exploration, production, transport and marketing of natural gas, which
they bring to bear in Nord Stream. A description of the individual shareowners and of their
specific competencies relevant to the project follows.
Gazprom
Gazprom is the largest gas-producing company in the world. It is listed on the Moscow Stock
Exchange, and 50.002% of the company is owned by the Russian state. The German energy
company E.ON Ruhrgas owns a 6.4% share in Gazprom. In 2006, the company employed
approximately 432,000 people, of which the largest share, 65%, worked in natural gas
production.
With 44,650 bcm, Russia has 25.2% of the world's currently known natural gas reserves.2
Russia’s natural gas reserves are thus the largest quantity of confirmed natural gas reserves in
a single territorial area in the world. Gazprom owns 60% of Russia’s natural gas reserves, which
1
Decision No 1364/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council.
2
BP Statistical Review of World Energy June 2008, S.22.
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equates to approximately 15% of the confirmed global natural gas resources. The amount of
natural gas delivered by Gazprom in 2006 amounted to 556 bcm. Gazprom also has the world’s
largest network of pipelines for transporting natural gas, at a total length of 155,000 km. As a
consequence Gazprom is very experienced in the operation of natural gas pipeline networks.
When subsidiaries are included, Gazprom is responsible for the operation of 463,000 km of the
Russian pipeline and distribution network. Gazprom has therefore competencies that concern
both pipeline operation and continual optimisation of pipeline networks.
Gazprom is also active in planning and constructing natural gas pipelines. In addition to
experience with onshore pipelines on the Russian mainland, Gazprom is experienced in the
construction and operation of offshore pipelines, which is particularly of relevance to the Nord
Stream project.
In 2005, the Blue Stream pipeline, a joint project between Gazprom and Eni S.p.A., an Italian
multinational oil and gas company with a government share of 30%, was officially inaugurated.
This pipeline runs from Izobilnoye in Russia to Ankara in Turkey, and 386 km of its total length
runs under the Black Sea. Although shorter, this offshore section is no less technically
demanding than the Nord Stream pipeline route. The maximum depth at which the Blue Stream
pipeline is laid is 2,150 m, many times deeper than the maximum laying depth of the Nord
Stream pipelines, the deepest point of which is approximately 210 m. Moreover, high
concentrations of hydrogen sulphide in the Black Sea posed particular challenges to the
construction and material properties of the Blue Stream pipeline. During this and other projects,
Gazprom has gained a particular offshore expertise that the Nord Stream pipeline project will
benefit from under the particular circumstances and environmental challenges of the Baltic Sea.
E.ON Ruhrgas
E.ON Ruhrgas AG (E.ON Ruhrgas) is a 100%-owned subsidiary of E.ON AG and responsible
for E.ON’s natural gas business in Germany and Europe. The company, with its headquarters in
Essen, has been active in the heating gas market for approximately 80 years and in the natural
gas market for approximately 45 years. E.ON Ruhrgas is Germany’s largest supplier of natural
gas and among Europe’s leading gas companies. E.ON Ruhrgas employed approximately
12,700 people in 2006 and delivered 62 bcm of natural gas. With experience as constructor and
operator of a long-distance pipeline network, E.ON Ruhrgas has gained comprehensive,
relevant expertise for the Nord Stream project.
E.ON Ruhrgas has gained experiences that are particularly relevant to Nord Stream, with
involvement in important European offshore pipelines in the North Sea, including the
Interconnector UK pipeline (IUK) between Great Britain and Belgium, the Balgzand-Bacton Line
pipeline (BBL) between the northern Netherlands and Great Britain and the Seal offshore
pipeline from Elgin/Franklin in the central North Sea to Bacton.
Wintershall
Wintershall Holding AG (Wintershall) is a 100%-owned subsidiary of BASF SE. For more than
75 years, Wintershall has been active in various regions of the world (today in Europe, North
Africa, South America, Russia and the Caspian Sea region) in exploring and extracting oil and
natural gas. Over 60% of the natural gas and oil extracted by Wintershall is produced from
deposits in which the company itself acts as operator. During natural-gas extraction in the Dutch
North Sea, Wintershall acquired wide-ranging competence in the field of offshore pipeline
engineering.
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The natural gas trade, which Wintershall conducts via WINGAS GmbH & Co. KG (hereinafter
WINGAS) with its Russian partner Gazprom, is, alongside exploration and production, the
second area of work for Wintershall. WINGAS has been active in gas supply since 1993 and
delivers natural gas to public services, regional gas suppliers, industrial operations and power
stations in Germany and elsewhere in Europe through a newly built pipeline network of
WINGAS TRANSPORT GmbH & Co. KG that is now more than 2,000 km long. In 2006
WINGAS delivered 23 bcm of natural gas to its customers.
Nederlandse Gasunie
The Dutch company N.V. Nederlandse Gasunie is 100%-owned by the Kingdom of the
Netherlands. The company’s headquarters are in Groningen. Gasunie has more than 40 years’
experience in the construction and operation of natural gas pipelines. The company specialises
in infrastructure projects in the field of natural gas supply, and its main areas of business are in
the following fields: management, operation and development of the national transport network;
construction and maintenance of the transport network; participation in international projects.
The business employed approximately 1,480 people in 2006 and transported 96 bcm of natural
gas.
Gasunie was responsible for the construction of the BBL pipeline, which was completed in
December 2006. Gasunie indirectly owns 60% of the shares in this project and operator
company BBL Company. As such, Gasunie is primarily responsible for the operation and
maintenance of the BBL pipeline, 230 km of which run under the North Sea, connecting
Balgzand and Bacton.
1.1.3 Summary of competencies in Nord Stream
51,0% 20,0% 20,0% 9,0%
Nord Stream AG
SUPERVISORY LEVEL
Shareholders Committee
Role: board of directors functions

MANAGEMENT LEVEL
Managing Director
Technical Commercial Financial

Directors' Level
Director Director Director
Functions: Technical, Commercial, Financial…
Figure 1.1 The Nord Stream organisation.

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In addition to the employees of the above-mentioned shareholders, Nord Stream employs
experienced international experts from 17 countries. Nord Stream also works with leading
European advisors from the fields of environment, technology and finance. In international
tenders, contractors with many years of experience were selected for individual assignment
areas.
The contractor structure is a further testament to the European character of the project. In the
field of environmental assessment and permitting, for example, the Danish company Rambøll
and for engineering services the Italian company Snamprogetti were selected. In the field of
project certification, the independent foundation Det Norske Veritas (DNV), based in Oslo, was
commissioned. The Swedish company Marin Mätteknik AB (MMT) is conducting munitions
surveys on the planned pipelines route. Further environmental surveys and field studies are
conducted by well known international companies like Geological Survey of Sweden (SGU),
PeterGaz/Russia, Finnish Institute of Marine Research, DHI/Denmark, Fugro OSAE/Germany
and Institute for Applied Ecology/Germany. The German company Europipe will supply 75% of
the pipes for the first pipeline, and the Russian company United Metallurgical Company (OMK)
will supply the remaining 25%. For the laying work, a letter of intent has been signed with the
company Saipem, registered in London.
1.1.4 Brief description of the project

Nord Stream plans to construct a natural gas pipeline, consisting of two parallel strings, through
the Baltic Sea. The pipeline, around 1,200 km long, is to run from Portovaya in the area of
Vyborg/St Petersburg in Russia to Lubmin in the Greifswald region in Germany, and will thus
connect the world’s largest natural gas deposits in Russia with the integrated European pipeline
network. Nord Stream will be the project’s commissioner and operator.
The first of the two pipelines of the Nord Stream project should be completed by the end of
2011. With this first pipeline, a transport capacity of approximately 27.5 bcm of natural gas per
annum will be provided. In a second project phase, this transport capacity is to be doubled by a
second pipeline to run almost in parallel to the first, increasing the overall transport capacity to
approximately 55 bcm of natural gas per annum. This second pipeline is planned to be
completed in 2012.
The Nord Stream offshore pipelines will transport natural gas to Germany, from where it can be
transported to Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, Great Britain, France, Poland, the Czech
Republic and other countries.
1.2 Project history
1.2.1 Objectives and structure

The following chapter describes the history of the Nord Stream project. Rather than tracking
back the numerous single decisions that were taken at different stages of the project, its
purpose is to give an overview of main evolutions that led to the project as it is set up today.
Hence, these pages should enlighten about the reasoning behind the existing offshore route,
thus following all obligations stipulated by applicable national and supranational law.
The chapter is structured chronologically and the applied structure within each epoch will, as far
as it is applicable, follow basic economic principles of supply and demand, finance and cost
approaches, major tendencies of shareholders' corporate strategies, geo-political situations,

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environmental challenges and technical developments as they have evolved in the course of
time.
1.2.2 1980-1990: Russian-Nordic initiatives to launch new supply projects

The idea of a natural gas pipeline supplying Western Europe with gas from Northern Europe is
not a recent phenomenon. Indeed, plans for such a natural gas pipeline go back to before the
fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. The purpose of the following lines is to provide background
information about how these plans have been developed and how they finally led to the Nord
Stream project.
Norwegian plans for gas supply to and transit via Sweden

In the beginning of the 1980s, when oil and gas prices were still high and the Swedish public
debate about an adequate substitute for nuclear power was gaining momentum, several
analyses were carried out for gas transportation solutions via Sweden. The most ambitious
project was the Trans-Scandinavian project, with Statoil as promoter, to bring gas from the
Barents Sea via Sweden and possibly Denmark to Germany. Plans were also developed to
bring gas from the Haltenbanken area, in the Norwegian Sea, via Sweden to Central Europe.
In recent years new systems have been developed, such as Skanled, an offshore solution
connecting Norway, Sweden and Denmark and extending to Poland. Onshore solutions, such
as the Scandinavian Gas Ring have also been considered, but were shelved for a combination
of market, environmental, authority related and taxation reasons.
Russian gas to Finland and Sweden via the Baltic Sea

In the late 1980s the Swedish gas company Swedegas, in cooperation with the Finnish
company Neste, worked on a business plan for transportation of Russian gas to Sweden and
Western Finland. Offshore routes north and south of the Åland Islands were analysed and
marine surveys conducted in 1989 and 1990. The break up of the Soviet Union and the
following economic crises in Sweden and Finland were the main reasons for abandoning the
project.
In 1986, oil and gas prices crashed after the sharp increase of prices of the late 1970s when
OPEC curbed oil production and the ensuing scarcity in oil supply led to rising oil and gas
prices. At the same time there was a strong lobby in Sweden against the use of natural gas.
Only in the late 1990s should these visions be rejuvinated again, when the then Russian
president, Boris Yeltsin, visited Sweden and feasibility studies were undertaken.
1.2.3 1990-1995: The construction of the Yamal pipeline

The Yamal pipeline runs from the Western Siberian gas fields through Belarus and Poland to
the German border in Brandenburg State. Near Frankfurt (Oder) the pipeline connects with the
German transmission network. With a total length of 1,600 km to the Russian city of Torzhok
and a diameter of 56” (1,420 mm), it annually provides 33 bcm natural gas to Western Europe.
Yamal 1 was initiated due to expected high growth rates in demand for natural gas in both
Poland and Western Europe. It was also meant to be a technical diversification from existing
transportation routes for Russian gas. Established after the disintegration of the Soviet Union,
Yamal was the first major pipeline scheme undertaken by the then newly founded Gazprom
company. Construction began in the mid 1990s to bring gas to Poland. During construction,
complex negotiations with land-owners and farmers in Poland and Belarus proved to be main
obstacles and caused considerable delays. The pipeline is operated by a Russian-Polish joint

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venture set up by Gazprom, Polish state oil company Polskie Górnctwo Naftowe i Gazownictwo
SA (PGNiG) and Gas-Trading S.A., with Gazprom and PGNiG each holding 48% of the shares
and Gas-Trading S.A.possessing 4% of the shares.
1.2.4 1995-2000: North Transgas Oy (NTG) studies – Nord Stream's hour of birth
NTG Project: Definition and Shareholders

The scope of the company North Transgas Oy (NTG), founded in 1997, was to conduct a
thorough analysis of (1) gas supply to the Nordic countries and (2) the use of the Nordic
countries as transit region to Western and Central Europe. From a European perspective,
Brussels was eager that Finland and Sweden, which joined the EU in 1995, be integrated into
the EU gas system.
NTG was regarded as a benchmark analysis at that time, as it included a very ambitious and
detailed feasibility study with a larger budget – more than 20 Million. USD – than for similar
projects in Europe. The shareholders behind NTG were Gazprom and Fortum Oil and Gas Oy,
which was the result of a merger between Neste and IVO in 1998. Neste was a Finnish
company heavily engaged in natural gas projects in the Nordic countries in the late 1990s.
Neste worked on the Nordic Gas Grid (NGG) study and on projects launched by the Nordic
Council of Ministers, an intergovernmental forum for co-operation between Denmark, Sweden,
Finland, Norway and Iceland, to integrate those countries' gas systems. IVO, whose full name
was Imatran Voima Oy, was then Finland's largest utility. NTG's headquarters were based in
Helsinki, from where most of the practical work on the feasibility study was carried out.
Feasibility study: Scope

The NTG study was conducted in 1998. Approximately 3,900 km in the Baltic Sea, Gulf of
Finland and Gulf of Bothnia were screened to identify one or several pipeline routes. Over one
hundred geological seabed samples were taken for laboratory testing. Three different route
options were investigated together with sixteen landfall sites. Pipeline routes both east and west
of Gotland and Bornholm were surveyed. The three main route options were as follows and
included variants on the location of the landfall areas:
• Option 1: Overland Finland and Sweden, including marine crossing north of the Åland
islands.
• Option 2: Overland Finland. Spur line to Sweden at either north of the Åland islands (Alt.
2a) or north of Gotland (Alt. 2b).
• Option 3: Totally offshore with delivery to Finland and Sweden through spur lines to Hanko
and Nyköping respectively.

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Figure 1.2 Route options examined in the NTG feasibility study 1998.
All route options included the landfall of the pipeline at Greifswald as the base case, although
route alternatives to Lübeck and Rostock were also surveyed and evaluated. Furthermore, an
alternative landfall point at the island of Usedom (east of Greifswalder Bodden) was briefly
considered, but abandoned before the survey campaign was launched due to technical
requirements and existing intense alternative use of the area such as tourism.
Whereas the Baltic countries and Poland were not part of the scope of NTG, all identified
variants would have connected Russia with Finland, Sweden and Germany. Gas transport
volumes envisaged would have varied from 35.5 bcm/year to 21.6 bcm/year. Thus, the two
Nordic countries which joined the EU in 1995, would have been fully integrated in the EU gas
system. The study included the possibility of reverse gas flows from Germany to Scandinavia in
case of supply bottlenecks from Russia, using diversified German supply structures from the
Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and North Sea region.
Feasibility study: Results

After evaluation of the routes and establishing the technical feasibility of all routes, NTG
concluded in 1999 that route option 2b completely through the Baltic Sea proved to be most
advantageous. This route consists of an onshore section in Finland and an offshore section
through the Baltic Sea to Germany. The Finnish onshore part was replaced in the next project
phase by a complete offshore solution through the Gulf of Finland.
The results have not been implemented as Fortum Oil and Gas Oy changed its priority, focusing
more on the power sector and establishing new nuclear power plants in Finland and buying
Swedish utilities. Hence, a natural gas pipeline connecting the Nordic countries to Western and
Central Europe was no longer included in Fortum's corporate strategy. Consequently, Gazprom
and the Russian government shifted their attention to their southern flank. To enhance a

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strategic partnership between both countries, Russia and Turkey signed an intergovernmental
agreement on the construction of the subsea pipeline Bluestream from the Russian shore of the
Black Sea to the Turkish town of Samsun in 1999. Gazprom and Eni S.p.A. became the
shareholders of this joint venture which is supposed to transport 16 bcm of natural gas per
annum to Turkey and onwards to Southern and South Eastern Europe.
1.2.5 Excursus: The Baltic Sea – The preferred option for a new European energy supply route
Analysing key decision drivers for offshore pipelines underlines the outcome of the NTG
feasibility study. This will be done in the following brief excursus.
Economic principles
From a supply point of view, the Russian Baltic coast with its geographical proximity to various
Russian gas fields is clearly favoured as starting point of the pipeline. Nord Stream's key supply
basis comprises gas fields on the Yamal peninsular and the Yuzhno-Russkoye gas field in the
short and medium term. The Shtokman offshore gas field in the Barents Sea will constitute a
future option once it comes into large-scale production.
From an investor's perspective, the market size targeted by the project is decisive. Thus, with
regards to demand, Western Europe is an attractive market as its own gas reserves are
decreasing and the greenhouse gas emissions gap has yet to be met. To ensure a smooth
connection to a well developed pipeline network, Germany was a suitable entry point for non-
EU gas supplies. Furthermore, going onshore via the Baltic States and Poland was not an
option from an economic perspective. Market potential of Western European countries was
regarded as more promising. This argument was, apart from low population density and long
distances between potential urban sales spots, also true for an onshore alternative via Sweden
or Finland.
Political components
At the time of the analysis the market-size based argument was reinforced by a political facet.
As the different route options investigated in the NTG feasibility study would have represented
the only possible direct Russian-EU connection, linking vast Russian gas reserves with more
than 300 million inhabitants of the EU in its size from 1998 – a significant pool of potential
consumers. Compared to an onshore routing via Poland or the Baltic States, the legal situation
in EU countries was more predictable and stable. Though investment projects are based on
economic decisions, political backing can be an important factor. While the then EU accession
candidates from Central and Eastern Europe were eager to at reduce their dependence on
Russian gas and diversifying their energy supplies, Western European countries faced
increasing demand and were focussing on security of supply of energy resources.
Financing aspects
In the late 1990s Russia was still one of the International Monetary Fund's receiving countries
and thus was not able to finance a project of such magnitude. Therefore, initial discussions
about routes including onshore sections via Finland or Sweden were partly justified by financing
requirements. Alternative routes via the former Soviet sphere of influence were due to lack of
funds – among other reasons – not an option. Russia's subsequent economic recovery with
soaring growth rates, bankable ratings and high-rising global energy prices, finally allowed for a
direct link from Russia to Western and Central Europe.

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Cost analysis desk study
To complete the economic argumentation, a cost comparison between on- and offshore
solutions seems to be adequate. Nord Stream have undertaken a feasibility study comparing
the Amber3 and Yamal-Europe onshore design with Nord Stream's offshore approach. An
objective cost comparison needs to consider an upstream pipeline system that links targeted
supply points with distribution points of existing pipeline networks. Therefore, the study is based
on a model that links the Russian supply points Yamburg for the Western Siberian gas fields
and Murmansk for the Shtokman gas field with the distribution points in the German gas
pipeline system Achim in the state of Lower Saxony and Olbernhau in Saxony. Furthermore,
the analysis has to be conducted based upon comparable transport capacities. Consequently,
Nord Stream's targeted capacity of 55 bcm with two separate pipe strings is compared with two
Amber pipelines, for each of which a capacity of 27.5 bcm has been assumed, thus summing up
to a 55 bcm. Nord Stream is also compared with one Amber and the Yamal-Europe pipeline.
Again, individual capacities of 27.5 bcm for each pipeline have been assumed. This yields a
total capacity of 55 bcm. Finally, the cost-comparing study considers equivalent design
pressures, which enable transport of natural gas through an offshore or onshore pipeline
respectively. The aforementioned assumptions are reflected in three scenarios, which were
chosen for analysis:
• Scenario one is based on the Nord Stream pipeline with its two separate pipe strings
plus connection from Russian supply points and to German distribution points
• Scenario two refers to a model of two Amber pipelines including the aforementioned
connection lines
• Scenario three reflects a combination of one Amber and one Yamal-Europe pipeline
including the aforementioned connection lines
Main results are that the Nord Stream pipeline is shorter in length than the Amber or Yamal-
Europe solution and that the need for compressor power is significantly lower for the offshore
route. The smaller number of compressor stations require less fuel gas and, as a consequence,
operational costs are reduced. This leads to an overall cost-advantage of the Nord Stream
pipeline in terms of today's value of total cost.
Cost calculations are based on various assumptions. Due to differences in considered

connections to supply and distribution points, assumed budget, pipeline diameters, technical
parameters such as design pressure and wall thickness, other models calculated more
remarkable cost advantages for the Nord Stream pipeline compared to the Amber pipeline over
an assumed life span of 25 years. According to the project life cycle for the Nord Stream
pipeline, decommissioning has been estimated after a life span of approximately 50 years. Nord
Stream's overall cost advantage is thus even more relevant.
Comparing Nordic onshore alternatives, the route via Finland and Sweden will have a greater
capital costs due to its greater length, 1,400 km onshore as opposed to the 1,222 km offshore
route.
3
The so-called Amber pipeline is a natural gas pipeline project suggested to link Russia with the Yamal-Europe pipeline
passing through Latvia, Lithuania and Poland.

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Environmental focus
From an environmental perspective, the Kyoto Protocol, signed in 1997, has had an important
influence on energy related issues. Thus, the displacement of coal usage in Germany, the UK
and other European countries by dints of the natural gas pipeline will contribute to the reduction
of carbon dioxide emissions on which parties to the treaty, such as the EU, have agreed on. In
addition, an offshore pipeline through the Baltic Sea will generate significantly less carbon
dioxide than onshore routes via Eastern and Central Europe. This is based on increased
efficiencies from higher design pressure.
With regard to sustainability a rough comparison of potential environmental impacts showed

that any onshore solution would lead to greater impact on the natural environment. First, this is
based on a trenching corridor of 40 m required by onshore routes as well as on the different
pace in pipe laying. Thus, it is assumed that 2 - 3 km of offshore pipelines are constructed per
day while onshore solutions advance at a considerably slower pace. As a consequence, the
environmental impact is more intense. Second, the geographical circumstances of the different
route options clearly favour an offshore solution. Onshore routes via the Nordic countries as
well as via a Baltic-Polish corridor would lead to complicated lake and river crossings and would
pass other environmentally sensitive areas. Thus, the originally foreseen onshore sections in
Finland of approximately 328 km (alternative 1, see figure 2) and 391 km (alternative 2, see
figure 2) would have had to cross the river Kymijoki. Near Edväinen, one of the planned Finnish
landfall sections, environmentally sensitive areas would have to be passed. A possible landfall
north of Hanko would have led to complicated passings of the Bay of Pohjanpitäjänlathi. In
Sweden, the approximately 654 km onshore part would have faced two major lake crossings
and the environmentally sensitive Fyledalen valley. Moreover, seabed conditions around the
Finnish town of Hanko are rough and would have led to considerable intervention works.
Routing onshore via the Baltic States and Poland would also have crossed various
environmentally sensitive areas. In the north eastern part of Poland national parks abound, all of
which possess a large variety of birds and other wildlife. In this respect, the Wigierski National
Park, the Biebrzanski National Park and the Narwianski National Park are to be mentioned. In
addition, numerous large and small lakes and wetlands are located in the area close to the
border to Kaliningrad and Lithuania. The two largest lakes are Sniardwy and Mamry which are
connected via small rivers, channels and lakes. Tourism and recreation are an important source
of income generation around the lakes and the national parks. Finally, the area south of the
Kaliningrad border is characterised by an almost unspoiled mix of agricultural activities, forests,
wetlands, lakes and rivers.
A comprehensive environmental comparison would require a full impact assessment of possible

onshore routes, which is outside the scope of Nord Stream and which has not been conducted
by the involved EU member states. As it will be shown later in this section, EU funds intended to
be allocated for this reason have never been applied for.4
1.2.6 2001-2005: Gazprom takes over – NTG shifts into the North European Gas Pipeline
From 2001 to 2005 the activities shifted from Finnish Fortum to Russian Gazprom. Gazprom
enhanced its cooperation with German gas company Ruhrgas, later to be taken over by E.ON
AG and ultimately renamed E.ON Ruhrgas AG in 2004, and German gas producer and BASF
4
See chapter 1.2.7

G-PE-PER-EIA-100-42920000-A
subsidiary Wintershall. As Fortum Oil and Gas Oy had changed its business strategy, Gazprom
bought Fortum's 50 percent stake in NTG in 2005.
Targeting new markets and improving technology – Incidents favour the Baltic Sea route
The project changed its name to North European Gas Pipeline (NEGP). Denmark and the
Netherlands became additional target markets. Due to a decline in gas production in the UK, the
British gas market got into more focus and supply route solutions from Russia via Denmark to
the United Kingdom were assessed. UK gas companies were considering alternative supply
sources, next to Russian ones also Norwegian options and LNG supplies. Due to the
geographical proximity of the pipeline's starting point to Russian gas fields, NEGP would
increase the diversification of the EU's gas supply. From a technological point of view, the
improvement of technology for large diameter, high pressure and long distance pipelines was
further developed mainly from Norway to the European mainland and UK, but also in the Middle
East. The milestone of the construction of the Bluestream pipeline at depths upto 2150 m also
paved the way for a new generation of technologically advanced offshore projects.
For the Baltic Sea offshore solution a gas supply of 19.2 bcm/year was foreseen with a pipeline
diameter between 42” and 48” and design pressure of respectively 220 and 160 bar.
Eventually, it was decided to build the Langeled pipeline from the Norwegian offshore Ormen
Lange field to the UK and other offshore connections from Norway to British shores. Moreover,
plans to develop the Shtokman gas field as an LNG field for non-European markets were
discussed. To diversify British supplies, the construction of a new pipeline from the Netherlands
to Great Britain, the Balgzand Bacton Line (BBL), along almost the same route as the one
evaluated as part of NEGP, was commissioned. Hence, no direct pipeline from Russia to the UK
was required as the BBL could be used to serve this market via Germany and the Netherlands.
Moreover, the possible use of intermediate storage facilities in Germany turned out as an
additional advantage.
To sum up, the promoters of the Norway-UK connection, Statoil and Hydro, as well as the main
drivers of the BBL pipeline, Dutch energy company Gasunie and Belgium gas corporation
Fluxys, contributed indirectly, but considerably to Nord Stream as it is set up today.
Further advance and development of planning

Several route optimisations were conducted. In 2004 Russian engineering and environmental
company PeterGaz was contracted to launch a renewed survey of the offshore section in the
Baltic Sea. First, it was aimed to perform a detailed review of the NTG, public domain and
commercially available data. Second, a preferred survey corridor was elaborated. This corridor
formed the basis for the detailed geophysical survey in the Baltic Sea performed in 2005. This
survey led to a route alignment for further evaluation and design activities. The selected
alignment was considered appropriate for the purpose of conceptual engineering tasks and was
identified as the base case for further development activities.
Simultaneously, more opportunities for optimisation have been identified during the conceptual
study route evaluation to further reduce potential impacts and risks to the environment.
Subsequently, the route was revised and new reference route alignments were established for
visual inspection surveys conducted by remotely operated vehicles in 2006.

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The route corridor surveyed extends from Portovaya Bay near the Russian town of Vyborg in
the Leningrad region to Lubmin near Greifswald in the German state of Mecklenburg-Western
Pomerania covering a route length of approximately 1,200 km with a branch line to Sweden.
1.2.7 Creation of Nord Stream
Signing contracts, moving into offices

A basic agreement to construct the pipeline was finally reached in September 2005. Two
months later, the North European Gas Pipeline Company was founded and registered in Zug,
Switzerland, its shares originally being distributed between Gazprom (51%), E.ON Ruhrgas AG
(24.5%) and BASF/Wintershall Holding AG (24.5%).5 In October 2006, the company was
renamed to Nord Stream AG. The final shareholder agreement on the construction of Nord
Stream from Russia to Germany via the Baltic Sea was signed in July 2007 and did not contain
a Swedish branch due to a lack of demand in this market. In June 2008 Gasunie Infrastruktur
AG took over 4.5% from each of the two German shareholders, which led to a share of 9% for
Gasunie. The incorporation of the Dutch company guaranteed the opening of the BBL pipeline
as an onward connection of gas transported by Nord Stream to the UK.
The routing decision proves its timeliness

The agreements foresaw two pipelines ensuring a greater yearly capacity of 55 bcm and a
higher flexibility for inspection and maintenance. A reason for increasing the capacity were
pressures from EU countries to lower carbon dioxide emissions by displacing coal with natural
gas. The argumentation on the supply side gained stringency as the joint development of the
Yuzhno-Russkoye gas field was agreed on.
With regard to demand, the project still became more attractive as the transportation companies
OPAL NEL TRANSPORT GmbH ("ONTG") and E.ON Ruhrgas Anbindungsleitungs GmbH
("ERNA") of the two German shareholders E.ON and BASF would be responsible for two large
diameter onshore pipelines to respectively Achim-Rehden as well as the German-Czech border
near Olbernhau connecting the upstream pipeline Nord Stream with the European gas grids.
Consequently, the pipeline can supply Denmark, the Netherlands, the UK, Belgium, France,
Poland, the Czech Republic and other countries. This European perspective is reflected in the
decision of the European Parliament and the European Council by listing the pipeline as a
"Project of European Interest"6 within the Trans-European Energy Networks (TEN-E). According
to European Commissioner for Energy, Andris Piebalgs, the pipeline projects Yamal II and
Amber were selected in 2004 for a comparative feasibility study to which the Commission was
intending to allocate funds of approximately 1 Million. Euro.7 As no applicants showed interest,
these feasibility studies were not conducted. While for many Western European countries
security of supply of energy resources has gained importance, Polish Ministry of Economy
passed a guideline in 2007, renouncing at additional Russian gas imports to Poland and
focussing on the construction of LNG ports. In contrast, the EU's approach towards Moscow
seems straightforward: In September 2008, the EU unanimously stressed its inclination to keep
tight economic relationships with Russia.
5
Current distribution of shares see chapter 1.1.1
6
European Parliament: Decision No 1364/2006/EC of the European Parliament and the Council of September 6, 2006
on guidelines for trans-European energy networks and repealing Decisions No 96/391/EC No 1229/2003/EC
7
Public hearing on 29 January 2008.

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Basing Nord Stream's head office location in a financial hub, proved to be a visionary decision.
With the collapse of the real estate bubble in the United States in the winter of 2007/2008,
project financing became more challenging.
1.2.8 Outlook
Nord Stream is currently applying to the various national permitting authorities of Germany,
Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. Adjacent to these national processes, Nord Stream,
which uses cutting-edge and proven pipeline design, engineering, construction and
maintenance technologies, will meet highest standards set by international governmental
organisations. The project has committed itself to abide to the Convention on Environmental
Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context, an UNECE document. It also will fulfil the
Equator Principles, a global set of environmental and social benchmarks for managing related
issues in project finance which base on environmental and social standards of the World Bank
Group organisations IBRD and IFC. The Nord Stream Project embodies the successful
transformation of a visionary idea back in the 1980s to an indispensable key element of
sustainable European gas supply.
1.3 Rationale for the Nord Stream Project: Securing Europe's Energy Supplies
1.3.1 New natural gas import capacities are needed to meet rising demand for natural gas
within the EU
Imports will supply a greater share of total EU consumption
A continuing increase in the demand for natural gas within the European Union (EU)8 is
expected, coupled with a decline in the EU’s own productive capacity and reserves. As a
consequence, imports will supply a greater share of total EU consumption. Natural gas import
requirements are expected to rise from 314 bcm per annum, corresponding to 58% of total
demand, in 2005 to 509 bcm, corresponding to 81% of total demand, in 20259. New import
capacities are needed to prevent the emergence of a natural gas import gap.
629 Billion m3
543
195
~ 58% 314 ~81%
314
Import gap
229 Existing import
120 Own production
2005 2025
Figure 1.3 Forecast supply and demand in the EU. (This chart is based on the assumption
that current supply contracts will be renewed).
8
"EU" refers to the 27 Member States of the European Union
9
Based on data from the European Commission: European Energy and Transport… update 2007, p. 96. The figures are based on 10.3
kwh/m3 at 20 °C. The source is based on the assumption of conservative oil price scenarios. These and subsequent figures were
rounded

G-PE-PER-EIA-100-42920000-A
The following section
• Shows why further growth is projected for EU natural gas demand
• Highlights the forecast decline in EU reserves and productive capacity
• Analyses in detail the forecast increase in the EU's gas import requirements
The rising demand for natural gas in the EU

Currently making up one quarter of the primary energy consumption, natural gas accounts for a
significant proportion of energy consumption within the EU. Moreover, EU natural gas demand
is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 0.74% from 543 bcm in 2005 to 629 bcm in
202510. Over this 20 year period, the share of natural gas in the primary energy mix is expected
to rise from 25% to 26%11 while the share provided by oil, coal and nuclear power declines. The
proportion supplied by renewable energy is forecast to increase from 7% to 11%.12
Renewable Energy Renewable Energy

Solids Solids
7%
11%
Nuclear Energy 18% 17%
14% Nuclear Energy
11%
25% 35%
36% 26%
Natural Gas
Natural Gas Oil
Oil
Share in primary energy consumption 2005 Share in primary energy consumption 2025
Figure 1.4 Anticipated development of the EU's primary energy mix, 2005 to 2025. Based
on: European Commission: European Energy and Transport…, Update 2007, p.
96.
The additional demand for natural gas will, in terms of total volumes, come mostly from Great
Britain, Italy, Germany, Poland and Spain13, reflecting amongst other factors a progressive
replacement of oil and coal for electricity generation14.
The consumption of natural gas by households is also rising steadily. In Germany, France,
Belgium, the UK, the Netherlands and Italy, households constitute the largest or second-largest
source of gas demand.15 The EU Council Directive 2004/67/EC of 26 April 2004 concerning
measures to safeguard security of natural gas supply states: “In view of the growing gas market
in the Community, it is important that the security of gas supply is maintained, in particular as
regards household customers".16
Environmental compatibility is a further factor contributing to the rising demand for natural gas in
the EU. Gas has a distinct advantage over other fossil energy sources as a primary energy
10
Based on data from the European Commission: European Energy and Transport - Trends to 2030 - update 2007, p. 96;
11
Based on data from the European Commission: European Energy and Transport - Trends to 2030 - update 2007, p. 96
12
Based on data from the European Commission: European Energy and Transport - Trends to 2030 - update 2007, p. 96
13
Based on data from the European Commission: European Energy and Transport - Trends to 2030 - update 2007, various pages.
14
European Commission: Green Paper “Towards a European strategy for the security of energy supply”, 2001, p. 42
15
Based on data from the European Commission: European Energy and Transport - Trends to 2030 - update 2007
16
Council Directive 2004/67/EC of 26 April 2004 concerning measures to safeguard security of natural gas supply

G-PE-PER-EIA-100-42920000-A
source: due to its higher hydrogen to carbon ratio and a cleaner combustion process, natural
gas causes 30% to 50% less pollution and greenhouse gases than coal or oil contributing
significantly to an environmentally sustainable energy supply.17 Especially against the backdrop
of the decision by the European Council in March 2007 to reduce the greenhouse gas
emissions by 20% by the year 202018, a further increase in demand for natural gas is expected.
Use of renewable sources to meet EU primary energy demand is forecast to increase, but not
sufficiently to cover the forecast shortfall in EU gas supplies. While its importance will grow, the
share of renewables in the EU primary energy is forecast to rise only to 10% by 2020 and 12%
by 2030.19 As a consequence, natural gas itself cannot be replaced by the consolidated use of
alternative primary energy sources until 2030 and beyond.
Drop in the EU’s own natural gas reserves

While the demand for natural gas is rising in the EU, its own available resources are
diminishing. Current total proven natural gas reserves in the EU (about 2.800 billion m3)20 are
relatively low compared with projected demand of 629 bcm per annum in 2025. At 1.250 billion
m3, the Netherlands has the largest proven reserves within the EU. Great Britain, which
currently contributes approximately 16% of annual natural gas production in the EU, only has
reserves of approximately 410 billion m3.21 No noteworthy new natural gas finds are anticipated
in the EU.22
As a result, the EU’s self-sufficiency will further decline. At present, natural gas production in the
EU covers roughly 42% of demand,23 and production from existing natural gas reserves in the
EU will decline from around 229 bcm per annum in 2005 to only 120 bcm per annum in 2025.24
With production declining and demand rising over the coming decades, the EU Council sees the
need to mobilise “significant additional volumes of gas”.25 New natural gas import capacities will
be needed to offset the emerging shortfall in EU natural gas supply.
The need for new natural gas import capacities to the EU

As a result of the decline in the EU's own productive capacity and reserves coupled with an
increase in the demand for natural gas within the EU, natural gas import requirements are
expected to increase from 314 bcm per annum in 2005 to 509 bcm per annum in 2025.
Therefore, new import capacities are needed to prevent the emergence of a natural gas import
gap.
Europe currently obtains natural gas primarily from three sources: Russia provides the most
important share, followed by Norway and Algeria.26 The size of reserves as well as their
geographic proximity to the EU and the long term reliability of supply will be important factors in
the choice of future import sources. Russia turns out to combine these advantages.
17
http://www.umwelt.niedersachsen.de/master/C24188911_N23067576_L20_D0_I598.html (accessed Oct. 26, 2007)
18
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/etap/agenda_en.htm#4 (accessed on 19 October 2007)
19
European Union: European Energy and Transport - Trends to 2030 - update 2007, p. 96
20
BP AG: Statistical Review of World Energy June 2008, p. 22
21
BP AG: Statistical Review of World Energy June 2008, p. 22
22
European Commission: European Energy and Transport - Trends to 2030 - update 2007, p. 74
23
Based on data from the European Commission: European Energy and Transport… update 2007, p. 96.
24
Based on data from the European Commission: European Energy and Transport… update 2007, p. 96
25
Council Directive 2004/67/EC of 26 April 2004 concerning measures to safeguard security of natural gas supply
26
Eurostat Statistical Books: Gas and Electricity Market Statistics, 2007 Edition, S.56

G-PE-PER-EIA-100-42920000-A
1.3.2 The strategic importance of Russia as a natural gas supplier
Three factors mean Russia has the potential to make a significant contribution to the EU's future
supply security: (a) Russia has the largest confirmed natural gas reserves in the world, (b) is
geographically close to the EU, and (c) can show a reliable supply relationship for over 35 years
with natural gas customers in the EU.
(a) Russia has the world's largest confirmed natural gas reserves
The current composition of import volumes from natural gas-producing countries will shift in
favour of regions with long-term resources. Therefore, the size of reserves will be an important
factor in the choice of future import sources. Known world gas reserves are located in three
main regions:
Europe and Eurasia: approximately 33.5% (Russia: 25.2%; Norway: 1.7%)

Middle East: 41.3% (Iran: 15.7%, Qatar: 14.4%)
Africa: 8.2% (Nigeria: 3.0%, Algeria: 2.5%)27
The remaining 17% of total world reserves are distributed in small volumes across various
regions.
Russia
44,650
Norway
2,960
Iran
Algeria 27,800
4,520
25,600
Nigeria Qatar
5,300
Figure 1.5 Overview of confirmed natural gas reserves: Russia, Norway, Iran, Qatar,
Nigeria, Algeria. Based on: BP Statistical Review of World Energy, June 2007
In each of the three mentioned regions, the EU has a major supply relationship with those
countries which have either the largest or the second largest remaining gas reserves – Algeria,
Qatar, Norway and Russia. The EU has no supply relationship with Iran.
27
BP AG: Statistical Review of World Energy, June 2008, p. 22. Please also refer to this source for a detailed definition of regions.

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Algeria currently has 4,520 bcm of natural gas reserves28 and is located close to the countries
of Mediterranean Europe. There are plans to raise current exports of 65 bcm per annum to a
level of 115 bcm per annum in 2015.29
Qatar has 25,600 bcm of natural gas reserves, the third largest in the world after Russia and
Iran30. Exports are mainly effected in the form of LNG because of the great distances to target
markets. Efforts to expand Qatari LNG exports were mainly aimed at the Japanese and South
Korean markets. Low level exports to the EU began in 2000 and several projects for expanding
LNG exports to North American and European markets were under construction. However, in
December 2006, some of the supplies initially contracted by a North American buyer were sold
to a customer in the Pacific area,31 underlining the destination flexibility of LNG supplies.
However, at present an official moratorium has stopped any further natural gas production
projects. Therefore a short- or medium-term expansion of Qatari LNG production capacities is
uncertain.
At 2,960 billion m3, Norway32 will continue to play an important role in the EU natural gas supply
in the short and medium terms. However, Norway’s gas export is expected to peak at 150 bcm
per annum in 2020. By 2025, Norway's natural gas export is expected to attain merely 120 bcm
per annum.33 This corresponds to 19% of the EU's required natural gas supply in 2025.
With 44,650 billion m3, Russia has 25.2% of the world's currently known natural gas reserves.34
Their geographic concentration also facilitates development with 90% of current Russian
production taking place in West Siberia. In the future, extraction will be extended to include the
Shtokman offshore field in the Barents Sea and some further offshore fields in the Kara Sea.
The Shtokman field has 3,700 bcm of confirmed natural gas reserves concentrated in a single
field with the big advantage of being located close to the EU.
The potential rise in gas exports from Norway, Algeria and Qatar are insufficient to cover
medium- and long-term growth in EU import requirements. The potential shortfall adds to the
importance of constructing additional large volume transport capacities from Russia to the EU.
(b) Russia's proximity to the EU

The source of imported natural gas varies widely across the EU, with geographic proximity the
key determinant. Countries like Germany, France, Belgium and the UK obtain natural gas
mainly from Russia and Norway, most Italian and Spanish natural gas imports come from
Algeria. Geographic proximity will be an important factor in the choice of future import sources.
In addition to its unique resource base, Russia has the advantage of its geographic proximity to
EU markets. The Shtokman field will be an outstanding contribution for the supply security of
the EU in the future.
28
BP Statistical Review of World Energy June 2008, S.22
29
AHK Algerien: http://algerien.ahk.de/index.php?id=landesinfos, accessed on August 4, 2008
30
BP Statistical Review of World Energy June 2008, S.22
31
Energy Information Administration: International Energy Outlook 2007, S. 41-42
32
BP Statistical Review of World Energy June 2008, p.22; Note: Norway’s natural gas reserves are not part of the EU’s reserves.
33
German Ministry for the Economy: "Monitoring-Bericht des BMWi nach § 51 EnWG zur Versorgungssicherheit bei Erdgas", p.17
34
BP Statistical Review of World Energy June 2008, S.22.

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(c) Russia has had a long-term and reliable supply relationship with natural gas
customers within the EU
A supply relationship based on mutual interest has existed between the EU and Russia for more
than thirty-five years. EU companies buy some 80% of Russian natural gas exports.35 Russian
reserves are also of great significance for the EU's future supply security. The oil and gas
industries constitute a major sector of the Russian economy, accounting for two thirds of its
export revenue in 2007. Gas export earnings are crucial to Russia's national budget. The
European Commission speaks of an evident mutual dependency on the part of the EU and
Russia in respect of energy partnership, and of the mutual benefit of Russia having greater
access to the EU’s natural gas market.36
Moreover, the exporting company is committed to make additional volumes of natural gas
available. Russian Energy company Gazprom has already contractually agreed to sell an
additional 21 bcm of natural gas per annum to be supplied via the Nord Stream pipeline to
various purchasers. These contracts demonstrate that Gazprom's intention to export via the
new supply route is matched by the long-term demand for natural gas projected by the
European energy companies concerned. The Nord Stream pipeline is thus a priority project for
both Gazprom, the supplier, and for European gas purchasers.
Although a tried and tested supply relationship has existed between exporting companies in
Russia and purchasers in the EU, early connection of Russian natural gas reserves to the
European market is also important given the increasing competition between natural gas
consumers. This is described in the following paragraphs.
1.3.3 The importance of connecting Russian natural gas reserves to the European market at an
early stage in the context of the rising demand for natural gas in Asia
China's geographic proximity to Russian gas fields in north Tyumen region is comparable to the
EU's geographic proximity. Given the increasing competitive pressure to access natural gas
supplies, the strategic safeguarding of sources in Russia is becoming increasingly important for
the EU. This is primarily associated with the rising demand for natural gas in Asian countries.37
Demand for natural gas between 2004 and 2030 is estimated to grow at 5.1% per annum in
China and 4.2% per annum in India, compared with 3.4% and 3.0% per annum for oil and 2.8%
and 3.3% per annum for coal.38 The Asia-Pacific region currently consumes 439 bcm per
annum, about 81% EU levels.
China is one of the largest and fastest growing markets for natural gas in the region. Given the
expected increase in demand, China is likely to show a heightened interest in Russian natural
gas exports. China's geographic proximity to Russian gas fields will encourage the transport of
gas from Russia to China.
35
Calculation based on the BP Statistical Review of World Energy, June 2008, p. 30
36
Commission to the European Council, October 12, 2006: Foreign relations in terms of energy supply - principles, measures
37
Federal Ministry of Labour and Economic Affairs: Energy market trends up to 2030, 2005, p. 18
38
International Energy Agency: World Energy Outlook 2006, pp. 86, 112, 127

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Figure 1.6 Existing gas reserves in Russia and construction of the supply network for China.
As energy trading relations grow between Russia and Asia, there is a danger of the EU taking
second place as a customer for Russian gas from Tyumen region. An early strategic expansion
of the connection from Russia to the European market is therefore important in securing the
supply of natural gas to the EU over the long term. Gazprom's major investment commitment in
the Nord Stream pipeline underlines the interest of the world's leading natural gas producer in a
long-term supply relationship with the EU. This is a considerable benefit to the EU in the context
of increasing competition for natural gas as an energy resource.
Establishing a direct link between Russian gas reserves and the EU market is gaining in
urgency. Therefore, the European Commission supports projects aiming at the timely expansion
of gas infrastructure to the EU from third countries via the guidelines for Trans-European
Energy Networks (TEN-E). The Nord Stream pipeline can provide a significant proportion of the
required additional transport capacities into the EU and is, therefore, of very high importance for
EU's security of gas supply. On September 6, 2006 the European Parliament and Council
recognised the Nord Stream pipeline as “a project of European interest”,39 and a priority project.
1.3.4 The Nord Stream pipeline as an essential element of the Trans-European Energy
Networks
The Nord Stream pipeline in the context of the Axes for Priority Projects of the Trans-
European Energy Networks
Implementing the Trans-European Energy Networks decision involves improving the integration
and development of the energy transport infrastructure by furthering the connection,
interoperability and development of natural gas transport capacities. This European
Commission programme prioritises certain axes for the expansion or re-establishment of natural
gas supplies to the EU from third countries, as well as raising the efficiency of energy markets
39
European Parliament: Decision No 1364/2006/EC of the European Parliament and the Council of September 6, 2006 on guidelines for
trans-European energy networks and repealing Decisions No 96/391/EC No 1229/2003/EC

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within the EU.40 The EU supports projects which correspond to these “Axes for Priority
Projects”. On September 6, 2006, the EU defined six axes for priority projects (NG1 to NG6).41
Figure 1.7 Trans-European networks: natural gas priority projects, based on an illustration
by the European Commission
The NG1 axis covers a corridor from Russia to Great Britain via northern continental Europe
(including Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark) for the creation of a new import route for
Russian natural gas. This axis aims at the connection between Russian gas reserves in
Western Siberia in general – more particularly the Shtokman field - and the EU. The Nord
Stream pipeline as the backbone of this corridor will serve to realise this goal. The
efficiency of the internal EU gas market is also to be enhanced by increasing transport capacity
between continental Europe and Great Britain.
A pipeline network connecting Algeria with Europe is to be created on the NG2 axis. This
includes several routes to Spain and Italy. From there, other connections to France are
envisaged.
40
European Commission: Trans-European Energy Networks: TEN-E Priority Projects
41
Decision No 1364/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of September 6, 2006 laying down guidelines for trans-
European energy networks and repealing Decision No 1229/2003/EC

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On the NG3 axis, the connection of gas reserves from the Middle East and the Caspian Region
to the EU is planned via the “Nabucco” pipeline which is to run across Turkey, Bulgaria,
Romania and Hungary as far as Austria.
The aim of the projects designated as NG4 is the construction of additional regasification
terminals for liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Belgium, France, Spain, Portugal and Italy. First By
creating flexible transportation routes by ship, these projects are designed to stimulate
competition between natural gas exporting countries, to establish additional import capacities
and to diversify the sources from which natural gas is imported. However, already today the
LNG world market is characterised by a strong competition between importing countries in
Europe, the United States and the Far East.
The aim of the projects designated as NG5 is to increase gas storage capacity primarily by
constructing underground storage facilities (e.g. depleted natural gas deposits, salt caves).
The NG6 axis focuses on expanding pipeline capacity from Libya, Egypt, Jordan, Syria and
Turkey to EU Member States in the Mediterranean region: establishment of the East
Mediterranean gas ring.
The Nord Stream pipeline in the context of the various projects realised for the Trans-
European Energy Networks
In accordance with the axes prioritised by the European Commission, various new natural gas
import infrastructure projects are to be implemented. The Nord Stream pipeline is defined as
one of TEN-E infrastructure projects and the largest single project for new import capacity into
the EU.
Figure 1.8 Trans-European networks - natural gas priority projects

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The Langeled pipeline, which runs from the Nyhamna Terminal in Norway to Easington in
England, is one of the strategic infrastructure projects mentioned. In combination with the
development of the Norwegian Ormen Lange field, this pipeline, officially inaugurated in 2006, is
contributing approximately 20 bcm per annum to the EU’s import capacities.
Expansion of pipeline connections between North Africa and Italy or Spain is designed to
increase annual EU import capacity by up to 42 bcm per annum starting in 2015 (GME,
MEDGAZ, GALSI, Transmed, expansion of the Green Stream pipeline). The Nabucco pipeline
is planned as an import route for natural gas from the Caspian region with import capacities of
20-30 bcm per annum starting in 2011 at the earliest.
Extra LNG capacities are planned, providing in total 66 bcm per annum of additional
regasification capacity is currently planned, raising capacity by 2015 to approximately 180 bcm
per annum. However, the majority of the projects listed are still at an early planning stage, and
their execution is in some cases uncertain.
All the pipeline projects currently planned and under construction in the framework of TEN-E
would add – including Nord Stream – a total of 140 bcm to EU import capacity. This
corresponds to over 70% of EU additional gas import needs in 2025. The Nord Stream pipeline
with a planned capacity of 55 bcm per annum, is meant to provide more than 25% of EU
additional gas import needs, and therefore makes a significant contribution to guaranteeing the
security of EU gas supplies. As stressed by EU Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs, Nord
Stream should be seen as complementary to other projects, which will also need to be
completed, not competitive to them.42 Beyond its importance in terms of volume, the route
chosen for Nord Stream would contribute significantly to the “diversification of natural gas
sources and supply routes”.43 A June 10, 2004 report from the European Commission on the
TEN-E priority projects confirms this.44 Diversification was defined as a priority in the future
development of the trans-European energy supply networks by EU Decision No 1364/2006/EC
of September 6, 2006. This recognised the northern European natural gas pipeline running from
Russia to Germany through the Baltic Sea as a project “in the general interest” of the EU.45 Due
to the Nord Stream pipeline's capacity to provide a significant share of the required additional
import capacity, and due to its strategic importance, the non-realization of the Nord Stream
project is not an option.
1.3.5 Consequences in case of non-implementation of the project

This chapter deals with the consequences for the future natural gas supply of the EU, if the
Nord Stream project were not implemented. As discussed above, non-implementation of the
Nord Stream project would represent a major risk to the security of EU natural gas supply due
to the non-availability of 55 bcm p.a. through the Nord Stream pipelines. The planned pipeline
would cover more than one-quarter of additional gas import demand, estimated at up to
195 bcm p.a. by 2025. Non-implementation would seriously threaten EU energy supply security.
42
Public Hearing of the Committee on Petitions, Brussels, 29 January 2008.
43
Decision No 1364/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of September 6, 2006, Article 4.3. See also the
communication from the Commission to the European Council and the European Parliament entitled “An energy policy for Europe”, 10
January 2007, p. 6
44
European Commission: Trans-European Energy Networks: TEN-E Priority Projects 2004, p. 25
45
Decision No 1364/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of September 6, 2006 laying down guidelines for trans-
European energy networks and repealing Decision No 1254/96/EC

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Most of the remaining required import capacity is planned to be covered by gas import projects
listed under 1.3.4. These projects should all be regarded as complementary to each other. The
supply gap resulting from the non-implementation of the Nord Stream project would have to be
covered by projects that are not even yet under consideration not to mention planning.
Without Nord Stream, the following should be considered:
a) Other areas of origin,

b) Other natural gas transport routes into the EU,
c) Other energy sources.
Besides the analysis of these three aspects, it must be emphasized that, in addition to Nord
Stream, other projects currently under consideration are required to meet the rising demand for
imported natural gas (see section 1.3.4), and therefore, cannot be regarded as alternatives to
the Nord Stream project.
(a) Other areas of origin
Based on the following criteria, there is no comparable alternative to Russia.
• Russia holds the world's largest natural gas reserves and will be able to supply natural
gas to the EU in the long run;
• Russia lies in geographic proximity to the EU;
• Russia offers the possibility of long-term supplies;
• A link to incremental Russian gas supplies can be made available in the medium term.
Other potential sources of additional gas are:
• Caspian and Middle East region – transmission pipeline systems and LNG;
• Algeria and Libya – pipelines across the Mediterranean Sea;
• Norway – pipelines through the North Sea;
• More distant sources –LNG.
None of these alternatives offer the advantages of the Nord Stream project connecting the EU
to Russian gas fields. Moreover, they would be only available in the longer term; several years
after Nord Stream. LNG transports, in particular, involve higher CO2 emissions.
(b) Other natural gas transport routes into the EU
Below, other modes of transport are compared with Nord Stream regarding emission efficiency,
which is the main environmental aspect to be considered. Other environmental aspects that are
taken into account are safety and public perception of these means of transport.
The Nord Stream project offers distinct advantages in terms of energy efficiency compared to
onshore routes and LNG transport, an important factor in view of the EU’s goal of reducing CO2
emissions.
Onshore pipelines
Given the same pressure levels and throughput volumes, the energy needed to operate a
pipeline is primarily a function of the average transportation pressure. With increasing pressure

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the specific pressure consumption during transportation will drop due to the compressible
nature of gases, thus reducing the number of compressor stations necessary for gas transport
over a certain distance. With the maximum input pressure of 220 bar for the Nord Stream
pipelines no intermediate compression is needed to transport gas over a distance of more than
1200 km.
As onshore pipelines are predominantly operated at pressure levels considerably below 100 bar
far more compressor stations and thus fuel gas would be necessary to guarantee an equivalent
performance. Therefore, the Nord Stream project results in lower CO2 emissions compared to
an onshore project.
LNG transport
LNG transports are markedly less energy-efficient and involve higher carbon emissions than an
offshore pipeline. The LNG process is complex and involves high-pressure liquefaction of gas at
the point of export, specialised shipping transport and finally re-gasification. Each part of the
process involves significant energy losses and carbon emissions. Analysis shows that a pipeline
link from the Murmansk province where the Shtokman gas will be landed will involve fewer
energy losses and lower carbon emissions than transportation by LNG tanker to the North
German coast. The same comparative benefits of pipeline transport over LNG transport also
apply to a subsea link to North Germany from Vyborg on Russia's Baltic coast. To replace the
capacity planned for Nord Stream would mean some 600-700 LNG tanker round trips across
the Baltic Sea per year, with noise and other disturbances impacting seriously on the Baltic
environment, over and above additional carbon emissions. Moreover, in a 2007 statement the
European Commission observed that "completion of various LNG terminals encountering
significant delays"46, referring to TEN-E Priority Projects that are at least in the planning stage.
This statement clarifies the difficulty of realising additional LNG terminals that have not yet even
been planned.
(c) Other energy sources
Renewable energy
By 2025 the European Union expects the Europe-wide share of renewable energy to be 11% of
the primary energy mix47. From an environmental point of view, renewable energy is a preferred
option. However, the renewable energy projects are not able to meet the basic developmental
objective, as their share in the energy mix remains too small. To replace the 55 bcm of gas to
be provided via the Nord Stream pipeline, 240,000 wind mills would have to be built, or
approximately 90,000 to 100,000 square kilometres of corn fields would have to be added for
bio ethanol production. Renewable energy projects will therefore not be considered an
alternative to the project.
Fossil fuels
Natural gas creates 30 – 50% less pollution and greenhouse gas emissions than other fossil
fuels such as coal and oil, as natural gas has a higher hydrogen-carbon ratio and a clean
combustion process. Therefore, gas has less impact on the environment than other fossil fuels.
Tackling the energy need in case of non-realisation of the Nord Stream project with other fossil
46
European Commission: Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament: Priority
Interconnection Plan, p. 11
47
European Commission: European Energy and Transport - Trends to 2030 - update 2007, p. 96

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fuels than gas would mean to build 55 additional coal-fired plants or to have 150 oil tankers
crossing the Baltic Sea per annum.
Especially against the backdrop of the decision by the European Council in March 2007 to
reduce the greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by the year 202048, a further increase in demand
for natural gas is expected. Fossil fuel projects have a more negative impact on the
environment than the Nord Stream project and therefore will not be considered an alternative to
the project.
Nuclear power
An increased use of nuclear energy as an alternative to the use of natural gas might be an
option if the long term supply of natural gas through existing infrastructure proves to be less
than the demand. Tackling the energy need in case of non-realisation of the Nord Stream
project with nuclear power would require 23 new nuclear power stations. Since the construction
process of nuclear stations is of long duration, a tackling of the import gap in 2025 with nuclear
power is highly unrealistic.
Moreover, nuclear power has environmental disadvantages. On the one hand nuclear power
generation has a positive effect on CO2 emissions. On the other hand the present uncertainty
still existing regarding the long term impacts49, nuclear power generation has a more negative
impact on the environment than the Nord Stream project. Additionally it can be observed that
the future use of nuclear energy is heavily challenged in many countries of the European Union
by public pressure, and e.g. Germany has committed itself not to build any new nuclear power
plant and step-by-step to replace existing nuclear power plants by using other sources of
energy. Therefore, nuclear power will not be considered an alternative to the project.
The Nord Stream project has lower carbon dioxide emissions than LNG transport and on-shore
pipelines. LNG is the most carbon-intensive way to transport natural gas. Transferring gas in a
submarine pipeline is one of the most efficient and safe ways to transport energy. In this context
environmental impacts on flora and fauna should be contrasted with environmental impacts
resulting from the use of natural gas instead of other fossil fuels. Considering that the
construction of an off-shore pipeline through the Baltic Sea is environmentally the most
favourable way of increasing the natural gas transportation capacities into the EU, and
considering that renouncing from increasing the import capacities is no option, it can be
concluded that, apart from renewable energy, any other projects aiming to supply the EU with
required energy sources, would result in more harmful effects on the environment.
1.3.6 Conclusion
Non-implementation of the 55bn m3 a year Nord Stream pipeline, providing more than 25% of
EU additional gas import needs, is not an option without risking a serious threat to EU energy
supply security:
• The Nord Stream pipeline is an indispensable element of the TEN-E priority projects
that aim at securing the EU's gas supply.
• The Nord Stream pipeline will connect the EU with the world's largest known natural
gas reserves.
48
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/etap/agenda_en.htm#4 (accessed on 19 October 2007)
49
Such as: uranium mining, safety issues and nuclear waste issues.

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• The Nord Stream offshore pipeline is the most environmentally compatible way of
transporting natural gas into the EU.
• Compared with other gas transportation projects into the EU, the Nord Stream project is
at a very advanced stage of technical design and planning. It can be completed and
operational in time to help meet the EU's growing demand for gas. Therefore, the Nord
Stream pipeline is of major importance for meeting EU gas demand as it will increase in
the coming years.

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2. Description of the project
2.1 General
The aim of this Section is to describe the Nord Stream project in sufficient depth to enable the
scope and extent of the project to be understood, and for all potential sources of impacts to be
identified.
2.1.1 Scope of project activities addressed in the Danish EIA report

The scope of the Danish national EIA report is presented in Figure 2.1. A distinction is made
between Nord Stream project activities that are (1) within the scope of the EIA report, (2)
associated with the EIA but not assessed as part of this EIA report and (3) outside the scope of
this EIA report.
In general, the scope of the Danish national EIA report is confined to those project activities that
occur offshore in the Danish territorial waters and exclusive economic zone within the Baltic
Sea.
The footnotes to Figure 2.1 explain the justification for not assessing certain project-related
activities, such as weight-coating plants, pipe-storage yards etc. It should however be noted that
some of these activities are still mentioned in the description of the proposed Nord Stream
project that follows in this Section for completeness reasons, even though they are not
addressed further in this report.
Transboundary impacts of project-related activities from other countries to Denmark and from
the Danish waters to other countries are outside the scope of this document. They are
addressed in the Nord Stream Espoo report /1/.

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Figure 2.1 The scope of the Danish EIA.

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2.1.2 Project overview
The Nord Stream pipeline will run from Portovaya Bay near Vyborg on Russia’s Baltic Sea coast
through the Gulf of Finland and the Baltic Sea to Lubmin in the Greifswald area on the northern
coast of Germany. The Nord Stream pipeline route is depicted in Figure 2.2 and in Atlas Maps
PR-1 and PR-2-D.
Figure 2.2 The Nord Stream pipeline route through the Baltic Sea. The dark green line
indicates the pipeline route. The red lines indicate the exclusive economic zones
of the countries around the Baltic Sea, and the green lines indicate the limit of the
territorial waters. The dotted red line indicates the midline between Denmark and
Poland.
The Nord Stream pipeline will consist of two 48-inch steel pipelines. The pipelines are referred
to as the ‘north-west’ and ‘south-east’ pipelines to distinguish their orientation relative to each
other. Each pipeline has a total offshore length of about 1,222 km.
Landfall facilities in Russia and Germany will connect the two pipelines to the Russian and
European gas networks. Onshore pipeline sections in Russia (approximately 1.5 km) and in

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Germany (approximately 0.5 km) will connect the offshore sections of the pipelines with the
landfall facilities. The onshore sections are also known as dry sections.
The pipelines will be connected to a compressor station at the Russian landfall in Vyborg, which
will be equipped with metering and pressure-control facilities. Similarly, the pipelines will be
connected to a receiving terminal in Greifswald in Germany, which also will be equipped with a
metering station and pressure-control facilities.
The main characteristics and operating conditions of the pipelines are shown in Table 2.1 below.
The pipelines will have three offshore design pressure segments according to the pressure drop
caused by the friction losses along the pipelines. This is further explained in Section 2.8.2. The
kilometre post (KP) refers to the location along the pipeline length starting from the Russian
landfall at KP 0.
Table 2.1 Design operating conditions.

Property Value (range)
Capacity 55 bcm/y (27.5 bcm/y per pipeline)
Gas Dry, sweet natural gas
Design pressure KP 0 to KP 300: 220 barg
KP 300 to KP 675: 200 barg
KP 675 to KP 1222: 170 barg
Offshore design temperature -10 to 60 °C
Offshore operating temperature -10 to 40 °C
The operating temperature in Danish waters will be almost identical to the sea bottom water
temperature in the area, i.e. approximately within the interval of 0 to 10 °C.
Each pipeline will comprise of steel pipes that are welded together and protected by
anticorrosion coating and concrete weight coating. The inner diameter of the pipes will be
consistent throughout the entire length of the pipelines in order to facilitate maintenance
operations.
The wall thickness of the pipelines will vary correspondingly to the pressure drop along the
pipelines, meaning that there will be three different offshore pipeline wall thicknesses (34.6, 30.9
and 26.8 mm). In the near-shore (~ 0.5 km) and dry sections the wall thickness will be in Russia
41.0 mm and in Germany 30.9 mm, respectively.
The outer diameter will vary because of the differing wall thickness of the steel pipes
(determined based on the maximum allowable operating pressure) and the varying thickness of
the concrete weight-coating over the length of the pipelines (determined based on requirements
for on-bottom stability). The maximum outer diameter of the pipelines will be approximately 1.4
m. The pipeline dimensions are shown in Table 2.2.

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Table 2.2 Pipeline dimensions.
Property Value (range)
Inner diameter of steel pipe 1,153 mm
Wall thickness of steel pipe Section 220 barg: 34.6 mm
Section 200 barg: 30.9 mm
Section 170 barg: 26.8 mm
Thickness of concrete coating 60 to 110 mm
Total length (per pipeline) ~ 1,222 km
The Nord Stream pipeline has been designed for an operating life of 50 years.
The main activities during the different phases of the lifetime of the pipeline system are
described in the following Sections and include:
• Feasibility study
• Conceptual design
• Engineering surveys and munitions screening
• Detailed pipeline design
• Environmental study, risk assessments and permitting
• Setting up infrastructure and logistics
• Construction of the pipelines, including:
• Surveying (to gather specific information on the installation corridor)
• Seabed intervention works (to ensure that the pipelines have a stable foundation
on the seabed)
• Construction activities at the landfalls in Germany and Russia
• Crossings of existing offshore cables and pipelines
• Offshore pipe-laying, including tie-in (coupling) of the different offshore sections
• Pre-commissioning (flooding, cleaning, gauging, pressure-testing, dewatering and drying of
the pipeline system using seawater)
• Commissioning (filling the pipelines with gas)
• Operation, including inspection and maintenance of the pipeline and environmental
monitoring
• Decommissioning of the pipeline system
Provided that all permits are granted within the expected time frame, the installation of the
pipelines will be initiated in April 2010. At present, the duration of the total installation campaign
comprising both pipelines is expected to be about three years.
Installation will commence at the two landfalls, which will be constructed to accommodate both
pipelines at the same time to minimise environmental impacts. Also pre-lay seabed intervention
works will be carried out for both pipelines in the beginning of the construction phase.
Construction of the offshore sections of the two pipelines will be carried out separately, at
different times due to availability of pipe-lay vessels. The north-west line will be ready for gas

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delivery in September 2011, and the south-east pipeline is planned to come on stream in
November 2012.
In Danish waters, the construction works, including pipe-laying and seabed intervention works,
will be conducted during several phases from 2010-2011 for both lines. The construction
schedule for activities within Danish waters is presented in Figure 2.23 in Section 2.5.1.
2.2 Pipeline route

The Nord Stream pipeline passes through the exclusive economic zones (EEZ) of Russia,
Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Germany. In Russia, Denmark and Germany the pipeline also
passes through territorial waters (TW).
This Section describes the route development process that has taken place during the past
decade and presents the details of the proposed route.
2.2.1 Development of the pipeline route

Determining the optimal route for the pipeline has been an evolving process. The initial route
was based on a desk study; geophysical reconnaissance surveys in 2005; and detailed
geophysical, geotechnical and environmental sampling in 2006. The desk study was based on
the North Transgas survey and feasibility study conducted in 1998-1999. An additional
reconnaissance survey was performed in 2007 to evaluate potential alternative routes and to
extend parts of the 2005 survey corridor. The proposed pipeline route was based on this
extensive survey coverage.
During 2007 and 2008, route selection has been ongoing based on consultation with the
authorities in the five transitory countries (the ‘countries of origin’). The route selection has been
supported by further detailed geophysical investigations, a geotechnical sampling programme
and in-situ testing and environmental sampling. Details of these studies and surveys can be
found in Chapter 4.
Detailed design and the above-mentioned investigation programmes have resulted in a number
of potential optimisations of the route to further minimise seabed interventions. Minimisation of
seabed interventions has been a key criterion during development of the route as it is desirable
for economic, technical and environmental reasons: as less material will be placed or
rearranged on the seabed, less environmental impact will be achieved and less economical and
technical resources will be needed to perform the installation.
The route within Danish waters has been selected as a result of this extended survey program.
While the routes remains subject to further optimisation (based on detailed design and further
investigations), it broadly comprises the proposed final routing of the pipeline. For a description
of optimisations and route alternatives, please refer to Chapter 3.
2.2.2 Details of the pipeline route

The route within the Danish waters is shown in detail in Figure 2.3. See also Atlas Map PR-02-
D. A route south of Bornholm was chosen to avoid the main shipping route between Denmark
and Sweden.

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The route passes east and south of Bornholm and into Danish territorial water. The length of the
route is approximately 137 km of which 88 km are located in Danish territorial water.
The Nord Stream route enters Danish waters north of a chemical munitions dumping ground
east of Bornholm (refer to Atlas Map MU-1-D). It follows a south-western direction in order to
avoid the risk areas for the dumping ground, arrives into the territorial waters and turns south-
south-west passing Christiansø.
At the southern tip of Bornholm, Dueodde, the route turns southwest and passes south of
Bornholm, leaving the territorial water and continues to Germany in a route parallel to Rønne
Banke. The route leaves Denmark south-east of Adler Grund.
The chosen route has been discussed with relevant Danish authorities.
Figure 2.3 The Nord Stream route in Danish waters. The dark green line indicates the
pipeline route. The red lines indicate the exclusive economic zones, and the
green lines indicate the limit of the territorial waters.

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For details on the entire route in the Baltic Sea, please refer to Table 2.3. The Danish section of
the pipelines is located between KP 1004 and KP 1142.
Table 2.3 Details of lengths of the Nord Stream route for the north-west (NW) and south-
east (SE) pipeline. Lengths are approximate and subject to final optimisation.
Total dry/
Section length National Cumulative
offshore
Country Classification [km] length [km] KP [km]
section [km]
NW SE NW SE NW SE NW SE
Dry section 1.5 1.5 1.5
Russia TW 121.8 122.5
123.2 123.7 123.2 123.7
EEZ 1.4 1.2
Finland EEZ 375.3 374.3 375.3 374.3 498.5 498.0
Sweden EEZ 506.4 506.1 506.4 506.1 1004.9 1004.1
1223.1 1222.2
EEZ 49.4 49.5
Denmark 137.1 137.1 1142.0 1141.2
TW 87.7 87.6
EEZ 31.2 31.2
81.1 81.0 1223.1 1222.2
Germany TW 49.9 49.8
Dry section 0.5 0.5 0.5
The depth profiles of the pipeline through Danish waters are depicted in Figure 2.4 and Figure
2.5. Both pipelines will be located at a depth between 22 m and 98 m.
0.0
-20.0
-40.0
Water depth (m)
-60.0
-80.0
-100.0
-120.0
-140.0
1000 1010 1020 1030 1040 1050 1060 1070 1080 1090 1100 1110 1120 1130 1140 1150
KP (m)
Figure 2.4 Depth profile for the north-west pipeline within the Danish waters. Depths are
approximate and subject to final optimisation.

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0.0
-20.0
-40.0
Water depth (m)
-60.0
-80.0
-100.0
-120.0
-140.0
1000 1010 1020 1030 1040 1050 1060 1070 1080 1090 1100 1110 1120 1130 1140 1150
KP (km)
Figure 2.5 Depth profile for the south-east pipeline within Danish waters. Depths are
approximate and subject to final optimisation.
The pipelines will run almost parallel along the floor of the Baltic Sea with a minimum separation
distance of 100 m. However, the route optimisation due to uneven seabed means that local
separation distances may vary over the length of the pipelines. The separation distances in
Danish waters are seen in Figure 2.6. The minimum distance will be 104 m at KP 1027, and the
maximum distance will be 529 m at KP 1031.
600
500
Separation distance (m)
400
300
200
100
0
1000 1010 1020 1030 1040 1050 1060 1070 1080 1090 1100 1110 1120 1130 1140 1150
KP (km)
Figure 2.6 Separation distance between the two pipelines within Danish waters. Distances
are approximate and subject to final optimisation.

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2.3 Detailed design
This Section describes pertinent features of the engineering design and materials design of the
Nord Stream pipeline project and the independent third party certification that will be applied.
2.3.1 Engineering design
2.3.1.1 Design criteria

The Nord Stream project will follow applicable national legislation and regulations. In general,
these national legislative acts and regulations provide few specific technical requirements for
offshore pipelines but refer to internationally recognised codes and standards.
2.3.1.2 Codes and standards

The Nord Stream pipeline is designed and will be operated according to the code DNV OS-
F101, Submarine Pipeline Systems, issued by Det Norske Veritas (DNV), Norway. The 2000
version with the 2003 amendments and corrections are applied. DNV OS-F101 provides criteria
and guidance on design, materials, fabrication, manufacturing, installation, pre-commissioning,
commissioning, operation and maintenance of pipeline systems.
The DNV OS-F101 principle code is supported by other international codes and the following
DNV recommended practices:
• RP F102 Pipeline Field Joint Coating and Field Repair of Linepipe Coating
• RP F103 Cathodic Protection of Submarine Pipelines by Galvanic Anodes
• RP F105 Free Spanning of Pipelines
• RP F106 Factory Applied External Pipeline Coatings for Corrosion Control
• RP F107 Assessment of Pipeline Protection Based on Risk Principles
• RP F110 Global Buckling of Submarine Pipelines
• RP F111 Interference Between Trawl Gear and Pipelines
• RP E305 On-bottom Stability Design of Submarine Pipelines
The DNV code and guideline structure is widely used because of the code’s in-depth coverage
of a very broad range of topics. The use of DNV design codes has been an established practice
for offshore design companies for the last several decades. The DNV code for submarine
pipelines DNV OS-F101 is currently used for all marine pipeline designs in the Danish and
Norwegian North Sea oil and gas developments and also is being used extensively on a global
basis. DNV OS-F101 likewise has been applied in studies for other projects in parts of the Baltic
Sea.
The development of the 2000 (as amended in 2003) DNV OS-F101 submarine pipeline code
follows issuance of the DNV 1976, DNV 1981 and DNV 1996 pipeline codes. The line pipe
requirements of DNV OS-F101 are based on the ISO standard 3183-3 Petroleum and natural
gas industries – Steel for pipelines.
2.3.1.3 Engineering design contractor

The Italian company SES (Saipem Energy Services, former Snamprogetti S.p.A. of the Eni
Group) has been appointed engineering contractor for the detailed design of the Nord Stream

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project. The Eni Group is one of the largest contractors in the oil and gas industry and has been
responsible for the technical design of both the Langeled and Blue Stream gas pipelines
between Norway and England and between Russia and Turkey, respectively.
2.3.1.4 Independent verification and certification

Nord Stream AG has assigned independent third-party experts to witness, audit and participate
in all aspects of the project design and implementation.
The companies DNV and SGS/TÜV have been appointed to perform independent third-party
verification during the design phase of the Nord Stream project, i.e., to verify the quality of
engineering work.
Surveillance and verification activities associated with manufacture, fabrication, installation and
pre-commissioning have also been assigned to a third party in conjunction with Nord Stream AG
representation as deemed appropriate. Subsequently, DNV will be involved in all processes of
surveillance and inspection and will provide final certification of compliance for the overall
pipeline system.
The third parties will monitor all activities and make an independent statement, or certificate of
compliance, which establishes that the project has been designed, fabricated, installed, pre-
commissioned and handed over in accordance with the relevant international codes and
standards.
2.3.2 Pipeline materials design and corrosion protection

The Nord Stream pipelines will be constructed of individual steel line pipes that will be welded
together in a continuous laying process. The line pipes will be internally coated with an epoxy-
based material. The purpose of the coating is to reduce hydraulic friction, thereby improving the
flow conditions.
An external three-layer polyethylene coating will be applied over the line pipes to prevent
corrosion. Further corrosion protection will be achieved by incorporating sacrificial anodes of
aluminium and zinc. The sacrificial anodes are a dedicated and independent protection system
in addition to the anticorrosion coating.
A concrete weight-coating containing iron ore will be applied over the line pipe’s external anti-
corrosion coating. While the primary purpose of the concrete coating will be to provide on-
bottom stability, the coating will also provide additional external protection against foreign
objects, such as impacts by fishing gear.
The present status (December 2008) of the specifications for the above-mentioned materials
and the expected quantities required for the construction of the Nord Stream pipelines are
outlined below. These specifications may be subject to further optimisation during detailed
design.

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2.3.2.1 Line pipe
The Nord Stream pipelines will be constructed of steel line pipes with a length of 12.2 m that are
welded together. The line pipes will be a submerged arc, single seam, longitudinally welded
SAWL 485 I FD50 grade carbon steel pipes, as per DNV OS-F101 (see Section 2.3.1.2), with a
nominal diameter of 48” and a constant internal diameter of 1,153 mm. The wall thickness of the
steel pipes is based on maximum allowable operation pressure and therefore varies in four
thicknesses between 26.8 – 41.0 mm. In the Danish Section, the wall thickness will be 26.8 mm.
2.3.2.2 Buckle arrestors

To minimise the risk of pipe collapse due to buckling, buckle arrestors (pipe reinforcement) will
be installed at specific intervals in susceptible areas. The buckle arrestors will be welded into
the pipelines in those areas that are susceptible to propagation buckling, i.e., deeper sea areas.
Risk of collapse is during installation only.
The buckle arrestors will be made of the same steel alloy as the pipelines and will be equal in
length to the line pipes. However, these pipes will have a greater wall thickness, with machined
thinner wall ends to match the adjoining line pipe, as illustrated in Figure 2.7.
Figure 2.7 Buckle arrestor principle. The wall thickness of the buckle arrestor is greater than
that of the adjacent sections of pipeline.
Buckle arrestors will be used along a 305 km stretch of the pipeline, including on a stretch from
KP 1000 in the Swedish exclusive economic zone to KP 1020 in the Danish Section. The
spacing between the buckle arrestors will be 927 m (equal to 76 line pipes).
2.3.2.3 Welding of line pipes

Welding consumables similar and compatible to the composition of the line-pipe material will be
used. The weld properties will have a minimum steel grade equal to that of the line pipe. No
other materials will be added during welding.
2.3.2.4 Internal pipe coating

The line pipes will be internally coated with an antifriction coating to increase the flow capacity of
the pipeline system. The internal coating of a line pipe is illustrated in Figure 2.8. The coating
will be an epoxy-based red-brown, high-gloss paint.
50
Designation for the pipeline material specification: SAWL = process of manufacture (submerged-arc welding, one
longitudinal weld seam); 485 = specified minimum yield stress (SMYS), in MPa; I = level of non-destructive testing (I =
level I); FD = supplementary requirements (F = fracture arrest properties, D = enhanced dimensional requirements)

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Figure 2.8 Internal pipeline coating will be an antifriction, epoxy-based coating.
The epoxy is comprised of the following components:
• Epoxy base (epoxy resin, pigments, extenders, additives and organic solvent)
• Curing agent (aliphatic/cycloaliphatic amine or polyamide)
The coating will have a thickness of ~90 to 150 µm and cover the entire line pipe length, except
for an internal cutback of ~50 mm at the pipe ends to allow for heat transfer during welding. This
cutback will remain uncoated after welding.
The internal coating will be applied at the line pipe manufacturing site.
2.3.2.5 External anticorrosion coating

An external coating will be applied over the line pipes to prevent corrosion. The external
anticorrosion coating will be a three-layer polyethylene coating. The coating principle is
illustrated in Figure 2.9 below.
Figure 2.9 Three-layer polyethylene external anticorrosion coating principle. The coating
consists of an inner layer of fusion-bonded epoxy (dark green), a middle adhesive
layer (light green) and a top layer of polyethylene (black).
The three-layer polyethylene external anticorrosion coating will comprise of:
• Inner layer: fusion-bonded epoxy

• Middle layer: adhesive
• Outer layer: high-density polyethylene base

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The minimum overall thickness of the coating will be 4.2 mm and cover the entire line pipe
length, except an external cutback of approximately 200-250 mm at the pipe ends, which will be
kept free of coating to facilitate welding and inspection.
The external anticorrosion coating also will be applied at the line pipe manufacturing site.
2.3.2.6 Concrete weight coating

The line pipes also will be externally coated with concrete. The concrete coating will be applied
over the anticorrosion coating, as shown in Figure 2.10, and will give the pipelines sufficient
weight to remain stable on the seabed, both during the installation phase and during the
operation of the pipelines.
Both ends of the line pipes will be kept free of concrete coating to allow for welding of the joints
at the lay vessel. After welding, these joints will be protected against corrosion (refer to Section
2.3.2.7).
Figure 2.10 Concrete coating on top of the three-layer anticorrosion coating.
The concrete comprises of a mix of cement, water and aggregate (inert solid material such as
crushed rock, sand, gravel). The concrete coating will be reinforced by steel bars welded to
cages with a minimum bar diameter of 6 mm. Moreover, iron ore aggregate will be added to
increase the density of the weight coating. The coating process is illustrated in Figure 2.11.

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Figure 2.11 Concrete-coating process.
The cement used for the concrete will be a Portland cement suitable for marine use. The
Portland cement will be specified in accordance with ASTM C 150 Type II. No additives will be
used in the concrete mixture, but silica fume51 may be added up to 10% of the cement weight.
The maximum chloride in the mix will be less than 0.4%. No admixtures or curing membranes
will be used.
The concrete coating will have a thickness of 60 to110 mm and a density of maximum 3,040
kg/m3. Iron ore constitutes 70% of the weight of the coating. The remaining 30% is concrete
(cement and aggregate).
The concrete coating will be applied by an impingement process at weight-coating plants in

Finland and Germany (for more details refer to Section 2.4). A pre-defined number of line pipes
will have anodes attached during the concrete coating process (see Section 2.3.2.8).
2.3.2.7 Field joint coating

Concrete-coated line pipes will be transported to the lay vessel, where they will be welded
together. Before the lay-down procedure takes place, a field joint coating will be applied
externally around the welded pipe joints to fill in the remaining space between the concrete
coating on each side of the field joint and to protect the joint against corrosion.
The field joint coating will have a length of about 0.8 m 52, representing approximately 7% of the
overall pipeline length. Figure 2.12 shows a field joint prior to coating.
51
Silica fume (or microsilica) is a by-product of the reduction of high-purity quartz with coal in electric furnaces in the
production of silicon and ferrosilicon alloys. Silica fume is also collected as a by-product in the production of other silicon
alloys such as ferrochromium, ferromanganese, ferromagnesium and calcium silicon.
52
The length of the field joints will vary in areas with lay down heads and buckle arrestors.

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Figure 2.12 A typical field joint before coating. The three-layer polyethylene anticorrosion
coating and the concrete coating are visible on the line pipes.
The field joint coating system will comprise a heat-shrink sleeve made of high-density
polyethylene. The welded field joint will be heated prior to application of the heat-shrink sleeve.
The heat-shrink sleeve is formulated to be cross-linkable, which gives it elastic properties and
enables it to fit tightly around the steel pipe joint. Because of the cross-linking, the material will
contract to its original length when cooling down, thereby fitting closely around the field joint
preventing any voids.
Since the heat-shrink sleeve is not thick enough to fill the entire annulus between the concrete
at either side of the field joint, a carbon steel sheet or a polyethylene former will be installed
around the field joint. The carbon steel sheet or the polyethylene former will overlap the
concrete coating and be permanently secured by carbon steel straps (for the carbon steel
sheets) or welded polyethylene (for the polyethylene formers). Two-component polyurethane
foam will be injected into the void between the heat-shrink sleeve and the steel sheet former
through a port created on top of the former. The foam will rise and cure to fill the joint volume.
The foam is able to withstand fishing trawl impact.
Figure 2.13 shows the fitting of the infill former in the field joint coating station at the lay vessel
along with a field joint after coating.

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Figure 2.13 Fitting of the infill former in the field joint coating station (left) and a typical field
joint after coating (right). The infill former and the concrete coating are
approximately in flush and aligned.
The heat-shrink sleeve will be approximately 2 mm thick and have a density of about 900 kg/m3.
The polyurethane foam will have a density of approximately 160 kg/m3 when in place. The field
joint coating will be flush with the concrete.
2.3.2.8 Cathodic protection

To ensure the integrity of the pipelines over their design operational life, secondary anticorrosion
protection will be provided by sacrificial anodes of a galvanic material. This secondary protection
will be an independent system that will protect the pipelines in case of damage to the external
anticorrosion coating.
The design of the cathodic protection system takes into account various parameters specific to
the Nord Stream pipeline – such as pipeline installation operations, lifetime of the pipeline and
possible increased coating degradation due to Baltic Sea environmental characteristics – to
ensure that the required amount of protection current for the entire pipeline design life is
provided.
The performance and durability of different sacrificial alloys in Baltic Sea environmental
conditions has been evaluated with dedicated tests conducted by DNV (Section for Failure
Investigation and Corrosion Management).
The tests showed that the salinity of seawater has a major effect on the electrochemical
behaviour of aluminium alloys. In particular it was observed and reported that low salinity
concentrations in seawater dramatically decreased the electrochemical performance of tested
samples. During testing, no major effect on electrochemical performance due to H2S (i.e.,
oxygen-free conditions) was reported. H2S is present in the sediment as well as in the sea water
in certain parts of the Baltic Sea through which the pipeline will traverse.
In light of the test results zinc alloy has been selected for parts of the pipeline route with very
low average salinity (found in parts of the Russian, Finnish and Swedish waters). For all other
sections indium-activated aluminium will be used, i.e. also in the entire Danish Section.

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The cathodic protection system will thus comprise of:
• Zinc and indium-activated aluminium bracelet anodes (two half-shells per anode)
• Anode electrical continuity cables (two cables per half shell)
• Cartridge/materials necessary to perform the cable welding between anodes and pipes
Figure 2.14 shows a typical anode mounted on a pipeline.
Figure 2.14 A sacrificial anode is mounted in a gap in the concrete coating and directly
attached to the pipe.
The dimensions of the anodes depend on various parameters, such as the pipeline dimension,
the thickness of the concrete weight coating, the design life of the pipeline, the type of coating,
the environment characteristics and the anode material.
It is intended that two different designs of aluminium anodes will be used within Danish waters.
The thickness of the aluminium anodes will vary between 80 to 90 mm; the length will vary
between 465 to 526 mm; and the weight will vary between 379 to 482 kg per anode.
Besides the aluminium the anodes will also contain small amounts of other metals and
impurities, e.g. zinc (4.75% to 5.75%), indium (0.016% to 0.02%) and cadmium (<0.002%).
In Danish waters the total number of aluminium anodes is 2,457. The anodes will be spaced 8 to
10 line pipes apart on average.
2.3.2.9 Total material consumption

The expected material consumption required for the pipelines in the Danish Section is listed in
Table 2.4.

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Table 2.4 Summary of material consumption for both pipelines. Quantities are approximate
and subject to final optimization.
Material Unit Denmark (274 km) Total (2,445 km)
Steel (line pipes
and buckle arrestors) tonnes 213,800 2,140,415
Internal epoxy coating
tonnes 274 2,447
External three-layer polyethylene
coating tonnes 5,672 50,822
Concrete weight coating
tonnes 289,531 2,451,006
Anodes
Aluminium tonnes 936 6,222
Zinc 0 5,644
Field joint coating
Layer 1: Heat-shrink sleeve tonnes 112 1,003
Layer 2: Polyurethane foam 1,044 8,653
2.4 Installation logistics

Large-scale offshore pipeline construction works requires considerable support from onshore
support facilities, such as weight-coating plants and interim stockyards. In addition to weight-
coating and storage of line pipe, the support facilities will provide general storage for supply of
consumables to the offshore fleet, and managerial support for Nord Stream AG and its
contractors. Helicopter support both for the installation phase and for the operational phase may
also be required.
No support facilities are anticipated within the Danish Section. However, in following Sections
the details of the logistical concept of the Nord Stream project are described in order to give an
overview of the logistics-related activities that will take place in the Baltic Sea in general and
within Danish waters in particular.
2.4.1 Logistics concept

The concept has been developed specifically for the project and includes:
• Transport of anti-corrosion coated pipes and concrete weight coating materials to the
weight-coating plants
• Transport of weight-coated pipes to the interim stockyards
• Transport of weight-coated pipes to the lay vessels from the weight-coating plants and
interim stockyards
• Transport of material for rock placement from quarry to rock placement location
The logistics concept has been designed to reduce the onshore and offshore transportation. The
use of existing facilities has been favoured in order to avoid new construction wherever feasible.

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A primary focus in the development of the logistics concept, therefore, has been on minimising
environmental impacts and reducing costs.
The following Sections describe the present status (January 2009) of the planned logistical
setup. It should be noted that the suppliers for the second pipeline (the south-east pipeline)
have not yet been selected. Therefore, logistics may be adapted to accommodate any changes.
The concept is also based on expected readiness and availability of the sites.
Preparation of the facilities will comply with national legislation and requirements and will be
subject to independent, national permitting. Information about these onshore facilities, however,
is included here to give a better overview of the project logistics.
2.4.2 Transport of line pipe and coating material to the weight-coating plants
Line pipe for the north-west pipeline will be produced at pipe mills in Russia and Germany. At
the mills, they will be internally coated with flow coating and externally coated with anti-corrosion
coating before they are transported to weight-coating plants in Kotka in Finland and Sassnitz-
Mukran in Germany, where weight-coating will be applied. The locations of the weight-coating
plants are shown in Figure 2.19.
Pipes for the north-west pipeline will be manufactured by Europipe, Germany (75%), and OMK,
Russia (25%), as result of an international tendering process. Manufacturing contracts for the
south-west pipeline have not yet been awarded. Due to the large diameter and wall thickness of
the pipes only a few pipe fabrication sites worldwide are capable of producing them.
The majority of the pipes will be transported directly by train from the manufacturing sites to the
weight-coating plants. Train deliveries (for the north-west pipeline) to Kotka (in Finland) began in
June 2008 and will continue until October 2009. Deliveries for the south-east pipeline will take
place from January 2010 to March 2011. Trains with pipes will arrive at Sassnitz-Mukran (in
Germany) continuously from May 2008 to December 2011 (so far estimated for both pipelines).
A small portion of the pipes produced in Germany (corresponding to 34 shiploads, or 10% of the
pipeline length) will be transported by ship from Bremen or Mukran to Kotka. The load-ins at
Kotka will take place from October 2008 to March 2009 for the north-west pipeline but have not
yet been determined for the south-east pipeline.
Materials for the concrete coating, such as cement and aggregate, will also be supplied to the
weight-coating plants from mainly local sources and transported by train. Iron ore will be
transported by ship, such as the example shown in Figure 2.15. Cement and aggregate will be
delivered to the weight-coating plant in Kotka continuously from November 2008 until June 2011
and to Sassnitz-Mukran from January 2009 to March 2012.

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Figure 2.15 Typical vessel for iron ore transportation (MS Splittnes).
Iron ore will be transported from Narvik in Norway to Kotka with large cargo ships. Deliveries to
Sassnitz-Mukran will be directly with mid-sized cargo ships. Alternatively, it is possible to deliver
iron ore with large cargo ships to Rostock where it will be reloaded into small vessels. The
harbour in Rostock has facilities to store the iron ore, if necessary. It is anticipated that the total
load-in to Kotka from ships will amount to 10 vessels and the load in to Sassnitz-Mukran will
amount to 35 vessels (total for both pipelines).
All line pipes will be stored in stockyards close to the weight-coating plants and subsequently
transported to the plants, where the steel cage reinforced concrete weight-coating will be
applied. Figure 2.16 shows the first stock of pipes at the Kotka site.
Figure 2.16 Example of the first pipe stock at Kotka.
After coating, the line pipes will be stored again, close to the weight-coating plants. From here,
they will be transported directly to the lay vessel or to the interim stockyards in Finland and
Sweden, which are closer to the middle section of the pipeline route to minimise the sailing
distances to the pipe-laying vessels.

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2.4.3 Weight-coating plants and interim stockyards
The choice of locations for the weight-coating plants and interim stockyards (see Figure 2.19)
was based on thorough analysis of a wide range of factors to minimise onshore and offshore
transportation requirements, thereby minimising environmental impacts.
Nord Stream AG and its contractors finally selected five locations from a short-list of 68 harbours
located throughout the Baltic Region. The feasibility of these harbours was then evaluated
based on factors such as distance to pipe-fabrication sites, train connections and other
infrastructure, water depth in the harbour, other industrial use of the site and distance to the
pipeline route, mainly to reduce transportation distances on all levels.
Modification of the harbour areas will be performed by local contractors. The construction of the
weight-coating plants and associated infrastructure has been assigned to EUPEC, a French
company with more than 40 years experience in pipe coating.
EUPEC will also run both the Kotka and the Sassnitz-Mukran weight-coating plants, and their
scope of work will include interim trans-shipment and handling and storage of pipes across the
Baltic region. The planned logistical processes may be optimised by EUPEC if necessary, e.g.,
in case of:
• Hard winters (ice)

• Breakdown of equipment
• Shortage of supplies
The weight-coating plants will also be used as stockyards for pipes before and after concrete
coating. The layout of the combined weight-coating plant and stockyard in Sassnitz-Mukran is
shown in Figure 2.17.
Figure 2.17 Planned layout for the weight-coating plant and stockyards in Sassnitz-Mukran.

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The weight-coating plants and adjacent stockyards in Kotka and in Sassnitz-Mukran will occupy
an area of 35 hectares and 50 hectares, respectively. The weight-coating plants will apply
coating to about 100,000 pipes per pipeline. It is anticipated that Kotka will have a total
production capacity of 35,000 pipes for the first pipeline, whereas Saasnitz-Mukran will have a
total production capacity of 65,000 pipes. The production capacity will be approximately 1,000
pipes per week. The tendering for the outstanding amount of line pipes for the second pipeline
will be carried out at a later stage in the project.
As mentioned earlier, weight-coated line pipes for construction of the middle section of the
pipelines will be transported to interim stockyards by coaster vessels for logistical reasons. The
planned locations of the interim stockyards will be:
• Hanko area in Finland

• Slite (Gotland) in Sweden
• Karlskrona in Sweden
The location of the stockyards is shown in Figure 2.19.
An overview of the pipe shipments between the weight-coating plants and the stockyards is
shown in Table 2.5.
Table 2.5 Expected load in and load out periods for the weight-coating plants (Kotka and
Sassnitz-Mukran) and stockyards (Hanko, Slite and Karlskrona).
Location North-west pipeline South-east pipeline
Load in period Load out period Load in period Load out period
Start End Start End Start End Start End
Kotka 1 Sep 15 Nov 1 May 17 Jul
2010 2010 2011 2011
15 Nov 20 Dec
2010 2010
Hanko 1 Oct 15 Jan 4 Nov 20 Jan 1 Jul 31 Oct 17 Jul 10 Nov
2010 2011 2010 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011
Slite 1 Jul 31 Oct 20 Aug 4 Nov 1 Oct 1 Apr 11 Nov 1 Apr
2010 2010 2010 2010 2011 2012 2011 2012
1 Jan 29 Mar 20 Jan 29 Mar
2011 2011 2011 2011
Karlskrona 1 May 15 Aug 1 Jun 20 Aug 1 Mar 31 May 1 Apr 1 Jun
2010 2010 2010 2010 2012 2012 2012 2012
Mukran 1 Apr 1 Jun 1 Jun 29 Jul
2010 2010 2012 2012
The weight-coated pipes will be loaded out from the coaster vessels into the stockyard by
mobile harbour cranes. Handling of pipes in the stockyards will be carried out by cranes, front

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loaders, reach stackers and trucks. Harbour cranes will reload the pipes from the stockyards to
the pipe-carrier vessels. Different types of equipment for moving line pipes are shown in Figure
2.18.
Figure 2.18 Pipes at a stockyard – in/out loading from a pipe carrier vessel (top) and onshore
handling (bottom).
2.4.4 Offshore pipe supply

Figure 2.19 shows the locations of the weight-coating plants and stockyards. The distance from
the weight-coating plants and stockyards to the pipe-laying vessel is <100 nautical miles (nm) at
all times. This has been found to be the most optimal solution since this is the distance that one
pipe-supply vessel can travel per day on a roundtrip from the stockyard to the lay vessel and
back. This means that only three pipe-supply vessels will be needed to bring pipes to the lay
vessels in a reasonable time as long as the maximum sailing distance of 100 nm is maintained.

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Figure 2.19 Location and perimeter of operations (approximately 100 nautical miles) for the
two combined weight-coating plants and stockyards (Kotka and Mukran-Sassnitz)
and the three interim stockyards (Hanko area, Slite and Karlskrona).
Based on the operation radius of the different stockyards, the logistics of pipe supply will follow
the schedule illustrated in Figure 2.20 below.
Figure 2.20 is valid only for the first pipeline, both landfalls and a contingency. The outstanding
scope of work (i.e., the offshore part of the second pipeline) is not included.

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Pipe production and supplies for the first pipeline
Germany 75% Russia 25%
Train (65%) Ship (10%) Train (25%)
Weight-coating plant Sassnitz-Mukran Weight-coating plant Kotka

65% of coated pipes 35% of coated pipes
Trans-shipments to interim stockyards
12.5% 20% 30% 25% 12.5%
Direct to Karlskrona Slite Hanko Direct to

lay vessel lay vessel
Figure 2.20 Pipe-supply logistics. The specifications refer to percentages of the total length of
the offshore pipeline (1,222 km). The drawing considers line pipe for the first
pipeline only, both landfalls and a contingency. Line pipe for the remainder of the
second pipeline is not included.
For construction of the first pipeline, the load out from Kotka to Hanko will be 22,700 pipes and
the load out to Karlskrona and Slite from Sassnitz-Mukran will be 52,700 pipes. The load out
corresponds to approximately three coaster vessel per day from the weight-coating plants
during pipe-laying periods. The average load of a pipe-carrier is approximately 250 pipes per
trans-shipment.
The load out directly to the lay vessels will be about 24,600 pipes from both Kotka and Sassnitz-
Mukran (12,300 each). Different sizes of pipe-supply vessels will be used depending on the lay
vessel. For the Saipem Castoro Sei in Figure 2.21, pipe-supply vessels with a capacity of
approximately 80 pipes will be used. For the lay vessel Solitaire, which is planned to be used in
the Gulf of Finland, larger pipe carriers with a capacity of approximately 250 pipes will be used.
For more information regarding lay vessels, please refer to Section 2.5.5.

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Figure 2.21 A pipe-supply vessel approaching the lay vessel Castoro Sei.
2.4.5 Transportation of rock placement material

Material for pre-lay rock placement (see Section 2.5.3 on seabed intervention works) will be
extracted from a quarry in the Kotka area. A quarry in this area is preferred, because the
majority of rock material required for the Nord Stream pipeline will be used for seabed
intervention works in the Gulf of Finland.
The crushed rock will be transported from the quarry to the nearby port where it will be stored
before load out. The rock will be placed on the seabed by fall pipe vessels that are able to place
the rock very accurately on the seabed through the use of fall pipes. For pre-lay works for both
pipelines, the Tideway Seahorse (Figure 2.22) Sandpiper and the Rollingstone will be used.
The contractor for the rock supply logistics for the pre-lay will be a joint venture between the
companies Tideway and Boskalis JV. These companies have experience from other major
offshore construction works, including projects in Russia and the Øresund Link between
Copenhagen and Malmö.
Contracts for the post-lay works have not yet been awarded.

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Figure 2.22 Boskalis Seahorse dynamically positioned fall pipe vessel.
2.5 Construction
This Section describes the activities that will take place during construction of the Nord Stream
pipeline. Activities include:
• Surveying (to gather specific information on the installation corridor)

• Seabed intervention works (to ensure that the pipelines have a stable foundation on the
seabed)
• Construction activities at the landfalls in Germany and Russia
• Crossings of existing offshore cables, including pre-lay preparations
• Offshore pipe-laying
• Tie-in (coupling) of the different offshore sections
The main contractor for the construction of the Nord Stream pipelines will be Saipem UK Ltd of
the Eni Group. Dry sections and tie-ins are included in the scope of work, and it is intended that
Saipem will manage all sub-contractors.
2.5.1 Time schedule – planning and execution

A preliminary time schedule for the construction of the Nord Stream project in Danish waters is

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Figure 2.23 Preliminary time schedule for the Nord Stream project in Danish waters.
Construction sequence is preliminary and may be subject to change.
Provided that all permits are granted within the expected time frame, the installation of the
pipelines will be initiated in April 2010. At present, the installation campaign for both pipelines is
expected to be completed within three years. The north-west line will be ready for gas delivery in
September 2011, and the south-east pipeline is planned to come on stream in November 2012.
The construction time schedule in Figure 2.23 is a general time schedule showing one possible
scenario for the installation activities. Installation in the Danish sector will begin after the
required permits have been granted. The aim is that construction works will begin in 2010. The
actual time schedule may change due to the time of year when the installation work can start as
a consequence of the permitting process and due to further optimisation during detailed design
and construction. No legislative or environmental restrictions have affected the planning of the
construction works within Danish waters, but the Swedish Board of Fisheries has requested that
no construction work is undertaken during cod spawning season (May 1st to October 31st) north
of Bornholm (approximately KP 950 in the Swedish exclusive economic zone to KP 1020.5 in
Danish waters). This request will be complied with as far as this is practical.
Pipe-laying in Danish waters will take two to three months per pipeline. According to the
preliminary time schedule, pipe-laying of the north-west pipeline (the first pipeline to be
constructed) is estimated to take place during the second quarter of 2010. Pipe-laying of the
south-east pipeline is estimated to take place during the second quarter of 2011.
According to the preliminary time schedule, post-lay seabed intervention works along the route,
i.e., ‘earthworks’ taking place after pipe-lay, are planned to be carried out for a few weeks during
the third quarters of 2010 and 2011.

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Pre-commissioning activities, including tie-in activities, are expected to take approximately five
months for each pipeline. Commissioning of the pipeline, including gas-filling, will take
approximately one month. No actual tie-in, pre-commissioning or commissioning activities will
take place within Danish waters.
2.5.2 Route, engineering and construction surveys

Several marine surveys have been and will be conducted in connection with the Nord Stream
pipeline to gather specific information on seabed conditions, topography, bathymetry and
objects such as wrecks, boulders, ordnance, etc. This information is used for route planning,
detailed design and assessment of installation methods. The following Sections provide a short
overview of the surveys that already have been performed and the surveys that will be
performed before, during and after installation of the pipeline.
The surveys have concentrated on three different corridors:
• Anchor corridor (+/- 1 km on either side of the specified route alignment). Within this
corridor, anchors from the lay vessel may be laid during installation of the pipeline.
• Installation corridor (+/- 7.5 m on either side of the specified route alignment). This corridor
is based on the specified installation tolerance for normal pipe-lay defined in the contract
with the installation contractor.
• Security corridor (+/- 25 m either side of the specified route alignment). This corridor is
based on the effects of underwater explosion on the pipeline, e.g. due to munitions on the
seabed. The corridor width has been based on engineering analyses of munitions types
found in the Baltic Sea and the distance at which an explosion can cause damage to the
pipeline. The analyses have been performed by the detailed design contractor and verified
by the certifying authority.
2.5.2.1 Surveys performed for detailed design

The following surveys have been performed in order to facilitate detailed design. The surveys,
methods applied and results are further described in Chapter 4 and therefore are mentioned
only briefly here.
Reconnaissance survey
A reconnaissance survey has been carried out to facilitate selection of the preliminary pipeline
route based on information on geological and anthropogenic features.
Engineering, geophysical and geotechnical survey

Engineering, geophysical and geotechnical surveys have been performed to optimise the
pipeline route and detailed pipeline design, including the seabed intervention measures required
to ensure the long-term integrity of the pipeline system (still ongoing January 2009).
Munitions screening survey

Munitions from World War I, World War II and other conflicts in the Baltic region were dumped in
the Baltic Sea. A munitions screening survey has been performed to identify the presence of
potentially unexploded munitions and/or chemical warfare agents in the installation corridor.

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Such munitions could constitute a danger for the construction workers, the pipeline and the
environment during the installation works and the operational life of the pipeline system.
Other surveys
In addition to the surveys already mentioned, cultural heritage surveys and numerous
environmental field investigations (including sampling of water, seabed sediments, plankton
(phyto- and zooplankton), macrozoobenthos (seabed fauna), fish and surveys of marine
mammals and birds) have been carried out in the period from 2005-2008.
2.5.2.2 Surveys to be performed prior to construction

The following surveys and other activities will be performed prior to commencement of the
construction works. The activities are scheduled to be performed during the permitting process.
Anchor corridor survey

Prior to the installation of the Nord Stream pipelines, an anchor corridor survey will be
undertaken to identify and catalogue obstructions within the lay vessel anchor corridor. The
survey will mainly be conducted in a 1 km wide corridor to each side of the route alignment. In
shallower waters (less than 100 m), the survey corridor width will be reduced to 800 m.
The anchor corridor survey in the Danish section commenced in mid-November 2008. The
geophysical phase should be competed by the end of the second quarter of 2009.
The objectives for the anchor corridor survey are:
• To map potential hazards to anchoring and the environment and provide the basis for an
anchoring risk assessment.
• To identify hazards such as potential munitions, anthropogenic debris, geological features,
obstructions and existing infrastructure.
• To identify and map areas and features of cultural heritage to be safeguarded
The anchor corridor survey will comprise four phases as follows:
Phase 1: Geophysical survey
• Bathymetric survey in a 2x2 m grid

• Sidescan sonar survey, frequency 600 kHz, 75 m range, 50 m line spacing in high risk
sections of the route (extending from Danish Russian boarder to approx. KP 395)
• Sidescan sonar survey, frequency 300 kHz / 600 kHz, 125 m range, 100 m line spacing in
the lower risk sections of the route from (approx. 395 to Danish/Swedish boarder). In the
event that potential munitions are located additional infill lines at 50 m spacing will be
performed.
• Towed magnetometer survey using a caesium single-sensor magnetometer.
• Evaluation of targets and development of initial anchoring philosophy

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Phase 2: Visual inspection
• ROV based visual inspection of cultural heritage and suspected anthropogenic objects
(munitions, barrels, general debris)
• Evaluation of results and refinement of anchoring philosophy
Phase 3: ROV based gradiometer survey
• In discrete critical areas magnetometer survey will be performed utilising an ROV based
gradiometer array survey will be performed
Phase 4: Expert evaluation of survey findings
• Review of video inspections by marine warfare experts to correlate survey findings to

munitions deployed within the Baltic Sea.
Where munitions, cultural heritage and other potentially dangerous debris are identified, anchor
exclusion zones will be established. The installation contractor will then develop anchor patterns
and procedures to ensure that the areas of concern are not impacted by the anchors or the
sweep of the anchor wires. In critical sections the anchor patterns will be submitted to the
relevant authorities.
The anchoring procedures will be risk assessed as far as the potential risk to safety and
environment. Based on the results of the risk assessment various mitigation measures will be
developed. These may include the use of buoyancy on the anchor wires, ‘live anchors’ i.e. tugs
rather than placing the anchors on the seabed or munitions clearance.
Munitions clearance
As a result of the munitions survey already performed for the installation corridor, munitions
have been identified at several locations. Risk zones, where dumped munitions can be found
are shown in Atlas Map MU-1. Locations of identified munitions from a preliminary survey are
shown in Atlas Maps MU-1-D, MU-2-D, MU-4c-D and MU-5. It is anticipated that more munitions
will be identified during the anchor corridor survey. All munitions identified within the 50 m wide
construction corridor will be cleared, whereas all munitions identified within the anchoring
corridor will be cleared if deemed necessary following expert assessment by the installation
contractor as described above in the anchor corridor survey scope. Based on the munitions
screening survey results it is envisaged that approximately 600 to 900 mines will be located
within the combined anchor corridor for the two pipelines.
Over the last decade, the collective navies of the Baltic States have developed methods that are
both safe and effective for the clearance of mines and other explosive underwater ordnance on
the seabed of the Baltic. These methods have also been used by other national navies around
the world to dispose of ordnance in past theatres of warfare. The basic principles of the method
involve placing a small charge next to the identified live or suspected live ordnance on the
seabed using a small, specially developed ROV. These charges are then detonated from a
surface support ship located at a safe distance from the target.

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Each type and model of mine will be identified and confirmed during the pre-detonation
inspections. The amount of explosive material contained within the munitions will be determined
based on historical data. The appropriate amount of charge necessary to detonate the mine in
situ while minimising impact on the surrounding area shall be calculated in accordance with
standard procedures. The main objective of the clearance operations is to clear ordnance that
pose a threat to pipeline installation or that may have a future detrimental impact on seabed
conditions and environment. It is envisaged that the clearance will be performed in two phases,
firstly the security corridor, followed by selected munitions within the anchor corridor.
A clearance plan will be developed in close conjunction with relevant national authorities. The
clearance plan will:
• Identify hazards and any conditions requiring extraordinary mitigation measures

• Provide procedures for the clearance of the munitions with individual processes identified
for each munitions type
• Apply appropriate mitigation with emphasis on the surrounding environment
• Provide marine mammal observation and fisheries liaison personnel
• Provide the lines of communication with the relevant authorities and interested parties
• Include the necessary survey and monitoring to demonstrate that clearance operations
have been successful.
2.5.2.3 Surveys to be performed during construction

The following surveys will be performed in direct relation to the construction works.
Pre-lay survey
A pre-lay survey will be performed just prior to the commencement of construction work. The
scope of the pre-lay survey is to confirm the previous route survey and to ensure that no new
obstacles are found on the seabed. A pre-lay survey comprises:
• ROV-based bathymetric survey to establish seabed conditions prior to seabed intervention

works. Such surveys will be performed along the pipeline route to and from the theoretical
touchdown points at both ends of the proposed rock berm
• ROV-based bathymetric survey including intervention and adjacent shoulders, i.e.,
theoretical touchdown points where the pipeline will be in contact with the natural seabed
• ROV-based bathymetric surveys to establish the extent of berm settlement and the
necessity of additional rock placement prior to pipeline installation
• ROV-based pre-lay visual inspection survey
Construction support survey

Full survey capability will stand by to perform any ad hoc survey activities that may arise during
pipeline construction. It will comprise:
• Full geophysical spread: multibeam echosounders, sidescan sonars, sub-bottom profilers

and magnetometers
• ROVs for visual inspection work

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As-laid survey
To document the pipe-laying, an as-laid survey will be performed once the pipelines have been
laid on the seabed by the pipe-laying vessel. The survey will establish the as-laid position and
condition of the pipelines and will comprise:
• Bathymetry and sidescan sonar measurements

• Visual inspection by ROV
As-built survey
As a final documentation of the pipeline installation, an as-built survey will be conducted. It will
be carried out after seabed intervention, trenching, rock placement, etc., i.e., after the pipelines
have been completed. The survey will verify whether the pipelines have been installed correctly.
Therefore, it must be established that the required trench depth has been achieved, the extent
of backfill and rock placement is as designed, and that the integrity of the pipelines has been
maintained. The survey typically includes a visual inspection of the pipeline by ROV.
A typical survey vessel and an ROV are depicted in Figure 2.24.
Figure 2.24 Typical survey vessel, the Saipem Grampian Surveyor (left) and an ROV ready
for launch (right).
2.5.3 Seabed intervention works

Seabed intervention works comprises the ’earthworks‘ undertaken on the seabed to protect the
pipelines against failure and to minimise impacts on the environment and human activities. The
interventions entail various methods for achieving a more level foundation for the pipelines. A
level seabed allows the pipeline to be installed within acceptable limits for span lengths, pipe
stresses and off-bottom clearances.
Seabed intervention works will take place before and after pipe-laying. During the engineering
phase, the requirements for protection of the pipelines will also be considered. First, this Section
describes the general reasons and requirements for seabed intervention works and the methods

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that may be used. It then describes the locations and methods of seabed intervention works to
be used within Danish waters.
2.5.3.1 Requirements and alternatives for seabed intervention works

Once the pipelines are laid, the pipe wall thickness and concrete coating will provide substantial
protection of the pipelines. However, the pipelines will have varying needs for additional
protection along the route to avoid:
• Stress due to freespan development caused by an uneven seabed

• Excessive movement due to hydrodynamic loading
• Excessive movement (lateral and upheaval buckling) due to compressive pipeline loading
• Impacts from shipping traffic
• Impacts from fishing gear, e.g., trawls
In areas where one or more of these factors are possible, this additional protection usually is
achieved by trenching the pipelines into the seabed or by rock placement.
Acceptable span lengths and heights depend on the structural parameters of the pipelines, the
soil conditions, waves and currents. The areas with non-allowable freespans along the pipeline
route as per DNV RP F105 on freespanning of pipelines (see Section 2.3.1.1) have been
identified from the bathymetrical/geophysical surveys. In some areas along the pipeline route,
the sea bottom is rough. Outcrops of hard till or crystalline bedrock with sedimentary deposits
between the outcrops pose difficulties to pipeline installation, insofar as the pipelines may ‘ride’
from crest-to-crest of the harder outcrops and sag in the middle. The pipelines may be stressed
excessively in these sections if the seabed is not properly prepared prior to pipeline installation.
Studies of the type and size of fishing gear used in the Baltic Sea have been carried out and
indicate that fishing gear is unlikely to inflict serious damage to the pipelines. The pipeline has
been designed to withstand impacts from trawl boards up to 3,000 kg as per DNV RP F111 on
interference between trawl gear and pipelines (see Section 2.3.1.1).
To ensure the integrity of the pipelines, the following methods in general are considered
technically feasible:
• Re-routing of pipelines
• Peak removal (dredging away hard outcrops or ‘crests’)
• Placement of fill material, rock placement
• Trenching, dredging and backfilling
• Placement of prefabricated support structures
Trenching is the only type of intervention works that is planned within Danish waters. No rock
placement, dredging or use of pre-fabricated support structures is foreseen.
In general, the seabed intervention works for the entire pipeline will be carried out in three
phases:

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• Phase 1 – pre-lay (performed before pipe-laying)
• Phase 2 – post-lay (performed before pressure-testing)
• Phase 3 – post-lay (performed after pressure-testing to prevent in-service buckling/fatigue)
Seabed intervention works are defined depending on the phase of construction during which
they take place:
• Pre-lay works for statics: intervention works carried out before pipe-laying for
stress\freespan correction (to reduce overstress in the different load conditions due to long
freespans caused by seabed unevenness)
• Post-lay works for statics: the purpose of these works is the same as for the pre-lay works,
but they are carried out between the pipe-laying and pressure-testing phases
• Post-lay works for fatigue: these intervention works are carried out after pipe-laying for
stress\freespan correction (to reduce fatigue damage)
It should be noted, that in areas where the seabed profile is irregular the pipeline may not be in
continuous contact with the seabed. In these areas, the pipelines most likely will not be
overtrawlable due to the presence of freespans exceeding the critical height. Therefore, in these
sections permanent restrictions for fishing across/along the pipelines may be requested for
safety reasons. Unacceptable freespans can also develop during the operations phase of the
pipelines. If this occurs, it may be requested to implement temporary restrictions for fishing until
these freespans have been rectified. The inspection and required maintenance of the pipelines
will take place at specific intervals throughout the operations phase (see also Section 2.8.6).
Temporary fishing restrictions will also be required during installation operations due to the
presence of pipe-laying and ploughing vessels.
2.5.3.2 Seabed intervention works within Danish waters

On-bottom static analyses show that local buckling criteria are satisfied in all the analysed
conditions without any pre-lay and post-lay intervention work. On-bottom static analyses
performed along two profiles parallel to the centreline (10 m offset on each side) show that the
local buckling criteria in accidental flooding and hydrotest conditions are fulfilled within the whole
laying corridor. Therefore no laying corridor restrictions are needed.
The on-bottom dynamic analyses show that there are no freespans which require to be
interrupted for failure due to fatigue limit state, both in temporary and in long term condition.
Additional design robustness check has been conducted in order to evaluate the robustness of
the intervention works design with respect to pipeline installation tolerances. These comprise
analyses on parallel profiles (10 m to each side) in areas with uneven seabed. Static analyses
have been carried out for accidental flooding conditions (on pre-lay profile) and in pressure test
conditions (on post-lay profile).
However, the corrective final solution (necessity of the intervention and required time window)
has to be based on the freespans detected during the as-laid survey, since the actual free spans

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could be different from the ones predicted by the on-bottom roughness analyses carried out
during the design.
As already mentioned, trenching will be the only form of seabed intervention used within Danish
waters. ‘Trenching’ methods are distinguished as ‘pre-trenching’ methods (a trench is excavated
before pipe-laying) and ‘post-trenching’ methods (the pipeline is sunk into a trench made after
pipe-laying). The trenching method to be used for the Nord Stream pipeline within Danish
waters is post-trenching by ploughing.
Post-trenching is the most widely used trenching method, for environmental and economic
reasons. Post-trenching requires excavation only immediately underneath a pipeline, whereas
pre-trenching involves excavation over a much larger width to allow for installation tolerances.
With pre-trenching, there is also a risk of natural backfilling before pipeline installation.
Post-trenching will be carried out by ploughing. The removed material will be left on the sea
bottom, and the trench will not be backfilled. However, partial, natural backfilling will occur due
to currents.
Figure 2.25 Pipeline plough PL2 on a support vessel (left) and in operation on the seabed
(right).
Ploughing will be carried out using a pipeline plough (as shown in Figure 2.25) deployed onto
the seabed from a mother vessel above the pipeline. The pipeline will then be lifted by hydraulic
grippers into the plough and supported on rollers at the front and rear ends of the plough. The
rollers will be equipped with load cells to control the loading onto the pipeline during trenching.
Towlines will be connected to the plough. Between one and three tugboats are used to pull the
plough through the seabed, producing the trench.
Trenching by pipeline plough requires a mother vessel with an A-frame for launching and
retrieving the plough. The mother vessel will also hold all control systems for the plough. An
example of such a vessel is the Saipem Far Sovereign, shown in Figure 2.35 in Section 2.5.5.3.
At the landfalls in Russia and Germany, the pipelines will be buried entirely in the seabed to
ensure that coastal sediment-transport mechanisms will not affect their stability.

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Natural backfilling of the trench, i.e., by sediment movements due to waves and currents, may
happen. Forced or artificial backfilling will not be required.
An overview of the location of the trenching to be carried out within Danish waters is presented
in Figure 2.26 and Atlas Map PR-3-D (October 2008 status). Post-lay trenching is deemed
necessary for an approx.10 km section, where the pipelines pass the subsea ridge east of
Svaneke.
Figure 2.26 Seabed intervention works within Danish waters. The purple line indicates post-
lay trenching. The location is approximate and subject to final optimisation.
A summary of required trenching volumes in the Danish exclusive economic zone is shown in
Table 2.6. It should be noted that volumes may change slightly during the final detailed design
phase.

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Table 2.6 Summary of trenching volumes within Danish waters. Quantities are approximate
and subject to final optimisation.
Trenching activity From To Number Volume
KP KP km m3
Post-lay trenching north-west pipeline 1,043 1,053 10 62,528
Post-lay trenching south-east pipeline 1,043 1,058 15 93,482
2.5.4 Crossing of infrastructure (cables and pipelines)

The Nord Stream pipeline will cross a number of active telecommunications cables on the
seabed. An overview of cables that are currently in operation (January 2009) are shown in Table
2.7 and on Atlas Maps IN-1-D and IN-2-D.
In addition to the known active cables, a number of out-of-use cables and planned/future cables
have been identified on the basis of the same sources. Surveys have also identified some
targets that could be cables. All cables indicated on nautical maps have been accounted for.
No existing pipelines have been identified along the Nord Stream route. However, a gas pipeline
connection between Denmark and Poland (Baltic Pipe) is under consideration. The planned
route options for the BalticPipe are shown in Atlas Map IN-1-D. A second pipeline – the Baltic
Gas Interconnector – between German (Rostock) and Denmark/Sweden – is located to the west
of the project area, and no crossing is anticipated. If and when other pipeline connections gain
approval, North Stream AG will take into account the project details from an engineering
perspective in consultation with engineering contractor SES (Saipem Energy Services, former
Snamprogetti S.p.A.) and third-party certifying agency (DNV).
Crossings by other pipelines can be carried out by various methods. It is anticipated that
crossings will follow a generic design based on separation and protection concepts. Actual
factors such as pipeline diameter, seabed conditions, considerations of planning and
infrastructure, etc., will form part of a minimum pre-requisite for the design. Crossing design
could be based on rock placement or placement of a protective support at the crossing location.
2.5.4.1 Cables to be crossed within Danish waters

Table 2.7 provides an overview of active cables to be crossed by the Nord Stream pipelines
within Danish waters. The list is based on information from various published charts and
consultation with cable owners. In addition, cables have been identified through interpretation of
a magnetometer survey.

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Table 2.7 Active cables crossed by the Nord Stream pipelines within Danish waters.
Name Route Type Owner Crossing on KP
Atlas Map IN-2-D W-line/
E-line
DK-RU1 Karslunde (DEN) - Telecom TDC 15 1017.96
Kingisepp (RUS) 1017.40
DK-PL2 Bornholm (DEN) – Telecom TDC 16 1092.15
Poland (POL) 1091.73
Baltica Bornholm (DEN) – Telecom Polish 17 1093.64
Seg1 Poland (POL) Telecom 1093.25
One out-of-use telecom cable (DK-PL1 owned by TDC) will be crossed at approx. KP 1094.
2.5.4.2 Pipeline to be crossed within Danish waters

The natural gas pipeline Baltic Pipe (see Table 2.8) is planned in the project area. A future
crossing point may therefore be anticipated at approx. KP 1125 km in the Danish exclusive
economic zone south-east of Rønne Banke.
Table 2.8 Pipeline to be crossed by the Nord Stream pipelines within Danish waters.
Name Route Type Owner Depth Pipeline
m condition
Baltic Pipe Denmark- Natural gas GAZ System 48 On seabed
Poland
2.5.4.3 Crossing agreements

Based on the completed list of cables, all owners of active cables were approached with the aim
of reaching mutual crossing agreements covering rights, obligations and procedures for crossing
methods. According to the agreements, Nord Stream AG will be required to provide crossing
designs and installation procedures to the satisfaction of the owners prior to installation.
Regarding out-of-use cables, Nord Stream AG will follow standard industry practice, which
involves cutting/removing such cables as necessary and safeguarding free ends to ensure that
fishing gear will not become entangled. Removal/cutting of out-of-use cables will be reported to
owners, if known, or to nautical authorities.
The draft crossing agreement used by Nord Stream AG is based on the industry standard
obtained via the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC), which is used worldwide for
telecom cables.
2.5.4.4 Technical solutions

The crossings will be designed according to agreements between Nord Stream AG and
individual cable owners.

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Crossings will be constructed to ensure that the pipelines and cables remain a safe distance
from each other. Crossing methods will also avoid the cables being unduly stressed or loaded
due to the pipelines. At most crossings, cables on the seabed will be covered/buried, and the
pipelines will be elevated and supported by concrete mattresses or rock berms. In all instances,
corrosion potential will be taken into account, and the necessary precautions will be
implemented.
As mentioned above, abandoned cables will be cut if necessary and the section of the cable
removed. Cutting and retrieval of sections of abandoned cables may be carried out using a
grapnel deployed from a smaller vessel, i.e., a survey vessel, or by a larger dedicated cable
vessel, such as the vessel shown in Figure 2.27.
Figure 2.27 Example of cable installation and handling vessel.
Crossing without intervention

In the event that the soil cover over a buried cable is sufficiently thick and stable enough to
guarantee the required separation between the cable and the pipelines during the lifetime of the
pipelines, a cable may be crossed without intervention.
The separation distance between the cable and the pipelines must take into account settlement
of the pipelines under worst-case load conditions. The local soil conditions according to
interpretation of the surveys must be considered.
Elevation of pipeline
A crossing can be accomplished by elevating the pipelines by a support of concrete
mattresses53, as shown in Figure 2.28, or by rock placement on top of or to either side of a
cable. The dimensions of such rock berms depend on the actual position of the cable to be
crossed, but they usually cover the width of the installation corridor. The support height will be
selected in order to guarantee the agreed minimum separation between the cable and the
pipelines.
The support height must account for settling of the present embedment of the cable, as well as
freespan vibrations of the pipeline. It may be necessary to support the pipelines on both sides of
the cable to limit stress or vibrations.
53
Concrete for mattresses will be of the same type as the concrete used for coating of the pipeline. The chemistry of the
support mattresses is therefore compliant with environmental constraints.

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After pipe-laying, the pipelines at specific locations also may be fixed by rock placement over a
distance on either side of the cable to prevent movement due to trawling or loads from waves
and currents. Final decisions on such requirements will be taken during the detailed design
phase.
Figure 2.28 Concrete support mattresses.
2.5.5 Installation processes, vessels and equipment
2.5.5.1 Pipe-laying process

Pipe-laying will be performed as a conventional S-lay. This method is named after the profile of
the pipe as it moves across the stern of the lay vessel and onto the ocean floor, which forms an
elongated ’S’. The individual line pipes will be delivered to the pipe-laying vessel, where they will
be assembled into a continuous pipe string and lowered to the seabed. An overview of a typical
pipe-laying process is presented in Figure 2.31, which also shows the S-lay principle.
The pipeline will be exposed to different loads during installation that must be controlled by the
installation vessel. Such loads are mainly hydrostatic pressure, tension and bending. These
loads are also influenced by wave and current loading on the vessel and on the pipe itself. An
installation analysis will be conducted to simulate the conditions during laying of the pipeline and
to ensure that the load effects are within the strength design criteria of the specific pipe.
A typical S-lay system has three main components:
• The stinger, which extends the ramp to reduce the length of the sag bend (Figure 2.29,
left). The overbend usually starts behind the tensioners and describes the curve under
which the pipeline is entering the water.
• The tensioner, which reduces the stress in the overbend and sag bends (Figure 2.29, right).
The sag bend describes the bending under which the pipeline is laid on the seabed.
• The positioning system, which controls the vessel’s position. The vessel position must be
kept under the specified tension needed to keep the sag bend within the bending limitations
of the pipe. Furthermore, the positioning system also ensures the pipeline is laid within its
approved installation corridor on the seabed.

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Figure 2.29 Pipe on a stinger (left), tensioner keeping the pipeline in place (right).
The process onboard the lay vessel comprises the following general steps, which take place in a
continuous cycle:
• Welding of pipe
• Non-destructive testing of welds
• Field joint preparation
• Laying on seabed
Onboard the pipe-laying vessel, welding of new, single pipes onto the continuous pipeline will be
performed as either a semi- or fully automated welding process. An example of field-joint
welding is shown in Figure 2.30.
Field-joint welds will be checked using non-destructive testing. Non-destructive testing of field
joints historically has been performed by means of X-ray examination. This process in recent
years has been superseded by automatic ultrasonic testing (see Figure 2.30), which is also a
superior and safer method for non-destructive testing on the Nord Stream pipeline project.
Automatic ultrasonic testing will be used to locate, measure and record defects. Welding-defect
acceptance criteria will be established prior to the start of construction and will be subject to
approval by appointed certifying agencies.
Figure 2.30 Welding (left) and automatic ultrasonic testing (right) of a field joint.

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After welding and non-destructive testing, the field joints will be protected against corrosion. All
critical processes onboard the lay vessel will be inspected by the contractor’s QA/QC crew, and
thereafter inspected by representatives of the certification company and Nord Stream AG.
Deep-water lay vessels will be capable of welding two joints simultaneously. Therefore, when
the jointing process is complete, the vessel will be moved forward a distance corresponding to
the length of two pipe sections (24.4 m). Following this move, new pipe sections will be added to
the pipeline as described above.
As the lay vessel is moved forward, the continuous pipeline will exit at the rear end of the vessel
into the water. The pipeline will be supported by a ‘stinger’ extending 40-100 m behind and
below the vessel. The stinger has the function of controlling and supporting the pipe
configuration. The pipeline running from the stinger to the touchdown location on the seabed will
be kept under tension at all times, thereby avoiding the risk of buckling and damage to the pipe.
The average lay rate is expected to be in the order of 2-3 km per day, depending on weather
conditions. Figure 2.31 shows an overview of a typical pipe-laying process.
Figure 2.31 Typical pipe-laying process.
Both pipelines will be constructed in specific sections for subsequent tie-in. Abandonment and
recovery operations involve the leaving and later retrieval of the pipeline somewhere along its
route. Abandonment of the pipeline might become necessary if weather conditions make
positioning difficult or cause too much movement within the system. Abandonment of the

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pipeline can also be a planned operation within the installation sequence, e.g., to exchange the
pipe-laying vessel.
An abandonment and recovery head will be welded on the pipeline to seal off the pipeline to
prevent water from entering the inside of the pipeline. The pipeline is then lowered to the
seabed with a wire connected to an abandonment and recovery winch on the lay vessel and left
on the seabed. A typical abandonment and recovery head is shown in Figure 2.32. Recovery is
more or less the reverse operation of abandonment. The abandoned pipe will be picked up by
the lay vessel and repositioned on the lay vessel by means of the wire connected to the
abandonment and recovery head on the pipeline and the winch on the lay vessel.
Upon completion of an entire pipeline section (e.g. from KP 1196 to KP 675) the pipeline section
will be left on the seabed in a process similar to abandonment. However, instead of a simple
abandonment and recovery head, a pipeline lay-down head will be used. A typical lay-down
head is illustrated in Figure 2.33.
Typical lay-down heads will be complete and pre-loaded with dewatering pigs in preparation for
pre-commissioning (please refer to Section 2.6).
Figure 2.32 Typical abandonment and recovery head.

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Figure 2.33 Typical 48” lay-down head.
2.5.5.2 Pipe-laying installation zones

The pipelines will be subdivided into three offshore zones and two near-shore zones – in total
five installation zones per pipeline. The three offshore zones correspond to the different
pressure zones as described in Section 2.1.2.
At present, a final decision on the pipe-laying sequence has not been taken, since it will depend
on when the installation work can start. The commencement of the installation work again
depends on achieving the construction permits and on agreements with the contractor and sub-
contractors. It is planned that installation of the two landfalls will be initiated first, i.e., before
offshore pipe-laying.
2.5.5.3 Pipe-lay vessel spread

The offshore pipeline installation is expected to be conducted by several lay and support
vessels. One or two deep-water lay vessels (anchor-positioned, semi-submersible vessels or
dynamically positioned mono-hull vessels) will be used to lay both pipelines.
An example of a deep-water lay vessel is the Saipem Castoro Sei, which is an anchored lay
vessel (see Figure 2.34, left). The vessel is kept in position by anchor-handling vessels that
manoeuvre the anchors, which are directly connected to and controlled by a series of cables
and winches.

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Figure 2.34 Castoro Sei deep-water lay vessel (left) and Castoro Deci shallow-water lay
vessel (right).
Figure 2.35 Allseas Solitaire dynamically positioned deep-water lay vessel (left) and the
Saipem Far Sovereign multipurpose supply and anchor-handling vessel.
A deep-water dynamically positioned lay vessels, such as the Allseas Solitaire DP (Figure 2.35,
left) will also be used outside Danish waters. A dynamically positioned vessel is kept in position
by thrusters that constantly counteract forces acting on the vessel from the pipeline, waves,
current and wind.
The actual pipe-laying spread will depend on the availability of vessels at the time that the
necessary permits are granted. However, according to the present status (January 2009) for the
north-west pipeline, the Castoro Sei will lay from the KP 1196 in the German waters through
Danish waters and the Swedish exclusive economic zone to KP 300. The vessel spread for the
laying of the south-east pipeline has not yet been planned.
Anchor-handling vessels and survey vessels will support the pipe-laying barge. Two to six
anchor-handling vessels will typically be required per anchor-positioned lay vessel. The anchor-

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handling vessels are generally quite large, with overall lengths in the 100 m range. The stern
and bow anchors will be positioned 1,000–2,000 m from the lay vessel, whereas the side
anchors may be positioned closer to the lay vessel.
Also, one supply vessel per lay vessel will be required. Anchor-handling and supply will be
carried out by multipurpose dynamically positioned vessels such as shown in (see Figure 2.36).
Figure 2.36 Typical multipurpose vessels capable of acting in the role of tugboat or anchor
handler.
2.5.5.4 Production waste

The pipe-laying processes may generate waste that is different from the typical onboard waste
such as food waste, deck sweepings, etc. The typical types of waste that are specific to lay
vessels are:
• End millings from the pipe end bevelling process

• Flux from the welding process
• Heat-shrink-sleeve cut-offs
• Polyurethane infill from field joint coating
• Concrete
• Oils (from machinery etc.)
Just before welding, the bare line pipe ends will be bevelled to create a profile for welding, which
will produce metal scraps. During welding, flux will be added to prevent oxidation of the base
and filler materials. Examples of metal scraps from bevelling and typical containers for collecting
and storage are shown in Figure 2.37. The waste will be secured in the containers by strap
down covers.
Based on the pipe-lay contractors' experience from a previous project concerning a similar-sized
pipeline, approximately 115 tonnes of metal scraps and 25 tonnes of waste oil and sludge were
generated per month of pipe-laying. Pipe-laying in Danish waters will take between two and
three months for each pipeline.

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The heat-shrink sleeves will be ordered to a specific length for the Nord Stream project.
Therefore, apart from the protection sheet, which is removed from the adhesive layer prior to
installation, there will be minimal waste from the heat-shrink sleeve itself.
Also, the polyurethane infill has hardly any spills.
Figure 2.37 Metal scraps from the bevelling process (left) and typical containers (right).
All waste produced by the lay vessels will be handled and disposed of in accordance with
MARPOL 73/78 and HELCOM requirements. According to these requirements, the Baltic Sea
has special area status, meaning that any dumping or discharge of waste into the sea is
prohibited.
All waste produced on the lay vessels will be separated and sent to shore to be properly
disposed of by a licensed waste disposal contractor. The disposal will take place in compliance
with applicable internationally recognised standards and procedures in conjunction with local
legislation. Organic and biodegradable waste may be incinerated at site before being sent to
shore for controlled disposal.
The processing facilities where the waste will be delivered depend on the geographical location
where the pipe-laying vessel is operating. In any case, when applicable, the contractors will
make use of the ports already selected to support the Nord Stream project logistics, i.e. primarily
ports in Germany and Sweden.
2.5.5.5 Anchor corridors and anchor handling

The two pipelines will be laid and installed separately at the sea bottom. The distance between
the two pipelines will be minimum 100 m. However, as already mentioned re-routing due to an
uneven seabed means that local separation distances may vary over the length of the lines.
The anchored deep-water lay vessel will be controlled by 12 anchors, each weighing about 25
tonnes. Due to the reach of the anchors, the corridor width on the sea bottom used for pipeline
anchoring will be around 2,000 m per pipeline. A typical anchor spread is shown in Figure 2.38.

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Figure 2.38 Typical anchor spread.
Based on the results of the anchor corridor survey described in Section 2.5.2 the Nord Stream
Project will initiate the following activities:
• Develop a database of the position of munitions and cultural heritage sites along the entire
pipeline anchor corridor.
• Establish ‘no-go zones’ around the munitions and cultural heritage sites, and develop
anchor patterns for critical sections.
• To avoid certain features, anchor patterns could include the use of Yokohama buoyancy
attached to the anchor wire to keep the anchor wire clear of the seabed.
• Define tensions required to maintain anchor wire catenary.
• Establish any special areas along the route where it may be unacceptable to place anchors
on the seabed and develop a procedure to use an anchor handling tug to act as ‘live
anchor’ instead of normal anchoring.
2.5.5.6 Preventive measures and communications during pipeline installation

To ensure minimum interference with pipe-laying operations from other sea traffic, an exclusion
zone will be established around the lay vessel, typically extending 2,500–3,000 m, beyond the
position of the lay vessel. Unauthorised ship traffic, including fishing vessels, will not be
permitted to enter the zone.

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Nord Stream AG will issue a ‘Notice to Mariners’ on the installation activities to the relevant
national coast guards throughout the period of construction. The relevant maritime authorities
will be kept informed continuously on the installation progress. The coast guard will inform the
ship traffic of ongoing activities and traffic limitations, such as exclusion zones, through various
media, e.g., broadcasts on Navtext.
A marine captain will be onboard the pipe-laying vessel during installation to monitor all third-
party shipping activity. Also, if required standby vessels will perform watch duties accordingly.
The anchor-handling tug may perform this activity. Experienced crew will be available for watch
duty at all times. The standby vessel will alert vessels in the vicinity and provide details of the
exclusion zone coordinates. Any unexpected vessels entering a closest point of approach radius
will be monitored closely, and actions will be taken to avoid incidents.
The contractor will pay special attention to areas where shipping lanes and other heavy traffic
areas are crossed. The pipe-laying vessel must be able to cross shipping lanes unhindered by
other vessels and must be able to position anchors as necessary.
In sensitive areas, pipe-laying and touchdown on the seabed will be followed closely by means
of an ROV. This will be the case in areas with cultural heritage, for example.
2.5.6 Tie-ins
As mentioned in the previous section, the offshore pipelines will be divided into five offshore
zones. The connection of these major pipeline sections – tie-in – will be carried out accordingly
at two offshore locations where the water depth is high and at one near-shore location.
On deep water the connections will be carried out as sub-sea connections (hyperbaric tie-in).
Hyperbaric tie-ins will be performed at KP 300 and KP 675, i.e. at design pressure and pipeline
wall thickness step changes. These sub-sea connections will be performed as hyperbaric welds,
i.e., welds performed sub-sea inside a dry welding habitat that encloses part of the pipeline on
both sides of the weld. The two locations correspond with the pressure (and wall thickness)
transitions of the pipeline.
Above-water tie-in is anticipated at KP 1196, i.e., at the shallow water/deep water interface in
the German section. No tie-in is anticipated in the Russian near-shore area. The above-water
tie-in will be performed during the constructions phase as the pipeline sections will be laid next
to each other on the seabed and lifted out of the water alongside the lay vessel where they are
welded together.
The underwater tie-ins will be performed by hyperbaric welding during pre-commissioning (see
Section 2.6.2) and will take place after flooding and pressure-testing of the pipeline sections.
At the deep water tie-in locations, pipeline sections will purposely overlap and then be cut and
aligned for hyperbaric welding. Before a lay vessel finalises and lays down a pipeline section on
the sea bottom, a lay-down head will be welded to the end of the pipe head in order to preserve
the dry, non-corrosive environment inside the pipeline. The lay-down head (as shown in Figure
2.33) will be cut off during the tie-in procedure to allow for subsequent hyperbaric welding.

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All underwater tie-ins will be deemed ’golden welds‘, i.e., welds that will not be subjected to
system pressure tests. Such welds, however, will be subjected to additional inspection
techniques and methods and will be in line with standard industry practice in compliance with
the DNV code.
No tie-ins is planned within Danish waters, however should an offshore emergency repair be
necessary, the repair will take place sub-sea with hyperbaric welds, which is also used for
hyperbaric tie-in, i.e., welds performed sub-sea inside a dry welding habitat that encloses part of
the pipeline on both sides of the weld. A typical welding habitat is shown Figure 2.39.
The habitat will be placed over the repair location and sealed over the pipeline ends. Water will
be pumped out of the habitat, and welding subsequently will be performed by the
divers/welders.
Figure 2.39 Example of an offshore welding habitat.
A typical example of a dive-support vessel that may be used for underwater tie-ins of the
pipelines is shown in Figure 2.40.
Figure 2.40 The Saipem Bar Protector is a dynamically positioned multipurpose support
vessel. Photo by Saipem S.p.A.

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2.5.7 Landfalls
Landfalls, including gauging stations, valves and pig-receiving facilities, will be established in
Russia and Germany. For further information on the landfall facilities and construction works
please see the Nord Stream Espoo report /1/.
2.6 Pre-commissioning
After installation of the pipelines, pre-commissioning and underwater tie-ins will be performed
before the pipeline system can enter into operation. Pre-commissioning activities will include:
flooding, cleaning and gauging of the pipelines, a system pressure test, underwater tie-ins and
dewatering and drying of the pipelines.
The pipelines will be flooded with filtered seawater taken in at the Russian landfall. In total,
1,270,000 m3 of seawater per pipeline will be used. At the landfall, a temporary pumping system
will pump the water into a supply line at a depth of 10 m. This system will also be used for the
discharge of water during the dewatering operation.
It is essential that the water is not discharged in an enclosed or semi-enclosed water body
because this might not ensure optimum mixing conditions. Therefore, Greifswalder Bodden is
not a preferred option. Consequently the most feasible site is Portovaya Bay. In addition, the
natural water is less saline at Portovaya Bay, which is an advantage during pre-treatment of the
water.
The entire process of pre-commissioning each pipeline, including tie-ins, will take approximately
five months. This comprises two months for flooding, cleaning and gauging the pipeline, 1.5
months for testing and underwater tie-in and 1.5 months for dewatering and drying the pipeline.
If future conditions suggest a deviation from or alteration of the plan as established herein, Nord
Stream AG will contact the coordinating authority without delay and pursue, in close
cooperation, the appropriate steps to adjust this document or future execution plan accordingly.
No pre-commissioning activities will take place within Danish waters.
2.6.1 Flooding, cleaning and gauging

The pipeline will be flooded, cleaned and gauged internally by means of ‘pigs’. A pig is a device
for inspection, cleaning, product separation or other purposes. Examples of pigs are shown in
Figure 2.41. The pig is sent down the pipeline from pig launchers and propelled by the pressure
of the water (or gas during operation) in the pipeline. The pigs will be arranged in a ‘pig train’
that will include at least four cleaning and gauging pigs. Some water will be introduced ahead of
the first cleaning pig to wash away debris.

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Figure 2.41 Examples of ‘pigs’. A gauge pig being pushed into a pig launcher (left) and
drawing of a typical intelligent pig for internal inspection (right).
The debris will consist of dust that has collected in the pipeline during construction. The majority
of this dust will be comprised of rust (iron oxide) and occasional welding flux from the
jointwelding and some internal epoxy coating and cement dust from the lay vessel may also be
present. The amount of debris is expected to be only a few cubic metres. The pigs will push this
debris into pig traps/pig receivers, from which it will be collected and then properly disposed of
onshore. When applicable, the contractors will make use of the ports already selected to support
the Nord Stream project logistics.
The water used for flooding will be water treated with an oxygen scavenger (e.g. sodium
bisulphite, NaHSO3) and with sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The oxygen scavenger will eliminate
oxygen corrosion and the sodium hydroxide will raise the pH-value to above 10 and thereby
inhibit the growth of anaerobic bacteria. These treatment products are natural substances that
already exist in seawater. The treatment is therefore regarded to be environmentally friendly and
tests performed by Nord Stream AG and other pipeline projects (e.g. the Franpipe and
Haltenpipe) have proven the usability. Refer to the background memo on pre-commissioning /2/
for more information.
The seawater to be filled into the pipeline will be filtered before it is pumped into the pipelines.
The flooding of each of the pipelines will be carried out in the following sequence:
• Flooding of Section 1 from KP 0 to KP 300 from the Russian landfall

• Flooding of Section 2, from KP 300 to KP 675 from Russian landfall through Section 1
• Flooding of Section 3 from KP 675 to the German landfall through Section 1 and Section 2
from the Russian landfall
Bypasses (temporary pipes) will be installed to bridge between the sections of the pipeline
thereby facilitating the flow of hydro-test water from one section to the next. This is illustrated in
Figure 2.42.

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KP 675
KP 1222
Figure 2.42 Flooding, cleaning and gauging operation.
2.6.2 System pressure-testing and tie-in

To establish the integrity of the pipelines, pressure-testing (pre-service hydro-testing) will be
performed. Once the pipelines are filled with water it is necessary to stabilise the pressure and
temperature. After the pressure and temperature are stabilised, the pressure will be increased
by injecting more water into the pipeline until the required holding pressure is achieved.
Typically, a 24-hour holding period follows, during which the pressure is monitored to verify that
there are no leaks.
During the water-filled period and after pressure-testing, underwater tie-in of the pipeline
sections will take place at KP 300 in the Swedish exclusive economic zone and at KP 675 in the
Finnish exclusive economic zone by hyperbaric welding.
2.6.3 Dewatering – discharge of water

After tie-in, dewatering of the pipeline sections will be performed by sending dewatering pigs
with sealing discs through the pipelines to push out the water. Discharge will take place at the
Russian landfall, meaning that the dewatering pigs will move from the German landfall towards
the Russian landfall (i.e., opposite to the direction shown in Figure 2.42).

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2.6.4 Drying
The water that remains inside the pipeline after dewatering will be dried using temporary air
compressors located at the German landfall. Drying is needed to avoid hydrate formation (ice)
and to avoid off specification gas during initial operations.
2.7 Commissioning
Commissioning comprises all activities that take place after pre-commissioning and until the
pipelines commence natural gas transport, including filling the pipelines with natural gas. Prior to
the activity of gas-in, all pre-commissioning activities must be completed successfully and the
pipeline will be filled with dry air that is close to atmospheric pressure.
To avoid an inflammable mixture of atmospheric air and natural gas, the pipelines will be
partially filled with nitrogen gas (inert gas) immediately prior to being filled with natural gas.
During gas-in, the nitrogen gas will create a separation zone that moves through the pipeline
and as such acts as a buffer between the atmospheric air and the natural gas, ensuring that
there is no interaction between the gas and the air. This is illustrated in Figure 2.43.
In general, 30% of the pipeline length will be filled with nitrogen (a distance of approximately 400
km) This distance will be sufficient to ensure no interaction between gas and air during gas-in.
The temperature of the nitrogen gas will be approximately 5 ºC.
German Russian
landfall landfall
Atmospheric air Nitrogen gas Natural gas
Figure 2.43 Overall commissioning principle.
Both nitrogen gas and natural gas injection will take place from the compressor station located
onshore in Russia. There will be no activities associated with commissioning within Danish
waters.
The entire filling operation will be documented in detailed work procedures prior to
commencement of this activity. These procedures will be developed during the detailed design
phase and will include all activities necessary to complete pre-commissioning and achieve start-
up status.
2.8 Operations concept

Nord Stream AG will be the owner and operator of the pipeline system. An operations concept
and security systems have been developed to ensure the safe operation of the pipelines in any
situation, including avoiding over-pressurisation, managing and monitoring potential gas leaks
and ensuring material protection. The details of the facilities and the operations concept are
described in the following Sections.

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2.8.1 Main pipeline system facilities
The main Nord Stream pipeline system facilities are located at the landfall facilities in Russia
and Germany, the main office in Zug, the Portovaya Bay Compressor Station and the
Greifswald Receiving Terminal.
The Portovaya Bay Compressor Station will be located approximately 1.5 km upstream of the
landfall facilities in Russia. The Portovaya Bay Compressor Station will be owned and operated
by OAO Gazprom. The Greifswald Receiving Terminal will be located downstream and
immediately adjacent to the landfall facilities in Germany. The Greifswald Receiving Terminal
will be owned and operated by WINGAS GmbH.
The landfall facilities in Russia and the Portovaya Bay Compressor Station are separate sites,
but the landfall facilities in Germany and the Greifswald Receiving Terminal will be integrated in
a single site. The main components at the landfall facilities will be pipeline pig launchers and
receivers, together with isolation and emergency shut down valves. Pipeline pig launchers and
receivers are used to clean and monitor the pipelines, and isolation and emergency shut down
valves are used to ensure that the pressure in the pipelines is not exceeding the maximum
allowable operating pressure.
Corporate activities are based in Zug, Switzerland, and managed by the executive directors of
Nord Stream AG. These activities include monitoring performance against targets for health,
safety and environment and business coordination with upstream and downstream third parties
(OAO Gazprom and WINGAS GmbH).
The Nord Stream pipeline system will be monitored and controlled from the main control room
located at the Nord Stream AG head office in Zug. The main control room will be manned 24
hours per day, 365 days per year. There will also be a back-up control room in Zug, to be used
in the event that the main control room becomes unusable, e.g. due to a building fire.
There will be a Nord Stream AG branch office in Moscow, Russia. This office will have full
pipeline system parameter monitoring, relayed from the main control room in Zug via the Nord
Stream supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system.
There will be a local operator room at each of the Nord Stream landfall facilities, but these will
normally be unmanned and in monitoring mode only. However, they can be manned if local
manual control of the plant is necessary (e.g., during intelligent pigging operations and certain
maintenance operations).
2.8.2 Segmented pipeline design pressure

The pipeline system has been designed in accordance with Det Norske Veritas Offshore
Standard ’DNV OS-F101 – Submarine Pipeline Systems‘. This standard allows the pipeline to
be divided into sections with different design pressures and without physical barriers between
the sections, provided that an appropriate pressure control system is installed.
This is an advantage for long pipelines such as the Nord Stream pipeline because the inlet
pressure is rarely the same as the outlet pressure due to the length of the pipeline, i.e. there is a

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natural pressure drop from inlet to outlet. This pressure drop is illustrated by the blue line in
Figure 2.44.
The Nord Stream pipeline system will be divided into three sections with design pressures of
220 barg (bar gauge), 200 barg and 170 barg. The red line in Figure 2.44 illustrates the design
pressures.
Normal operating pressure is everything between (design pressure + safety margin) and 100
barg. The normal operating pressure covers all typical operating scenarios. This does not mean
that lower values are not allowed, but they will only appear in special situations such as start up.
The green line in Figure 2.44 represents the steady state shut-in settle-out pressure, which
corresponds to the pressure in the pipeline when the inlet and outlet valves are simultaneously
closed, i.e. when the pipeline is full of gas but with no flow.
Figure 2.44 is based on maximum design flow rate conditions.
Figure 2.44 The Nord Stream pipeline operation concept for the three pressure segments.
Per the DNV pipeline standard, the Nord Stream pipeline system pressure control system
comprises:
• A pressure regulating system

• A pressure safety system
The pressure regulating system is designed to ensure that the local design pressure of each
pipeline section is not exceeded during normal operation (see also Section 2.8.5).
The pressure safety system is designed to ensure that the local maximum pressure for each
pipeline section is not exceeded during incidental situations. Examples of such incidental

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situations are closure of the pipeline outlet valve or failure of the pressure regulating system.
The maximum pressure to which the pipeline can be subjected under these conditions is called
the incidental pressure. The incidental pressure can be a minimum of 5% and a maximum of
10% above the design pressure. For the Nord Stream pipeline, the incidental pressure is 5%
above design pressure.
The pressure safety system has two components to ensure the system’s reliability: Pressure
Safety System 1 is the primary protection system, and Pressure Safety System 2 is the backup
protection system. The pressure regulating system and the pressure safety system function
independently of one another (see also Section 2.8.5).
2.8.3 Pipeline control system

The Nord Stream overall pipeline control system comprises the following functions:
• Pipeline pressure regulation

• Pipeline pressure safeguarding
• Pipeline leak detection
• Pipeline parameter monitoring
• Telemetry and telecommunications
• Fire and gas detection and protection
• Emergency shut down
A short introduction to each is given in following sections.
2.8.3.1 Pipeline pressure regulation

The Portovaya Bay Compressor Station and the Greifswald Receiving Terminal control the
pipeline pressure and gas flow rate. These facilities have their own monitoring systems. In
addition, the pressure regulation system will automatically alert the manned control rooms at
Portovaya Bay and Greifswald if the normal operating pressure parameters of the pipeline
system is threatened. Because of its capacity to advise the compressor station and receiving
terminal to adjust gas flow rates, the Nord Stream control system has ‘indirect’ pressure
regulation functionality.
2.8.3.2 Pipeline pressure safeguarding

If steps to modulate the gas flow rate are not taken at the compressor station and/or the
receiving terminal and the pipeline pressure continues to rise, the pressure safety system
function will intervene. The pressure safety system will automatically block the pipeline inlet in
the event of the pipeline system moving outside its normal operating pressure envelope (e.g.
overpressure). Because of its capacity to shut down the pipeline inlet in the event of
overpressurisation, the Nord Stream control system has ‘direct’ pressure safeguarding
functionality.
2.8.3.3 Pipeline leak detection

If the Nord Stream leak detection system detects a leak, it will automatically alert the emergency
shutdown system to shut down one or both pipelines (as appropriate to the nature of the leak).
The alert is sent via the Nord Stream supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system.

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The SCADA system displays the pipeline operating parameters at the Nord Stream plant
locations, including the main control room in Zug and the two landfall facilities, as well as at
other Nord Stream AG and third-party locations where such information is required, i.e.,
Portovaya Bay Compressor Station control rooms, Greifswald Receiving Terminal control
rooms, Nord Stream AG branch office in Moscow.
It will be possible to detect leaks down to 1%-2% of throughput. Leak detection is more difficult
in gas pipelines than in liquid pipelines because of the effects of compressibility. Very small
leaks offshore might not be detected by the system when they are smaller than the accuracy
margin of the measurement and calculations. Both will be fine-tuned constantly during operation
so the accuracy will increase with time and operating experience.
Refer to Section 2.8.3.7 for more information about emergency shut down in the case a leak is
detected.
2.8.3.4 Pipeline parameter monitoring

The Nord Stream SCADA system also provides pipeline gas temperature safeguarding
functionality. Automatic shutdown temperatures have been established for Nord Stream, and the
SCADA system will alert the Greifswald Receiving Terminal control room if gas temperatures
are in danger of approaching the established high- or low-temperature margins.
Normal operating temperature is the temperature within the design limits: That means inlet
temperature ≤ 40 °C and outlet temperature ≥ -5 °C (short time) or -1 °C (permanent). In
extreme hot summers in Russia the inlet temperature might increase and the gas flow might
need to be reduced in that time (typically during the hot hours during the day) not to exceed the
maximum inlet temperature. In extreme cold winters in Germany the outlet temperature may
decrease and the gas flow may need to be reduced in that time not to exceed the lower
temperature limit, but also other corrective actions might be taken. Both scenarios have no
impact on the environment or the safety of the pipeline.
Besides the temperature, pipeline instrumentation continuously also measures gas composition,
inlet and outlet flow and pressure.
2.8.3.5 Telemetry and telecommunications

The pipeline system communications infrastructure will permit fast, reliable and secure
exchange of data (telemetry) and voice messages (telecommunications) between the various
plants, control rooms and other locations, some of which are separated by significant distances.
In addition to normal means of communication (telephone, telefax and Internet communications)

between all Nord Stream AG, OAO Gazprom and WINGAS GmbH plant and office locations, it
is envisaged that communication between landfall facilities in Russia and the main control room
in Zug will be via primary and secondary satellite links. It is also expected that communication
between the German landfall facilities and the main control room in Zug will be via a primary
fibre-optic link and a secondary satellite link. These links will tie in to existing satellite and land-
based (fibre-optic) network infrastructure. A schematic of the communication is shown in Figure
2.45.

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To facilitate the communication of pipeline system parameters (especially gas flow rate and gas
composition), dedicated fibre-optic lines will be installed onshore between the Russian landfall
facilities and the Portovaya Bay Compressor Station and onshore between the German landfall
facilities and the Greifswald Receiving Terminal.
Satellite
communication
Two pipelines
Landfall
facilities,
Russia
Landfall
facilities,
Germany Main
control room
Figure 2.45 Pipeline operation will be controlled from the main control room in Zug,
Switzerland, via satellite communication.
2.8.3.6 Fire and gas detection and protection

The landfall facilities in Russia and Germany will have local fire and gas detection and
protection systems.
2.8.3.7 Emergency shutdown

The landfall facilities in Russia and Germany will have local emergency shutdown systems. The
systems will be triggered in the case of facilities fire detection, facilities gas detection or pipeline
leak detection. A full risk analysis has been carried out for the system.
The amount of time it takes for a leak to be discovered depends, not surprisingly, on the type of
leak detection system, the parameters of the pipeline being monitored and the size of the leak.

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Typically, a small leak of <10 cm might take several hours to detect. A larger leak of >10 cm
may be detected in as quickly as a few minutes.
In the event of a significant hazardous event, such as a fire or a gas leak, the pipeline will shut
down immediately (or with a very short time delay). In the case of a leak, the emergency shut
down valve closure time will depend on the size of the leak and the leak detection time. The
time it will take for the emergency shut down valve to close is approximately 3 seconds per inch
of pipeline, i.e., approximately 150 seconds (since the pipeline is 48 inches).
Since there will be no valves along the route it will not be possible to shut down sections of the
pipeline. This means that in case of a leak and subsequent shut down, water may enter into the
pipeline.
2.8.4 Normal pipeline operations

Normal operating conditions are those in which the pipeline system flow rate, pressures and
temperatures are all within the pipeline design parameters and in which flow rate is regulated in
accordance with the notification requirements of the gas transportation agreement and permit
requirements. The operation will take place as follows:
Pipeline outlet pressure (or Greifswald Receiving Terminal inlet pressure) will be controlled by
the Greifswald Receiving Terminal control valves. These valves will also control line packing,
which occurs when pipeline inlet flow is greater than pipeline outlet flow.
Pipeline inlet flow rate will be controlled by the number of compressors on line at Portovaya Bay
Compressor Station. It is anticipated that the compressors will operate in ‘flow control’ mode,
which automatically adjusts compressor speed.
The required pipeline inlet pressure (or Portovaya Bay Compressor Station outlet pressure) will
be determined by the sum of the pressure at the pipeline outlet plus the pressure drop along the
pipeline. With the compressors in ’flow control ‘mode, the compressor speed will adjust
automatically to achieve the required compressor discharge pressure.
If pipeline inlet flow is greater than pipeline outlet flow, pipeline inventory will increase (line
packing).
If pipeline inlet flow is less than pipeline outlet flow, then pipeline inventory will decrease (line
unpacking).
During conditions that result in low pipeline outlet temperatures, the line heaters at Greifswald
Receiving Terminal will be used to ensure that the outlet gas temperature does not fall below
the specified minimum.
2.8.5 Transportation operations

Transportation operations mean the daily functioning of the Nord Stream pipeline system in
order to transport natural gas through the pipelines. To do this in a reliable and safe manner, the
operations department will liaise on a daily basis with OAO Gazprom (regarding operation of the

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Portovaya Bay Compressor Station and the upstream fiscal meters) and WINGAS GmbH
(regarding operation of the Greifswald Receiving Terminal and the downstream fiscal meters).
Installing fiscal meters is standard commercial practice for both the ‘gas seller’ (OAO Gazprom)
and the ‘gas buyer’ (WINGAS GmbH) in order to measure the gas entering and leaving the
pipeline. Operational gas measurement is also performed in order to perform inventories of the
gas present in the pipeline and to detect leaks.
Transportation operations are managed remotely from the main control room in the Zug head
office. The main control room is manned 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, by two control
room operators. The control room operators will monitor operation of the pipeline within the
normal operating envelope (as defined by real-time pipeline flow modelling software), whilst
fulfilling daily transportation nomination requirements of OAO Gazprom and avoiding shutdown
of the pipeline system due to malfunction of the system.
Procedures for planning and nominating daily transportation volumes, including intra-day
adjustments, will be established in the detailed operating manual (to be developed in detail prior
to operation and to supplement the gas transportation agreement). The detailed operating
manual will also specify the routine communication arrangements between Nord Stream AG,
OAO Gazprom and WINGAS GmbH.
The operations group will maintain all transportation records (daily volumes, gas quality, etc.),
which will be made available to other groups within Nord Stream AG as required.
2.8.6 Maintenance operations

Maintenance operations mean the daily maintenance and inspection of the Nord Stream
pipeline system in order to enable transport of natural gas through the pipelines in accordance
with the uptime requirements of the gas transportation agreement.
As part of the maintenance system, Nord Stream AG will have an emergency pipeline repair
system in the event of damage to the pipeline. The system will include a repair philosophy,
procedures, blockage equipment and material, contracts with vessels and repair companies and
agreements with authorities for necessary permits in the different countries and territorial
waters.
Planned maintenance and scheduled inspections will be carried out as a minimum in

accordance with (1) manufacturers’ requirements, (2) statutory requirements and (3) recognised
good industry practice. Planned maintenance and inspections will be carried out in non-winter
months whenever possible to avoid working in severe winter weather conditions.
Service companies will perform maintenance activities, which comprise external inspection
surveys and internal inspection (pigging).
2.8.6.1 External inspection and maintenance

Planned survey inspections will be carried out along the length of the pipelines to ensure the
integrity of the system. Unacceptable pipeline spanning may develop as a result of waves and
currents, requiring correction, e.g., by the placement of rocks, sandbags or mattresses. Anode
potential monitoring will also be performed to ensure the integrity of the protection system.

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Inspections will be conducted from a survey vessel equipped with different types of sensors,
such as cameras and scanners, to inspect the general condition of the pipelines and to detect
leaks. This visual/physical leak detection should be considered complimentary to the pressure-
based leak detection system described in Section 2.8.3.3. The equipment is typically mounted
on remotely operated vehicles, i.e., un-manned, manoeuvrable underwater robots that are
operated from the survey vessel. During the first years of operation, these surveys will be
performed every one to two years along both pipelines. Later, this frequency will be optimised
based on experience. It will take approximately 60 to 90 days to survey one pipeline.
Based on experience from other pipelines it is known that freespans may develop along the
pipeline during the operations phase. The freespans may be caused by hydrodynamic impacts,
such as currents, eroding the gravel supporting the pipeline. Development of freespans during
operation of the pipeline will be investigated as a part of the external inspection. The freespans
will be rectified and gravel supports maintained as necessary.
2.8.6.2 Internal inspection (pigging)

During operation of the pipeline system, pigging will be performed if necessary to remove any
foreign matter that may have formed, such as hydrate or corrosion products. Pigs or pigs in
‘trains’ will be launched from the landfall facilities in Russia and driven through the pipeline by
the gas medium.
It can be expected that during operation the cleaning pigs will push residue from the internal
epoxy flow coating and iron oxide to the pig receiver at the German landfall. The amount of
solids collected during operational cleaning of a dry gas pipeline operated without any chemical
injection will be minimal (less than 1 tonne). However, a proper chemical analysis will be carried
out, and the debris will be properly disposed at a location for this type of waste. No liquid
hydrocarbons are expected to be formed in the pipelines. Measures will be taken to ensure the
pipelines are operated within the design boundaries.
At determined intervals, Nord Stream AG will carry out a more in-depth inspection of the pipeline
condition. An ‘intelligent’ pig will be sent through the pipeline system to check for any corrosion
or changes in pipeline wall thickness caused by third party impacts. The principle of detection is
based on magnetic flux in the longitudinal direction of the pipeline. The following defects can be
detected: changes in pipe wall thickness (internal and external), dents and changes in material
hardness, transverse cracks in the base metal and metallic objects in the immediate vicinity of
the pipelines. The frequency of these inspections is expected to be every three to eight years
but will depend on the quality of gas fed into the pipeline system. Nord Stream AG will adjust the
frequency of inspections as necessary.
2.8.7 Engineering operations

Engineering operations comprise the engineering support required to ensure (1) the integrity of
the Nord Stream pipeline system, particularly with respect to pressure containment, and (2) the
safe and reliable daily operation of the pipeline system. Engineering operations cover both
routine and/or minor tasks as well as non-routine and/or major tasks.

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Engineering operations are based at the head office in Zug, where the engineering group works
closely with the operations group. The engineering group has primary responsibility for
coordination with inspection and certification agencies/authorities.
Engineering group tasks include:
• Planning and execution of periodic major inspections of the pipeline (using specialist
contractors) as described in Section 2.8.6.
• Planning and execution of any modifications, additions or major repairs to any part of the
Nord Stream pipeline system (using specialist contractors).
• Technical support for mission critical specialist equipment and systems (e.g., SCADA
system, telecom network, pipeline flow modelling software, transportation history
database).
2.8.8 Manning philosophy

All key personnel at the Zug head office and the Moscow branch office will be Nord Stream AG
staff.
An engineering workstation will be installed at the main control room in Zug and at the local
operation rooms at the German and Russian landfall facilities. From these engineering
workstations, the various settings of the pipeline system monitoring, control and safeguarding
systems can be checked and/or adjusted by the appropriate level of technical authority,
When skilled manpower is required at Nord Stream landfall facilities (e.g., during maintenance
and intelligent pigging operations), it will be provided via a suitably licensed operations and
maintenance services contractor, using appropriately qualified and experienced technicians. A
Nord Stream operations/HSE supervisor will be present whenever landfall facilities in Germany
and Russia are manned.
Nord Stream AG will also enter into service contracts with:
• Vendors to support specialist equipment (e.g., large valves, SCADA equipment, telecom
equipment, etc.)
• Specialist inspection and survey companies
• Fabric maintenance companies (e.g. painting)
Major inspection and maintenance campaigns and major repairs will be planned by Nord Stream
AG operations staff at the head office in Zug. Ad-hoc contracts will be awarded for execution of
these non-routine activities.
There will be emergency response plans in place for safety and environmental incidents. Such
incidents may be handled by Nord Stream AG core staff and its usual service contractors, or
they may require the ad-hoc contracting of specialist personnel and/or service companies,
depending on the nature of the incident.

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The pipeline emergency response plans will be designed to ensure an effective response to
emergencies, such as personal injury and illness, damage to assets and adverse environmental
impact, and to prevent such emergencies escalating in consequence. Lines of communication
for emergency response will also be outlined in the pipeline emergency response plans.
Relevant supervisory and technical personnel based at the Nord Stream AG head office in Zug
will make regular visits to the Nord Stream plant locations for the purpose of quality assurance
regarding all operational activities.
2.9 Decommissioning
The Nord Stream pipeline is designed to operate for 50 years. The decommissioning
programme will be developed during the operations phase, since existing regulations and
technical know-how gained over the lifetime of the pipelines must be taken into account.
Regardless of decommissioning method, decommissioning will comply with all applicable legal
requirements regarding decommissioning at that time.
The current legislative frameworks and guidelines as well as environmental considerations for
decommissioning are further described in Section 6.7.
The current practice for decommissioning is either removal of the pipeline or leaving the pipeline
on the seabed after it is cleaned and filled with water. The prevailing industry view is that leaving
the pipeline in place involves the least environmental impact because pipeline removal will
disturb sediments. Also, the pipeline will have become a habitat and in other ways integrated in
the natural surroundings. Nord Stream AG may undertake an EIA of the various alternatives for
decommissioning the pipelines nearer the end of operations phase.
The current technological options and preferred methods for decommissioning of offshore
installations and pipelines most likely will have changed in 50 years’ time, when the Nord
Stream pipelines may be decommissioned. Knowledge about the environmental impact of
various decommissioning strategies will be more developed due to considerable
decommissioning activities within the North Sea in the coming 50 years. Nord Stream AG will
use the prevailing technology available at the time of decommissioning since the technical
options are expected will have changed. Finally, the layout of the pipeline (degree of burial in
the seabed, etc.) at the time of decommissioning may affect the method of decommissioning
and relevant mitigation measures.
The technical life of the pipeline may be extended beyond the expected 50 years design life
through the close monitoring and evaluation of degrading mechanisms, such as corrosion and
anode consumption, and conducting additional ‘fit-for-purpose’ assessments and recertification.

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3. Description of the major alternatives examined
3.1 Nord Stream route through the Baltic Sea

The Nord Stream pipelines enter the Baltic Sea in Portovaya Bay in Russia. They follow a route
north of the Russian island of Gogland and enter into the Finnish exclusive economic zone
(EEZ) near the triple point in the sea where Russia meets the Estonian and Finnish EEZs. An
alternative route south of Gogland has been studied on request from the Finnish Ministry of
Environment; see Figure 3.1 and Atlas Map AL-1. The ministry had raised concerns regarding
the spreading of sediments into a Natura 2000 area Eastern Gulf of Finland in Finland, see
reference /3/.
The further route through the Gulf of Finland is located in the Finnish EEZ, but as close as
possible to the Finnish/Estonian border in order to install the pipelines in the deepest part of the
gulf. An alternative route further south in the area of Kalbådagrund in the eastern part of the
Finnish EEZ has been investigated; see Atlas Map AL-1. This alternative was assessed on
request from the Finnish environmental impact assessment (EIA) authority, with the aim of
reducing the amount of seabed intervention works prior to pipeline installation, see reference /3/.
The Nord Stream pipelines enter the Swedish EEZ just north of the triple point between Finland,
Estonia and Sweden. The route turns south and runs between the island of Gotland and the
recommended channel for maritime traffic. In this section the pipelines also will be installed in
the deepest area possible.
A route alternative west of Gotland has been investigated, but it was found to be non-feasible
because of congestion with regard to maritime traffic and the infrastructure connecting the island
to the mainland. Nature protection areas and dumped munitions areas also contributed the
rejection of this route, see reference /4/.
Coming to the southern tip of Gotland, the pipelines pass at 3.2 km and 4 km distance from the
two Natura 2000 areas of Norra Midsjöbanken and Hoburgs Bank, see Atlas Map AL-4. The
water depth decreases, and the route crosses the aforementioned recommended channel
connecting to the traffic separation scheme Bornholmgat, located between Denmark and
Sweden. The route enters into Danish waters just north of the dumpsite for chemical munitions
in the Bornholm Deep.
The potential impacts from pipeline installation in the proximity of Hoburgs Bank and Nörra
Midsjöbanken have been examined in detail, including a habitats investigation of the proposed
pipeline route. The original route has been moved as far as possible to the south-east,
respecting the maritime traffic and a major telecom cable. Studies of the proposed route
concluded that the pipeline installation will not impact the two Natura 2000 areas, see reference
/4/.
In Danish waters, the pipelines will be installed east and south of Bornholm (see below). They
will enter into the German EEZ north of Oder Banke and cross two EC bird protection areas

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(Natura 2000). The pipelines continue to the south-west and enter Greifswalder Bodden for
landing at Energiewerke Nord in Lubmin.
In Denmark, an alternative north of Bornholm has been investigated; see Atlas Map AL-2. In
Germany, alternative landfalls in Rostock and Lübeck further west have been investigated, see
reference /5/. These landfall alternatives presume a pipeline route north of Bornholm.
Figure 3.1 Nord Stream route through the Baltic Sea (with designated offshore Natura 2000
areas).

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3.2 Nord Stream route development in the Danish section
3.2.1 Constraint to route planning around Bornholm

Nord Stream AG has conducted investigations into a number of route options around the Danish
island of Bornholm. The investigations have been carried out in response to concerns related to:
• Presumed risks associated with the chemical munitions dumpsite east of Bornholm
• Increased risks of interference with maritime traffic during pipeline construction and
operation
• Potential negative impacts on nature and the environment, in particular those related to
munitions.
Figure 3.2 Natura 2000 and munitions areas in Danish waters.
3.2.2 Dumped munitions

Route planning east of Bornholm is constrained by the presence of a dumping area for chemical
munitions, see Figure 3.2. From the time of dumping at the end of the 1940s and until today,

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fishermen occasionally catch remains of chemical munitions (i.e., lumps of mustard gas).
Special precautions for fishing are imposed in three risk zones: the dumping area and Risk Zone
1, where fishing is prohibited; Risk Zone 2, where fishing with bottom-trawling equipment is
discouraged; and Risk Zone 3, covering the entire Bornholm area, in which fishermen are
required to have personal protective equipment onboard in case of contact with chemical
munitions.
3.2.3 Interference with maritime traffic

The Baltic Sea is one of the most trafficked sea areas in the world, and approximately 53,000
ships pass through the Bornholmsgat each year. A traffic separation scheme (TSS) was
introduced in 2006. The Swedish and the Danish maritime authorities therefore have expressed
their concern about a pipeline between Sweden and Bornholm, regarding risks to maritime
traffic during construction and risks of pipeline damage from ships’ interaction (dragging
anchors, sinking ships) during operation.
3.2.4 Protected areas

The protected areas around Bornholm are listed in Table 3.1 below; see also Figure 3.2, above.
Four marine protected areas (reefs) have been designated according to the EC directives on
nature protection (flora, fauna, habitats, birds), and one marine protected area was proposed in
October 2008 in response to a request by the EC to appoint more offshore areas.
Only offshore and coastal areas are regarded as relevant to this impact study and therefore are
included in Table 3.1. At the island of Bornholm, a number of areas are under Natura 2000
protection. The vulnerability of inland Natura 2000 areas is not affected by the potential impacts
generated by the Nord Stream project activities.

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Table 3.1 Overview of protected areas of interest for the route development in Denmark.
Natura 2000 area Status Designated offshore/coastal habitats and species
DK00VA308
SAC Reefs (Habitat code 1170)2
Davids Bank
DK007X243 Vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic coasts
Hammeren og Slotslyngen1 (Habitat code 1230)2
SAC
Submerged or partially submerged sea caves (Habitat
code 8330)2
DK007X079 Reefs (code 1170)2
Ertholmene SAC Vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic coasts
(Habitat code 1230)2
Common guillemot (Uria aalge)3
SPA
Razorbill (Alca torda)3
DK007X311 Vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic coasts
SAC
Randkløve Skår1 (Habitat code 1230)2
DK007X246
SAC Embryonic shifting dunes (Habitat code 2110)2
Dueodde1
DK00VA310
Bakkebraedt Bakkegrund
DK00VA309
Hvideodde Rev SAC Reefs (Habitat code 1170)2
Adler Grund Proposed Reefs (Habitat code 1170)2

SAC Sandbanks (Habitat code 1110)2
Harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena)
1: Also designated for several habitats and species on land, according to the Habitats Directive.
2: Designated habitats according to the Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats /6/.
3: Designated species according to Annex 1 of the Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds /7/.
3.2.5 Other issues of concern

The area around Bornholm is regarded as one of the major fishing areas in the Baltic Sea.
There is in general no significant difference in recorded catches between north, south, east and
west of the island.
Nord Stream AG has entered into a dialogue with the Bornholm Fiskeriforening (Bornholm
Fishery Association) in order to establish a common approach to mitigation of potential impacts
on the fishery trade as much as possible.
3.3 Investigated routes around Bornholm

Investigated routes in Denmark are shown on Figure 3.3.

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Figure 3.3 Overview of investigated routes in Denmark.
3.3.1 Alternative 2006 through the area under discussion between Denmark and Poland
The alternative 2006 route, see Atlas Map AL-4 and Figure 3.3, was the preferred Nord Stream
route until comments were received in the beginning of 2007 following international consultation
on the notification documentation /8/. It appeared that the route was located in a legally
uncertain area that is claimed by both Denmark and Poland. Furthermore, concerns were raised
about the proximity of the route to the chemical munitions area. On advice from the Danish
authorities, Nord Stream abandoned this route option. The area is not available to Nord Stream
because of the ongoing discussion regarding the EEZ border between Denmark and Poland,
and the alternative 2006 route is therefore not described further.

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3.3.2 Route DK-01 through the risk area for the chemical munitions dumpsite
Route DK-01 was surveyed in order to find the shortest route through the Danish sector,
avoiding the area under discussion between Denmark and Poland. Although the route passes a
risk area (Risk Zone 2) for dumped chemical munitions, it is attractive because of its relatively
shorter length and the favourable flat and sandy seabed. Geophysical investigations of the
seabed did not reveal any remains of chemical munitions, but numerous scars from intensive
trawling activity were recorded.
It was agreed with the Danish authorities, however, that even though DK-01 provides an
excellent route from a technical perspective, the uncertainty related to chemical munitions and
the public perceptions thereof should be given the benefit of the doubt. DK-01 was thereafter
abandoned completely and is not part of the alternative assessment.
3.3.3 North of Bornholm alternative – in territorial waters south of Davids Bank

North of Bornholm alternative runs north of Bornholm in the lee of Davids Bank, which offers
protection from the majority of large vessels passing through the Bornholmsgat.
The presence of harder ground at the northern tip of Bornholm, where the crystalline bedrock
forms a sub-sea ridge to Davids Bank, resulting in lower water depth in the route corridor, will
lead to a need for rock placement and trenching of the pipelines into the seabed. Sediment
disturbances and spreading may potentially impact Davids Bank.
North of Bornholm alternative provides a possible alternative for Nord Stream. The route is far
away from the chemical munitions area and runs outside and in parallel to the traffic separation
scheme in Bornholmsgat. Potential drawbacks are the potential risks associated with maritime
traffic, in particular pilots and the traffic to and from Bornholm; the areas of hard seabed; and the
crossing of a large number of cables between Sweden and Bornholm. However, the
environmental impacts associated with the construction activities are regarded as manageable,
and mitigation to an acceptable level can be achieved.
Consequently, this route is selected as an alternative to the further studies in the environmental
impact assessment; see also Section 3.4 below.
3.3.4 Route DK-03 north of Bornholm – in territorial waters north of Davids Bank
Route DK-03 runs north of Bornholm and north of Davids Bank. The route is located at the
southern edge of the traffic separation scheme. It has the same positive and negative features
as the North of Bornholm Alternative, but presents a larger potential risk for maritime traffic in
Bornholms Gat.
Route DK-03 was abandoned on this basis and not studied further.
3.3.5 Nord Stream route east and south of Bornholm

The Danish Energy Agency recommended in January 2008, and subsequently followed up with
meetings in March and June 2008, that a route option east and south of Bornholm should be
considered as alternative to North of Bornholm alternative. The recommendation stems from
concerns raised by the maritime safety authorities in Denmark and Sweden due to the perceived

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increased maritime traffic risks north of Bornholm /9/ /10/. Because Denmark is applying the as-
low-as-reasonably-practicable (ALARP) principle in its assessments and regulation of oil and
gas infrastructure development, Nord Stream AG implemented the requested supplementary
route studies.
A route east and south of Bornholm will bring the Nord Stream route closer to the chemical
munitions dumpsite and the associated Risk Zone 2 (see Figure 3.2 and Atlas Map MU-1)..
Seabed sampling and analyses for chemical munitions were therefore part of the geophysical,
geotechnical and environmental investigations that have been conducted as background for an
assessment of impacts on nature and environment for this new route, see Chapter 4.2.
Based on the results of the investigations and assessments, Nord Stream AG recognises that
the Nord Stream Route east and south of Bornholm is a possible route for Nord Stream. The
route provides the least risk, and consequently and according to the ALARP principle, the route
has been selected as the Nord Stream route. The detailed environmental impact assessments
described in this report refer to this route.
3.4 Recommending a Nord Stream route in Danish waters

Based on the considerations described above, it is concluded that there are two viable
alternatives for Nord Stream in Denmark: the North of Bornholm alternative/Route DK-02 and
the Nord Stream Route, see Table 3.2.
Because of concerns regarding marine safety in the Bornholmsgat, Nord Stream AG – under
recommendation from the Danish authorities – has selected the Nord Stream Route as the
preferred route.
Table 3.2 Overview of studied route options in Danish waters.

Route option Description Conclusion
Alternative 2006 Passes through area which Route abandoned because
(South of Bornholm) jurisdiction is under discussion of legal uncertainty. Area not
between Denmark and Poland available to Nord Stream AG
DK-01 Passes through risk Zone 2 for Route abandoned because
(South of Bornholm) chemical munitions of uncertainty related to
chemical munitions and the
public perception
North of Bornholm Passes south of and parallel to traffic Alternative route, potential
alternative separation scheme in Bornholmsgat environmental impact can be
(North of Bornholm) in the lee of Davids Bank mitigated
DK-03 Passes at the edge of the traffic Route abandoned because
(North of Bornholm) separation scheme in Bornholmsgat of non-manageable risks
and north of Davids Bank from interference between
pipelines and maritime traffic
Nord Stream Route Passes east of Bornholm, between Proposed Nord Stream
(East and south of the island and the risk area for route, potential
Bornholm) dumped chemical munitions; south of environmental impact can be
Bornholm joins the Alternative 2006 mitigated
route at entrance to Germany

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3.5 The 0-alternative
The 0-alternative describes the situation in which the pipeline will not be built in Danish waters.
Non-implementation would mean that the identified environmental impacts on the marine
offshore environment would not occur, and socioeconomic impacts related to commercial
fisheries would not take place.
The Danish state-owned oil and gas company DONG Energy has entered into agreement with
OAO Gazprom for delivery of 1 bcm/yr starting from 2013. The volume shall partly compensate
for the decreasing domestic natural gas production in the North Sea, and will be transported
through the DEUDAN onshore pipeline connecting Germany and Denmark.
If Nord Stream is not built, this necessary natural gas import will be jeopardised and substitute
natural gas sources shall be found.

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4. Description of the environment
The purpose of describing the present state of the environment exposed to the Nord Stream
pipeline project is to identify key areas that are particularly sensitive to disturbance and/or may
be subject to economic or protective value. It will also serve as a baseline for determining the
environmental impacts from construction, pre-commissioning and operation of the planned Nord
Stream offshore gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea.
The baseline description outlines the environment along and around the planned Nord Stream
pipeline route, and is structured as follows:
• Methods used for describing the environmental conditions (Section 4.1)

• Description of chemical and conventional munitions (Section 4.2)
• Description of infrastructure and restrictions along the pipeline alignment (Section 4.3)
• Description of the physical and chemical environment (Section 4.4)
• Description of the biological environment (Section 4.5)
• Description of the socio-economic environment (Section 4.6).
4.1 Methods used to describe environmental conditions
4.1.1 General
The description of the present environmental conditions is based on literature research and on
information gathered through contact with authorities, institutions, organisations and experts in
the Baltic Sea countries. In addition, a number of dedicated geophysical and environmental
surveys of the pipeline route were carried out in 2004–2008 in order to update and/or
supplement the acquired information. The surveys include the following:
• Geophysical surveys
• Geotechnical surveys
• Munitions surveys
• Cultural heritage surveys
• Environmental field investigations
• Anchor corridor surveys (in 2008-2009)
A description of these surveys and investigations, focusing on the Danish section, follows.
4.1.2 Field investigations
4.1.2.1 Geophysical surveys

Several geophysical surveys were carried out to investigate the pipeline alignment. These
surveys were used to map the bathymetry (water depth), the seabed conditions and the
geological layering below the seabed surface.

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The seabed is not a flat, featureless plain; it has a varying topography with cliffs, trenches, etc.
The two gas pipelines are relatively inflexible and cannot twist and turn to avoid such structures.
Careful mapping of the seabed helps identify the optimal route for the pipelines and minimises
seabed intervention works.
The survey equipment used to carry out the geophysical surveys includes:
• Multibeam echosounders – used for bathymetry mapping. A multibeam echosounder

emits an array of sound waves that are reflected by the seabed to indicate water depth.
• Sidescan sonar – used to ’scan‘ the seabed. Data can be interpreted to determine the
type of seabed sediment as well as to identify objects on the seabed.
• Sub-bottom profilers – used to map the geological layering below the seabed surface.
• Magnetometers – used to conduct magnetic measurements to identify metallic objects.
Figure 4.1 shows examples of the different survey equipment.
Figure 4.1 Survey equipment used for the marine geophysical surveys.
4.1.2.2 Geophysical surveys on the Nord Stream route

The geophysical survey of the Nord Stream route was carried out in two phases. The first phase
was conducted in spring 2008 by the Swedish survey company Marin Mätteknik. It was a

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reconnaissance survey covering a 2 km wide corridor by parallel survey lines at 180 m spacing.
The surveys comprised:
• Bathymetric surveys, 5x5 m grid

• Sidescan sonar surveys, frequency 100/384 kHz54, 100 m range, target resolution 0.25 m
• Sub-bottom profiling surveys with 0.5 m resolution and penetration up to 50 m into the
seabed
• Magnetics surveys using a single-sensor magnetometer
Based on the results of the reconnaissance surveys, detailed routes were developed for the two
pipelines. The nominal distance between the two pipelines was determined to be 100 m, but the
distance will vary depending on seabed conditions.
Each of the two pipeline routes was surveyed in greater detail in spring/summer 2008 by Marin
Mätteknik. The routes were surveyed along three parallel lines at 50 m spacing, covering a
corridor of 150 m. The surveys included:
• Bathymetric surveys, 2x2 m grid

• Sidescan sonar surveys, frequency 600 kHz, 75 m range, target resolution approximately
0.05 m
• Sub-bottom profiling surveys with 0.5 m resolution and penetration up to 50 m into seabed
• Magnetics surveys using a single-sensor magnetometer
4.1.2.3 Geotechnical surveys

Geotechnical surveys were carried out in addition to the geophysical surveys. These surveys
were used to assess seafloor stability and in turn to identify a route where the seabed is
sufficiently stable to allow the laying of pipelines. During May-June 2008, detailed geotechnical
testing and sampling were carried out along the Nord Stream route in Danish waters by the
company Dof Subsea, subcontracted to the company GEO. The testing comprised:
• Vibrocore and gravity core sampling – up to 6 m below the seabed surface, core
samples were extracted for analysis in laboratory
• Cone penetration tests (CPT), T-bar and in situ vanes – in situ testing to determine the
geotechnical engineering properties of the subsurface
Laboratory classification tests of the samples were carried out, including: water content, bulk
density, solid-particle density and particle size distribution. Laboratory geochemical tests
comprised carbonate content, particulate organic matter content, pH, electrical resistivity,
thermal conductivity and hydrogen sulphide (H2S) content. In addition, laboratory soil strength
tests were carried out.
54
The frequency of sidescan sonar survey is measured in kHz. A standard frequency level is 100 kHz. The higher the
frequency (kHz), the greater the level of detail of the survey.

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Figure 4.2. Example of an offshore vibrocore/gravity core sampler. A tube is pushed through
the seabed, whereby a 5-6 m long sample of the seabed is obtained.
Core samples were extracted every 9 km, and CPTs were carried out every 3 km. These
sampling distances were chosen in order to acquire sufficient data and are in compliance with
standard industry practice.
4.1.2.4 Munitions surveys

Extensive surveys were performed to rule out risks associated with unintentional encounters
with munitions on the seabed and to determine whether the pipelines or the environment would
be compromised by chemical or conventional munitions in any way. In spring 2007, Nord
Stream AG commissioned the development of a new instrument, a so-called ‘gradiometer array’,
to screen the pipeline corridors in detail for metallic objects. The gradiometer array was attached
to a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) that was operated from the survey vessel. Twelve
gradiometers mounted on the array were able to measure differences in the magnetic field with
a precision of 1 nT (nano tesla). This method made it possible to record the magnetic field of
very small objects; the threshold for the munitions screening survey was set to ignore small
pieces of scrap metal, e.g., paint buckets. The ROV with the gradiometer array is shown in
Figure 4.3. The munitions surveys and geophysical investigations (see Section 4.1.2.2) of the
Nord Stream route were undertaken simultaneously in spring 2008 and carried out in four steps
/11/:

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• Phase 1: two corridors, each 150 m wide
Bathymetry, 2x2 m grid. High-resolution sidescan sonar imagery, frequency 600 kHz, 0.05
m target resolution. Sub-bottom profiling with 0.5 m resolution and penetration up to 50 m
into seabed. Magnetics using a single-sensor magnetometer.
• Phase 2: two installation corridors, each 15 m wide

Magnetic measurements collected by a specially designed ROV-mounted gradiometer array
with 12 sensors. Gradiometer positioned 1–1.5 m above the seabed. Continuous
underwater video recording of the seabed along the entire pipeline alignment.
• Phase 3: Visual inspection of targets within ± 25 m of each pipeline alignment.
• Phase 4: Expert evaluation of all inspected targets, to determine whether targets are
munitions or not.
Figure 4.3. As a part of the munitions screening survey, magnetic measurements were
conducted via ROV. The image above shows the ROV-mounted gradiometer
array used to screen the pipeline corridor for munitions.
4.1.2.5 Cultural heritage surveys

Surveys for archaeological artefacts were carried out along the pipeline route. Cultural heritage
in the Baltic Sea is primarily related to shipwrecks and submerged Stone Age settlements.
The identification of cultural heritage sites from survey data was based on interpretations of
sidescan sonar data and sub-bottom profile data collected during the geophysical survey (see
Section 4.1.2.2). All identified shipwrecks within a 250 m wide corridor were visually inspected
by ROV.
In addition, all sidescan sonar data from surveys was given to marine archaeologists at
Vikingeskibs Museet for evaluation of cultural heritage value.

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4.1.2.6 Anchor corridor survey
Prior to the installation of the Nord Stream pipelines, an anchor corridor survey will be
undertaken in order to ensure that there is a free corridor for the anchors of the lay vessel. The
survey will mainly be conducted along a 1 km wide corridor to each side of the route corridor. In
more shallow waters (below 100 m) the survey corridor will be 800 m to each side. Lay vessel
anchors will reach a maximum distance of 1 km from the pipe-laying vessel; in more shallow
waters, anchors will extend only 800 m from the lay barge. The survey will comprise the
following:
• Bathymetric survey in a 2x2 m grid

• Sidescan sonar survey, frequency 600 kHz, 120 m range, 100 m line spacing
• Magnetics survey using a single-sensor magnetometer
• Data review to determine locations that require specific visual inspection and gradiometer
survey
• Gradiometer survey of high-risk sections of the route
• ROV investigations of objects
The anchor corridor survey will be carried out in 2009.
4.1.2.7 Environmental field investigations

Environmental field investigations are necessary in order to determine the extent of
environmental impacts on the natural environment. These investigations are also important to
ensure that the pipelines can be designed, constructed, operated and de-commissioned with as
few environmental impacts as reasonably practicable. These investigations were carried out
during the period 2006–2008. The purpose of the environmental investigations was to collect
physical, chemical and biological data on the marine environment to supplement the existing
data, resulting in a comprehensive description of the marine environment.
The environmental field investigations focused primarily on the pipeline route within a 2 km wide
corridor. In Danish waters, the following field investigations were carried out for the Nord Stream
route:
• Bird investigations at Adlergrund in winter/spring 2006-2007 by Institut für Angewandte

Ökologie (IFAOE) /12/
• Baseline investigations in spring/summer 2008 by the institute DHI regarding use of the
sea area northeast of Ertholmene by breeding common guillemots (Uria aalgae) and
razorbills (Alca torda) in relation to the planned route of the Nord Stream pipelines /13/
• Environmental field surveys in spring 2008 /14/ /15/ /16/ /17/
Bird investigations at Adlergrund in winter/spring 2006-2007 by Institut für Angewandte

Ökologie (IFAOE)
The bird study included a ship survey (winter) and aircraft surveys (spring) using line-transect
methodology.

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Baseline investigations in spring/summer 2008 by DHI regarding use of the sea area
northeast of Ertholmene by breeding common guillemots and razorbills in relation to the
planned route of the Nord Stream pipelines
The bird study carried out in May-July 2008 used ship-based, line-transect methodology to
determine the mean location of the main feeding area of razorbills and guillemots around
Ertholmene.
Environmental field surveys in spring 2008

These environmental field investigations included:
• Sampling of sediment for physical and chemical analyses of grain size distribution, content
of inorganic and organic contaminants and of particulate nutrients (nitrogen and phosphor)
• Sampling of macrozoobenthos (infauna)
• Extraction of sediment samples and pore-water samples for chemical analysis of remains
from dumped chemical munitions
4.1.2.8 Investigations on route alternatives

A total of five route alternatives within Danish waters have been considered since the beginning
of the Nord Stream project. Figure 3.3 on page 98 shows the alignments of these alternatives.
Geophysical and environmental investigations were carried out along the alignments of all five
alternatives.
The list below describes the investigations that were conducted on route alternatives within
Danish waters during 2005-2008:
Geophysical surveys
• Geophysical (reconnaissance) survey in the feasibility corridor. Performed by PeterGaz in
2005.
• Detailed geophysical survey of optimised routes (Alternative 2006 route). Performed by
PeterGaz in 2006.
• Geophysical (reconnaissance) survey of three route alternatives around Bornholm (North of
Bornholm Alternative, DK-01, DK-03). Performed by Marin Mätteknik in spring 2007.
• Detailed geophysical and munitions screening survey along the C10-3 alignment north of
Bornholm. Performed by Marin Mätteknik end of 2007-start of 2008.
• Geophysical (reconnaissance) survey on the Nord Stream route. Performed by Marin
Mätteknik spring 2008.
• Detailed geophysical and munitions screening survey along the Nord Stream route.
Performed by Marin Mätteknik/Dof Subsea spring/summer 2008.
Geotechnical surveys
• Geotechnical survey along the Alternative 2006 route. Performed by PeterGaz
subcontractor Fugro 2006.
• Geotechnical survey along the C10-3 alignment. Performed by Fugro 2007.
• Geotechnical survey along the Nord Stream route alignment. Performed by Dof Subsea
sub-contractor GEO 2008.

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Environmental surveys
Environmental field investigations were carried out for the Alternative 2006 route, and for the
North of Bornholm Alternative, which enters Danish territorial waters. The surveys included:
• Environmental field surveys along the Alternative 2006 route within a 2 km wide corridor.
Performed in 2005 and 2006 by Petergaz /18/ /19/ /20/ /21/
• Environmental field surveys in autumn 2007 on North of Bornholm Alternative route, which
enters Danish territorial waters. Performed in autumn 2007 by DHI /14/ /15/ /16/ /17/
Environmental field investigations commissioned by Petergaz Ltd in 2005 and 2006 on

the Alternative 2006 route
The surveys included:
• Oceanographical parameters: measurements of temperature and conductivity (for salinity

calculations), water transparency, oxygen content, pH, etc., and content of contaminants
• Sediment: grain size distribution and content of inorganic and organic contaminants
• Macrozoobenthos (infauna) organisms, including chemical analysis of contaminants
• Phyto- and zooplankton
• Fish fauna, including age determination and content of contaminants
• Observations of birds and marine mammals
• Video recordings
Environmental field surveys in autumn 2007 on the North of Bornholm Alternative, which
enters Danish territorial waters
The environmental field investigations included:
• Sampling of sediment for physical and chemical analysis of grain size, inorganic and
organic contaminants and nutrients (nitrogen and phosphor)
• Sampling of macrozoobenthos (infauna) samples
4.2 Description chemical and conventional munitions
4.2.1 Chemical munitions
4.2.1.1 General
Chemical warfare agents (CWA) have been used for centuries but are still quite poorly
described in terms of their environmental hazard characteristics. CWA were first used in
significant amounts during World War I on the battlefields near the city of Ypres in Belgium in
1915. They proved to be powerful weapons in World War I trench warfare, killing and injuring
more than 1.4 million people during the course of the war.
In 1925, the use of CWA was declared illegal in the Third Geneva Convention. CWA were not
used during World War II by either Germany or the Allied Forces. However, together both sides
stockpiled between a half-million and one million tonnes of chemical munitions and CWA. At the
end of the World War II, the Allied Forces ordered Germany to destroy approximately 65,000
tonnes of stockpiled CWA munitions during the second half of 1947, as a result of the Potsdam

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Conferences. Russian forces undertook the bulk of this task during the summer of 1947, using
German barges and crews. Initially, the intended dumpsite was outside the Faroe Islands, but
the location was changed because of deadlines and financial restrictions. The Bornholm Basin
in the Baltic Sea was chosen as the alternative because it was the deepest location (100 m) in
proximity to the German harbour from which the munitions were to be shipped out.
Consequently, more than half of Germany’s CWA arsenal, or approximately 11,000 tonnes of
active CWA chemical substances, were dumped in the Bornholm Basin /22/ /23/. Pursuant to
the Potsdam Agreement, there was an international moratorium on revealing the nature and
location of the dumping locations /23/. In 1997, the US and Great Britain prolonged their
moratoriums for another 20 years, whereas Russia, as a part of its Glasnost policy at the end of
the Cold War, disclosed its CWA dumping activities in the Baltic Sea in the early 1990s. It is also
known – but associated with secrecy, uncertainty and lack of knowledge – that Great Britain
also dumped CWA in the Baltic Sea mainly west of Bornholm, and that East Germany dumped
CWA east of Bornholm in 1962 during Operation Hanno. These amounts are assumed to be
significantly less than the amounts dumped by Russian forces in 1947 east of Bornholm.
During the Cold War, further development, stockpiling and replacement of CWA continued until
1993, at which point the multilateral Chemicals Weapons Convention (CWC) was adopted,
augmenting the Geneva Convention. The CWC, to which 183 countries currently are
signatories, entered into force in 1997 and is managed by the Organization for the Prohibition of
Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in The Hague, Netherlands. According to the CWC, all CWA must
be completely eradicated by the year 2012, mostly by conversion to chemicals for peaceful
purposes or by incineration /23/.
4.2.1.2 CWA dumpsites

The exact locations of dumpsites and thus associated risk areas are ambiguous /24/.The Baltic
Marine Environment Protection Commission (Helsinki Commission) addressed the issue of
chemical weapons in the Baltic Sea at the 16th Meeting of the Helsinki Commission in 1995.
The report concluded that approximately 40,000 tonnes of chemical munitions, containing
approximately 13,000 tonnes of CWA,55 had been dumped in the Baltic Sea. It was estimated
that 11,000 tonnes of CWA were dumped at a site east of Bornholm and 1,000 tonnes were
dumped south-east of Gotland. Figure 4.4 shows the location of the CWA dumping areas, and
Atlas Map MU-1 indicates dumping areas of chemical and conventional munitions in the Baltic
Sea /22/ /25/ /26/.
55
Chemical warfare agents refer to the chemical compounds used in chemical munitions.

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Figure 4.4 Chemical warfare agent (CWA) dumping areas near Denmark. Site A is the
Gotland dumpsite; Site B is the Bornholm dumpsite; Site C is the Lille Belt
dumpsite; and Site D and Site E are the Skagerrak dumpsites /25/.
Chemical munitions were transported from loading ports at Peenemünde and Wolgast in
Germany to the dumpsites at Bornholm and Gotland. It is known that munitions were thrown
overboard on the way to the dumpsites. Therefore, risk areas have been defined around the
dumpsites and along sailing routes to the dumpsites, as munitions may have been spread over
a larger area. The risk zones are shown on Atlas Map MU-1-D. Fishing and anchoring are
prohibited at the dumpsites (Risk Zone 1 and Risk Zone 2), and fishing vessels operating in risk
areas (Risk Zone 3) are required to have cleaning and first aid equipment on board in case of
exposure to chemical munitions /27/.
4.2.1.3 Historical analysis of CWA dumping east of Bornholm

The following historical analysis of dumping of CWA east of Bornholm is based on news articles
and reports from the period 1947 – 2008 /23/.
The dumping of CWA by the Russian Navy east of Bornholm began around 1 July 1947 and
ended 30 December 1947. The first public news report on the dumping activities was on 14
August 1947, when the miner Elbing VIII of Lybäk started dumping CWA within a 4 nautical mile
radius of 55”20N and 15”37E. According to the reports, the ship transported up to 2,000 gas
munitions units per trip, many of which were leaking.
On 15 August 1947, dead fish washed ashore having been poisoned by leaking bombs, and on
18 August 1947, bombs were caught by fishermen in the Bornholm basin. Four fishermen
became ill as a result of having come into contact with CWA. On 19 August 1947, more than 25

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wooden chests containing munitions washed ashore on Bornholm. A few days later, more than
50 more chests washed ashore all along the island’s coastline, see Figure 4.5.
Figure 4.5 A KC250 aerial mustard gas munitions shell that washed to shore in its original
wood chest (Bornholm Museum).
As a result of the failed dumping efforts, the Danish ship MR 242 started to oversee munitions
dumping activity in Danish territory occasionally. On 23 August 1947, the Bornholm Tourist
Association expressed concern over public safety following the dumping of munitions. By 4
September 1947, four ships – three German and one Russian (Christian, Odamunde, Brake and
Elbing, respectively) – were dumping munitions. Approximately 200-300 tonnes of chemical
munitions were thrown overboard per day.
Commander Capt. Terzkoff gave orders to fire upon drifting chests following reports of those
that washed ashore in Bornholm, Sweden and Poland. Because the munitions were not ‘live’
(the shock-sensitive detonators for the explosives were not inserted into the munitions) the
munitions did not explode when they washed ashore along the rocky coast of Bornholm. Empty
TNT holsters were washed ashore on 8 December 1947. Adamsite and arsenic oils were
observed in wooden chests and barrels only. Rumours circulated that some of the munitions
were emptied of gas before being dumped (1 March 1948). Sweet-smelling greenish crystals in
a tin can labelled ‘Gift’ (poison), washed ashore in Sweden, and there were concerns that the
contents might be Zyklon B. On 6 June 1948, reports stated that dumped nerve argents had
drifted ashore in Sweden. Poisoned cod eggs from Bornholm caused four consumers in
Copenhagen to be hospitalised, and in the following days, more that 10 people became ill. A
two-week ban on selling cod eggs was implemented due to contamination with mustard gas. On
4 April 1951, three people became ill from eating cod eggs. On 16 April 1952, bombs were still
leaking and hissing in water when lifted out of the water. No fishing restriction in the dump site
was imposed in late 1960s.

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In 1962, the East Germany navy was engaged in Operation Hanno, in which an old wooden
barge was filled with CWA and scuffled near the primary dumpsite in the Bornholm basin. Figure
4.6 is a series of images from Operation Hanno.
Figure 4.6 Operation Hanno 1962. Sinking of vessel filled with CWA munitions (Bornholm
Museum).
In the latter part of the 1960s, there were reports of dead fish off the Swedish coast due to
released CWA from corroded shells. In 1971, there was an emerging understanding that arsenic
oils and mustard gas mixtures in liquid form were prevalent in the munitions. The navy reported
on 5 August 1972 that all munitions were corroded, broken or empty and that CWA was present
as lumps on the seafloor. On 25 January 1975, there were reports of cancer lesions on cod that
were related to gas. In 1977, it was reported that more than 500,000 CWA shells had been
dumped. On 27 March 1984, fishing restrictions in the primary dumpsite were established.
In the mid 1980s, the Danish authorities launched Operation Pegasus, to collect and destroy
dumped munitions around Bornholm. As part of Operation Pegasus, citizens living in a 2 km
wide corridor along the transportation route to the storage bunker in the centre of Bornholm
were supplied with gasmasks for emergency use. The public became concerned about the
dangers associated with truckloads of chemical munitions being transported through Bornholm.
Moreover, because it was not possible to incinerate munitions that contained explosives, the
Danish Navy had to manually remove the explosives before the chemicals could be disposed of
separately at the incineration facility Kommune Kemi. As a result, Operation Pegasus was
abandoned due to costs, security risks and public opposition.
In 1992, the European Parliament decided by more than a 93% majority vote that the
environmental and human health risks of dumped CWA in the Baltic Sea should be investigated
and described in support of deciding further actions relative to potential remediation. HELCOM
organised an ad hoc chemical munitions working group (CHEMU) that collected information
provided by the Russian authorities in 1993 with regard to the dumping of CWA in 1947. The
HELCOM CHEMU (1994) concluded that remediation was unnecessary because the CWA
would either be insoluble or degrade and dilute rapidly. In the late 1990s and early 2000s
increased scientific investigations were performed at other dumpsites (Skagerrak and
elsewhere), but not at the Bornholm dumpsite. In 2005, the EU Commission, through the 6th
Framework Programme, funded the Modelling the Environmental Risks of Chemical Weapons in
the Baltic Sea (MERCW) project, which was concluded on 1 November 2008.

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The preliminary measurements of CWA concentrations during the MERCW project are highest
at the primary dumpsite (Risk Zone 1). In the secondary dumpsite (Risk Zone 2), only
metabolites of CWA were detected in the top 5 cm of the sediment.
4.2.1.4 CWA dumped east of Bornholm

The different CWA substances and the amounts of CWAs dumped east of Bornholm are shown
in Table 4.1
Table 4.1 Dumped warfare agents (CWAs) in Bornholm Basin /22/ /25/.
Name Composition CAS no. Dumped (tonnes)
Sulphur mustard gas C4H8Cl2S 505-60-2 7,027
(Yperite)1
Adamsite2 C12H9AsClN 578-94-9 1,428
Clark I2 C12H9AsCl 712-48-1 712
Clark II2 C13H10AsN 23525-22-6 ?
8
Triphenylarsine C18H15As 603-32-7 102
Chloracetophenone (CAP)3 C8H7ClO 1341-24-8 515
8
Phenyldichloroarsine C6H5AsCl2 696-28-6 1,017
Trichloroarsine8 AsCl3 7784-34-1 102
Monochlorobenzene4 C6H5Cl 108-90-7 1,405
Zyklon B5 HCN 94-90-8 74
Possible CWAs dumped east of Bornholm /22/
Phosgene6 CCl2 75-44-5 -
1
Nitrogen mustard C5H11Cl2N 51-75-2 -
Tabun7 C5H11N2O2P 77-81-6 -
1: Blister gases (vesicants)
2: Nose and throat irritants
3: Tear gases (lachrymatory agent)
4: Additive
5: Blood agent
6: Lung irritants
7: Nerve gas
8: Arsenic oil: Organoarsenic blister gas
The warfare agents were contained in medium-calibre rounds (high explosive and armour-
piercing shells); in 50 kg, 250 kg and 500 kg aerial bombs; and in ‘containers’ or ‘cans’. Since
the dumped chemical munitions had been stockpiled in stores and warehouses, they were not
armed with detonators /28/.
Originally, CWA were most often contained in two types of aerial bombs; one of them, the
mustard gas Type KC250, is shown in Figure 4.7.

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Figure 4.7 The design of the mustard gas bomb Type KC 250.
The bomb shells were made of thin material, which by the present time is often corroded away.
Finds of whole bombs are more and more rare /25/.
Mustard gas constitutes the majority of the dumped chemical warfare agents. Fishermen
occasionally find yellow or brown lumps of mustard gas in their fish catch. The lumps vary in
size up to 100 kg and sometimes have a clay-like consistency. Most often, the surfaces of the
lumps are oxidized to solid state. Lumps of mustard gas, therefore, can be preserved for many
years. Figure 4.8 shows examples of munitions that have been caught at the Bornholm
dumpsite /28/.
Figure 4.8 Examples of munitions catch: A corroded gas bomb (left) and lump of mustard
gas (right) /29/.

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Since 1992, all caught munitions have been either empty or completely corroded. Currently only
solid lumps of CWA are found. More than 10 years ago, some CWA remains had liquid content,
but this is no longer the case /23/.
Figure 4.9 Navy personnel in protective ABC suit with a lump of mustard gas (Bornholm
Marine District).
As mentioned earlier, fishery within the dumpsite east of Bornholm is forbidden. However,
fishermen have caught chemical munitions in the area around the dumpsite because munitions
have spread over a larger area. In Denmark, fishermen are compensated economically if they
report catches of munitions to the Bornholm Marine District. Since the 1960s, the Bornholm
Marine District has registered catches of munitions from the Bornholm area. Figure 4.10 shows
the numbers of chemical munitions caught by fishermen from 1979-2006.
Number
NumberofofChemical
chemicalwarfare
warfarefinds brought
finds to to
brought Bornhom
Bornholm
120
100
80
Number
60
40
20
0
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Year
Figure 4.10 Chemical munitions finds around Bornholm from 1979-2006 /28/.

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Figure 4.11 shows where fishermen reported catches of CWA within the Bornholm area from
1947-1985 /30/.
Figure 4.11 Chemical munitions finds around Bornholm during the period 1947-1985 (red
dots). The lack of finds within the dumpsite (orange areas) is due to the fact that
fishermen are not allowed to fish in this area /30/.
The munitions have been resting on the seabed and in the sediment of the Baltic Sea for more
than 60 years, and the extent of corrosion of the shells, and thus the release of toxic chemicals
into the marine environment, is poorly understood. Some shells will have leaked their contents,
whereas others might still be intact. The ratio between corroded and empty munitions versus
intact munitions is not known. It is clear, however, that oxygen is needed for corrosion of the
metal casing of the munitions, and that munitions in anoxic sediments will be better conserved
than munitions exposed to oxygen in either the sediment or water. Hence, the ratio of corroded
and potentially empty munitions versus intact potentially full munitions to a large extent reflects
the ratio of the munitions above and below the sediment. Due to national security issues and
hence secrecy concerning both the location and environmental properties of CWA, very few
qualified, site-specific environmental risk assessments of CWA in and around dumpsites have
been performed.

G-PE-PER-EIA-100-42920000-A
4.2.2 Conventional munitions
Thousands of sea mines were deployed during both world wars as a defence against attack by
enemy naval ships and submarines. The closure of the Gulf of Finland was of special naval
warfare interest; therefore, the largest quantities of sea mines were deployed there. However,
sea mines were also deployed along the coasts of Sweden, Denmark and Germany. The mines
were put out in barrages to prevent enemy ships access to the coasts.
Different types of mines were used, of which contact mines were the most common. Contact
mines are built to explode when triggered by contact with an enemy ship or submarine. There
are generally three types of contact mines:
• Moored contact mines

• Bottom contact mines
• Drifting contact mines
Moored contact mines (see Figure 4.12) are connected to a release system on the seabed that
prevents the mines drifting away. The mines can be set to float on the surface or be suspended
in the water column.
Figure 4.12 Example of a floating moored contact mine. The mine is triggered when a ship
hits the spikes.
Bottom contact mines, as their name indicates, lie on the seabed. They are the simplest of
mines and primarily designed to be used against submarines. They detonate when a submarine
comes into direct contact with the mine.
Drifting contact mines drift at the sea surface without a wire or anchor attached. Such mines are
said to have been used during both world wars, but no records have been found regarding their
use in the Baltic. However, it was not unusual for moored mines to break their tether and drift in
the surface waters.
Mines with more sophisticated pressure and magnetic sensors were also used. These mines
were triggered when they reached a certain depth or were in the vicinity of the magnetic field
created by a passing ship or submarine.

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After both world wars, the known mine areas in the Baltic were swept for mines. Atlas Map MU-
1-D shows the abandoned minefields and areas in the Baltic Sea where there is a risk of naval
mines. Unfortunately, these maps are not complete, as information for some areas has not been
released by the respective admiralties.
During both world wars ,munitions like depth bombs, torpedoes and grenades were also used
and dumped. Exact records of where the unexploded ordnance were dumped are unavailable,
which emphasises the importance of undertaking a munitions screening survey of the proposed
routes for the Nord Stream pipelines, as it will reveal whether there are any unexploded
ordnance or mines in the pipeline corridor.
4.2.3 Results from munitions screening surveys
4.2.3.1 Geophysical munitions screening surveys

The munitions screening survey carried out in 2007/2008 by Marin Mätteknik have identified
three chemical munitions objects within Danish waters. No conventional munitions were
identified in Denmark /31/.
Table 4.2 lists a description of the three chemical munitions finds in Denmark.
Table 4.2 Munitions finds in Danish waters along the Nord Stream pipeline route (C16-2).
The table states the object’s identification number, the distance to the closest
pipeline (East or West) and a description of the object.
Ref. Distance to pipeline Description
(East/West)
DK1-2-33-3976 17 m (E) German chemical 250 mustard gas bomb
DK1-2-33-3964 16 m (E) Fuse from chemical bomb
DK1-2-33-3995 19 m (E) Bomb tail from German chemical mustard gas
bomb
The finds have been identified in the northern section of the pipeline alignment in Denmark see
Figure 4.13

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Figure 4.13 Chemical munitions finds along the Nord Stream alignment in the Danish sector.
The pictures of the objects were taken with an underwater camera during the
munitions screening survey /31/.
The munitions identified in the Danish sector are also presented in Atlas Map MU-2-D.
4.2.3.2 Dumped chemical munitions in sediment and pore water

In May 2008, 95 sediment samples and 10 pore water samples from surface sediment (0 – 5 cm
depth) were collected along the planned Nord Stream pipeline route inside Danish waters for
chemical analysis of CWA content. Additional samples were taken:
• 250 m and 500 m north and south of the pipeline route

• Vertically from different depths, down to 1 m below the seabed

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The sampling locations are shown in Figure 4.14.
Figure 4.14 Sampling stations for dumped chemical munitions.
The substances for chemical analysis are shown in Table 4.3. Two samples were taken at every
location. One sample from each location was analysed by the National Environmental Research
Institute (NERI) of Denmark /32/, while the second was analysed by the Finnish Institute for
Verification of the Chemical Weapons Convention (Verifin) /17/ . The results from analysis of
sediment and pore water samples are shown in Table 4.4 and Table 4.5 respectively.
Results from both institutes show that only very few stations had evidence of substances from
dumped chemical munitions (Adamsite, Clark I, Triphenylarsine and Phenyldichloroarsine).
Furthermore, the content of these substances was very low at stations were CWA were
detected. For all other substances shown in Table 4.3, the content of CWA was below the
detection limit. The NERI analyses found more samples with content of Clark I, triphenylarsine
and phenyldichloroarsine. Furthermore, NERI found low content of Clark I, triphenylarsine and
phenyldichloroarsine (0.002 mg/l) in some of the pore water samples. In general, the chemical

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content in sediment samples found by NERI was lower than the results from Verifin. The
reasons for the difference between the results between Verifin and NERI are discussed in
reference /33/. One reason may be that Verifin and NERI used different methodologies in their
analyses. Still, overall the CWA content in sediment samples and pore water samples was low.
Table 4.3 Substances analysed in connection with investigations and chemical analysis of
CWA in sediment and pore water /17/ /32/.
Chemical (acronym) CAS number
Intact chemicals
Sulphur mustard gas (H) 505-60-2
Adamsite (DM) 578-94-9
Clark I (DA) 712-48-1
Triphenylarsine (TPA) 603-32-7
Trichloroarsine (TCA) 7784-34-1
Α-Chloroacetophenone (CN) 532-27-4
Tabun (GA) 77-81-6
Lewisite I (L1) 541-25-3
Lewisite II (L2) 40334-69-8
Phenyldichloroarsine (PDCA) 696-28-6
Degradation products and derivatives of DM
Phenoarsazin-10(5H)-ol 18538-32-4
10-(Phenoarsazin-10(5H)-yloxy)-5,10-dihydropheno- 4095-45-8
arsazine
5,10-Dihydrophenoarsazin-10-ol 10-oxide 4733-19-1
Degradation products and derivatives of DA
Diphenylarsinous acid 6217-24-9
Bis(diphenylarsinic)oxide 2215-16-9
Diphenylarsinic acid 4656-80-8
Degradation products of H
Thiodiglycol 111-48-8
Thiodiglycol sulfoxide 3085-45-8
Degradation products and derivatives of L1
Vinylarsinous acid 85090-33-1
2-Chlorovinylarsinic oxide 3088-37-7
2-Chlorovinylarsonic acid 64038-44-4
Dipropyl 2-chlorovinylarsonodithioite
Degradation products and derivatives of L2
Dininylarsinic acid
Bis(2-chlorovinyl)arsenic acid
Propyl bis(2-chlorovinyl)-arsinothioite
Degradation products of PDCA
Phenylarsonous acid 25400-22-0
Phenylarsonic acid 98-05-5
Arsenic compounds

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Chemical (acronym) CAS number
Total arsenic (Astotal), Sum of arsenite (As(III), Arsenate
(As(V), Monomethylar-sonic acid, Dimethylarsonic acid,
Trimethyl-arsine oxide, Tetramethylarsonium ion,
Arsenobetaine
Table 4.4 Dumped chemical munitions in sediment samples /17/ /32/.

Sediment Adamsite Clark I Triphenylarsine Phenyldichloroarsine
sample1 (mg/kg DM) (mg/kg DM) (mg/kg DM) (mg/kg DM)
S5 (250N) -/- -/0.029 -/- -/0.028
S5 (500S) -/- -/0.034 -/- -/0.044
S5 (500N) -/- -/- -/- -/0.051
S8 -/- -/- 0.0026/- -/-
S9 -/- -/- -/- -/0.101
S12 0.010/- -/- -/- -/-
S12 (250N) -/- -/- -/- -/0.032
S12 (500S) -/- -/0.041 -/- -/0.051
S12 (500N) -/- -/0.028 -/- -/0.027
S13 0.0024/- -/0.008 -/- -/0.009
S14 -/- -/0.008 -/- -/-
S15 -/- -/- -/- -/0.006
S16 0.0017/- -/0.013 -/- 0.0023/0.014
S16 (250S) 0.200/- 0.0025/0.051 -/- 0.0096/0.606
S16 (250N) 0.0014/- -/0.014 -/- 0.00183/0.013
S16 (500S) -/- -/0.020 -/0.012 -/0.036
S16 (500N) -/- -/0.008 -/0.017 -/0.019
S16 (10-15 cm) -/- -/0.007 -/- -/0.027
S16 (15-20 cm) -/- -/0.006 -/- -/0.006
S17 0.0032/- -/0.034 -/- -/0.043
S18 -/- -/0.023 -/- -/0.028
S19 -/- -/0.025 -/- -/0.046
S19 (250S) 0.0019/- -/0.026 -/- -/0.043
S19 (250N) -/- -/0.025 -/- -/0.44
S19 (500S) -/- -/0.020 -/- -/0.35
S19 (500N) -/- -/0.023 -/- -/0.028
S20 -/- -/0.015 -/- -/0.027
S21 -/- -/- -/- -/0.007
S22 -/- -/0.009 -/- -/0.010
S22 (250S) -/- -/0.007 -/- -/0.009
S22 (250N) -/- -/0.032 -/- -/0.098
S22 (500S) -/- -/0.010 -/- -/0.011
S22 (500N) -/- -/0.009 -/- -/0.010
S23 -/- -/- -/- -/0.007
S25 -/- -/- -/- -/0.008

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Sediment Adamsite Clark I Triphenylarsine Phenyldichloroarsine
sample1 (mg/kg DM) (mg/kg DM) (mg/kg DM) (mg/kg DM)
S25 (250S) -/- -/0.007 -/- -/0.008
S25 (250N) -/- -/0.007 -/- -/0.009
S25 (500S) -/- -/0.007 -/- -/-
S26 -/- -/0.008 -/- -/0.008
S27 -/- -/0.008 -/- -/0.008
S29 -/- -/0.008 -/- -/0.010
S29 (250N) -/- -/- -/0.008 -/-
S29 (500S) -/- -/0.006 -/- -/0.007
S30 -/- -/0.008 -/- -/0.015
S31 -/- -/0.007 -/- -/0.009
S33 (250S) -/- -/0.007 -/- -/0.008
S33 (500N) -/- -/0.010 -/0.007 -/-
S33 (9-14 cm) -/- -/- -/0.005 -/-
S34 -/- -/0.006 -/- -/-
All other -/- -/- -/- -/-
stations/sample
s
DL 0.0008/0.200 0.0012/0.006 0.0021/0.006 0.0011/0.006
1: Surface sediment sample from 0-5 cm depth.
0.0025/0.051: Analysed by Verifin/Analysed by NERI
DL: Detection limit
-: Below detection limit
S16: Station S16 located at the pipeline route.
S16 (250S): Station S16 located 250 m south of the pipeline route.
S33 (9-14 cm): Station S33, sediment sample analysed from 9-14 m depth
Table 4.5 Dumped chemical munitions in pore water samples /17/ /32/.
Pore water Adamsite Clark I Triphenylarsine Phenyldichloroarsine
sample (mg/l) (mg/l) (mg/l) (mg/l)
S22 -/- -/0.002 -/0.002 -/0.002
S25 -/- -/0.002 -/0.002 -/0.002
S29 -/- -/0.002 -/- -/-
All other -/- -/- -/- -/-

stations/samples
DL 0.016/0.020 0.020- 0.020/0.00035 0.020/0.00051
0.023/0.00041
-/0.002: Analysed by Verifin/Analysed by NERI
DL: Detection limit
-: Below detection limit

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The content of total Arsenic compound was 7 – 10 mg/kg DM, compared with approximately 20
mg/kg DM found for the Bornholm basin /34/. The content of arsenic compounds was analysed
only by NERI. In reference /35/, it is concluded that the arsenic compounds measured along the
pipeline route do not correlate with total CWA concentrations measured along the pipeline route,
and therefore the predominant portion of the arsenic compounds in the sediment has
anthropogenic and natural sources other than chemical dumped munitions.
4.3 Description of infrastructure and restrictions along the pipeline alignment
4.3.1 Protected areas

The Baltic Sea is a very important area for waterfowl and seals, especially in the shallow coastal
lakes and lagoons in the south and further north, in the archipelagos of the Finnish and Swedish
coasts. This has led to the designation of areas to be protected by international conventions or
directives as well as by national legislation. The majority of the protected areas are located in
coastal waters and usually form a natural seaward extension of a land site. While the number of
offshore protected areas is small, Hoburgs Bank, south of Gotland within Swedish waters, is one
of the largest protected offshore areas.
International protection areas in the Baltic Sea comprise marine and coastal biotopes, including
habitats and species. The protection varies from strict legal protection, e.g., Natura 2000 status,
to recommendations of protection, e.g., designations as Baltic Sea Protected Areas (BSPA) and
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Areas. Important Bird Areas (IBAs) are described in Section 4.5.5
under “Birds”.
4.3.1.1 Natura 2000

The EC Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds and the EC Directive on the Conservation of
Natural Habitats and Wild Flora and Fauna establish the legislative framework for protecting and
conserving Europe's wildlife and habitats /6/ /7/.
The directives implement the requirements of the Bonn Convention on the Conservation of
Migratory Species and the Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and
Natural Habitats in community law.
At the centre of the policy is the creation of Natura 2000 for habitats and species, a coherent
ecological network of protected areas across the EU. These areas are considered to be of
outstanding international significance and important to maintaining biodiversity in the EU. The
purpose of Natura 2000 is to maintain or restore the favourable conservation status of habitats
and species in their natural range.
The Natura 2000 network comprises:
• Special Protection Areas (SPAs): Areas for the conservation of bird species listed in the
Birds Directive as well as migratory birds
• Special Areas of Conservation (SACs): Areas for the conservation of habitat types and
animal and plant species listed in the Habitats Directive

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To officially be designated SAC, an area must be proposed to the European Commission and
undergo an evaluation. During the period of evaluation, the area is referred to as a Site of
Community Interest (SCI). Most Natura 2000 areas in the Baltic Sea are protected entirely or
partially by nature protection measures in the individual Baltic Sea states.
The objective of the Habitats Directive is to promote biodiversity by requiring member states to
take measures to maintain or restore the favourable conservation status of natural habitats and
wild species. The objective of the Birds Directive is to implement special measures to maintain
the favourable conservation status of wild birds throughout Europe, with a key action being to
conserve the habitats of certain rare species of birds and regularly occurring concentrations of
migratory birds. The eight EU member states around the Baltic Sea have come a long way in
implementing the two Natura 2000 directives. To meet the objectives, the member states have
designated SACs and SPAs in coastal areas as well as in offshore waters. Habitats in the
context of the directives are understood to be ”terrestrial or aquatic areas distinguished by
geographical, abiotic and biotic features, whether natural or semi-natural.” The Natura 2000
network protects the habitats listed in Annex I and the rare and vulnerable species listed in
Annex II of the Habitats Directive, as well as the rare and vulnerable bird species listed in Annex
I of the Birds Directive and regularly occurring concentrations of migratory birds.
The conservation status of a natural habitat is defined in the Habitats Directive (Council
Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora) as the
sum of the influences acting on a natural habitat and its characteristic species that may affect
the habitat’s long-term natural distribution, structure and functions as well as the long-term
survival of its characteristic species. The conservation status of a natural habitat is ‘favourable’
when:
• The habitat’s natural range and areas it covers within that range are stable or increasing
• The specific structure and functions necessary for long-term maintenance of the habitat
exist and are likely to continue for the foreseeable future
• The conservation status of the habitat’s characteristic species is favourable
The conservation status of a species is ‘favourable’ when:
• Population dynamics data indicate that the species is maintaining itself as a viable
component of its natural habitats on a long-term basis
• The natural range of the species is not being reduced nor is it likely to be reduced for
the foreseeable future
• There is, and probably will continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain the
species’ population on a long-term basis
In contrast to the Water Framework Directive, in which the assessment of ecological status is
based on the concept of ‘reference conditions’, the term ‘favourable conservation status’ in the
Habitats and Birds Directives is based on the conservation status when the directives came into
effect in 1981 and 1994.

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The Natura 2000 areas along the entire pipeline route are shown on Atlas Map PA-1, and the
Natura 2000 areas in the vicinity of the pipelines within the Danish EEZ are shown in Figure
4.15 and in Atlas Map PA-3-D.
Figure 4.15 Existing and proposed Natura 2000 areas along the pipeline route within Danish
territorial waters and EEZ (see also Table 4.6).
Table 4.6 presents the existing and proposed Natura 2000 areas in Denmark in the vicinity of
the pipeline route.

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Table 4.6 Existing and proposed Natura 2000 areas in the vicinity of the pipeline route in
Danish waters (for locations, see Figure 4.15). Only designated offshore or
coastal habitats and species are listed.
Natura 2000 area Status Designated offshore/coastal Distance to
habitats and species pipeline route
DK00VA308 44.3 km
Davids Bank (0.52 km)2
DK007X243 Vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and
Hammeren og Baltic coasts (Habitat code 1230)3 38.3 km
SAC
Slotslyngen1 Submerged or partially submerged sea (5.9 km)2
caves (Habitat code 8330)3
DK007X079 Reefs (code 1170)3
Ertholmene SAC Vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and
11.2 km
Baltic coasts (Habitat code 1230)3
(12.0 km)2
Common guillemot (Uria aalge)4
SPA
Razorbill (Alca torda)4
DK007X311 Vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and 17.0 km
SAC
Randkløve Skår1 Baltic coasts (Habitat code 1230)3 (26.6 km)2
DK007X246 Embryonic shifting dunes (Habitat 9.2 km
SAC
Dueodde1 code 2110)3 (36.4 km)2
DK00VA310
16.1 km
Bakkebraedt SAC Reefs (Habitat code 1170)3
(21.4 km)2
Bakkegrund
DK00VA309 32.5 km
Hvideodde Rev (10.2 km)2
Adler Grund Proposed Reefs (Habitat code 1170)3
SAC Sand banks (Habitat code 1110)3 18.4 km
Harbour porpoise (Phocoena (4.4 km)2
phocoena)
1: Also designated for several habitats and species on land, according to the Habitats Directive.
2: Figures in brackets ( ) indicate distance to the alternative pipeline route north of Bornholm.
3: Designated habitats according to the Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats /6/.
4: Designated species according to Annex 1 of the Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds /7/.
Davids Banke (DK00VA308)

Davids Banke is a marine area of 838 ha, located to the north of Bornholm. The area is
designated Natura 2000 on the basis of its reef structures. It is comprised of a shallow water
area with a water depth up to 12 m that is surrounded by areas with a water depth of 40 – 55 m.
Investigations of the macroalgae vegetation in 2005 observed only scarce macroalgae
vegetation, with a total of six species. Common mussel (Mytilus edulis) was observed with
coverage of seabed up to 60% at 19 m depth. The common mussel species was found down to
32 m depth /36/.
Benthic fauna, fish, fishery and birds in the area have not been investigated. It should be noted
that harbour seals and harbour porpoise are very seldomly observed in the area /36/.

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The most significant threats to the area are fishery, eutrophication and contaminants /36/.
Davids Banke is approximately 44.3 km from the planned Nord Stream pipeline route south of
Bornholm.
Hammeren and Slotslyngen (DK007X243)

Hammeren and Slotslyngen is an area of 549 ha, located on the northern coast of Bornholm.
The area is designated Natura 2000 on the basis of 18 habitat types and one species, the great
crested newt (Triturus cristatus cristatus). Most of the habitat types are located on land; the only
habitat types very close to or at the coastline are “Vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic
coasts” and “Submerged or partially submerged sea caves”. There are no investigations or data
detailing the flora and fauna for these two habitats /36/.
The Hammeren and Slotslyngen area is approximately 38.3 km from the planned Nord Stream
pipeline route south of Bornholm.
Ertholmene (DK007X079)
Ertholmene is an area of 1,256 ha, located east of the northern part of Bornholm. The islands
(Christiansø, Frederiksø, Græsholmene, Tat, Østerskær) and the water area around the islands
are designated Natura 2000 on the basis of one marine habitat (“Reef”) and five terrestrial
habitats, one of which is “Vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic coasts”. The area is also
designated based on the bird species common guillemot (Uria aalgae) and razorbill (Alca torda),
which are listed in Annex 1 of the Birds Directive /36/.
The area is also a designated Ramsar area and protected in accordance with Danish legislation
(“Bekendtgørelse om fredning af øgruppen Ertholmene og omkringliggende søterritorium”, BEK
nr. 574 af 20/11/2004) /36/.
The Natura 2000 area is restricted to islands and to water depths less than 50 m. The reefs
around Ertholmene are relatively densely covered by brown algae at water depths less than 10
m and by common mussel (Mytilus edulis) down to approximately 12 m depth /36/.
The island of Græsholm is an important breeding area for birds, especially guillemots and
razorbills. Guillemots also winter in the area. Græsholm also houses the second largest colonies
of herring gull (Larus argentatus) and common eider (Somateria mollissima) in Denmark. The
following bird species in the area should also be noted: lesser black-backed gull (Larus
marinus), mew gull (Larus canus), cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo), red-breasted merganser
(Mergus serrator), tufted duck (Nyroca fuligula) and mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) /36/.
Harbour porpoise and seals (harbour seal and grey seal) are very rarely observed in the area
/36/.
The most significant threats to the marine environment around the islands are bottom-trawl
fishery and increased inputs of nutrients and contaminants.
Ertholmene is approximately 11.2 km from the planned Nord Stream pipeline route.

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Randkløve Skår (DK007X311)
Randkløve Skår is an area of 37 ha, located on the eastern coast of Bornholm. The area is
designated Natura 2000 on the basis of nine habitat types, including the habitat “Vegetated sea
cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic coasts” near/at the coastline /36/.
Randkløve Skår is approximately 17 km from the planned Nord Stream pipeline route.
Dueodde (DK007X246)
Dueodde is an area of 253 ha, located at the southern end of Bornholm. The area is designated
Natura 2000 on the basis of eight habitat types, with the habitat “Embryonic shifting dunes”
located close to the coastline. The Natura 2000 area does not include the water area around the
southern end of Dueodde, but the habitat “Embryonic shifting dunes” can become flooded
during winter storms /36/.
Dueodde is approximately 9.2 km from the planned Nord Stream pipeline route.
Bakkebrædt and Bakkegrund (DK00VA310)

Bakkebrædt and Bakkegrund are three small, separate stone reefs with a total area of 299 ha,
located offshore at Rønne Banke, west of Bornholm. The area is designated Natura 2000 on the
basis of the marine habitat “Reef”. The reefs are restricted to water depths less than 10 m, and
Bakkegrund, with a depth of 5.3 m, is the shallowest. The area is dominated by the common
mussel (Mytilus edulis), but it houses very few marine species. Only three perennial macroalgae
species, with low coverage of the seabed, were observed during investigations in 2005 /36/.
Together with Rønne Banke, Bakkebrædt and Bakkegrund is an important location for wintering
long-tailed ducks (Clangula hyemalis) /36/. Harbour porpoise and harbour seals are rarely
observed in the area /36/. The most significant threats to the area are fishery, eutrophication
and contaminants. The risk of eutrophication due to a surplus of nutrients is evaluated to be
significant /36/.
Bakkebrædt and Bakkegrund are approximately 16.1 km from the planned Nord Stream pipeline
route.
Hvideodde Rev (DK00VA309)

Hvideodde Rev is an area of 789 ha, located offshore north of the city Rønne on Bornholm. The
area is designated Natura 2000 on the basis of the marine habitat “Reef”. The area also
includes Kåsgård Rev and Nyker Rev in addition to Hvideodde Rev. The seabed is cropped and
comprised of sandstone, heaps of stones and sand areas. The water depth is from 0.5 m to 20
m at the outer border of the Natura 2000 area. Where the seabed consists of stones, it is
covered by vegetation dominated by red seaweeds (Furcellaria lumbricalis) and different
perennial macroalgae species /36/. The most significant threat to marine flora and fauna in the
area is eutrophication /36/.
Hvideodde Rev is located approximately 32.5 km from the planned Nord Stream pipeline route.

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Adler Grund (proposed SAC; public consultation 20 October 2008 /37/)
Adler Grund is an area of 31,900 ha, located west of Bornholm at Adler Grund and Rønne
Banke. The area is proposed as a Natura 2000 area on the basis of the marine habitats “Reefs”
and “Sandbanks which are slightly covered by sea water all the time”, and on the basis of the
Annex II species harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), Habitats Directive ref. /6/.
Adler Grund is approximately 18.4 km from the planned Nord Stream pipeline route.
4.3.1.2 Ramsar sites

The Convention on Wetlands, signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971, is an intergovernmental treaty
that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the
conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources /38/. Ramsar sites closest to the
pipelines in the Danish territorial waters and EEZ are listed in Table 4.7 and shown on Atlas
Map PA-4.
Table 4.7 RAMSAR sites closest to the pipelines within the Danish territorial waters and
EEZ.
Ramsar site Description Distance
from
pipelines
3DK026 Sea area with rocky islands and sparse vegetation. The only
Ertholmene listed threat to the area is oil spills. The area was designated
as a Ramsar site in 1984. The area is used by birds, such
as common eider (Somateria mollissima), a breeding visitor,
and razorbill (Alca torda) and common guillemot (Uria
11.2 km
aalge), which are breeding residents. An area on and
around Græsholm (scientific sanctuary) is fully protected;
there is no public access and hunting is prohibited. Sailing
and windsurfing are restricted. The entire area is identical to
the EU Bird Protection Area No. 79.
4.3.1.3 Baltic Sea Protected Areas

In 1994, 62 Baltic Sea Protected Areas (BSPAs) were designated under the HELCOM
Recommendation (56). The purpose of the designation is “to protect representative ecosystems
of the Baltic as well as to guarantee sustainable use of natural resources as an important
contribution to ensure ample provident protection of environment and of biodiversity.”
Preference was given to areas already under some form of protection, but very few of the
56
The Helsinki Commission, or HELCOM, works to protect the marine environment of the Baltic Sea from all sources of
pollution through intergovernmental cooperation between Denmark, Estonia, the European Community, Finland,
Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia and Sweden. HELCOM is the governing body of the Convention on the
Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea.

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designated areas have been finally incorporated in the BSPA network. The additional task of
incorporating different offshore areas identified by experts in 1998 into the network remains /39/.
HELCOM and OSPAR (57) have adopted a joint Work Programme on Marine Protected Areas to
ensure that the implementation of the HELCOM/OSPAR Ministerial Declaration is consistent
across maritime areas. The declaration stated that a first set of protected marine areas,
including the Natura 2000 network, should be identified, and in 2010 an ecologically coherent
network of well-managed protected marine areas should be in place /40/. Unlike the Natura
2000 areas, the BSPA network does not have any legal implications. The BSPA and UNESCO
Biosphere areas are shown on Atlas Map PA-5, and Table 4.8 lists the BSPAs in the Danish
territorial waters and EEZ closest to the pipelines.
Table 4.8 Baltic Sea Protected Areas in vicinity of the pipelines within the Danish territorial
waters and EEZ /41/.
BSPA name Ecosystem Listed threats Distance to
pipelines
BSPA Reefs Oil spills
44.3 km
Davids Bank Water pollution
BSPA Rocky shallow water area with Oil spills
Ertholmene macrophytes such as bladder wrack Water pollution
(Fucus vesiculosus), mixed sediment
bottoms, rocky as well as sandy shores
and cliff coasts.
Important spawning area for Baltic 11.2 km

herring (Clupea harengus); breeding
colonies of guillemot (Uria aalge),
razorbill (Alca torda) and eider
(Somateria mollissima); type locality for
the nominate form of lesser black-
backed gull (Larus fuscus).
Figure 4.15 and Atlas Map PA-5 show that the BSPA areas closest to the planned Nord stream
pipeline route are also designated Natura 2000 areas.
4.3.1.4 UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

Biosphere reserves are sites recognised under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme.
They are under national sovereign jurisdiction. There are four sites in the Baltic Sea, but none of
them are within the Danish territorial waters or EEZ (see Atlas Map PA-5).
57
Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic

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4.3.2 Offshore installations, cables and pipelines
4.3.2.1 General
The Nord Stream pipelines will cross a number of active telecommunications and power
transmission cables located on and in the seabed. Cables in operation (in 2008) are shown in
Atlas Map IN-1-D.
Various published maps were used to identify and locate cables in the Baltic Sea. The
information was verified through communication with cable owners. In addition, cables were
identified through interpretation of the magnetometer survey during which cable positions were
established. The magnetometer surveys were supplemented by ROV inspections to gather
information on unburied cables.
In addition to active cables, a number of out-of-use cables were identified on the basis of the
same sources. All cables indicated on official nautical maps have been accounted for.
No offshore pipelines were identified along the Nord Stream route. Two offshore pipeline
connections, the Baltic Connector between Finland and Estonia and the BalticPipe between
Denmark and Poland, are under consideration. A third pipeline – the Baltic Gas Interconnector –
between Germany (Rostock) and Denmark/Sweden – is located to the west of the project area,
and no crossings are anticipated. The planned route options for the BalticPipe are shown in
Atlas Map IN-1-D.
Crossings with other pipelines will be designed and agreed upon in accordance with
international standards and procedures. Detailed design will be conducted by Snamprogetti
S.p.a.
4.3.2.2 Cables in the Danish territorial waters and EEZ

Three active cables will be crossed by the Nord Stream pipelines within the Danish territorial
waters and EEZ. The cables are (designation in bracket):
• Telecom cable between Denmark and Russia (DK-RU1)

• Telecom cable between Denmark (Bornholm) and Poland (DK-PL2)
• Telecom cable between Denmark (Bornholm) and Poland (Baltica Seg1)
Additional information on these cables is provided in Table 4.9 and on Atlas Map IN-1-D and
Atlas Map IN-2-D. Easting and northing are coordinates referring to the anticipated crossing
points between the Nord Stream pipelines and the cable to be crossed.

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Table 4.9 Active cables crossed by Nord Stream in the Danish section.
Name Type Owner Easting Northing
W-line/E-line W-line/E-line
DK-RU1 Karlslunde- Telecom TDC 535027,4 6145772,4
Kingisepp 535194,2 6145774,1
DK-PL2 Telecom TDC 504395,7 6083006,0
504510,1 6082796,0
Baltica Seg1 Telecom Polish Telecom 502939,6 6082363,8
503017,2 6082180,9
One out-of-use cable (DK-PL, owned by TDC) shall be crossed. Nord Stream AG intends to
follow standard industry practice, which involves cutting/removing the cable as necessary,
including safeguarding free ends to ensure that fishing gear will not become entangled.
Removal/cutting of out-of-use cable will be agreed upon in consultation with TDC.
4.3.2.3 Pipelines in the Danish territorial waters and EEZ

The Baltic Pipe natural gas pipeline is planned in the project area. A future crossing point
therefore may be anticipated at approximately KP 1125 km in Danish waters south-east of
Rønne Banke, see Atlas Map IN-1-D.
Table 4.10 Anticipated crossing of Baltic Pipe within Danish waters.

Name Type Owner Depth Pipeline
(m) condition
Baltic Pipe Natural PGNiG 48 On seabed
gas
4.3.3 Raw material resources and offshore wind parks

This section describes existing raw material extraction areas and areas of interest for the
development of offshore wind parks in the vicinity of the planned Nord Stream pipeline route in
the Danish territorial waters and EEZ.
4.3.3.1 Raw material resources

The seabed of the marine area is extremely varied with regard to both topography and sediment
distribution. The marine sediments may comprise valuable raw material resources, especially for
construction purposes. Several countries around the Baltic Sea have interest in extracting
marine sediments. However, the extraction of marine sediments is limited by the fact that the
variety of suitable dredging equipment decreases with increasing water depth. Furthermore, the
costs of extraction and transportation increase with distance from the coast. Therefore, most
exploration of sediments occurs at water depths below 20 m
Existing and planned natural resource extraction areas are indicated on Atlas Map IN-3-D.

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Marine aggregates comprise 10%–20 % of the total raw materials extracted in Denmark, making
them an important raw material resource. The extraction of aggregates in the sea area around
Bornholm in 2005 totalled 293,887 m3 /42/.
There are nine areas designated for extraction of raw materials south-southwest of Bornholm,
as shown on Atlas Map IN-3-D. All extraction areas have been issued new and updated
extraction permits valid for a three-year period from January 2007 /42/. Table 4.11 lists
permitted extraction areas and amounts that can be extracted in the period 2007-2009.
Table 4.11 Permitted marine sediment extraction areas west of Bornholm and the maximum
amounts that can be extracted in the period 2007-2009 /43/.
Extraction area Permitted extraction amount (m3)
526-CA Rønne 30,000
564-BA Rønne Banke Øst 20,000
526-JA Rønne Banke Syd 300,000
526-DA Klintegrund 1,200,000
526-HA Klintegrund Vest 20,000
526-EA Bakkegrund Nord 20,000
526-IA Bakkegrund syd 160,000
564-AA Adlergrund Øst 150,000
564-CA Adlergrund Nord 200,000
The Danish authorities require that all extracted marine sediments are transported to Bornholm.
There is a slight increase in ship traffic at and between the extraction area and Bornholm when
extraction activities are underway. The permit for extraction, however, specifies that extraction
work and transportation of the material to land should be planned in a manner that minimises
negative effects on maritime traffic. The extraction activities must not result in decreased water
depth.
4.3.3.2 Designated areas of interest for offshore wind parks

In a report from April 2007, the Danish Energy Authority (DEA) designated several areas of
interest for offshore wind parks in Denmark. Two of these areas, which are on Rønne Banke
west of Bornholm, close to the pipeline route, are of interest in relation to the Nord Stream
pipeline. Each wind park is planned to have a potential of 200 MWs /44/. According to DEA, the
configuration of the two wind parks is not yet fixed; at this point, they are mapped as general
areas covering 44 km2 each. The designated areas are only potential locations for wind parks,
and the exact location and size of the wind parks may be subject to negotiation with parties of
interest.
The two designated wind park areas are not high-priority areas for development of offshore wind
parks in Denmark, mainly due to estimated high costs /45/.

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4.3.4 Military practice areas
This section provides an overview of military practice areas in the Danish territorial waters and
EEZ along the Nord Stream pipeline routes in order to identify potential areas of conflict.
The maps produced are based primarily upon data that has been collected from a number of
different sources, including sea charts, web pages and publications. Admiralties as well as other
authorities in the different countries bordering the Baltic Sea have been contacted for additional
information.
The areas identified and presented in Atlas Map MI-1-D can be considered the outer limits of the
practice areas. Military practice does not extend beyond the identified areas or across EEZ
boundaries (with respect to Areas Bravo 12, 17, 18 and 23, please see special submarine
agreement described below).
The various types of military practice areas at sea are classified according to use, as provided in
Table 4.12 below.
Table 4.12 Types of military practice areas in Danish waters.

Military practice areas Definition
Firing danger area Area, either permanent or temporary, with firing ranges for
bombing, torpedo and missile exercises
Submarine exercise area Area in which submarine exercises are carried out. The
submarines may be surfaced or submerged during
exercises
Air Force exercise area Restricted air space dedicated to Air Force exercises.
Mariners and fishermen will be alerted of temporary,
potentially hazardous conditions as a result of military
exercises before a military exercise
Other military exercise area Military practice area that has not been classified by the
(unclassified) information source, but is either a firing danger area, a mine-
laying practice area or a submarine exercise area
Military practice areas may be restricted with regard to navigation and other rights. Countries
may permanently restrict access to areas used for military purposes in their territorial waters but
not in their EEZ. Temporary practice and exercise areas are generally not indicated on sea
charts, due to their confidential and temporary status.
Figure 4.16 and Atlas Map MI-1-D show military practice areas in the Danish EEZ and in Danish
territorial waters in the vicinity of the pipeline route.

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Figure 4.16 Military practice areas in the Danish EEZ and in Danish territorial waters of the
Baltic Sea.
The firing danger areas are used by the Danish Armed Forces and the Danish Home Guard,
and firing can occur 24 hours a day. A small part of a firing danger area at the southern tip of
Bornholm is used as a deep bomb practice area.
The Naval District Bornholm is the local authority on behalf of the Danish Navy and is also
responsible for informing the public, either with signs or via radio announcements, when the
firing danger areas are active. When the military practice areas around Bornholm are in active
use, ships are to avoid these areas /46/.
According to a letter from the German Military District Administration North (letter of 16 January
2007), the following military submarine diving areas east of Bornholm should be considered:
Bravo 12, Bravo 17, Bravo 18 and Bravo 23. The areas are outside the German EEZ in the

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region of the Danish/Swedish continental shelf, but they are administered by the German Naval
Command. The exercise areas are used by submarines all year round on a regular basis for
training and exercises, down to a few metres above the seabed.
More than half the Nord Stream route in Danish waters runs through a firing danger area east of
Bornholm that is used for military shooting exercises. The pipeline route is 2.3 km from another
firing danger area on the south-southwest coast of Bornholm. Nord Stream AG in due time will
coordinate with the appropriate authority to ensure that there will be no conflict between military
exercises and the construction and operation of the Nord Stream pipelines.
4.4 Description of the physical and chemical environment
4.4.1 Meteorology
Meteorological forces over the sea, together with hydrographical processes, have a strong
influence on the environmental conditions of the Baltic Marine Area. These processes influence
the water temperature and ice conditions, the regional river runoff and the atmospheric
deposition of pollutants on the sea surface. Moreover, they also govern water exchange with the
North Sea and between the sub-basins, as well as the transport and mixing of water within the
various sub-regions of the Baltic Marine Area /47/.
The purpose of this section is to provide a basic understanding of the meteorological conditions
in the Baltic Sea region.
4.4.1.1 Climate
The Baltic Sea is located in the temperate climate zone, which is characterised by large
seasonal contrasts owing to its geographical location, variable topography and land-sea
contrasts. The climate is influenced by major air-pressure systems, particularly the North Atlantic
Oscillation during wintertime, which affects the atmospheric circulation and precipitation in the
Baltic Sea basin. In addition to the natural variability in climate, global warming is a regarded as
a factor affecting the present and future climate conditions in the Baltic Sea area /48/.
4.4.1.2 Temperature
The air temperature of the Baltic Sea region is to a large extent linked to the latitude of the main
cyclone tracks. The air temperature, especially in winter, is also influenced by cloud cover.
In the years 1981-1998, the mean monthly air temperature for the entire Baltic Marine Area
ranged from about -5°C in the winter to about 18°C in the summer. Analysed catchment-wide,
the average yearly air temperature (1981-1998) is lowest, about 0.1°C, in the Bothnian Bay and
highest, about 7.0°C, in the Baltic Proper. In the Gulf of Finland, the average yearly temperature
is about 3.5°C /49/.
The Nord Stream pipeline route in the Danish territorial waters and EEZ extends east and south
of Bornholm. Measurements during the period 1985-2005 at two stations at Bornholm have
shown a temperature variation from 1.5°C as average for January to 17.4°C as average for
August. The average yearly temperature is 8.5°C /50/.

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4.4.1.3 Precipitation
For the Baltic Sea region, most of the precipitation in winter is frontal, especially inland. In
summer, around half the precipitation can be characterised as convective, and it is commonly
higher inland than over water.
In the years 1981-1998, the average monthly precipitation for the entire Baltic Marine Area
ranged from about 30 mm in winter/early spring to about 80 mm in summer. Analysed
catchment-wide, the average yearly precipitation was lowest in the Bothnian Bay (560 mm)
compared with the remaining areas (630 - 680 mm) /47/.
In the Baltic Sea basin, there was generally an increase of precipitation in the period 1976–2000
compared with the period 1951–1975. The largest increases occurred in Sweden and on the
eastern coasts of the Baltic Sea, while southern Poland, on average, received somewhat less
precipitation /48/.
In association with global warming, there would be changes in precipitation patterns, both
geographically and seasonally, leading to a general increase in annual precipitation that is
projected to be greatest in the northern parts of the Baltic Sea basin. Seasonally, the increase in
precipitation would be greater in winter than in summer. Regionally, southern areas of the basin
would be drier than northern areas, particularly during summer. These changes in precipitation
will affect the runoff into the Baltic Sea, with potential increases in mean annual river flow from
the northernmost catchments, and decreases in the southernmost catchments /48/.
Although average precipitation in general is higher over land than at sea, the precipitation at
Bornholm can be considered representative of conditions for the pipeline section in the Danish
territorial waters and EEZ. Measurements during the period 1985-2005 at three stations on
Bornholm showed an average yearly precipitation of 655 mm. The average monthly precipitation
varied from a minimum of 36 mm in April to a maximum of 76 mm in September /50/.
4.4.1.4 Wind
The Baltic Sea is located within the west-wind zone, where low-pressure weather systems
coming from the west or south-west dominate the weather scene. Cyclones from a more
southerly direction can enter the region periodically. Winds are closely related to the cyclones
and pressure gradients around these wind systems. Winds of storm force, i.e., at least 25 m/s,
are almost exclusively connected to deep cyclones that form west of Scandinavia and occur
mainly from September to March /47/.
Analyses of the zonal geostrophic wind component for the winter months (December-February)
in the period 1871-1998 indicate that mild winters in the late 1990s are strongly related to high
zonal activity (westerly winds) in the area /47/.
The winds in the Bornholm area are dominated by easterly winds in spring, although westerly
winds are also common. The rest of the year, winds from west prevail /50/.

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4.4.1.5 Cloudiness and radiation
The Baltic Sea has a strong impact on cloud cover, particularly in spring and summer, when the
cloud cover is much lower over the relatively cool water body than over land. In a satellite study
of the difference in cloudiness over land and over the Baltic Sea for the period 1991-1998, the
cloud frequencies were 10%-20% lower over sea than over land /49/.
Compared with other areas of Denmark, Bornholm has relatively low cloud frequency. This is
because of the large water mass of the Baltic Sea, which is relatively cold during spring. This
hampers the formation of cumulus clouds. The average annual number of sun hours measured
at Bornholm during the period 1985-2005 was 1,652 /50/.
4.4.1.6 Ice conditions

In the Baltic Sea, ice can appear as fast ice or as drift ice. Fast ice is smooth and stationary and
can be attached to islands, islets and shallow reefs. Fast ice usually appears at a water depth of
15 m /51/ /52/ /53/. In deeper waters in the open sea, ice is more dynamically formed, consisting
of drift ice that moves along with the currents and winds. On stormy days, drift ice can move 20-
30 km. Drift ice and deformed ice can easily get packed against each other or other obstacles,
which can result in pack ice or in vast ice ridges /51/ /53/. In shallow areas, packing of drift ice
can result in ice packs that grow vertically downwards to the sea bottom. This kind of seabed-
attached pack ice has been observed down to water depths of 20 m /51/ /52/.
Atlas Map ME-1 shows the probability of ice cover. The map indicates that the probability if ice
cover in the areas of the pipeline section in the Danish territorial waters and EEZ is rather low
(10%-25%), compared with other areas of the Baltic Sea. The average ice extent during mild,
normal and severe winter conditions is shown in Atlas Map ME-2, and the mean maximum
annual ice thickness is shown in Atlas Map ME-3. In line with the above, the figure in Atlas Map
ME-2 shows that the ice cover extends to the pipeline route in the Danish territorial waters and
EEZ only during severe winter conditions. From Atlas Map ME-3, it appears that the mean
maximum annual ice thickness is less than 10 cm in the area of the pipeline section in the
Danish territorial waters and EEZ. The reason for this is both the low frequency of ice cover in
winter in this area, and the fact that the warmer climate, the higher salinities and the more
exposed areas around Bornholm compared with more northern and north-eastern parts of the
Baltic Sea is disadvantageous for the formation of sea ice during winter.
4.4.2 Bathymetry and hydrography

The Baltic Sea is a rather shallow inland sea. The Nord Stream project area covers only a
slender corridor through the Baltic Proper and the Gulf of Finland, but major impacts in these
areas can influence conditions in other parts of or throughout the Baltic Sea. The general
bathymetrical, hydrological and hydrographical characteristics of the Baltic Sea are described
below /54/.
4.4.2.1 Bathymetry
The bathymetry of the Baltic Sea is shown in Atlas Map BA-1. The regions and sub-basins are
shown in Figure 4.17 and in Atlas Map BA-3. The Kattegat and the Belt Sea, i.e., Little Belt,
Great Belt and Øresund, form the narrow and shallow transition area between the North Sea
and the Baltic Sea. The Darss Sill and Drogden Sill constitute the shallowest part of the belts

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and the Øresund flow and have typical depths of 17-18 m and 7-8 m, respectively.
Approximately 70% of the water flow is directed through the Great Belt and the remaining 30%
through the Øresund /55/.
The internal bathymetry divides the Baltic Sea into several sub-basins or deeps, which are
separated by shallow areas or sills.
The mean depth of the Baltic Sea is approximately 56 m, and the total volume is approximately
20,900 km3 /56/. The deepest parts, up to 459 m, are found in the Landsort Deep.
The Danish waters include the Arkona Basin (maximum depth 55 m) and the Bornholm Basin
(maximum depth 106 m). The maximum depth of the Bornholm Strait, which separates the
Arkona Basin from the Bornholm Basin, is 45 m. The inflow to the Arkona Basin is controlled by
the previously mentioned sills at Darss and Drogden. The outflow of the Bornholm Basin is
controlled by the Stolpe Channel, which separates the Bornholm Basin and the Gotland Deep
and reaches depths of approximately 60 m /57/.
Figure 4.17 Regions and sub-basins in the Baltic Sea /56/.

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4.4.2.2 Salinity
The semi-enclosed Baltic Sea forms a large estuary. The area is permanently stratified because
it receives freshwater from rivers and saltwater from the North Sea, which flows into the Baltic
Sea via the Danish straits. The annual freshwater inflow to the Baltic Sea represents roughly 2%
of its entire water volume /58/. The inflow of saltwater from the Kattegat to the Baltic Sea causes
a salinity gradient from almost oceanic conditions in the northern Kattegat to almost freshwater
conditions in the innermost Gulf of Finland /58/. Water with the highest salinity flows into the
Baltic Sea on very rare occasions, which are referred to as ‘major inflows’. The freshwater
surplus and the major inflows are described below in section 4.4.2.5.
Salinity along the pipeline route (North of Bornholm alternative) was measured as part of
ecological-engineering research in October 2005, April-May 2006 and July-August 2006.
Results are shown in Atlas Map WA-4, WA-5 and WA-6. It can be seen that the bottom salinity
along the pipeline route varies from approximately 9 psu outside Greifswalder Bodden to
approximately 5 psu in Russian waters.
A permanent halocline in the Bornholm Basin is detectable on all three maps. The surface
salinity is approximately 7-8 psu, and the bottom salinity is 16-17 psu. The halocline is found at
the depth 50-60 m, which is equivalent to the maximum depth of the Stolpe Channel. However,
the salinity of the bottom water varies due to inflowing saltwater from the North Sea. Analyses of
salinity at the observation station BMPK2 Bornholm Basin show that the bottom salinity
increased to more than 19 psu during the reported inflow incident in January 2003.
4.4.2.3 Water temperature

During winter, the temperature in the water layer above the permanent halocline is usually a few
degrees above freezing point in the south-western Baltic Sea and generally colder in the north-
east.
The average temperature distributions for summer and winter in the Baltic Sea for the period
1900-2005 are shown on Atlas Map WA-7. The temperature in the bottom water in the Bornholm
Basin is within the typical range of 5-7°C throughout the year. The temperature of the bottom
water is sensitive to inflows from the Kattegat and the North Sea. In winter, the temperature of
the bottom water is warmer than the overlaying water. This is due to the inflow of warm but
dense saline water through the Danish Straits. The average temperature of the surface water in
the Bornholm Basin is 15°C during summer and 4°C during winter.
The seasonal variation of the water temperature in the Bornholm Basin can be exemplified by
measured transects of temperature. Transects measured in October 2005, April-May 2006 and
July-August 2006 are shown in Atlas Maps WA-9, WA-10 and WA-11, respectively.
During spring and summer, solar heating produces a warm surface layer. A snapshot of
conditions in mid-summer is shown on Atlas Map WA-11. The temperature varies from
approximately 20°C at 10 m depth to 4°C at 25 m depth. Since the warm water has a lower
density than cold water, heating of the surface layer during summer adds to the density
difference caused by salinity differences, thus strengthening the vertical stratification of the
water column.

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Atlas Map WA-9 shows three layers of temperature stratification. An almost uniform surface
layer with a water temperature of 12-13°C has developed. During the autumn, solar heating
declines and wind-mixing tends to increase. Therefore, the stratification is eroded from the
surface due to wind-mixing. An intermediate layer of water is observed, with the temperature of
approximately 5°C. The bottom water is up to 10°C, probably due to the inflow of warm surface
water from the Kattegat or North Sea, which has higher salinity relative to the Baltic Sea and
therefore also higher density.
Atlas Map WA-10 shows a more uniform temperature over the entire water column. The
temperature is in the range 4-7°C over the entire water column. During winter, solar heating is
low and cooling of the surface water is high. Because the cold surface water is denser than the
warmer layer underneath (for water temperatures above 3.98°C), the surface water sinks
downward due to convection. Therefore, cooling at the surface contributes to mixing, along with
wind.
4.4.2.4 Currents
In general, the permanent current system in the Baltic Sea is weak, except for the transition
area, i.e., the Belt Sea. On average, the surface current may be described as cyclonal
horizontal, with speed of a few cm/s. However, wind-driven currents of higher velocities appear
in the upper layers. At deeper levels, small-scale vortices may appear due to the influence of
bathymetric variations /55/ /59/.
The Arkona Basin is the first basin that new deepwater flowing into the Baltic Proper encounters
after crossing the entrance sills in Øresund (Drogden Sill) and Fehmarn Belt (Darss Sill). The
deepwater flows along the bottom as a gravity-forced dense bottom current that mixes with
resident Baltic surface water. (The dense bottom current can presumably be observed as a
relatively warm layer of bottom water on Atlas Map WA-9). The salinity of the inflowing
deepwater therefore decreases as the flow proceeds into the basin, and at the same time the
volume flow increases due to mixing with the ambient water.
Dense bottom currents build up a deepwater pool in the Arkona Basin that loses water via a
dense bottom current carrying water through the Bornholm Strait and into the Bornholm Basin.
This builds up the deepwater pool in the Bornholm Basin, which is drained through the Stolpe
Channel. This water sustains the deepwater in the large basins in the interior of the Baltic
Proper.
4.4.2.5 Major saline inflows

The deepwater renewal processes in the Baltic Sea depend on specific meteorological
circumstances that force substantial amounts of salt- and oxygen-enriched seawater from the
Kattegat through the Danish straits into the western Baltic. From there, it slowly moves as a thin
bottom layer into the central Baltic basins, replacing aged water masses. The saltwater inflows
from the Kattegat are sporadic and ecologically important. The principle of a major inflow is
shown on Figure 4.18

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Figure 4.18 The heavy, saline water flows along the bottom, and the less saline surface water
flows out of the Baltic Sea. The water becomes stratified, and a halocline
separates the layers of varying salinity /60/.
Before 1980, such events were relatively frequent and could be observed on average once a
year. In the last two decades, however, they have become rather rare; the last major inflow took
place in 1993. Since then, the oxygen level in the Baltic deep waters has decreased
dramatically.
The inflow incidents registered up to the millennium are shown on Figure 4.19.

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Figure 4.19 Intensity of major Baltic inflows between 1946 and 2003 /61/. Qt = total intensity
according to a well-accepted classification scheme /62/. The strongest intensity
was measured in 1951 and is calculated to have been approximately 500 km3.

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The deep waters were still in what is called a ‘stagnation state’ until January 2003, when
approximately 200 km3 of cold, saline and well-oxygenated water from the Kattegat entered the
Baltic Sea through the Danish straits /63/. Atlas Map WA-1 shows the inflow in 2003, which only
reached the Gotland Basin. This map also shows how the oxygenated water removes the
hydrogen sulphide that accumulates during stagnation periods. It also shows how the reducing
redox-conditions at the seabed (occurrences of hydrogen sulphide) quickly return to the state
before the oxygenated saltwater inflow. The inflow began in January 2003 and pushed its way
into the Baltic Sea, removing the hydrogen sulphide in its wake. But by November 2004, the
hydrogen sulphide had once again returned in many places.
Salinity levels increase with depth. Saltwater flowing in through the Øresund and the Belt Sea
will flow into the Baltic Sea at its appropriate density level. It does not easily mix with the less
dense, less saline water already in the Baltic Sea, and it tends to flow into the Baltic Sea along
the bottom. At the same time, the less saline surface water flows out of the Baltic. The boundary
between these two water masses, known as the halocline, is a layer of water where the vertical
salinity gradient is at its maximum /64/.
4.4.2.6 Hydrology
The Baltic Sea is highly sensitive to variations in hydrological conditions due to the constrained
transition area to the North Sea. The catchment areas and rivers entering the Baltic Sea are
shown in Atlas Map BA-2. The drainage basin of the Baltic Sea is 1,710,600 km2, with the
greatest runoff in May and June (up to 25,000 m3/s) due to the melting of ice and snow. The
lowest runoff is in January and February /65/. The mean river runoff into the Baltic Sea is
approximately 15,000 m3/s /66/. The largest river is the Neva River, entering at St Petersburg
and contributing 20% of the total river discharge /67/. River runoff and precipitation/evaporation
balance the inflow of saline water from the Kattegat through the Danish straits in the overall
water balance of the Baltic Sea.
4.4.2.7 Water level

The influence of tide is usually negligible in the Baltic Sea. Due to the narrow Danish straits
acting as a filter, the amplitudes, some of which may be internally generated, are usually less
than 3 cm /68/ /69/.
4.4.3 Geology and geomorphology

This section on geology and geomorphology in the Baltic Sea serves to describe the geological
conditions with regard to:
• Bedrock geology
• Seabed morphology
• Distribution of sediments on the sea floor
• Neotectonics and seismic activity
4.4.3.1 Bedrock geology

The geology of the Baltic Sea comprises Precambrian, Palaeozoic, Mesozoic and Palaeogene
bedrock and Quaternary sedimentary cover. Along the Nord Stream pipeline route in Denmark,
the bedrock mainly consists of crystalline basement, chalk and limestone. The bedrock geology

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of the Baltic Sea is shown together with the Nord Stream alignment in Atlas Map GE-1 and in
Figure 4.20.
Figure 4.20 Bedrock geology of the Baltic Sea. From Atlas Map GE-1.
The Baltic Sea is situated on the Eurasian continental plate. The majority of the area is situated
on the stable Baltic Shield and the East European Platform, while the westernmost part, west of
the Tornquist Zone, is situated on the West European Plate.
The main structural elements of the Baltic Sea area can be seen in Figure 4.21.The Baltic
Shield is a highly stable continental shield consisting of crystalline rocks. To the south it is
bordered by the East European Platform. The Baltic Syneclise is a large marginal depression
within the East European Platform. Its most important feature in the Baltic region is subsidence
of the crystalline basement towards south. It thus forms a sedimentary basin with a fill of
sedimentary bedrock becoming progressively thicker and younger towards south.
The Tornquist Zone in the southern part of the Baltic is a zone of deformation that has been
tectonically active on a number of occasions. The zone is a seam between the East European

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Plate, consisting of the Baltic Shield and the East European Platform, and the West European
Plate. Along this seam is a zone of dextral strike-slip faults and pull-apart cracks. The geology of
the zone is characterised by a complex pattern of block-faulted horsts and grabens. Due to
block-faulting during and after periods of sedimentation, the bedrock is highly variable between
individual fault blocks. Bornholm is situated in the Tornquist Zone, and the island is also
characterised by faults. The presence of the Tornquist Zone has caused the forming of a
different landscape at Bornholm compared with the rest of Denmark. Parts of the island’s
surface consist of bedrock, which distinguishes the island from the rest of Denmark,where no
bedrock is present at the surface.
Figure 4.21 Main structural elements of the Baltic Sea.
Quaternary deposits
Quaternary deposits cover the sea floor of the Baltic Sea almost completely. The sedimentary
cover mainly comprises glacial deposits from the last (Weichselian) ice age, late-glacial and
Holocene glaciolacustrine, glaciomarine and lacustrine deposits, and recent marine deposits.
The distribution of sediments in the sea floor is a result of the Quaternary geological history of
the Baltic Sea together with the present-day distribution of areas of sedimentation,
transportation and erosion.
During the Quaternary period, the Baltic Sea area was covered by glacial ice during a number of
glaciations. The glacier erosion contributed to the creation of the morphology of the bedrock

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surface and left behind a suite of glacial deposits. During cold stages of the latest ice age, the
entire area was covered by the Fennoscandian ice sheet (see Figure 4.22).
Figure 4.22 Maximum extent of the Fennoscandian ice sheet during the Late Weichselian
period (climax of the latest ice age was approximately 20,000 years before
present) /70/.
Deglaciation of the Baltic began approximately 16,000 years before present (BP) /71/. This
process left the deglaciated areas covered with a large glacial lake, the Baltic Ice Lake. The
upper left map in Figure 4.23 shows the situation approximately 10,300 years BP: The majority
of Sweden and Finland was still ice covered, while Denmark was free of ice. The Baltic Ice Lake
covered most of the present Baltic Sea area with higher shorelines than the present day in the
northern areas and lower shorelines than the present day in the southern areas, especially the
south-western areas. The weight of the ice sheet pressed down the Earth’s crust several
hundred metres under the central parts of the ice sheet and progressively less towards the
margins. At the same time, the global (eustatic) sea level was lowered due to the amount of
water trapped in the ice sheets in the northern hemisphere and in Antarctica. The geological
history of the Baltic Sea area during and after deglaciation is controlled by the interplay between
deglaciation, the uplift of the Earth’s crust due to the reduced weight of the melting ice sheet,
and the rise in global sea level due to release of water from the ice sheets /72/.
The Baltic Ice Lake lasted until about 10,300 years BP, at which time a strait was opened
between the North Sea and the Baltic through Middle Sweden. The marine phase, called the

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Yoldia Sea, lasted until about 9,500 years BP, when crustal uplift closed the straits in Middle
Sweden. It was followed by a lacustrine phase – the Ancylus Lake. This phase terminated
around 8,000 BP, when a rise in the global sea level opened the present connection between
the Baltic and the North Sea through the Danish straits. Figure 4.23 shows the configuration of
ice, land, sea and lake at four different times during and after the latest deglaciation.
Figure 4.23 Paleogeographic maps showing land (beige), ice (white with shaded border), sea
(white) and lake (dark blue) at four different times during the latest deglaciation.
Figures in the maps are ages in years BP. 10,300 years BP (upper left)
represents the last stage of the Baltic Ice Lake; 9,800 years BP (upper right)
represents the Yoldia Sea; 9,300 years BP represents the Ancylus Lake; and
6,500 years BP represents the Littorina Sea (marine stage with higher shorelines
than the present day) /70/.
Glacial sediments
Glacial deposits are found in the entire Baltic Sea area. The glacial deposits are dominated by
glacial till. The majority of the tills were deposited under glaciers, and the sediment is

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consequently normally pre-consolidated and hard with high strengths due to the pressure of the
overlying ice. However, some tills were deposited on top of the ice or at the ice margin and are
consequently not pre-consolidated. The tills consist of poorly sorted mixtures of grain sizes
ranging from clay to boulders.
In addition to the tills, sorted glacial deposits are also found. The sorted deposits mainly
comprise sand/gravels deposited by meltwater from the ice. The deposition took place in tunnels
beneath the ice (eskers), at the ice margins and in meltwater valleys and meltwater plains
(sandur plains) in front of the glacier.
Late-glacial and post-glacial sediments

The late-glacial deposits from the Baltic Ice Lake are spread over most of the Baltic Sea. They
occur upon glacial deposits and in most areas are covered by younger deposits from the Yoldia
Sea and the Ancylus Lake. The late-glacial deposits are mainly clayey and silty with a content of
sand. They are horizontally laminated and/or varved (i.e., with distinct yearly lamination created
by the different sedimentation regimes during summer and winter) in the lower layers. They
become more fine-grained upwards and consequently appear more homogeneous /73/.
The Early Holocene deposits of the Yoldia Sea and the Ancylus Lake are also mainly clayey and
silty. The deposits rest on deposits from the Baltic Ice Lake, and in zones of active accumulation
they are covered by recent (Late Holocene) marine sediments. Layers of the Yoldia Sea and
Ancylus Lake cannot be singled out in shallow seismic data because their physical properties
are similar and reflection horizons are lacking. Thickness of the deposits ranges from 0.2–7 m
/73/.
The recent (Littorina Sea to present) marine sediments in the deeper parts of the Baltic Sea
consist typically of clay and mud with a high organic content and high water content. Recent
marine sand and gravel deposits are typical sediments of the coastal zones, especially in the
southern Baltic.
The recent fine-grained sediments retain a loose texture due to the low-energy sedimentary
environment and their high organic content. Therefore, even weak currents can transport the
sediments into deeper or sheltered areas, which act as accumulation areas for these sediments.
The thickness of the deposits varies considerably.
The distribution of sediments in the Baltic Sea floor is governed by a number of factors, such as
water depth, wave size, current pattern, position of halocline and supply and type of material.
Two general zones of sedimentation can be outlined:
• Zone of sedimentation
• Zone of erosion or non-deposition
Zones of sedimentation cover areas such as deep basins or sheltered areas, whereas zones of
erosion or non-deposition are found in areas exposed to wave- or current-induced water motion.
Figure 4.24 and Atlas Map GE-2-D show the seabed sediments in the southern Baltic. In the

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Danish section of the pipeline route, the seabed mainly consists of soft clay with organic content
(mud), sandy mud, sand and coarser sediments.
Figure 4.24 Seabed surface sediment types along the pipeline route in the central and
southern Baltic Sea (from Atlas Map GE-2-D).
Seabed mapping from geophysical surveys

During the geophysical surveys along the Nord Stream pipeline alignment (see Section 4.1.2),
detailed mapping of the seabed was carried out. In the following section, the survey results for
the Danish part of the pipeline route are presented /31/.
Results from geophysical surveys

The northern stretch of the pipeline route from the Swedish EEZ border (see Figure 4.28)
passes through the Bornholm Basin, where water depth reaches 95 m. The basin is
characterised by a thick sequence of sediment deposits with very soft clay at the top. The
sediment thickness varies from 45-60 m, and the base unit is sedimentary bedrock. Figure 4.25
shows an example of a bathymetry map and sidescan sonar image from the section north-east

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of Bornholm. Many trawl scars can be seen on the images, which indicates that fishery takes
place in the area /74/.
Depth in m
Figure 4.25 Bathymetry image (left) and sidescan sonar image (right) from the area north-east
of Bornholm. The images show a flat, clayish seabed with trawl scars. The scars
indicate that a significant amount of fishery takes place in the areas around
Bornholm. /74/
Following the pipeline route as it passes east and south of Bornholm, the seabed becomes
more undulating, with water depths ranging from 40-75 m. The seabed in the shallower parts is
dominated by coarser sediments, sand and boulders (see Figure 4.28). In the deeper sections,
the seabed mainly consists of soft clay. In some areas, the bedrock surface is close to the
seabed surface; just south of Bornholm the bedrock surface is 1 m below the seabed surface
/74/.
Depth in m
Figure 4.26 In the pipeline section east and south of Bornholm, the seabed is dominated by
coarser material containing sand, clay and boulders. One deep section is present
in the area, and the seabed there mainly consists of soft clay. The picture to the
left show an example of the bathymetry in the area, and the right picture show a
seismic profile, showing sedimentary bedrock covered by coarse sediments /74/.

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In the sections towards the German EEZ border, the seabed is relatively flat and smooth, with
only shorter intervals of undulating seabed. The water depths range from 30-55 m. The seabed
mainly consists of coarse sediments, sand and silt (see Figure 4.28). The sediment deposits are
generally 4-10 m thick /74/.
Depth in m
Figure 4.27 The section of the pipeline route towards Germany is fairly smooth, and the
seabed mainly consists of coarse sediments, sand and clay /74/.

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Figure 4.28 Survey results. Types of seabed sediment along the Nord Stream route.
4.4.3.2 Neotectonics and seismic activity

The major neotectonic activity in the Baltic Sea area is associated with the isostatic rebound of
the Earth’s crust following deglaciation at the end of the latest ice age. During glaciation, the
crust was pressed down by the weight of the ice sheet. When the ice sheet melted, the crust
began to rebound. Along the pipeline route, the recent relative uplift varies between less than 3
mm/year to about -1 mm/year (Refer to Figure 4.29) In the Danish section of the pipeline route,
the uplift ranges from -1 to 0 mm/year /75/.

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Figure 4.29 The recent relative uplift (mm/year) /75/.
The Baltic Sea is situated in a tectonically stable region. However, the Tornquist Zone has been
tectonically active on several occasions, most recently with inversion tectonics during the
Cretaceous and Tertiary /19/. Today the zone is inactive or only partly active. Registrations of
seismic events from 1983–2002 show very low seismic activity in and around the Tornquist
Zone in the Baltic Sea area. In Denmark, 5 to 10 earthquakes are registered each year, and the
majority of these are registered in Kattegat and Skagerrak /76/.
The latest earthquake, that also was felt by people in parts of Denmark, occurred in Skåne
December 16, 2008, and affected the southern part of Sweden. The epicenter was between
Malmö, Simrishamn, and Ystad. This was the largest recorded earthquake in Swedish history
since 1904, with a quake at around 4.3 on the Richter magnitude scale.
The Baltic Sea region is nearly devoid of earthquake activity in global terms /77/. However,
seismic activity in the form of small-scale earthquakes occurs occasionally. This activity is the
result of stress release in the lithosphere. Stress can be caused by the isostatic deflection and

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rebound following glaciation, but intra-plate stress caused by plate tectonics is also possible.
Small earthquakes have been registered during the last 100 years and more. Figure 4.30 shows
registered earthquakes in Fennoscandia. Both historical observations and modern seismic
measurements are shown. Notice that earthquakes of magnitude 2-3 according to the Richter
scale are shown only for Sweden. In the Danish section of the Baltic Sea, only two earthquakes
have been registered within the last 100 years.
Figure 4.30 Seismic events in Fennoscandia. Magnitude according to the Richter scale. Note
that magnitude 2-3 events are shown for Sweden only /70/.
4.4.4 Contamination in surface sediments
4.4.4.1 General
Inorganic and organic chemical contaminants enter the Baltic Sea via several routes /78/. The
main means are atmospheric deposition, advective supply from rivers and exchange with the
surrounding seas through the Danish straits. The general distribution patterns of contaminants
in the Baltic Sea are complex. Many of the contaminants are hydrophobic, i.e., they tend to
adsorb to particulate matter and settle on the seabed. This adsorption takes place especially to

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fine-grained sediments and to particulate organic matter. Other contaminants exist as particulate
matter from the beginning.
Settled sediments (with their associated contaminants) may be re-suspended after initial
sedimentation to the seabed /79/. The contaminated sediments may be subject to re-suspension
caused by currents/waves, bioturbation, trawling, etc. The re-suspension events mix the top
sediment and also facilitate its long-distance transport, depending on the physical settings,
sediment conditions, etc. Eventually, the majority of the transported fine-grained sediments and
their associated contaminants end up in accumulation areas for fine-grained sediments,
primarily in the deep parts of the Baltic Sea.
Sampling and chemical analyses of the top sediment along the planned pipeline route have
been carried out in order to determine the degree of sediment contamination. A number of
organisations (including HELCOM, SGU and Nord Stream AG) have compiled sediment-
contamination data from different locations and areas of the Baltic Sea.
Atlas Maps GE-4 and GE-5 present inorganic and organic sediment contamination data from the
SGU database, while Atlas Maps GE-6 and GE-7 present inorganic and organic contamination
data from the ICES database. Atlas Maps GE-18 – GE- 21 present inorganic and organic
seabed contamination data from the Nord Stream AG survey in 2005 and 2006 carried out by
the Russian company Petergaz. The results from the Nord Stream AG survey in 2008 along the
Nord Stream route inside Danish waters are presented in Atlas Maps GE-27 and GE-28.
The following surface sediment parameters were measured during the Nord Stream AG
surveys:
• Basic parameters: grain size distribution, dry weight (dw), organic carbon (Corg)
• Eutrophication parameters: total nitrogen (Total-N), total phosphorus (Total-P)
• Metal parameters: arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu),
mercury (Hg), nickel, (Ni), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), sulphur (S) and vanadium
(V)
• Sum of PCB congeners: PCB 28, PCB 31, PCB 52, PCB 101, PCB 105, PCB 118, PCB
128, PCB 138, PCB 149, PCB 153, PCB 156, PCB 170 and PCB 180.
• Sum of PAH congeners: phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, pyrene,
benz[a]anthracene, chrysen, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene,
benzo[ghi]perylene, indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene, benzo[b+j,k]fluoranthene, benzo(e)pyrene,
benzo(a)fluorine, acenaphthene, acepnaphtylene, dibenz(a,c)anthracene,
dibenz(a,h)anthracene, dibenzothiophene, C1-dibenzothiophenes, naphthalene, 1-
methylnaphthalene, 2-methylnaphthalene, perylene, 1-methylpyrene, fluorene
• Organic tin compound: tributyltin (TBT), dibutyltin (DBT), monobutyltin (MBT)
• Hexachlorobenzene (HCB)
• Hexachlorocyclohexane: alpha-HCH, beta-HCH, gamma-HCH and sum HCH
• Clordane: γ-chlordane, α-chlordane, trans-nonchlor and sum chlordane
• DDT-related compounds: p,p´-DDT, p,p´-DDE, p,p´-DDD, o,p´-DDE, o,p´-DDT, o,p´-TDE
(=o,p´-DDD) and sum DDT

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• Triphenyltin and dioctyltin
4.4.4.2 Description of contaminants

The contaminants are described in relation to their intrinsic properties in the marine
environment, i.e., fate, chronic effects and potential for bioaccumulation. The description covers
the contaminants of concern and the species of concern, i.e., species present in the relevant
areas in the Baltic Sea.
Heavy metals and persistent organic contaminants can accumulate in the marine food web at
levels that are toxic to marine organisms, particularly predators, and they may also pose a
health risk to humans if they are consumed. Once released into the Baltic Sea, hazardous
substances can remain there for very long periods.
Heavy metals
The following heavy metals are included in the evaluation: arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd),
chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn).
Some metals in low concentrations may be essential for living organisms, e.g., copper and zinc;
whereas high concentrations of the same metals are toxic to living organisms.
Over time, the majority of the metals released in the water phase of the marine environment
adsorb to particulate matter, settle and accumulate in the bottom sediments. The distribution
between the water and sediment phases is affected by a number of factors, including salinity,
oxygen saturation and pH.
Metals are present in marine sediments in a variety of forms: as minerals, as precipitates and as
components of both organic and inorganic particles. Organic material in particular has a large
capacity to absorb and concentrate the heavy metals. The metal ions may be bound to chelating
compounds. Under extreme oxygen-depletion conditions where free sulfides are formed as a
result of sulfate-reducing conditions, non-soluble sulfides will be formed with the heavy metals.
The higher pH and the higher salinity in seawater compared with that of fresh water reduces the
solubility of metals and increases the formation of carbonates and ion complexes with negatively
charged ions /80/.
When the metals are trapped in the sediments they become less biologically available and less
capable of affecting aquatic organisms. The bioavailability of the heavy metals depends on
conditions in the sediment and the presence of organic and inorganic particles. Heavy metals
are taken up by organisms and/or bound to organic and inorganic particles through processes
such as adsorption, precipitation, ion exchange and the formation of complexes /80/.
Heavy metals become toxic when they are not metabolised by the body and accumulate in the
organisms. The toxicity of heavy metals is caused by their tendency to bind to the sulphide-
containing enzymes in the body, which results in a metabolic disorder.
This study focuses especially on the effects of cadmium, lead and mercury.

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Cadmium is highly toxic. It affects vital biological processes such as ion exchange, energy
production and protein synthesis. In marine ecosystems, secondary poisoning of seabirds eating
contaminated blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) has been identified as the most serious concern
/81/.
Lead has a high affinity for particles. Lead may affect aquatic species at different trophic levels,
but some algae are especially sensitive to lead /81/. Critical effects of lead are the effects
observed in the nervous, haematopoietic and reproductive systems and the carcinogenic effect
/82/.
Mercury is found in the environment in one organic form and three inorganic forms
(methylmercury, di-and monovalent ionic mercury and metallic mercury). In the aquatic
environment, microbial transformation of inorganic mercury to organic mercury takes place. In
the marine ecosystem, mercury accumulates in mussels and biomagnifies in the food chain. Top
predators, mainly seabirds and marine mammals, have been identified as most sensitive to
mercury /81/. Critical effects observed from ingestion of inorganic mercury include effects on the
kidneys, whereas the ingestion of methylmercury effects the development of the nervous system
/82/.
Mercury, lead and cadmium are included in the HELCOM and OSPAR conventions and the
EU’s programme for prioritised reduction of hazardous substances in the marine environment
/83/. Safety levels are derived for sediment and water as part of the OSPAR regulation of all
heavy metals of concern in the Baltic Sea: arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, mercury,
nickel, lead and zinc.
Organic contaminants
The organic contaminants in this study are included in the HELCOM and OSPAR conventions
and the EU’s programme for prioritised reduction of hazardous substances in the marine
environment, see Table 4.13. As part of OSPAR regulations, safety levels have been
established for some of the organic contaminants in sediment. Due to the organic contaminants’
high affinity for organic matter, safety levels for the substances in the water phase are in general
missing. However, safety levels of lindane, TBT and some of the PAHs have been established
/84/.
Table 4.13 Substances regulated in HELCOM, OSPAR and EU programmes for hazardous
substances /83/.
Chemicals HELCOM OSPAR EU
CHTOT Sum of cis and trans chlordane X X
HCB Hexachlorobenzene X X
DBTIN Dibutyltin X X X
MBTIN Monobutyltin X X X
TBTIN Tributyltin X X X
SUMDDT Sum of DDTs (p,p) (o,p), DDE
X X
(o,p) and DDD (o,p)
SUMHCH Sum of hexachlorocyclohexanes X X X

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Chemicals HELCOM OSPAR EU
(alpha, beta and gamma)
SUM16PAH Sum of PAH congeners X X X
SUM7PCB Sum of PCB congeners X X X
SUM9PCB Sum of PCB congeners X X X
Each of the organic contaminants is described below in terms of toxicity and properties in the
marine environment.
In general, the organic contaminants are persistent to biological degradation or only very slowly
degradable and they have a high potential for bioaccumulation in organic material. Based on
these properties, the organic contaminants tend to accumulate in the food chain. The HCHs
deviate from this general observation, however, as they do not tend to bioaccumulate and tend
to persist in the water phase rather than in sediment. Also, PAHs do not tend to bioaccumulate
due to the metabolism of the substances. However, PAHs have low water solubility and a high
affinity for organic matter.
The organic contaminants in the baseline study, with the exception of the PAHs, are listed on
the EU’s list of endocrine disruptors /85/.
Chlordane (CHTOT)
Chlordane was produced in the period from 1945–1988 and was used as a soil insecticide and
termiticide. Chlordane is of high concern because high levels of its toxic metabolite,
oxychlordane, have been found in top predators /86/.
Chlordane is very toxic to aquatic organisms /86/. Chlordane is harmful to humans if it comes
into contact with skin or is swallowed. There is limited evidence of carcinogenic effects from
chlordane. The critical effects following ingestion include effects in the liver, carcinogenic effects
and developmental effects /82/.
Hexachlorbenzene (HCB)
HCB is a by-product from the production of chlorinated compounds, including several pesticides.
Production with HCB as a by-product began in 1920. HCB had limited use as a fungicide in the
1960s /86/.
HCB has a high potential for bioaccumulation (log Kow = 5.5) and a long half-life in biota
(estimated from 2.5 up to six years) /86/. The critical effects following ingestion of HCB include
effects in the liver, skeletal and immune systems; carcinogenic effects; and reproductive and
developmental effects /82/.
Tributyltin, dibutyltin and monobutyltin (TBT, DBT, MBT)

Production of TBT began in the 1960s, when it was used in agriculture as an algicide or
fungicide. Subsequently, TBT was used as a marine antifouling agent and as a wood
preservative. The use of TBT as an antifouling agent on boat hulls and marine installations was
very popular due to its very high efficiency and slow release from the surfaces /86/.

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DBT and MBT have been used as stabilisers in PVC, and they have been shown to be released
over time to surroundings such as food, drinking water, municipal water and sewage sludge
/86/.
TBT, DBT and MBT belong to the organotins group. Organotins are characterised by low water
solubility (< 50 mg/l) and a log Kow in the range of 3–4. In the aqueous environment, TBT is
degraded into DBT and MBT with a half-life ranging from days to a few weeks. Under anaerobic
conditions, e.g., in sediment, degradation is much slower, with a half-life of two or more years
/86/. TBT binds strongly to suspended material, such as organic material or inorganic
sediments, and precipitates to the bottom sediment. Marine organisms such as oysters and fish
immediately bioaccumulate TBT upon exposure to low concentrations /87/.
These organic contaminants are highly toxic to aquatic organisms, and TBT has a very high
bioaccumulation factor (>1,000) /88/. The toxicity of TBT to crustaceans is very high. Exposure
to TBT in low concentrations may affect the structure and growth of mussels, clams and oysters
in addition to causing reproductive and gender disorders /88/.
Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT)
DDT has been used widely as an insecticide since the 1950s. DDT is of high concern because
high levels of its toxic metabolites have been found in top predators. The metabolites of DDT
are DDE and DDD /86/.
DDT is very toxic to aquatic organisms and has a very high bioaccumulation factor (>10,000).
Because it degenerates slowly, DDT will accumulate and biomagnify in food webs. In the marine
environment, DDT and its metabolites interfere with the production of eggshells in bird species.
Piscivorous seabirds and terrestrial predatory birds are most sensitive /81/. There is limited
evidence of a carcinogenic effect from DDT, and DDT is toxic if ingested /88/. Critical effects
following ingestion of DDT and its metabolites are observed in the nervous system, the liver and
the reproductive system /82/.
Hexachlorohexane (HCH)
HCH was used as an insecticide from 1948 to 1997. The HCH group consists of eight different
isomeric forms with different properties. Lindane, belonging to the group of isomers of HCH, has
gradually replaced the technical grade of HCH and is still used as an insecticide /86/.
The fate of HCHs in the environment is determined by their high volatility, low affinity for
particles and resistance to degradation in cold water /86/. HCH is found in the water phase
rather than in sediment. Beta-HCH is toxic to aquatic organisms and toxic to humans if it is
swallowed and harmful if it comes into contact with skin. There is limited evidence of
carcinogenic effects. Lindane is very toxic to aquatic organisms. In the marine environment,
some crustacean species appear to be particularly sensitive to lindane, whereas molluscs and
algae do not appear to be very sensitive /81/. Lindane is toxic to humans if it is inhaled or
swallowed or comes into contact with skin /88/. Critical effects following ingestion of HCH
include effects in the liver, the immune and the nervous systems; carcinogenic effects; and
reproductive and developmental effects /82/.

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Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
PAHs comprise a large group of compounds of multiple aromatic rings of either petrogenic,
pyrogenic or biogenic nature. PAHs of petrogenic origin are related to crude oil and refined
petroleum products, and those of pyrogenic origin are generated by the combustion of fossil
fuels and other organic material. Biogenic PAHs are generated by biological processes. PAHs in
sediments are mostly of petrogenic origin, whereas airborne PAHs mainly are a result of the
combustion of fuels, forest fires and industrial activities, such as metal industry and fertiliser
production /86/.
PAHs are degraded rapidly by vertebrates and thus do not bioaccumulate. The susceptibility of
PAHs to biodegradation is inversely correlated with the number of aromatic rings in the PAH
/86/. The PAHs are genetoxic, carcinogenic and can affect the immune and reproductive
systems.
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)

PCBs had widespread industrial use from the 1930s to the beginning of the 1990s.
There are more than 200 different PCBs with different chlorine substitutions on the biphenyl
ring. All PCBs are highly lipophilic (log Kow >5) and extremely persistent in the environment,
with half-lives ranging from three weeks to two years /86/. In natural water, PCBs are
predominantly associated with particles due to their lipid solubility and very low water solubility.
Due to their ability to bioaccumulate and magnify in marine food webs, PCBs pose the greatest
risk to animals at high trophic levels /81/. Effects observed following ingestion of PCBs include
effects in the liver, stomach, thyroid, adrenals and skin and eyes; in the haematological, immune
and nervous systems; carcinogenic effects; and reproductive and developmental effects /82/.
4.4.4.3 Sediment samples collected along the Nord Stream route in 2008
Figure 4.31 shows the stations on the Nord Stream route within Danish waters where sediment
samples were collected for chemical analysis /15/.

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Figure 4.31 Sediment sampling sites along the pipeline route inside Danish waters, 2008.
Stations are arranged from north (B1) to south (B28).
In total, 28 sediment samples were collected along the route inside Danish waters in May 2008.
Figure 4.32 shows the water depth and the bottom type along the pipeline route in Danish
waters.

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Figure 4.32 Depth and bottom type at sampling stations along the planned pipeline route in
Danish waters, May 2008. Stations are arranged from north (B1) to south (B28)
/15/.
The surface sediment at different locations along the pipeline route is shown on Figure 4.34 -
Figure 4.36.
Figure 4.33 Video/camera and spotlights mounted on a frame (left), and HAPS core sampler
(right).

G-PE-PER-EIA-100-42920000-A
Figure 4.34 Surface sediment from station B3 at 84.6 m depth. Mud and sulphur bacteria
(white area on the image to the left).
Figure 4.35 Surface sediment at station B10 at 50.4 m depth. Coarse sand and stone.
Figure 4.36 Surface sediment with coarse sand and slate at station B17, south of Dueodde, at
40 m depth (left), and at station B28, with sand and mussels (Mytilus edulis), at 28
m depth (right).
Figure 4.37 shows the water depth, content of dry matter and content of organic matter
measured as LOI (loss on ignition) in the sediment along the pipeline route south of Bornholm.

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Depths (m) and content of dry matter and organic matter (LOI)
in the sediment (%)
100
90
80
70
60
m/%
50
40
30
20
10
0
B1
B2
B3
B4
B5
B6
B7
B8
B9
B10
B11
B12
B13
B14
B15
B16
B17
B18
B19
B20
B21
B22
B23
B24
B25
B26
B27
B28
Depth Dry matter LOI
Figure 4.37 Water depth and the content of dry matter and organic matter (LOI) in sediment
measured at stations within Danish waters, May 2008. Stations are arranged from
north (B1) to south (B28).
The water depths at the sampling stations were 30–90 m. The depth exceeds 70 m at stations
B1-B9 in the northern section of the planned pipeline route. The seabed at these stations
consists of fine-grained sediments, and the silt/clay fraction accounts for 98%-99% of the
sediment. The content of dry matter is low (17%-24%) and loss on ignition (organic matter) is
high, between 10%-16% of the dry matter of the sediment. The water depth was reduced to
about 50 m at stations B10 and B11, where the route crosses the relatively shallow area
southeast of Christiansø. The sediment at the shallow stations is comprised of fine to medium
sand with a high content of dry matter and low LOI (1%).
Further south along the pipeline route, the water depth increases to about 70 m at stations B12,
B13 and B14, and the sediment is similar to the muddy sediment at the deep stations B1 to B9.
The water depth at the remaining stations (B15 to B28) is mostly below 50 m. The composition
of the sediment ranges from very fine to coarse sand, but very fine to medium sand is common
at most stations. The content of organic matter (LOI) varies between <1% to 4.6% at stations
B15 to B28.
The close relationship between water depth and sediment composition is evident in Figure 4.32.
At depths exceeding approximately 70 m, the sediment consists of fine-grained sediments with
a high content of organic matter; at depths less than 60 m, the sediment is comprised of sand
with a low content of organic matter.

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The correlation between depth and organic matter content (LOI) is high (R2=0.8903). The two
measures of organic matter in the sediment, namely LOI and total organic carbon (TOC), are
also highly correlated (R2=0.9804).
The correlation between water depth and composition of the sediment, including organic matter
(LOI and TOC), has implications for the concentrations of nutrients, trace metals and organic
compounds in the sediment.
Nutrients
The concentration of organic matter (LOI), total nitrogen and total phosphorus in the sediment is
Organic matter (LOI), Total Nitrogen and Total Phosphorus in the

sediment
100000
LOI (% DM) N, P (mg/kg DM)
10000
1000
100
10
0,1
B1
B2
B3
B4
B5
B6
B7
B8
B9
B10
B11
B12
B13
B14
B15
B16
B17
B18
B19
B20
B21
B22
B23
B24
B25
B26
B27
B28
LOI Total-N Total-P
Figure 4.38 Organic matter (LOI), total nitrogen (Total-N) and total phosphorus (Total-P) at
the sampling stations within Danish waters in May 2008. Stations are arranged
from north (B1) to south (B28). Please note the logarithmic scale.
The concentrations of total nitrogen correlate with the content of organic matter in the sediment.
At stations with fine-grained sediments and a high content of organic matter, the concentrations
of total nitrogen were very high (14,000-44,000 mg/kgDM). At stations with sandy sediments
and a low content of organic matter, total nitrogen concentrations were <1,000-8,000 mg/kg DM.
The content of total phosphorus is also highest at deep-water stations with accumulation of fine-
grained sediments. In the sampling campaign, total phosphorus concentrations were close to
1,000 mg/kg DM at most of the deep-water stations, and 3,400 mg/kg DM at station B14. At
stations in more shallow areas with sandy sediments, total phosphorus concentrations were
between 300-840 mg/kg DM, with the exception of the shallowest station, B28, where the
content was less than 100 mg/kg DM. There is no obvious explanation for the single high
concentration of total phosphorus at station B14.

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Trace metals
Figure 4.39 shows the concentration of organic matter (LOI) and trace metals in the sediment at
sampling stations on the pipeline route in Danish waters.
Organic matter (LOI) and trace metals in the sediment
1000,0
LOI (% DM), Metals (mg/kg DM)
100,0
10,0
1,0
0,1
0,0
B1
B2
B3
B4
B5
B6
B7
B8
B9
B10
B11
B12
B13
B14
B15
B16
B17
B18
B19
B20
B21
B22
B23
B24
B25
B26
B27
B28
LOI As Cd Co Cr Cu Hg Ni Pb V Zn
Organic matter and trace metals in the sediment
10000,0
1000,0
LOI (%DM), Metals (mg/kg LOI)
100,0
10,0
1,0
0,1
0,0
B1
B2
B3
B4
B5
B6
B7
B8
B9
B10
B11
B12
B13
B14
B15
B16
B17
B18
B19
B20
B21
B22
B23
B24
B25
B26
B27
B28
LOI As Cd Co Cr Cu Hg Ni Pb V Zn
Figure 4.39 Organic matter (LOI) and trace metals at the sampling stations within Danish
waters, May 2008. Stations are arranged from north (B1) to south (B28). The
upper figure shows the concentrations of trace metals expressed relative to the
dry matter (DM) content of the sediment. The lower figure shows the
concentrations of trace metals expressed relative to the content of organic matter
(LOI) of the sediment.
It is evident that the changes in the concentration of most trace metals follow the same pattern
and are in accordance with the content of organic matter in the sediment, ses Figure 4.39.

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Because of the affinity of trace metals to organic matter and silt/clay, the concentrations of trace
metals in general are high at deep-water stations with a high content of organic matter (LOI) in
the sediment. The concentrations of trace metals are lower in sandy sediments with a low
content of organic matter.
The relationship between organic matter and trace metals (as well as between organic matter
and organic compounds) complicates the evaluation of the concentrations of trace metals
relative to the ecotoxicological assessment criteria (EAC), which are defined on the basis of the
dry matter (DM) content of the sediment, see Table 4.14.
Table 4.14 Organic matter (LOI in % DM) and concentrations of trace metals (mg/kg DM) in
the sediment. EAC: ecotoxicological assessment criteria /89/.
Stations LOI As Cd Cr Cu Hg Ni Pb Zn
B1 9.8 12.6 0.66 41.2 40.4 0.092 37.8 52.7 194
B2 13.0 10.7 0.86 38.0 42.1 0.059 37.9 47.6 199
B3 11.6 11.7 0.77 41.9 43.8 0.076 38.4 62.5 226
B4 10.9 13.5 0.33 39.9 34.7 <0.04 36.1 42.6 147
B5 12.9 12.4 0.97 43.7 43.7 0.087 40.0 60.7 249
B6 14.6 13.2 1.17 43.3 47.3 0.107 40.5 68.9 266
B7 16.2 15.8 1.14 41.5 46.0 0.126 37.1 71.9 248
B8 15.5 10.1 1.17 41.3 47.7 0.126 38.2 75.2 256
B9 14.3 21.1 0.85 61 53.6 0.141 45.9 86.4 239
B10 1.0 5.04 <0.01 11.2 6.14 <0.04 9.61 9.44 31
B11 1.1 10.9 <0.01 22.6 7.24 <0.04 24.2 12.2 59
B12 10.5 13.8 0.49 46.7 43.1 0.109 38.4 82.4 181
B13 12.0 14.6 0.59 46.8 43.2 0.140 39.1 80.4 181
B14 16.4 19.2 0.42 44.9 37.0 0.111 34.4 56.7 147
B15 1.9 2.0 0.025 9.15 5.47 <0.04 6.06 11.9 23
B16 1.5 16.0 0.046 27.0 11.1 <0.04 34.3 15.3 71
B17 1.4 2.82 0.045 11.1 5.35 <0.04 11.4 7.31 34
B18 3.5 3.16 0.053 14.1 7.06 <0.04 7.71 16.6 33
B19 2.0 1.69 0.022 6.59 3.89 <0.04 4.13 11.0 33
B20 3.1 2.73 0.044 12.7 6.01 <0.04 6.14 14.4 31
B21 0.8 1.27 <0.01 5.24 1.60 <0.04 2.66 6.45 10
B22 1.3 0.87 <0.01 5.37 2.52 <0.04 2.92 7.44 13
B23 2.9 1.74 0.044 11.1 5.79 <0.04 5.91 14.3 28
B24 2.6 0.93 0.039 11.4 4.65 <0.04 4.97 13.9 25
B25 3.6 2.71 0.080 18.8 7.05 <0.04 7.70 16.8 35
B26 4.6 1.95 0.082 16.1 7.79 <0.04 7.99 18.5 35
B27 1.5 0.88 0.042 5.61 2.48 <0.04 2.91 8.47 16
B28 0.3 0.53 <0.01 0.48 0.33 <0.04 0.48 2.63 2.8
EAC - 1-10 0.1-1 10-100 5-50 0.05-0.5 5-50 5-50 50-500
At the deep-water stations, which are characterised by fine-grained sediments and a high
content of organic matter, the concentrations of most metals are within the EAC intervals.
However, concentrations of especially arsenic and lead exceed EAC at the deeper stations.

G-PE-PER-EIA-100-42920000-A
Also cadmium (3 stations) and copper (1 station) exceed EAC. At the more shallow stations
(station B17 – B28), which are characterised by sandy sediments and low content of organic
matter, concentrations of trace metals are below or at the lower end of the EAC intervals.
However, EAC cannot be used to directly assess trace metals (or organic compounds) in areas
with highly variable content of organic matter in the sediments. A normalisation of the
concentrations of trace metals therefore is needed in areas with profound changes in the
sediment composition; see Figure 4.39 (bottom). When the trace metals are expressed relative
to the content of organic matter (LOI), the concentrations become more uniform. When
assessed after normalisation, the concentrations of trace metals are highest at some stations
(B11 and B16) with sandy sediments and low content of organic matter.
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)

The concentration of six PAH: naphthalene, acenaphthylene, acenaphthene, fluorene,
anthracene and dibenz(a,h)anthracene was below the detection limit (0.050 mg/kg DM) at all
stations.
The total of the 16 EPA-PAH and the sum of cancerogene PAH are shown in Figure 4.40.
Figure 4.40 Organic matter (LOI) and the concentration of 16 EPA-PAH’ (PAH total) and the
sum of PAH cancerogene in the sediment at sampling stations within Danish
waters, May 2008. Stations are arranged from north (B1) to south (B28).
The concentrations of the 10 PAH’ identified are summarised in Table 4.15.

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Table 4.15 Concentrations of PAH’ identified, the total concentration of the 16 PAH’ analysed
and the sum of cancerogene PAH’ (mg/kg DM). DL: detection limit (<0.050 mg/kg
DM). EAC: ecotoxicological assessment criteria. Abbreviations: Phen
(phenanthrene), Fluo (fluoranthene), B(a)a (benz(a)antracene), Crys (crysene),
B(b)f (benz(b)fluoranthene), B(k)f (benz(k)fluoranthene), B(a)p (benz(a)pyrene),
Bog (benzo(ghi)perylene), Inde (indeno(123cd)pyrene).
St. Phen Fluor Pyren B(a)a Crys B(b)f B(k)f B(a)p Bog Inde Total
PAH
B1 <DL 0.12 0.12 0.061 <DL 0.17 0.073 <DL <DL 0.077 0.621
B2 <DL 0.12 0.099 0.054 <DL 0.13 0.055 <DL 0.058 0.097 0.613
B3 0.055 0.17 0.15 0.072 0.057 0.15 0.079 0.055 0.084 0.14 1.01
B4 0.092 0.19 0.14 0.093 0.072 0.12 0.051 <DL <DL 0.069 0.827
B5 <DL 0.10 0.10 <DL <DL 0.10 <DL <DL <DL 0.072 0.372
B6 0.081 0.25 0.19 0.097 0.073 0.22 0.094 0.067 0.087 0.15 1.31
B7 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL
B8 0.086 0.26 0.19 0.10 0.089 0.24 0.096 0.073 0.091 0.14 1.37
B9 0.07 0.19 0.16 0.085 0.069 <DL 0.083 0.059 0.079 0.13 0.925
B12 0.065 0.18 0.14 0.074 0.061 0.19 0.076 0.052 0.077 0.12 1.04
B13 0.074 0.22 0.17 0.083 0.064 0.21 0.075 0.054 0.071 0.11 1.13
B14 0.069 0.19 0.15 0.083 0.071 0.11 0.057 <DL <DL 0.066 0.796
B20 0.13 0.099 0.064 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.059 0.352
B23 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.057 0.057
B26 <DL 0.085 0.059 <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL <DL 0.144
EAC 0.1-1 0.5-5 0.05-0.5 0.1-1 0.1-1 none none 0.1-1 none none
Concentrations of individual PAH’ above the detection limit are mostly identified at deep stations
with fine-grained sediment and high content of organic matter. At shallow-water stations with
sandy sediments, PAH’ were detected only at stations B20, B23 and B26. Only one to three
individual PAH’ were above the detection limit at the three stations, and the PAH total was much
lower than at the deep-water stations.

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The concentrations of phenanthrene, fluoranthene, benz(a)anthracene, crysene and
benz(a)pyrene were below the ecological assessment criteria. The concentrations of pyrene
were within the EAC interval at all stations where the values were above the detection limit.
Organic tin compounds

Table 4.16 and Figure 4.41 show the results of the analysis of MBT, DBT and TBT.
More than half of the results of TBT analysis (16 samples) are below the detection limit (1µg/kg
DM).
Table 4.16 Concentrations of MBT, DBT and TBT in the sediment (µg/kg DM), and EAC value
for TBT.
Stations Monobutyltin (MTB) Dibutyltin (DBT) Tributyltin (TBT)
B1 3.8 1.7 <1.0
B2 8 7.9 12
B3 4.9 4.3 7.4
B4 2.3 <1.0 <1.0
B5 4.9 5.2 4.7
B6 6.8 7.1 11
B7 7.1 9.3 14
B8 13 7.7 16
B9 4.8 6 6.2
B10 2.1 1.5 <1.0
B11 2.3 1.5 <1.0
B12 7.6 3.8 3.7
B13 9.2 6 5.6
B14 11 3.9 4.8
B15 3.6 <1.0 <1.0
B16 2.6 <1.0 <1.0
B17 1.5 <1.0 <1.0
B18 1.9 <1.0 <1.0
B19 4.2 1.8 1.5
B20 3.3 2.1 1.2
B21 1.9 <1.0 <1.0
B22 1.9 <1.0 <1.0
B23 3 1 <1.0
B24 3 1 <1.0
B25 3 1.2 <1.0
B26 5.1 2.3 <1.0
B27 1.8 <1.0 <1.0
B28 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0
EAC None None 0.005-0.05

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Concentrations of TBT above the detection limit were measured primarily at deep-water stations
with high concentrations of organic matter; two stations (B19 and B20) with sandy sediments
and a low content of organic matter had TBT concentrations above the detection limit.
There are EAC values for TBT only (0.005-0.05 μg/kg DM). The detection limit of the analysis is
high compared with the EAC, which is exceeded at all stations with values above the detection
limit. There is no basis for assessment of the remaining stations, where the values are below the
detection limit. However, it should be noted that TBT concentrations in the EAC interval or
above the upper limit are possible.
The high levels of TBT at several stations indicate that there is still some recent input of TBT
from antifouling paint on ships. DBT and MBT are degradation products of TBT.
Loss on ignition and compounds of organic tin
18
16
LOI (% DM) Tin (µg/kg DM)
14
12
10
0
B1
B2
B3
B4
B5
B6
B7
B8
B9
B10
B11
B12
B13
B14
B15
B16
B17
B18
B19
B20
B21
B22
B23
B24
B25
B26
B27
B28
LOI monobutyltin dibutyltin tributyltin
Figure 4.41 Loss on ignition (LOI), monobutyltin, dibutyltin and tributyltin in the sediment. Zero
values mean that the results are below the detection limit (1 μg/kg DM). Data from
sampling stations along pipeline route within Danish waters, May 2008. Stations
are arranged from north (B1) to south (B28).
Chlorobiphenyls (PCB) congeners

The concentration of each of the seven individual congeners of chlorobiphenyls analysed was
below the detection limit (0.0030 mg/kg DM) at all stations.
Hexachlorobenzene, trans- and cis Chlordane, alpha-beta and gamma HCH

The concentration of each of the compounds was below the detection limit (0.050 µg/kg DM) at
all stations.

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DDT compounds
The concentration of each of the compounds was below the detection limit (0.050 µg/kg DM) at
all stations.
Figure 4.42 Plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) fish species on seabed at station B15. Sediment at
49 m depth is characterised by fine-grained sediments and shells.
4.4.5 Water quality

Water quality is of high importance to the ecosystem of the Baltic Sea. The baseline description
below includes the following parameters:
• Oxygen and hydrogen sulphide

• Heavy metals
• Organic pollutants
• Nutrients
• Water transparency
• Physical parameters in bottom layer (salinity, temperature, oxygen and turbidity)
Salinity and water temperature are described in greater detail in Section 4.4.2 Bathymetry and
hydrography. The data used to describe the water quality along the planned pipeline route in
Danish waters is based on literature studies, surveys conducted along the pipeline route and
databases from organisations such as HELCOM and ICES.
4.4.5.1 Oxygen and hydrogen sulphide

The surface waters of the Baltic Sea become saturated with oxygen (O2) by wind-mixing –
especially during autumn and winter – and by photosynthesis in late spring and summer, which
leads to oxygen storage in the upper water layer /90/. The intermediate waters are also
relatively well-oxygenated because most of the water from the Kattegat and the Great Belt is
supplied to this depth range. The basins of the Baltic Sea, however, frequently experience

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oxygen depletion because the water there is renewed only by major saline inflows from the
North Sea (see Section 4.4.2.2).
Stratification prevents vertical mixing of water layers and thereby the transport of oxygen from
the surface to the bottom, except for the very slow diffusion process through the pycnocline of
the water column. The only way for new, oxygen-rich water to reach the deep parts of the Baltic
Sea is through major saline inflows from the North Sea the most recent of which was in 2003.
The saline bottom water is only to a very limited degree mixed with the higher water masses as
it flows through the Arkona and Bornholm basins to the central basin, the Gotland Deep, and
replaces the old bottom water, which often contains little or no oxygen but hydrogen sulphide
(H2S) instead.
Oxygen concentrations in the bottom water are affected by vertical mixing, water exchange,
mineralisation of organic matter and oxygen consumption by aquatic organisms. The lowest
oxygen levels are usually observed at the end of summer, between August and October, when
detritus from biological activity in the surface waters has sunk and is decomposed by bacteria.
When oxygen concentrations fall below about 1 ml/l, bacteria start to use anaerobic processes,
producing hydrogen sulphide. The deep-water basins in the Baltic Proper (e.g., the Bornholm
Basin) suffer severely from long-term oxygen depletion. Under such conditions the benthic
environment becomes unsuitable for higher biological life /90/.
Cases of long-term oxygen depletion are becoming more frequent in the deepest parts of the
Baltic Sea, resulting in large areas where there is no oxygen and therefore no life, see Figure
4.43.
Figure 4.43 An example of a bottom of fine-grained sediments, where oxygen concentration is

low, with sulphur bacteria (white area to the right). The image was taken at station
B-1 (see Figure 4.31) in the eastern part of the Danish EEZ at a depth of 74 m
during the environmental survey in May 2008.

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Atlas Map WA-12 shows the levels of oxygen and hydrogen sulphide in the bottom water in May
2002–2005. By the end of 2002, hydrogen sulphide was present in all basins of the Baltic
Proper. While a major inflow of saline and oxygen-rich water in January 2003 caused major
changes to the hydrographical conditions in the deep basins between Arkona Basin and the
east Gotland Basin, they appear to have been short-lived, as hydrogen sulphide quickly
returned to the Bornholm Basin and the south-eastern Baltic Proper /90/.
4.4.5.2 Heavy metals

The main sources of heavy metals in the marine environment are diffuse sources, such as
leakages from forest and agricultural soils, and industrial and municipal sources, where the
heavy metals are either discharged directly or are transported via rivers and atmospheric
deposition to the sea. Hazardous substances from industries are emitted during all stages of the
product process – from the raw material and the production and combustion processes, to the
use of products, to the handling of products as waste. Inputs of pollutants to the sea via the
atmosphere are still high, particularly where heavy metals are concerned, with significant
amounts originating from sources outside the Baltic Sea catchment area. Riverine inputs to the
sea also include natural background losses of heavy metals, the extent of which is highly
uncertain /91/. Although these uncertainties do not allow for an accurate assessment, the
available data provide an indication of the extent of heavy metal inputs to the Baltic Sea and are
based on the best and most comprehensive information available. The yearly inputs of heavy
metals to the Baltic Sea are shown in Table 4.17.
Table 4.17 The load of heavy metals (tonnes) that entered the Baltic Sea sub-regions in 2000
/78/. n.i. = no information.
Mercury (Hg) Cadmium (Cd) Lead (Pb) Copper (Cu) Zinc (Zn)
Bothnian Bay 0.4 2.4 24 125 609

Bothnian Sea 0.7 2.5 38 167 709
Archipelago Sea n.i. 0.2 11 32 106
Gulf of Finland 1.2 35 300 436 277
Gulf of Riga 0.1 1.5 12 43 138
Baltic Proper 43 9.7 70 164 959
Western Baltic 0.09 0.4 5.1 15 64
The Sound 0.1 0.09 1.4 4.6 15
The Kattegat 0.1 0.6 16 78 182
Total Baltic Sea 46 53 477 1065 3059
The concentration of heavy metals in the Baltic Sea has generally decreased since the 1980s
but is still higher than the concentration in Atlantic waters (see Table 4.18).

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Table 4.18 Content of dissolved heavy metals (ng/kg) in the waters of the North Atlantic and
the Baltic Sea measured in the period 1993-2005 /92/.
Metal North Atlantic Baltic Sea
Mercury (Hg) 0.15–0.3 /93/ 0.5–1.5 /94/
Cadmium (Cd) 4±2 /95/ 12–16 /94/
Lead (Pb) 7±2 /95/ 12–20 /94/
Copper (Cu) 75±10 /96/ 500–700 /94/
Zinc (Zn) 10–75 /95/ 600–1000 /94/
4.4.5.3 Organic pollutants

There have been substantial inputs of organic pollutants in the Baltic Sea from numerous
sources over the past 50 years. These sources include industrial discharges, such as the
organochlorines in effluent from pulp and paper mills; runoff from farmland; special paints used
on ships and boats; and dumped wastes. Several organic pollutants, notably certain
organochlorine pesticides, such as DDT and technical-grade hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCH
isomers), have been completely banned since the 1980s.
Organic pollutants can reach the sea via river runoff, atmospheric deposition and direct
discharge of effluents. There is also a water exchange between the Baltic Sea and the North
Sea through the Danish straits. Organic pollutants are usually adsorbed onto fine-grained
sediments, in particular onto organic particles in the water mass, where sedimentation
processes carry them to the bottom, trapping them in the seabed sediment. The concentrations
of organic contaminants in the sediment in sediment-accumulation areas are generally several
orders of magnitude higher than those in the overlying water mass. The concentrations of
organic contaminants may vary widely both between and within sub-regions of the Baltic Sea
because they are mainly associated with organic matter in sediment /47/ (see Section 4.4.4).
Available data is limited, and much of it is dated due to the fact that it has become standard to
measure organic pollutants in sediment rather than in the water column. The data presented in
Table 4.19 for the central and western Baltic Sea is from HELCOM from the period of 1994-
1998.
Table 4.19 Surface-seawater concentrations during the period 1994–1998 /47/.

Organic contaminants in surface seawater
PCB
Surface seawater PCB concentrations were rather low. Thus, the concentration of PCB 153 – one of the
main congeners – ranged from 10 -24 pg/l (median values for the period 1994–1998). It was not
possible to identify a temporal trend for the period 1994–1998. Neither was there any evidence of
geographical variation, except for a general increase in concentration towards the coasts. Due to the
high lipophilicity of PCBs, they are enriched in suspended matter and sediments.
DDT, DDD and DDE
Surface seawater DDT concentrations ranged from 2–77 pg/l. The highest concentrations were
observed in the Pomeranian Bight, where the values for DDD and DDE ranged from 30–77 pg/l. In the

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rest of the southern and western parts of the Baltic Marine Area, the concentration range was 2–30 pg/l.
Due to the low concentrations, the data set is rather limited and variability is high.
Hexachlorobenzene (HCB)
Surface seawater HCB concentrations ranged from <5–10 pg/l. Due to the low concentrations, no
evidence of any geographical variation within the Baltic Marine Area could be found.
Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH isomers)
Surface seawater concentrations of the HCH isomers exhibited distinct geographical variation within the
Baltic Marine Area. In 1997 and 1998, the concentration of α-HCH ranged from 0.43 ng/l in the Bights of
Kiel and Flensburg to 1.1 ng/l in the Baltic Proper. A clear concentration gradient was observed from
east to west. Such a gradient had previously been detected and can be attributed to the mixing of the
less contaminated North Sea water with the more contaminated water from the Baltic Marine Area,
which is still affected by past HCH loading. The concentration difference in the two water bodies was
also evident in the water layers of the Kattegat: thus while the surface seawater concentration (outflow
from the Baltic Marine Area) ranged from 0.54–0.75 ng/l, the concentration in the deep water (inflow
from the North Sea) was only 0.25–0.31 ng/l. The surface seawater concentrations of lindane (y-HCH) in
the Baltic Marine Area ranged from 0.9–2.6 ng/l (median of 1997 and 1998). The highest concentrations
(2.4–2.6 ng/l) were observed in early summer at the coast of Schleswig-Holstein (western Baltic).
Lindane exhibited seasonal variation, with elevated concentrations (about 30% higher) observed in the
early summer months. There was an increasing lindane concentration gradient from the central to the
western Baltic Marine Area. In the central part, the concentration was relatively uniform, with mean
values around 1 ng/l (range 0.88–1.3 ng/l). In the west, the concentration was higher, ranging from 1.4–
2.1 ng/l.
Petroleum and other hydrocarbons
Total hydrocarbon concentrations were relatively uniform in the western and central parts of the Baltic
Marine Area, ranging from 0.5–1.6 μg/l in the summer months of 1997 and 1998. Higher values were
observed in coastal regions, such as the inner bights and the Oder mouth. In winter, the concentrations
were significantly higher, ranging from 1.1–3 μg/l. The concentrations in the Gulf of Bothnia and the Gulf
of Finland were similar, with the yearly average ranging from 0.2–2.1 μg/l. The concentrations in the Gulf
of Finland were slightly higher than those in the adjacent waters. Due to the large variation, no long-term
temporal trend could be detected in any region of the Baltic. The concentrations of single n-alkanes
ranged from 1–4 ng/l, with some maximal values reaching 10 ng/l. In the summer months, higher
concentrations (up to 178 ng/l) were observed for n-C17 and n-C15, both of which originate from algae.
In addition, the prevalence of odd-numbered n-alkanes above C21 indicates that a great amount of
these compounds are of biogenic origin (metabolites of terrestrial plants). Thus, the majority of the
alkanes are biogenic in origin – with the exception of those resulting from acute oil spills, which are of
’fossil‘ biogenic origin.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
In the western and central parts of the Baltic Marine Area, the surface seawater concentrations of single
PAHs ranged from 4.5– <2 pg/l. The median concentration of the two- to four-ring aromatics
(naphthalene to chrysene) in the open sea ranged from 0.02–2.1 ng/l. The mean concentrations of the
more lipophilic five- to six-ring PAHs (benzofluoranthene to benzo[ghi]perylene) were only <0.005–0.15
ng/l, however. Variation in the concentrations was high, especially for the more lipophilic compounds,
which are strongly adsorbed on surfaces (suspended matter, biota, sediments). Thus, even the median
concentrations can differ two-fold from year to year. The variation is smaller with the more water-soluble
aromatics like naphthalene and fluorene. Significantly higher concentrations are observed in winter, this
being attributable to higher inputs from combustion sources, slower degradation and – in shallow waters
– to a higher content of suspended matter.
4.4.5.4 Nutrients
The land-based nutrient inputs to the Baltic Sea are either airborne or waterborne. The main
pathways of nutrient inputs to the Baltic Sea are /97/:

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• Direct atmospheric deposition on the Baltic Sea water surface. Atmospheric emissions of
airborne nitrogen compounds emitted from traffic or combustion of fossil fuels (heat and
power generation) and from animal manure and husbandry, etc; a significant part of this
load originates in areas outside the Baltic Sea catchment area.
• Riverine inputs of nutrients to the sea. Rivers transport nutrients that have been discharged
or lost to inland surface waters within the Baltic Sea catchment area.
• Exchange with the North Sea via transport through the Danish straits.
• Point sources discharging directly to the sea. Point sources include inputs from
municipalities, industries and fish farms discharging into inland surface waters and
discharging directly into the Baltic Sea.
• Diffuse sources, which mainly originate from agriculture, but also include nutrient losses
from, e.g., managed forestry and urban areas.
• Natural background sources, mainly referring to natural erosion and leakage from
unmanaged areas and the corresponding nutrient losses from, e.g., agricultural and
managed forested land that would occur irrespective of human activities.
Many processes occurring after nutrient input into the catchment area affect their final input into
the Baltic Sea. Rainfall and subsequent river runoff, as well as groundwater inflow to inland
surface waters, are controlling factors that determine the final amounts of nutrients entering the
Baltic Sea. Biological, physical, morphological and chemical factors also retain and/or transform
nutrients within river systems. Another cause of increased nutrient levels in the sea, especially
in the case of phosphorus, is the ‘internal load’: phosphorus reserves accumulated in the
sediments of the seabed are released back to the water under anoxic conditions /97/.
Since the 1800s, the Baltic Sea has changed from a so-called oligotrophic clear-water estuary
into a eutrophic environment /98/. Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are among the main growth-
limiting nutrients and as such do not pose any direct hazards to marine organisms.
Eutrophication, however, is a condition in an aquatic ecosystem where high nutrient
concentrations stimulate algae growth, which leads to imbalanced functioning of the system.
The increase of eutrophication due to long-term inputs from point sources, such as population
centres, industrial wastewater, agricultural diffuse sources and atmospheric deposition of
nitrogen and phosphorus, increase the production of organic matter (e.g., algae blooms). As a
consequence, water transparency in general has decreased in the Baltic Sea. The increased
amount of organic matter that sinks to the sea bottom causes an increase in oxygen
consumption and subsequently oxygen deficits, which leads to the death of benthic organisms.
The decomposition of dead organic matter releases nutrients back into the water column; they
may reach surface waters, where the primary production mainly occurs. In addition, nutrients
stored in sediment can be released, i.e., due to low pH or oxygen deficits /99/. The nutrient
concentrations in the Baltic Sea are strongly related to location, depth and season. Precipitation
during the winter period also has a pronounced impact on the amount of nutrients supplied to
the Baltic Sea through the rivers in the Baltic Sea catchment, and thereby on algae production
during the forthcoming summer season, which in turn affects oxygen conditions in the bottom
waters.

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In 2000, inputs to the Baltic Sea amounted to 1,009,700 tonnes of nitrogen and 34,500 tonnes
of phosphorus. The total load of nitrogen and phosphorus to the Baltic Proper in 2000 was
293,236 tonnes and 16,046 tonnes, respectively /78/ /97/.
Nitrogen occurs in three principal inorganic dissolved forms: ammonium (NH4+), nitrate (NO3-)
and nitrite (NO2-). Nitrogen also occurs in dissolved organic forms, such as urea, amino acids
and peptides. Phosphorus occurs in the ocean as inorganic phosphate (PO4-3), dissolved
organic phosphorus and particulate phosphorus. Summer and winter total concentrations of
nitrogen and phosphorus at selected HELCOM stations along the pipeline route between 2000
and 2005 are shown on Atlas Maps WA-11 and WA-12.
The ratio of nitrogen uptake to phosphorus uptake associated with algal primary production is
16:1 (or roughly 7:1 if the quantities are expressed as mass units, e.g., grammes, rather than as
numbers of atoms) if the supply of nutrients is not limited. In the surface water of the Baltic
Proper, the ratio between the concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus in inorganic forms is
appreciably lower than 16:1. In early spring, i.e., at the start of the growing season, it is
generally between 6:1 and 10:1; consequently primary production is most commonly limited by
the available supply of nitrogen, at least in the spring. In the Gulf of Bothnia, on the other hand,
the nitrogen/phosphorus ratio is usually higher than 16:1. In the far north, in the Bothnian Bay, it
can be 100:1 or more in spring, and it is the scarce supply of phosphorus that limits the scale of
plankton growth /63/.
Whether it is nitrogen or phosphorus that limits primary production in the Baltic Sea has long
been the subject of scientific discussion. The traditional view is that phosphorus limits primary
production in lakes and that nitrogen is limiting in marine environments /100/ /101/. The brackish
water in the Baltic Sea, then, represents an intermediate situation, and various studies have
indicated limitation due to both phosphorus and nitrogen /102/ /103/ /104/. Recent studies (e.g.,
/105/) conclude that efforts to limit the phosphorus load to the sea should be prioritised, partly
because the amount of nitrogen that is supplied by natural processes, such as nitrogen fixation,
is of the same magnitude as the anthropogenic load. However, most scientists agree that
limiting both nitrogen and phosphorus should be put into practice.
The political objectives for the water quality around Bornholm were not achieved in 2004,
primarily due to the effects of the supply of nutrients /106/.
4.4.5.5 Water transparency

Water transparency depends on the amount of particulate matter and dissolved substances in
the water. Substances in water may include suspended solids, plankton, humic substances and
other dissolved coloured substances. The Baltic Sea is considered rather shallow; therefore, a
considerable amount of seabed sediments are mobilised and suspended in the water column by
waves and currents (re-suspension) in shallow areas.
A decrease in summertime water transparency has been observed in all Baltic Sea sub-regions
over the last 100 years. The primary cause of decreased summertime water transparency in the
Baltic Proper is the increase in phytoplankton biomass, of which cyanobacterial blooms may
contribute. Intensified blooms of cyanobacteria as well as increased phytoplankton biomass are

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a result of increased nutrient concentrations and a sign of progressing eutrophication in the
Baltic Sea /107/.
Maximal surface water transparency was recorded in the central Baltic Sea (see Figure 4.44).
Surface water transparency decreases towards the coasts, in shallow-water zones and near
river mouths. Mean monthly surface water transparency in four areas of the Baltic Sea was
recorded from 1960 to 1998. Minimal transparency was recorded in summer, during the period
of intense phytoplankton growth. In autumn, surface water transparency increased, reaching
maximal transparency in winter and early spring. The lower water transparency in the Gulf of
Finland is caused by a higher natural turbidity and colouration caused by leaching of substances
from the catchment area /19/.
Figure 4.44 Mean monthly surface water transparency in four areas of the Baltic Sea (1960–
1998) /19/.
Suspended solids are small inorganic and organic particles that occur in the water column, i.e.,
due to the motion of the water. Particles smaller than sand (<0.063 mm), e.g., silt and clay, are
often cohesive and tend to flocculate and form aggregates in seawater. When sediments are re-
suspended, the grains are transferred away from the seabed into the water column by turbulent
mixing, with the lowest concentration in the upper part of the water column and the highest
concentration near the seabed. In general, fine-grained sediments remain in suspension for
relatively long periods and travel relatively long distances before depositing, due to their low
settling velocity. The flocculation mechanism, however, does increase the settling velocity of the
suspended cohesive sediments.
The suspended solids usually settle to the seabed and accumulate at the sea bottom in so-
called accumulation areas, possibly after having been temporarily deposited and subsequently
re-suspended in shallow-water areas. As particles with a high organic content settle onto the
seabed, they usually form a very loose surface sediment layer with considerably low dry weight
content (a so-called ’fluff-layer‘). The surface sediments are easily re-suspended due to erosion

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caused by the shear stress imposed by wave and current action /108/ /109/. Re-suspension of
the loosest surface sediments may occur easily, even at relatively great depths, due to storm
wave action. Large waves have been found to be able to move sand, gravel and even rocks up
20 cm in diameter at depths below 20 m /110/.
4.4.5.6 Physical parameters in bottom layer

Salinity, temperature, oxygen and turbidity in the bottom layer were measured in May 2008 as
part of a seabed sampling survey along the planned pipeline route in Danish waters. The
geographical locations of the survey stations are shown in Figure 4.31 page 164, and the results
are presented in Table 4.20.
Table 4.20 Salinity, temperature, oxygen and turbidity in the bottom layer along the Nord
Stream route in Danish waters, measured during survey in May 2008 /15/.
Station Date Depth Salinity Temperature Oxygen Turbidity
no m o/oo °C mg/l FTU
B1 08.05.05 74.0 15.30 7.85 1.82 7.92
B2 08.05.05 75.8 15.46 7.73 2.19 3.14
B3 08.05.05 79.4 15.62 7.53 2.98 3.13
B4 08.05.05 84.6 15.72 7.13 2.97 9.07
B5 08.05.05 89.0 15.85 7.17 2.07 11.29
B6 08.05.05 91.4 15.96 7.05 2.38 12.49
B7 08.05.06 91.2 16.06 7.03 2.85 12.04
B8 08.05.06 88.6 16 .11 6.97 3.30 0.81
B9 08.05.06 90.0 15.95 7.14 2.59 12.14
B10 08.05.05 49.0 8.22 4.71 11.94 0.14
B11 08.05.06 47.8 7.88 4.56 12.18 0.14
B12 08.05.06 66.2 13.96 6.21 9.53 11.92
B13 08.05.06 69.6 14.39 6.51 8.91 7.08
B14 08.05.06 74.2 14.85 6.53 7.13 12.49
B15 08.05.06 49.0 8.37 4.74 11.97 0.32
B16 08.05.06 42.2 8.11 4.57 12.49 2.08
B17 08.05.06 40.4 - - - -
B17-a 08.05.06 41.2 7.81 4.55 12.32 10.19
B18 08.05.06 52.8 8.91 5.04 11.88 0.80
B19 08.05.06 54.4 10.08 5.56 11.62 7.32
B20 08.05.06 52.6 9.10 4.97 11.96 12.03
B21 08.05.06 44.2 7.98 4.60 12.66 0.15
B22 08.05.06 45.8 8.34 4.76 12.21 0.56
B23 08.05.06 47.0 8.22 4.85 12.27 0.94
B24 08.05.06 46.6 8.18 4.84 12.39 11.63
B25 08.05.08 47.0 8.12 4.88 10.95 12.00
B26 08.05.08 46.0 7.93 4.95 11.97 11.20
B27 08.05.08 43.4 7.76 5.13 12.27 0.30
B28 08.05.08 29.8 7.79 5.14 12.14 0.23

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Figure 4.45 shows the oxygen and salinity profile measured in May 2008 at station B-9. In
general, it can be concluded that the halocline (a zone with a large vertical salinity gradient (see
Section 4.4.2.5) at the time of the survey was at a depth of approximately 50-80 m. Below the
halocline, a zone of more saline waters is measured. Below the halocline, the concentration of
oxygen decreases due to consumption of oxygen by the organic matter being mineralised in the
water mass below the halocline and at/in the seabed, in combination with the poor mixing with
the upper layers as a consequence of the density difference between the two layers. At 90 m,
the oxygen content is approximately 2 mg/l in the bottom water. In September 2007, the oxygen
content at the same depth was zero /15/.
0,00 2,00 4,00 6,00 8,00 10,00 12,00 14,00 16,00 18,00
0,0
-10,0
Oxygene mg/l
-20,0 Salinity o/oo
-30,0
-40,0
-50,0
-60,0
-70,0
-80,0
-90,0
-100,0
Figure 4.45 Oxygen and salinity measured at station B-9 on in May 2008 - see Figure 4.31
page 164 for exact geographical location /15/.
4.4.6 Future climate

The warming of the climate system is unequivocal, as is now evident from observations of
increases in global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice,
and rising global mean sea levels. The Nord Stream pipelines have been designed for a 50-year
operational lifetime. The purpose of this section is to describe the climate change phenomenon
and how it is expected to affect the Baltic Sea region and to consider these findings with regard
to pipeline design criteria. The data for this section is based upon a report prepared by the
Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) /111/.
4.4.6.1 The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

In the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report (AR4), published on 2 February 2007, it was reported
that the Earth's average surface temperature had risen by 0.76°C since 1850. The report went
on to state that most of the warming that has occurred over the last 50 years is very likely to
have been caused by greenhouse gas emissions from human activities and that left unchecked,

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such emissions would cause the average global surface temperature to rise by a further 1.8–
4.0°C in this century /112/.
4.4.6.2 Predicted climate change in the Baltic Sea

A SMHI report that was commissioned by Nord Stream AG analysed the impact of the expected
climate change on the Baltic Sea during the twenty-first century /111/. The report focuses on
variables such as salinity, sea level, water temperature, sea ice cover and wave conditions.
Some preliminary, unpublished results of changes of oxygen conditions, nutrient content and
phytoplankton and cyanobacteria abundance are briefly discussed as well. The uncertainties of
the available projections and the expected changes with respect to the lifetime of the pipelines
(about 50 years) are discussed. Since transient scenario simulations are not yet available, time
slices of the future climate in 2071–2100 are discussed in the paper. Projected changes are
upper limits of plausible changes during the lifetime of the pipelines.
The SMHI report summarises results from different climate studies of the Baltic Sea that might
be relevant to the planned Nord Stream pipelines. The model used is the Rossby Centre Ocean
model (RCO). RCO is a high-resolution, three-dimensional coupled ice-ocean model for the
Baltic Sea including the Kattegat. The model resolves the horizontal and vertical circulation
within the sub-basins of the Baltic Sea /113/, /114/, /115/. RCO was used to study both climate
variability over the past 100 years /114/ and projections of future climate /115/, /116/, /117/,
/118/.
Oceanographic studies show that average sea surface temperatures for the entire Baltic Sea
could increase by some 2–4ºC by the end of the twenty-first century /111/. Ice extent in the sea
would then decrease by 50%–80%. Increased freshwater inflow and increased mean wind
speeds may cause the Baltic Sea to reach a new steady state with significantly lower salinity.
However, projections of salinity are rather uncertain. An ensemble of 16 simulations showed
that average salinity changes for the entire Baltic Sea vary between -45% and +4%. The largest
positive change is not statistically significant. In the projection with the largest negative change,
sea surface salinity in the Bornholm Basin is as low as in the northern Bothnian Sea in the
present climate. Such a change would affect the marine ecosystem significantly. At this time,
only preliminary results of the simulations for the Baltic ecosystem are available. In the southern
Baltic, oxygen concentrations may decrease and phosphate concentrations increase, resulting
in increased biomass and cyanobacteria concentrations with a higher cyanobacteria-to-
phytoplankton ratio. In the Baltic Proper and Gulf of Finland, the simulations disagreed to such
an extent that even qualitative conclusions are impossible. A 50% reduction of phosphate
loading may not compensate for the effects of changing climate completely.
In /63/ the impact of climate change on the Baltic Sea is reviewed. Atlas Map CL-1 shows the
distribution of the forecasted warming of the surface waters of the Baltic Sea. Atlas Map CL-4
shows the possible changes in local sea level during the 21st century.

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Figure 4.46 Simulated winter mean sea level (in cm) in present climate (upper left panel) and
in three selected regional scenarios relative to the mean sea level 1903–1998.
The `low case' scenario assumes a global average sea level rise of 9 cm (upper
right panel); the `ensemble average' scenario assumes a global average sea
level rise of 48 cm (lower left panel); and the `high case' scenario assumes a
global average sea level rise of 88 cm (lower right panel). Land uplift is
considered /111/.
Figure 4.46 shows the simulated mean sea level in the present climate and in three selected
regional scenarios relative to the mean sea level during 1903–1998: A ‘low case' scenario

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assumes a global average sea level rise of 9 cm (upper right panel); an `ensemble average'
scenario assumes a global average sea level rise of 48 cm (lower left panel); and a ‘high case'
scenario assumes a global average sea level rise of 88 cm (lower right panel). The three
scenarios have been chosen in order to show the range of uncertainties /111/. It is noted that
the simulated increase in sea level mainly takes place in the southern Baltic Sea, because of the
relatively large isostatic land lift in the northern Baltic Sea basin caused by the unloading
following the melting of the ice shield in the late Pleistocene period. For the scenario assuming a
global sea level rise of 48 cm, the sea level rise would be offset by the tectonic crustal uplift in
the Bothnian Bay and the Bothnian Sea to the north. In the Gulf of Finland, the sea level rise
would be approximately 30 cm, and in the southernmost part of the Baltic Sea, the sea level rise
would be approximately 50 cm.
In Atlas Map CL-2 the average duration of ice cover from 1961-1990 in the Baltic Sea is shown
together with the forecasted duration of ice cover at the end of the twenty-first century. During
an average twentieth century winter, roughly half the Baltic Sea area was frozen over when the
ice reached its greatest extent for the season. However, if the annual mean temperature of the
water increased by 3°C, the maximum ice cover probably would be reduced by at least four-
fifths.
Increased sea temperature would also result in decreased solubility of oxygen and more rapid
decomposition of dead organic matter. In addition, heavier precipitation during winter caused by
climate change would increase the leaching of nutrients to the sea /63/. In combination, these
factors could lead to increased oxygen depletion in the Baltic Sea.
The analysis shows that the mean and extreme significant wave heights at the end of the
twenty-first century will have increased compared with today. The changes are largest in the
Bothnian Bay and the Bothnian Sea because of reduced ice coverage causing unstable marine
atmospheric boundary layers with increased surface speed /117/.
The SMHI findings clearly indicate that there will be measurable climate changes in the Baltic
Sea region during the operational lifetime of the project. Therefore, the pipelines have been
designed to account for these changes, including slightly increasing pressure in the pipelines as
a consequence of increasing water temperature and choosing a more conservative design of
anode protection for anoxic sections of the pipelines.
4.5 Description of the biological environment
4.5.1 Pelagic environment

The biological pelagic environment consists in this context of phytoplankton and zooplankton.
Fish and marine mammals are addressed in Section 4.5.3 and Section 4.5.4, respectively.
4.5.1.1 Phytoplankton
Phytoplankton are microscopic algae that form the base of the aquatic food web by taking up
nutrients and inorganic carbon and turning them into organic compounds. Phytoplankton are
therefore important in the aquatic environment because of their fundamental role in the
production in higher trophic levels, such as zooplankton, fish, etc. The state of phytoplankton

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serves as an indicator of both environmentally driven changes as well as of undesirable
manmade disturbances.
In winter, the water is rich in nutrients, but phytoplankton biomass remains low because of the
lack of light and the low water temperature. The weaker stratification of the water mass in winter
also contributes to reduce the average availability of light to the algae, as they are mixed in the
whole water column, i.e. their residence time in the upper photic zone is reduced. During a short
spring period, the surface water is warmed by the sun and becomes stratified, and the amount
of light available to the algae increases. As a result, the biomass of phytoplankton (mostly
diatoms and dinoflagellates) increases massively. Dissolved nutrients such as nitrogen,
phosphate and silica are then used by phytoplankton. When the dissolved nitrogen is depleted
from the surface water the algal biomass in the upper part of the water column decreases
rapidly. A significant fraction of the biomass from the dead algae settles to the seabed following
the relatively short and intense spring bloom season. The remaining amount of phosphate
varies each year. When the temperature of the sea increases during the summer, cyanobacteria
become more common, as they utilise the surplus phosphate /119/.
In the southern Baltic Proper, the spring bloom starts in March, reaching weekly average
chlorophyll-a value of 7 mg/m3 (see Figure 4.47). The concentration of chlorophyll-a drops
quickly after the spring bloom peak, as the pool of dissolved nutrients are taken up by the algae,
and the remains of the relatively large algae of the spring bloom (diatoms, etc.) settle to the
seabed. A summer biomass minimum in June follows the spring blooms. During this period,
mainly pico-sized algae and small flagellates dominate the phytoplankton community. These
algae mainly use nutrients regenerated in the water column. Atlas Map PE-1 shows the variation
of phytoplankton (measured as mg chlorophyll-a/m3) in the surface water of the Baltic Sea from
January to December 2006. From Atlas Map PE-1 it appears that phytoplankton production in
2006 began in February, and that production peaked in June and July. The chlorophyll-a
concentration also shows considerable inter-annual variability that might be related to the
variability of meteorological conditions in the basin and its catchments. This is clear from Atlas
Map PE-2, which shows the spatial distribution of the chlorophyll-a concentration in the surface
water in July in each of the years 1998-2006.
In July and August, recurrent blooms of cyanobacteria occur. Cyanobacteria blooms are
associated with particular patterns of nutrient availability and weather conditions. Prerequisites
for the formation of these blooms include a lack of inorganic nitrogen and the presence of
phosphorus in the water /47/. Cyanobacteria also thrive in warm water and during calm weather,
when their filaments can accumulate easily on the sea surface.
Some cyanobacteria, e.g., the major bloom-forming Nodularia spumigena, Aphanizomenon

flosaquae and Anabaena spp., are capable of nitrogen fixation, i.e., uptake of nitrogen from the
atmosphere /120/. These cyanobacteria possess gas vesicles and are buoyant. They can form
massive visible surface accumulations of several weeks’ duration throughout large parts of the
Baltic Sea. Atlas Map PE-3 shows the number of days with visible cyanobacterial blooms in the
Baltic Sea for each of the years 1997-2006. In some years, cyanobacterial blooms are very
strong, and they can have tremendous effects, e.g., rapid decomposition that may lead to
depletion of oxygen and production of high concentrations of ammonia, which can be lethal to

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fish and other aquatic organisms. Cyanobacterial blooms depend on the available amounts of
phosphate in the surface water and favourable weather conditions during the summer. In
addition to being a nuisance, one of the bloom-forming cyanobacteria, N. spumigena, is toxic
and produces the hepatotoxin nodularin.
Figure 4.47 Annual variation of phytoplankton (measured as mg chlorophyll-a/m3 5 m below

the water surface) in the southern Baltic Proper (Arkona Basin). The green curve
indicates the weekly average for the years 1992-2006. The blue dots represent
measurements taken in 2007, which are described below with regard to species
composition /121/.
In the southern Baltic Proper in 2007, the diatoms Chaetoceros spp., Skeletonema costatum
coll. and Thalassiosira spp. began to increase at the end of February; in March they formed a
very slight spring maximum, which was finished by the end of April. This was followed by the so-
called summer minimum, which lasted until mid-June. Nanoflagellates (Chrysochromulina spp.
and small dinoflagellates (Heterocapsa rotundata, Gymnodiniales spp.) were the dominant taxa
/121/.
The cyanobacteria Aphanizomenon increased at the end of June, accompanied by the less
numerous N.spumigena and Anabaena spp. In the first half of July, N.spumigena became
dominant, but the bloom faded in late July. In August, filamentous cyanobacteria were present,
but diatoms (Chaetoceros impressus, C. danicus, Actionocyclys octonarius), small flagellates
(Eutreptiella gymnastica, Pyramimonas spp., Pragioselmis prolonga) and colonial cyanobacteria
(Cyanodictyon spp., Aphanothece spp., Snowella spp.) were more common /121/.
In September and October phytoplankton consisted mainly of nanoflagellates (Heterocapsa

rotundatum, Chrysochromulina spp., Pyramimonas spp., P.prolonga), even though diatoms
(A.octonarius, C.granii, Skeletonema costatum coll.) and colonial blue-green algae occurred in
minor amounts /121/.

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Eutrophication is a condition in an aquatic ecosystem where high nutrient concentrations
stimulate growth of algae, leading to imbalanced functioning of the system. Eutrophication is
considered one of the most serious threats against the Baltic Sea ecosystem, and it is an
indicator of the human impacts on the Baltic Sea system /122/. Recently intensified
cyanobacterial blooms are the most conspicuous symptom of the advancing eutrophication of
the Baltic Sea /47/. Although they are a natural phenomenon, algal bloom events have become
more frequent, intense and extensive due to the manmade eutrophication of the Baltic. Since
the mid-1990s, the strength of harmful and toxic cyanobacterial blooms has increased to levels
that have caused widespread public concern. Currently, the noxious blooms annually disrupt the
Baltic ecosystem and in periods limit recreational and economic use of the Baltic Sea.
Moreover, they pose a clear and present health risk for humans and domestic animals.
Furthermore, the excess biomass produced by phytoplankton during blooms accumulates on
the seabed, and the decomposition of this organic material consumes oxygen from the water.
This leads to oxygen depletion, especially in areas where water mixing is restricted, such as in
the deeper waters below the halocline, or in shallower waters affected by thermal stratification
during the summer /122/.
4.5.1.2 Zooplankton
The zooplankton community in the Baltic Sea consists of freshwater, brackish and marine
species which consequently are distributed vertically and horizontally depending on their
ecophysiological tolerances and the availability of food resources.
The biodiversity of zooplankton in the Baltic Sea is relatively low /123/. In the permanent saline
stratification of the Baltic Proper, intermittent inflows of saline water from the Belt Sea and the
Sounds and freshwater surplus from the adjacent basins and rivers create different habitats that
are inhabited by different zooplankton communities /124/. The thermocline and halocline in the
Baltic Sea constrain the vertical distribution of zooplankton species, resulting in characteristic
vertical assemblage patterns in the different layers /124/. Rotifers such as Keratella quadrata
and copepods, e.g., Eurytemora hirundoides, of fresh and low saline water are present as well
as species from shallow waters, e.g., Acartia spp. Occasionally, species of crustaceans from the
North Sea, e.g., Paracalanus parvus as well as Oithona similis, are found, mainly below the
halocline.
Cladocera, e.g., Evadne nordmanii, can also comprise a considerable part of the zooplankton
community /123/. A marked interannual variation in average abundance of zooplankton in the
southern part of the Baltic Proper was observed in the period from 1979-1998 (see Figure 4.48).

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Figure 4.48 Long-term changes (1979-1998) in the annual zooplankton abundance in the
southern Baltic Proper /47/.
Such fluctuations in zooplankton populations also characterise the other parts of the Baltic Sea
and are related to the physical environment, e.g., changes in salinity and temperature as well as
the structure of the food web, i.e., the availability of food items, primarily algae and
microzooplankton. After winter, the zooplankton population is low. When the phytoplankton
spring bloom starts, the water temperature is low and the growth process of zooplankton is
typically weeks. Therefore microzooplankton, whose growth process is similar in duration to that
of phytoplankton, grazes on the increased algae populations of the spring bloom. After the
spring bloom, when the population of zooplankton is stabilised, copepods take over as the most
important pelagic grazer throughout the season /47/. In addition, the feeding preferences of
smaller fish, particularly herring and sprat, influence the composition and abundance of the
zooplankton community. There are indications that the interannual variability of zooplankton
abundance is affected by fish predation /124/. The distribution of zooplankton in the different
water masses reflects the foraging arena of planktivorous fish, such as herring, sprat and
juvenile cod. Planktivorous fish are selective feeders, with preferences for species like Temora
longicornis and Pseudocalanus acuspes, which are found in deep waters below the permanent
halocline /125/.
Trends in annual zooplankton biomass in the Baltic Proper between 1979 and 2005 were
statistically analysed by the Finnish Marine Research Institute (FIMR). In general, no significant
trends in overall biomass development of zooplankton were found /126/.

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4.5.2 Benthic flora and fauna
4.5.2.1 Benthic environment

Macrophytes and macrozoobenthos are very important components of the benthic ecosystem in
the Baltic Sea. This section describes the benthic flora and fauna in the Baltic Sea in general
and along the pipeline route inside the Danish EEZ and territorial waters in particular.
The data used is from databases of organisations such as HELCOM and ICES, existing
literature and surveys conducted along the pipeline route in 2008 within Danish waters.
4.5.2.2 Benthic macrophytes
Benthic macrophytes along the pipeline route in the Baltic Sea

Macrophytes (macroalgae and higher plants) grow in conditions that feature exceptionally
diverse and dynamic light regimes. The water clarity and hydrodynamic conditions have
profound effects on the quantity and quality of the light available for marine plants at specific
localities, thus directly influencing the biomass and species composition of the benthic
communities.
The depth of the photic zone for benthic plants is traditionally defined as the depth where 1% of
the surface irradiance (as measured just below the water surface) is available for
photosynthesis. The seabed in the non-photic zone covers the largest area of the Baltic Sea
compared with the light-exposed seabed. In the non-photic zone, primary production based on
photosynthesis is absent, and biomass production is based on surplus production of the photic
zone, and the mainly secondary production of bacteria and animals /127/.
Figure 4.49 provides an indication of the area in which benthic plants can be expected to be
found based on the photic zone, where at least 1% of the available light penetrates to the
seabed. Some species grow at lower light levels, but 1% of irradiance is the requirement of
large structuring algae, such as the brown algae Laminaria spp. In order to reflect an
ecologically relevant light regime Figure 4.49 is based on water transparency derived from
Secchi depth measurements (how deep a white plate lowered through the water column can be
seen from the surface) from March to October, which reflects the (main) growth season for
primary production. This approach combined with the relatively coarse bathymetry can lead to a
situation where some deep-lying reefs are classified as being in the non-photic zone even
though there is occurrence of macroalgae. This is the case, for example, at Hoburgs Bank,
Norra Midsjö Bank and Södra Midsjö Bank in Swedish waters, where red algae such as
Delesseria sanguinea, Phycodrys rubens, Phyllophora pseudoceranoides and the brown algae
Desmarestia viridis are found down to a depth of 34 m /128/. These locations are not included
on Figure 4.49. Still, as the figure indicates, benthic macrophytes are primarily found near the
shores.
The maximum depth in the Baltic Sea where benthic flora can be found is about 35 m; below
this depth, macroalgae are completely absent in the Baltic Sea /47/. The depth distribution of
macroalgae becomes shallower from west to east.

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The reduced depth distribution is a response to decreased water transparency, salinity-induced
changes in species richness and composition of benthic communities of macrophytes.
The benthic flora of the Baltic Sea is a combination of seawater and freshwater species. More
than 300 species of aquatic plants are known: about one-third of them are green algae;
approximately the same number are red algae; there are slightly fewer species of brown algae;
and there are 15 species of flowering plants. Low salinity limits the migration of many marine
species into the Baltic Sea. As a consequence, algae diversity decreases from the south and
southwest towards the north and northeast.
In general, the depth distribution of perennial macrophytes on the Baltic seafloor has decreased
in recent years, and annual filamentous or thin-bodied epiphytic or drifting algae have become
increasingly important (e.g., species of the green algae Cladophora sp., and the brown algae
Pilayella littoralis and Ectocarpus spp.). These general changes are explained as a
consequence of higher nutrient inputs to the Baltic Sea, which has caused increased
eutrophication.
Figure 4.49 Model results showing photic zone; areas where at least 1% of the available light
reaches the seabed /127/.

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Benthic macrophytes along the pipeline route inside Danish waters
The pipeline route inside the Danish EEZ and territorial waters is located at a depth of 41 – 90
m. Due to this relatively large water depth, there are no benthic macrophytes along the pipeline
route or in the vicinity (<5 km) of the pipeline route.
4.5.2.3 Benthic fauna
Benthic fauna along the pipeline route in the Baltic Sea

In general, the salinity and the concentration of dissolved oxygen at the seabed are the most
important factors influencing species richness and the presence/absence of soft bottom
macrozoobenthos along the alignment of the pipelines.
The salinity along the alignment and in the Baltic Sea in general is characterised by pronounced
horizontal and vertical gradients due to the balance between inflows of marine water via the
narrow Danish Straits, the water exchange in general through the Danish straits, and the inputs
of freshwater from precipitation and from rivers and from groundwater seepage. In addition to
seasonal variations, freshwater input may be affected by long-term climatic variability and
changes in precipitation and land-use characteristics in the large catchment area, which is four
times the surface area of the Baltic Sea.
The changes in salinity determine the biodiversity ofbenthic fauna, which diminish in number of
species from the marine areas in the west (Kattegat) towards the very brackish water in the Gulf
of Finland and the Bothnian Bay; this is illustrated in Figure 4.50.
Figure 4.50 Number of marine, brackish and freshwater species correlated with salinity.
The biota in the open Baltic sedimentary habitats largely follows the physical settings (salinity,
temperature, current velocity and water depth), water quality (in particular the frequency and
duration of possible oxygen depletion occurrences) and food supply. Due to stagnation periods

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in combination with eutrophication-induced hypoxia/anoxia, benthic ‘ecological deserts’ cover
more than 30% of the seafloor (more than 100,000 km2) annually, inducing secondary
successional patterns that seldom lead to ‘mature’ benthic communities. The current anoxic
conditions in the deep waters seem to be persistent, independent of seasonality, whereas
coastal hypoxia is largely seasonal /129/.
Oxygen concentrations in the bottom water are of primary importance to invertebrates close to
or in the seabed. Tolerance to low oxygen concentrations is in general species-specific, but also
depends on rate of oxygen decline, the duration with low oxygen concentrations, and on
temperature affecting respiration /130/. Oxygen below 2 ml/l (hypoxia) is increasingly critical for
the fauna, and the development of anoxic conditions and release of toxic hydrogen sulphide
prevent the survival of macrozoobenthos.
The lowest oxygen concentrations typically occur in the period from late summer to early
autumn, when the relatively high bottom water temperature and the presence of degradable
organic matter favour mineralisation of organic matter. Low oxygen concentrations, in
combination with the stable stratification of the water column, favour formation of an oxygen-
depleted water mass in the lower water mass. In the Kattegat, the Danish straits and the
western Baltic Sea, oxygen depletion is a seasonal phenomenon, while in the deeper basins of
the Baltic Proper it is of a permanent character.
The concentration of oxygen at the bottom is in general affected by a balance between the
oxygen consumption at the seabed and the transport of oxygen from the surface layers due to
vertical mixing (convection) and/or horizontal transport (intrusion) of oxygen-rich water. In the
absence of mixing with other water masses, the supply to the deeper water masses is
dependant on the rather inefficient vertical diffusion of oxygen through the pycnocline (zone of
maximum vertical density gradient caused by differences in salinity (halocline) and/or in water
temperature (thermocline)). The vertical mixing is hampered in deeper water in the Baltic Sea,
mainly due to salinity stratification. In addition, inflows of oxygen-rich marine water are
infrequent and irregular in duration and magnitude, and usually occur in late autumn and in
winter during periods of storm from west. The oxygen concentration, therefore, declines below
the halocline. The concentration of oxygen at the bottom hence depends on water depth, the
rate of mineralisation of organic matter in the seabed and the horizontal and vertical transport of
oxygen.
The species richness decreases from over 1600 marine benthic species in the open Skagerrak
to about 500 in the western part of the Baltic Sea (West of Bornholm), approximately 80 in the
western regions (East of Bornholm), to less than 20 in the eastern regions of the Gulf of Finland.
On the other hand, the diversity of species with limnic origin increases towards the inner
reaches of the Gulf of Finland and the Gulf of Bothnia, as illustrated in Figure 4.50. The species
richness of polychaetes, molluscs and echinoderms are dramatically reduced from the west to
the east /129/.
Generally, the fauna communities in the Baltic Sea all belong to the so-called Macoma balthica
community and are characterised by the bivalve Macoma balthica and a few other species, e.g.,
the common mussel Mytilus edulis. The amphipod crustacean Pontoporeia (Monoporeia) affinis

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and the isopod crustacean Saduria entomon are likewise characteristic species in the Baltic
Sea. The rapid decline in the overall number of species in the Baltic Sea is largely true for the
open and deeper waters in the Baltic Sea. However, closer to the coasts and in shallow waters
the pattern is blurred as organisms of different origin mix, and freshwater species and insect
larvae comprise large parts of the species richness. The coastal and archipelago areas differ not
only due to limnic species and insect larvae, but also because of a higher habitat complexity and
variable substrates /129/.
HELCOM and ICES /47/ /131/ have identified areas with different fauna sub-communities as
well as areas lacking macrofauna for shorter or longer periods of time. Data are presented in
Atlas Maps BE-2, BE-3 and BE-4. Atlas Map BE-2 indicates that huge areas of the deeper parts
of the Baltic Sea were without macrofauna over long periods between 1964 and 2004. At
present, about one-third of the total area of the seabed in the Baltic Sea is without macrofauna
/131/.
The stations (transect stations including one or more stations in the area) along the planned
Nord Stream route, where macrozoobenthos samples have been taken during the Nord Stream
surveys 2005 – 2008, are shown in Atlas Map BE-7. On Atlas Map BE-7f and BE-7g is the
macrozoobenthos type (abundance) from the Nord Stream surveys, with focus on Danish water,
shown.
Benthic fauna along the pipeline route inside Danish waters

Surveys of macrozoobenthos along the planned Nord Stream pipeline route south of Bornholm
were conducted in May 2008. The results of surveys, including data from the EEZ and territorial
waters of Denmark, are reported in reference /132/.
In May 2008, samples of macrozoobenthos and sediment were collected at 28 stations in

Danish waters. In addition to depth, temperature, salinity and oxygen concentration close to the
bottom were measured at all stations.
Species richness, abundance, biomass and composition of benthic fauna south of Bornholm
and in the Baltic Sea in general depends primarily on salinity and oxygen concentration in the
bottom water and surface sediment composition.
The depth at the sampling stations was between 41 m (30 m at station B28) and 91 m. The
depth in general was greatest north and east of Christiansø and lower at most stations south-
east and south of Bornholm, see Figure 4.51, upper left. The salinity in the bottom water was
close to 16 psu in the area. The oxygen concentration in the bottom water was between 1.8 mg/l
and 12.7 mg/l. The concentration decreased below the halocline (60 m) and was reduced to 2-3
mg/l at depths greater than 75 m, see Figure 4.51, upper right.
Species richness
Benthic fauna was observed at 22 stations and absent at six stations north and east of
Christiansø, with water depths between 74 m and 91 m (Figure 4.51, middle left). About 21
species were identified. The most diverse groups were polychaetes (eight species), crustaceans

G-PE-PER-EIA-100-42920000-A
(six species) and bivalves (four species). The number of species varied between one and 13
species at the stations. Species richness was highest at stations above the halocline and lowest
at depths greater than 60 m, see Figure 4.51, middle right.
Abundance and composition
Abundance at stations in Danish waters was highly variable, ranging from 10 individuals/m2 to
more than 3,000 individuals/m2 (Figure 2, lower left). The abundance was mostly more than 500
individuals/m2 above the halocline and very low in deeper water (Figure 4.51, lower right).
Eight species comprised 90% of the total abundance, and the remaining 13 species comprised
10%, see Figure 4.52.
Bivalves
Bivalves account for 43% of the abundance and 96% of the biomass of the benthic fauna. The
infauna bivalve M.balthica was the most common and abundant benthic species in 2008.
M.balthica is euryhaline and characteristic of the shallow water community in marine areas. It is
one of the few important species that are also observed in deep, low-saline waters in the Baltic
Sea. Its feeding mode is flexible and includes surface deposit and suspension feeding.

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Depth south of Bornholm Oxygen vs. depth
100 14
90
12
80
70 10
Oxygen (mg/l)
Depth (m)
60
8
50
40 6
30
4
20
2
10
0 0
B11
B13
B15
B17
B19
B21
B23
B25
B27
B1
B3
B5
B7
B9
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Stations Depth (m)
Number of species Species vs. depth
14 14
12 12
Number of species (0.1m )

-2
10 10
Number (0.1m-2)
8 8
6 6
4 4
2 2
0 0
B1
B3
B5
B7
B9
B11
B13
B15
B17
B19
B21
B23
B25
B27
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Stations Depth (m)
Abundance Abundance vs. depth
3500 3500
3000 3000
2500
(m )
2500
Abundance (m )
-2
-2
Abundance
2000 2000
(m )
-2
1500 1500
1000 1000
500 500
0 0
B1
B3
B5
B7
B9
B11
B13
B15
B17
B19
B21
B23
B25
B27
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Stations Depth (m)
Figure 4.51 Water depth (upper left) and oxygen concentration in the bottom water relative to
depth (upper right) at sampling stations in Danish waters. Species richness and
abundance at the sampling stations (middle and lower left) and species richness
and abundance relative to water depth (middle and lower right).

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Abundance of dominant species
3500
3000
Other species
2500 Bylgides sarsi
Abundance (m )
-2
Halicryptus spinulosus
2000 Pontoporeia femorata
Scoloplos armiger
1500 Pygospio elegans
Terebellides stroemi
1000 Mytilus edulis
Macoma balthica
500
0
B1
B4
B7
B10
B13
B16
B19
B22
B25
B28
Stations
Figure 4.52 Total abundance of dominant species and distribution of the eight most abundant
species at sampling stations in Danish waters in May 2008.
M.edulis (common mussel) is an epi-benthic suspension feeder. Its distribution was patchy, and
the species was most abundant at shallow stations with sandy sediments (B11, B16 and B17)
/16/. The lower salinity limit of the species is about 5 psu /129/. Suitable substrate for
attachment and adequate current and supply of food are probably the main limiting factors for
distribution in deep Baltic waters. Other members of the class Bivalvia registered in this
investigation include two species of the genus Astarte, Astarte borealis and Astarte montagui.
Polychaetes
Polychaetes account for 38% of the abundance and 2% of the biomass of the benthic fauna.
The tube-building polychaete Terebellides stroemi was most abundant above the halocline in
sediments of muddy sand but was also present in lower numbers in muddy sediments. The
species is a surface-deposit feeder and has a large geographical distribution and a wide depth
range, which also includes the low-saline deep water in the Baltic.
Pygospio elegans (see Figure 4.53, left) is a tube-building species that feeds on the sediment
surface and is characteristic of the shallow water (Macoma) community. The species was most
abundant on sandy sediments and at shallow stations (e.g., at stations B16, B22 and B28).
Bylgides sarsi (see Figure 4.53, middle) has a northern distribution and is observed at very low
salinities in the Baltic Sea.. Abundance south of Bornholm was low, and B.sarsi was the only
species at the deepest stations with live animals. The species is probably a deposit feeder /133/.
A semi-pelagic life form enables the species to explore the seabed at great sub-halocline depths
with oxygen deficiency.

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Scoloplos armiger (see Figure 4.53, right) is a buried substrate feeder with a wide geographical
distribution and is most abundant in shallow water. The species was abundant around the
halocline on both sandy and muddy sediments. Earlier, S.armiger was common in the Baltic
Proper, but it was scarce in 2007 and 2008 /132/.
Figure 4.53 Pygospio elegans (left), Bylgides sarsi (middle) and Scoloplos armiger (right).
Sources: Dansk Biologisk Laboratorium (DBL).
Additionally, three other members of the class Polychaeta were registered in this investigation: a
tiny ampharetid, Ampharete balthica; a member of the family Opheliidae, Travisia forbesii; and
Aricidea suecica, a member of the family Paraonidae.
Crustaceans
Crustaceans account for 13% of the abundance and 1% of the biomass of benthic fauna.
The amphipod Pontoporeia femorata (see Figure 4.54) is a marine species that was most
abundant at stations just above the halocline south of Bornholm. Pontoporeia (Monoporeia)
affinis was recorded at two stations (B10 and B28), and this euryhaline species replaced
P.femorata in the central and northern Baltic Sea. Other species of less importance were the
cumaceans Diastylis rathkei (see Figure 4.54) and Diastylis lucifera, the large isopod Saduria
entomon (see Figure 4.54) and the suspension-feeding amphipod Dyopedos monacanthus.

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Figure 4.54 Pontoporeia femorata (left), Diastylis rathkei (upper right) and Saduria entomon
(lower right). Sources: Dansk Biologisk Laboratorium (DBL).
Other species
Other species include the priapulids Halicryptus spinulosus and Priapulus caudatus (see Figure
4.55) and unidentified species of Acarina (marine mite) and nemerteans (ribbon worms), which
together account for 5% of the abundance and <1% of the biomass of benthic fauna.
H.spinulosus was fairly common and abundant east and south of Bornholm and also widely
distributed in the Baltic Sea.
Figure 4.55 Priapulus caudatus. Sources: Dansk Biologisk Laboratorium (DBL).
Communities of benthic fauna
Water depth and changes in oxygen concentration with increasing depth are factors of major
importance for the qualitative and quantitative composition of benthic fauna and the structure of
the benthic community.

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Abundance south of Bornholm 2008
20
Bray-Curtis Similarity
40
60
80
100
B14
B8
B13
B3
B7
B12
B10
B11
B16
B21
B15
B18
B19
B23
B24
B22
B27
B26
B20
B25
B17
B28
Sampling stations
Abundance south of Bornholm 2008
Stress: 0,08
C-1
C-2
C-3
Figure 4.56 Results of classification presented in a dendrogram (top) and ordination in a

MDS-plot (bottom) based on fourth root transformed abundance of the benthic
fauna south of Bornholm 2008. Analyses based on primer /134/.
Three clusters of stations (A, B and C) or ‘communities’ may be delineated on the basis of the
results of the multivariate analyses presented in Figure 4.56 and characterised in Table 4.21.

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Table 4.21 Depth range, similarity and average abundance of species (species/m2)
accounting for 90% of the similarity at stations south of Bornholm in May 2008.
Based on Simper /134/.
Depth range, similarity and Cluster (community)
species A B C-1 C-2 C-3
Depth range (m) 70-91 30-40 42-66 49-54 43-53
Similarity 82.3% 38.6% 49.9% 82.0% 66.9%
Bylgides sarsi 16 - - 40 17
Pygospio elegans - 390 - - 61
Mytilus edulis - 610 452 - -
Macoma balthica - 130 334 143 177
Halicryptus spinulosus - - 42 90 27
Terebellides stroemi - - 62 390 105
Scoloplos armiger - - 172 153 -
Diastylis rathkei - - 24 - -
Pontoporeia femorata - - 20 96 128
Aricidea suecica - - - 40 -
Diastylis lucifera - - - 46 -
Saduria entomon - - - - 12
Community A includes five deep stations (B3, B7, B8, B13 and B14) with live animals north and
east of Erthomene and east of Bornholm. The oxygen concentration close to the seabed was
low. The only species present in low numbers at all stations was the semi-pelagic polychaete
B.sarsi, see Table 4.21.
Community B comprises only two stations (B17 and B28) and is characterised by species from
the shallow-water community, namely the polychaete P.elegans and the bivalves M.edulis and
M.balthica. However, the similarity of the benthic fauna is low because the abundance of the
characteristic species is very different at the two stations.
Community C, which includes most stations above the halocline south-east and south of
Bornholm, has a similarity above 40%. However, the community may be subdivided into three
subgroups or variants, each with high similarity, cf. Table 4.21. The variants of the community
are characterised by different abundance of the same characteristic species and/or presence of
species not found at other variants, e.g., M.edulis in subgroup C-1.
4.5.2.4 Conclusions
There are no macrophytes along or in the vicinity of the planned pipeline route in Danish waters.
The species richness of macrozoobenthos (benthic fauna) in the Danish EEZ and territorial
waters south of Bornholm was low in May 2008. The number of species, the species abundance
and the biomass of benthic fauna was highly variable at the stations. Benthic fauna was absent
or highly impoverished at stations below the halocline.

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Eight species accounted for 90% of the abundance and even more of the biomass of the benthic
fauna. The most common and abundant species were the bivalves M.balthica and M.edulis, the
polychaetes T.stroemi, P.elegans, S.armiger and B.sarsi, the crustacean P.femorata and the
priapulid H.spinulosus.
The benthic community was similar at most stations above the halocline south-east and south of
Bornholm. However, the community may be subdivided into variants, in which the presence and
abundance of the same common species of bivalves, polychaetes, crustaceans and priapulids
varies.
The benthic community was impoverished in deep, oxygen-deficient water north and east of
Christiansø, where the semi-pelagic polychaete B.sarsi was the only species.
The community was different at two stations due to a predominance of characteristic shallow-
water species (the polychaete P.elegans and the bivalves M.edulis and M.balthica).
4.5.3 Fish and fish stocks
4.5.3.1 General
The Baltic Sea is characterised by a lower number of plant and animal species (biodiversity)
than more saline waters. The brackish water is too salty for most freshwater species and too
fresh for most marine species, resulting in increased energy demands related to osmoregulation
(regulation of salt concentration in bodily fluids). In addition, the water is relatively cold and thus
many of the Baltic species – the majority of which are marine in origin – occupy the periphery of
their range. As a result, the biota are particularly vulnerable to pollution and other anthropogenic
stresses /135/.
Salinity, temperature and oxygen are physical background parameters, constraining biodiversity,
fish recruitment and water quality in a semi-enclosed water body such as the Baltic Sea. The
Baltic Sea exhibits a gradient of salinities from the Bothnian Bay to the Kattegat. Only special
and infrequent weather conditions, which are often years or decades apart, can give rise to
major inflows of saltwater carrying oxygen-rich water. The physical characteristics of the Baltic
Sea provide natural preconditions for oxygen depletion in the bottom water and the resulting
development of anoxic bottom areas. A marked halocline is found at 60-80 m depth in the Baltic
Proper, which hinders the mixing of oxygenated water from the upper layers with lower parts of
the water column. Dense, saline water from the outside is the only effective means of
oxygenating the bottom water in the Baltic Sea.
The distribution of roughly 100 fish species inhabiting the Baltic is largely governed by salinity.
Marine species (some 70 species) dominate in the Baltic Proper, while freshwater species
(some 30-40 species) occur in coastal areas and in the innermost parts of the Baltic Sea.
Fish communities, especially in the coastal areas of the Baltic Sea, have undergone dramatic
changes during the late twentieth century as a result of both human activities and natural factors
/136/. Fish are subject to a number of anthropogenic impacts, such as enhanced nutrient loads,
contamination by heavy metals, organic toxicants and hormone-like substances, destruction of

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recruitment habitats, introduction of non-indigenous species and increased fishing pressure. A
natural factor that impacts fish communities in coastal areas is increased predation by seals and
cormorants.
The marine species cod, herring and sprat comprise the large majority of the fish community in
both biomass and number. Cod is the main predator on herring and sprat, and there is also
some cannibalism on small cod. Herring and sprat prey on cod eggs. The trophic interactions
between cod, herring and sprat may periodically exert a strong influence on the state of fish
stocks in the Baltic. Because herring spawn in coastal areas, the population is also subject to
interactions with freshwater species in the coastal zone. Climate-driven changes in the salinity,
temperature and oxygen content of the water affect the recruitment and growth of cod, herring
and sprat. Hydrographic-climatic variability (i.e., low frequency of inflows from the North Sea,
warm temperatures) and heavy fishing over the last 10-15 years have thus led to a shift in the
fish community from cod to clupeids (herring, sprat), first because of weakening cod recruitment
and subsequently because of favourable recruitment conditions for sprat.
Table 4.22 shows the spawning periods for some of the important pelagic and benthic fish
species in the Baltic Sea. The most important species are described below in more detail.
Table 4.22 Spawning periods for commercially important fish stocks in the Baltic Sea.
Species Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Herring1 X X X X
Salmon2 X X X X X
Flounder3 X X X X X
Turbot4 X X
Sprat5 X X X X
Plaice6 X X X X X
Cod7 X X X X X X
1: Spawning periods for spring spawning stocks :
• Western Baltic : March-May.
• Central Baltic : April-May (ICES 25), March-May (ICES 26, Polish coastal waters), April-June (ICES 28),
May-June (ICES 29)
• Gulf of Finland (ICES 32) : May-June
Demersal eggs with adhesive layer that attaches them to the substratum/vegetation /137/
2: Spawning period depends on latitude and geographical locations of rivers. Demersal eggs that are buried in river-
gravel bottoms /138/ /139/
3: There are two different types of flounder in the Baltic Sea – one with demersal eggs and the other with pelagic eggs.
The former may reproduce successfully in the northern Baltic Proper, the Bothnian Sea and the Gulf of Finland.
Spawning period for the southern stock (pelagic eggs): March-June. The main spawning period for the northern stock
(demersal eggs) is May-July /138/ /140/ /141/
4: Turbot eggs are demersal at the salinities occurring in the Baltic Sea /142/
5: Winter spawning (Nov-Jan) following summer inflow of exceptional warm water to the Baltic Sea. The contribution of
winter spawning to annual egg and larval production is negligible /138/ /143/ /144/
6: Reference:/140/
7: Significant inter-annual variations in spawning time of eastern Baltic cod. A remarkable shift in the timing of
spawning from April-June to June-August was observed in the 1990s. Spawning period for western Baltic cod (“Belt
Sea cod”) is Jan-April /135/ /145/ /146/ /147/

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4.5.3.2 Important commercially exploited fish species within the Danish part of the Baltic Sea
The most important commercially exploited species in the Baltic Sea are cod, sprat and herring.
Other commercially important species in the Danish EEZ include flounder, plaice, turbot and
salmon.
Baltic cod (Gadus morhua)

The abundance and distribution of the Baltic cod has varied considerably over time due to
biological as well as anthropogenic causes. Two populations are present in the area: eastern
and western Baltic cod. These stocks have different morphological characters and population
genetics. They overlap in the area near Bornholm Island. The eastern cod stock occurs in the
central, eastern and northern Baltic, but not in significant amounts north of the Åland Islands.
The western cod stock inhabits the areas west of Bornholm Island, including the Danish straits.
The eastern population is the largest, accounting for approximately 90% of the cod stocks in the
Baltic Sea /148/.
The availability of suitable habitats for cod varies between areas and years depending on the
prevailing environmental conditions. The fish may be periodically or permanently absent in some
areas, e.g., in the bottom layers of deep basins due to low content or absence of oxygen.
Spawning in the eastern Baltic is confined to areas at least 60-90 m deep, for example in the
waters of the Bornholm Deep, the Gdansk Deep and Gotland Deep. Successful egg
development requires a minimum oxygen level of 2 ml/l seawater and a salinity higher than 11
psu in the layer of neutral buoyancy for cod eggs /149/. In reference /150/ it is described that
eggs of three- to five-year-old spawners – the basis of the spawning stock – maintain neutral
buoyancy at a salinity of 14.5 psu ± 1.2 psu. In periods without major inflows, oxygen depletion
of the saline water affects the survival of the eggs. This implies that reproductive success in the
Gdansk Deep and the Gotland Deep is more variable than in the Bornholm Deep /151/ /152/.
The traditional spawning grounds for cod are shown in Figure 4.57.

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Figure 4.57 Traditional spawning and nursery areas for eastern Baltic cod. The arrows
indicate the migration and drifting routes. At present, cod spawning takes place
only in the southern parts of Bornholm Deep and in Slupsk Furrow (the small area
east of Bornholm Deep) (Refer to Atlas Map FI-1) /153/.
Since the mid-1980s, cod reproduction has been truly successful only in the southern spawning
areas of the Bornholm Deep, the Gdansk Deep and the Slupsk Furrow. Figure 4.58 shows time-
series of reproductive volume (km³ water volume where cod larvae are found) for the important
spawning site in the Bornholm Deep. This figure clearly shows the high year to year variability of
the reproductive volume. In 2005, cod egg survival actually was restricted to the southern parts
of the Bornholm Basin; the hydrographical conditions in the central and northern parts of the
basin were such that it is unlikely cod eggs survived at any higher levels here /154/.

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Figure 4.58 Time-series of reproductive volume (km³ water volume where cod larvae are
found) for the spawning site in the Bornholm Deep /155/. Figure 4.57 shows the
geographical extent of the areas.
A few days after hatching, larvae migrate vertically into upper water layers with sufficient light
conditions and prey concentrations for feeding, avoiding critical oxygen levels /156/. The lack of
recovery in recruitment in the mid-1990s, despite improved hydrographical conditions for egg
development, is related to poor larval survival. A decline in the abundance of the copepod
Pseudocalanus spp., related to lower salinity, limited the food supply of first-feeding cod larvae
/135/. Declining salinities and oxygen concentrations also enhanced the vertical overlap
between eggs and clupeid predators in the remaining productive spawning area of the Bornholm
Basin. A temperature-related increase in sprat stock intensified egg predation further /135/.
Inter-annual variations in spawning time of cod, defined as the peak in egg abundance, in the
Bornholm Basin have been analysed in a study /146/. During the 1970s and late 1980s, peak
spawning took place between the end of April and mid-June. A remarkable shift in the timing of
spawning to the end of July was observed in the 1990s. The key factors governing the timing of
spawning are water temperature during the period of gonadal maturation, density-dependent
processes related to the size of the spawning stock and food availability. The age structure of
the spawning stock is suggested to have an additional effect.
The eastern Baltic cod spawning stock declined from its historically highest level in 1982-1983
to the lowest level on record in 2004-2005 /145/. The decline of the eastern Baltic cod was
caused by reduced reproductive success in combination with increasing fishing pressure. In
order to enable undisturbed spawning, a central part of the main spawning area in the Bornholm
Deep has been closed to all fisheries during the main spawning season (1 May to 31 October)
since the mid-1990s. ICES reports that the stock is still at historically low levels, although it has
increased since 2005 as a result of strong year classes in 2003 and 2005.
The western Baltic cod stock is highly productive and has historically been much larger than
what it is today. ICES classifies the stock as being at risk of reduced reproductive capacity,
suffering from too high fishing pressure.
Herring (Clupea harengus)

Herring occur in large schools throughout the Baltic Sea, with clearly distinct stocks in different
areas. Herring tend to make seasonal migrations between coastal archipelagos and open sea
areas, staying close to the coast during spring and autumn, while spending summer in nutrient-

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rich open sea areas. Older herring move into deeper waters of the open sea during winter,
whereas younger individuals tend to remain close to the coast. Herring feed primarily on
zooplankton, although older herring may feed on fish eggs and fry. The number of Baltic herring
has decreased due to changes in the amount of zooplankton and over-fishing /136/ /154/.
Herring populations include both spring and autumn spawners. Previously, autumn-spawning
herring dominated the general herring population, but there was a change in the 1960s. Since
then, spring spawners have dominated the population. Herring spawn in coastal areas in most
parts of the Baltic Sea /154/, see Figure 4.59. They are sensitive to low oxygen concentrations
and high concentrations of suspended solids.
Figure 4.59 Herring spawning areas and migration routes in the Baltic Sea (see also Atlas
Map FI-2) /157/.

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Sprat (Sprattus sprattus)
Sprat live in schools throughout the Baltic Sea, though not as commonly in the Bothnian Bay.
Sprat is an open-sea species that is rarely found along the coast. Sprat migrate in open water
areas, seeking out warmer water layers during different seasons and avoiding areas were the
water temperature drops to less than 2-3°C. During harsh winters the distribution of sprat
shrinks and the density of fish increases. Sprat eat zooplankton as well as cod fry /154/.
Sprat larvae have a strong preference for the copepod Acartia spp., which has drastically
increased since the 1990s in parallel to the increase in temperature. This may have led to
generally higher larval survival /145/.
Figure 4.60 The distribution and spawning areas of sprat (see also Atlas Map FI-3) /158/.

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Figure 4.60 shows the distribution of sprat in the project areas. The spawning of sprat and the
distribution of its planktonic eggs are restricted to the central part of the deep basins in the Baltic,
with vertical concentration in the upper part of the halocline, typically between 45-70 m. The
Bornholm Basin is an especially important spawning ground for sprat /159/. Spawning occurs
from February to August, depending on the geographical area /157/. Years of strong larval
displacement towards the southern and eastern Baltic coasts correspond to relative recruitment
failure, while years of retention within the deep basins are associated with relative recruitment
success /143/.
Flounder (Platichtus flesus)

Flounder inhabit most of the Baltic Proper, except for the deeper parts of the Gotland Deep, and
show wide tolerance to changes in salinity. Flounder in general is the most economically
important species among flatfish in the Baltic Sea. Flounder at present are divided into six
separate stocks in the Baltic Sea. In general, the stocks are moderately exploited and are stable
or slightly increasing in the eastern Baltic Sea /157/.
There are two ecological types of flounder in the Baltic: one southern, with pelagic eggs, and
one northern, with demersal eggs. In the southern Baltic, flounder migrate between coastal
feeding areas and spawning in the deep basins and have larger, pelagic eggs adapted to
floating, despite the low salinity. Salinity determines buoyancy of eggs, and the pelagic eggs
require a minimum salinity of 10 psu in order to float. Furthermore, the success of spawning also
depends on oxygen content. Oxygen content below 1 ml/l are critical for egg survival /141/. The
appropriate habitat for reproductive success is defined by salinity > 12 psu and dissolved
oxygen concentration > 2 ml/l /1/. The other ecological type of flounder occurs in the northern
Baltic, where flounder are more stationary and spawn in shallow banks or coastal areas. Their
eggs are smaller, more thick-shelled and demersal. The minimum required salinity is lower, only
6-7 psu, and the main spawning period is from May-July. The larvae inhabit the bottom in
shallow coastal areas before they metamorphose /141/.
The onset of spawning in the spring is influenced by rising temperatures, and consequently the
spawning period differs between different areas in the Baltic. In the Kattegat spawning starts in
February-April, while in the Gotland Basin spawning occurs in April-May /141/.
Plaice (Pleuronectes platessa)

Plaice inhabit the western Baltic and are rarely found east of the Bornholm Basin. Plaice are
less tolerant to low salinity and low oxygen content than flounder, which affects the distribution
pattern.
The fluctuations in abundance are assumed mainly to be caused by migration of plaice from the
Kattegat into the western Baltic Sea, but opportunities for successful reproduction of plaice exist
regularly in the Bornholm Basin. There is only limited information about the potential effects of
salinity on stock development of the Baltic plaice population, but it has been observed that the
stock recovered during the 1950s at the same time as major saline water inflows occurred.

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Turbot (Psetta maxima)
Turbot occur in large parts of the Baltic Proper, but their abundance has been low. Successful
spawning is possible in waters with a salinity of 6-7 psu or higher. Spawning takes place in
shallow water at depths between 5-40 m. After spawning in the spring, turbot reside in shallow
areas during summer and return to deeper waters in autumn. Like most flatfish, turbot have
pelagic larvae. Turbot mainly feed on demersal fish, bivalves and crustaceans.
Turbot are mainly stationary, but they migrate in spring and autumn between shallow and
deeper waters /160/. Hence, the population can be vulnerable to local effects. Because of its
high commercial value, turbot is of some importance to the fisheries sector.
Salmon (Salmo salar)

Salmon make long feeding migrations in the Baltic Sea. Salmon show strong homing behaviour
and return to their natal river to spawn, resulting in the development of genetically differentiated
stocks. The most important feeding grounds for Baltic salmon stocks are in the south of the
Baltic main basin. The most important food species are herring and sprat /138/. The
management of salmon in the Baltic Sea is subject to the Salmon Action Plan (SAP) adopted by
the International Baltic Sea Fisheries Commission in 1997.
Eels (Anguilla anguilla)

Eels from the northern part of the Baltic Proper migrate along the Swedish coast, while eels
from the eastern part seem to migrate in the open sea, including the waters around Bornholm
/161/. They rest at daytime and swim during the night hours. The swimming depth is close to the
surface, typically within 0.5 m of the surface, but they dive to deeper water several times during
the night hours /162/.
The recruitment of glass eels to Europe has shown a sharp decline in the last 25 years.
Historically low recruitment levels in recent years are an indication that reproduction is seriously
impaired, and that the stock is likely to be severely depleted. ICES recommends that eel fishing
be reduced to a level as close to zero as possible in order for the stock to recover. Eels are
classified as critically endangered according to the Red List category system.
4.5.3.3 Species occurring along the planned pipeline route

The most common fish species in the areas along the pipelines within Danish waters are cod,
herring and sprat, and they are prevalent in the area most of the year.
Both cod and sprat spawn close to the pipeline route at Bornholm Deep.
The commercially important flatfish species, turbot, plaice and flounder, occur along the entire
pipeline route, although turbot are present only in small numbers.
Eels are not prevalent along the pipeline route. They typically live near the coast and follow the
coastline while migrating.
The following species occur along the pipeline route but are of no or minor importance to the
fishing industry:

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• Snake blenny (Lumpenus lampretaeformis); demersal on muddy grounds at 30-200 m,
spawning period December-January, demersal eggs.
• Four-bearded rockling (Rhinonemus/Enchelyopus cimbrius); on soft bottom at 50-500 m,

pelagic eggs.
• Bull-rout (Myoxocephalus scorpius); benthic at 20-50 m, demersal eggs, spawning period

December-March.
• Sea snail (Liparis liparis); benthic from sub-tidal to 300 m, demersal eggs, spawning in
spring.
• Dab (Limanda limanda); demersal fish with pelagic eggs. Opportunities for successful
reproduction exist regularly in the Bornholm Basin (March-July) /214/.
• Brill (Scophthalmus rhombus); demersal fish with pelagic eggs. No information on

spawning in the Baltic Sea.
• Sandeels (Ammodytes sp.); benthopelagic fish on sandy bottom, demersal eggs.
• Twaite shad (Alosa fallax); pelagic fish, spawning in rivers or in low-saline coastal waters.
• Sea trout (Salmo trutta); pelagic fish, spawning in rivers.
• Whiting (Merlangius merlangus); no spawning in the Baltic Sea, migrating from the Kattegat
into the western Baltic Sea/Baltic Proper.
Threatened fish species

Some of the above-mentioned species are included as High Priority Species on the HELCOM
Red List of Threatened and Declining Species of Lampreys and Fishes /163/. The relevant
species are:
European eel (Anguilla anguilla), Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), cod (Gadus morhua), Twaite
shad (Alosa fallax) and snake blenny (Lumpenus lampretaeformis).
4.5.4 Marine mammals

The only resident cetacean species in the Baltic is the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena).
There are three resident species of seals: the grey seal (Halichoerus grypus), the ringed seal
(Phoca hispida baltica) and the harbour seal (Phoca vitulina). Although they are not native to
Baltic waters, species such as the minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), fin whale
(Balaenoptera physalus), humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) and common and white-
beaked dolphins (Delphinus delphis and Lagenorhynchus albirostris) are sighted from time to
time, mainly in the southern Baltic Sea.

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The description of the marine mammals in Danish waters around the planned pipeline route is
carried out by describing the biology, including the distribution, abundance, population structure
and general biology, of the following marine mammals:
• Harbour porpoise
• Harbour seal
• Grey seal
Ringed seals will not be described further because they are not present in Danish waters (see
Atlas Map MA 3).
The description of marine mammals is based on input from Jonas Teilmann from the National
Environmental Research Institute and existing literature.
4.5.4.1 Harbour porpoise
General distribution and abundance

The harbour porpoise is the smallest and also the most predominant cetacean in Europe. It is
widely but unevenly distributed throughout European waters. The distribution is presumably
linked to the distribution of prey, which in turn is linked to parameters such as hydrography and
bathymetry. However, little is known about the relationship between porpoises and their prey.
For the northeast Atlantic continental shelf waters, the total number of harbour porpoises was
estimated in 2005 to be 385,617 (95% confidence limits (CL) = 261,266–569,153) /164/.
Densities are relatively high in the straits between the North Sea and the Baltic Proper
(Skagerrak, Kattegat, Belt Seas and Western Baltic). Based on ship surveys in July 2005, the
number of porpoises residing in this area was estimated to be 15,557 /164/. This is only half the
number that was estimated in 1994 (31,715). However, these figures are associated with large
statistical uncertainty and therefore are not significantly different on a 5% level. Until the first half
of the twentieth century, a rather large population existed in the Baltic Sea. However, a dramatic
decline has been observed over the past 50-100 years, and currently little is known about the
distribution and status of the harbour porpoise /165/ /166/ /167/. The population in the Baltic
Proper was estimated at 599 (95% CL 200–3,300) in 1995 /168/ and 93 (95% CL10–460) in
2002 /169/.
Population structure
Several studies using various methods have been carried out in an attempt to understand the
population structure of harbour porpoises in the northeast Atlantic and in particular the transition
zone between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. This transition zone consists of waters from the
Skagerrak in the north through the Kattegat, the Danish Belt Seas, Öresund and the western
Baltic Sea to the Baltic Proper. It has been speculated that the harbour porpoises in the Baltic
Sea leave the area during winter to avoid the sea ice (reviewed by, e.g., /166/ /170/). Until World
War II, catches of harbour porpoises during winter in the Little Belt were believed to originate
from this seasonal migration /171/. Whether these catches played a role in the severe decline in
the Baltic during the twentieth century is unclear. It is also unclear whether the speculated
migration out of the Baltic in winter still occurs /166/.

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Studies on morphometric skull differences, contaminant levels, stable isotopes and genetics
have tried to elucidate the population structure. However, results have been inconsistent,
possibly due to small sample sizes, differences in area definition and methods.
Harbour porpoises in the Baltic Sea

The severe decline of the harbour porpoise population in the Baltic Sea has made it the smallest
population of harbour porpoise in the world /172/. The distribution of harbour porpoises in the
Baltic declines rapidly east of the Gedser/Dass underwater ridge, whereas the easternmost limit
for distribution is uncertain. Occasionally, harbour porpoises have been spotted along the
Finnish coast. They are resident in the southern Baltic Sea, particularly along the German coast,
but they have also been recorded regularly along the Polish coast. A study of the geographical
and seasonal variations of harbour porpoise in the German Baltic Sea by passive acoustic
monitoring revealed a seasonal variation with fewer days of porpoise detections in winter than in
summer. Nevertheless, harbour porpoise were detected year-round at most of the measuring
positions in the German Baltic Sea. The study clearly indicates regular use of the German Baltic
Sea by harbour porpoises. The larger number of harbour porpoise detections in spring to
autumn compared with winter suggests that the German Baltic Sea is an important breeding and
mating area for these animals /173/. They are also regularly recorded in the Kadet Channel,
which is likely to be of key importance in the exchange of porpoises to and from the Baltic Sea.
However, as the population in the Baltic Sea consists of only approximately 600 individuals, the
distribution in general is scarce, with < 0.1 individuals/km2 in the waters in the vicinity of the
pipeline route in Danish waters, see Figure 4.61.

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Figure 4.61 Distribution of harbour porpoise. A combination of Atlas Maps MA-1 and MA-2
(records based on both recent and historical events from the 20’th century).
Reproduction
Harbour porpoises have a maximum length of about 1.8 m and a maximum weight of about 90
kg. They are relatively short-lived compared with other toothed whales (odontocetes), with an
expected lifetime in the wild of 15-20 years.
The breeding period of harbour porpoises begins in late June and ends in late August. Ovulation
and conception typically take place in late July and early August /174/. The pregnancy period is

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about 11 months, and females thus give birth to a single calf in early summer. Calves begin
suckling immediately after birth and feed by their mothers until March the following year and
possibly longer. As porpoise cows often give birth every year, this period can last 12 months at
most. Females can conceive when they are three or four years old /175/. Changes in food
resources may influence the reproduction of porpoises. Calves seem to be sighted throughout
their range; therefore areas of high porpoise density may also be considered important for
reproduction /175/ /176/. For that reason, no specific breeding areas for harbour porpoises in
the Baltic Sea can be identified.
Diving behaviour
Satellite-linked dive recorders have been used to study the diving behaviour of 14 harbour
porpoises in Danish and adjacent waters. The average number of dives per hour was 29 during
April-August and 43 during October-November. The daily maximum dive depth corresponds to
the depth of the Belt Seas and Kattegat, where depth generally does not exceed 50 m. The
maximum recorded dive depth was 132 m, from animals moving north into Skagerrak. The
recorded duration of dives was frequently 10-15 minutes. The diurnal pattern shows that
harbour porpoises dive sustained during the day and at night, but activity peaks during daylight
hours. On average they spent 55% of their time in the upper 2 m of the water column during
April-August. Generally, adult animals make fewer but longer dives, while younger animals
make more dives of shorter duration /177/.
Feeding
The average daily food intake per adult harbour porpoise is about 1.75 kg, consisting mainly of
fish up to 20-25 cm in length, with a preference for fatty fish like herring, mackerel, eelpout and
small individuals of cod /178/.
Between 1985 and 1990, the stomach contents of 21 harbour porpoises from the southern part
of the Belt Seas and the western part of the Baltic Sea were studied. Herring comprised 36% of
the consumed fish, while cod comprised 41% and eelpout 10% /178/. In addition to the three
most important species, mackerel, saithe, plaice, flounder, black goby, sandeels and garfish
were found /178/. In the same area eel, gobies, cod, whiting, anchovies and flatfishes were also
found in porpoise stomachs /179/. Conclusively, the harbour porpoise is an opportunistic feeder,
and its diet varies both spatially and temporally.
Echolocation and hearing

Like other toothed whales, harbour porpoises have good underwater hearing and actively use
sound (echolocation) for navigation and capture of prey. They produce short, ultrasonic clicks
(130 kHz peak frequency, 50-100 μs duration /180/ /181/ (vocalisation), and they are able to
orient and find prey even in complete darkness. Acoustic data loggers tagged on porpoises
indicated that porpoises use echolocation almost continuously /182/.
Odontocetes have no outer ear, and their ear canal is vestigial. Sound does not enter through
the ear canal, but through the surface of the lower jaw, from which it is transmitted via a channel
of fat to the tympanic bulla of the middle ear /183/ /184/ /185/. Odontocete inner ears have
anatomical specialisations for ultrasonic hearing, such as high thickness to width ratios of the

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basal (high-frequency) part of the basilar membrane, supplemented by additional stiffening
elements along the cochlear duct /186/.
The fundamental measure of an animal’s hearing ability is the audiogram, which expresses the
lowest sound pressures detectable by the animal in quiet conditions measured at different
frequencies. Odontocete audiograms on the whole are fairly similar in shape, with range of best
hearing in the area of 10-100 kHz, and best thresholds around 40-50 dB re. 1μPa. Hearing
thresholds increase slowly with about 20 dB per decade for lower frequencies and increase
steeply at high frequencies. In general, smaller species like the harbour porpoise have higher
upper limits of hearing, around 150 kHz /187/ /188/ higher than larger species.
Another central characteristic of auditory systems, especially in the context of influence of noise,
is the bandwidth of auditory filters. Mammalian auditory systems are conventionally modelled as
a bank of narrow bandpass filters. In order for noise to interfere with reception of a particular
sound it has to fall within the frequency range of that or those particular filters covering the
sound. The bandwidth of the auditory filters differs somewhat among species and with
frequency within the same species. A general approximation for mammals, however, is that the
bandwidth is one-third octave throughout the hearing range of the animal.
In order to make a meaningful comparison between audiograms and broadband noise, the noise
power must be given in the relevant critical bands, rather than in units of spectral density level.
Various measurements of critical bandwidth in different species of marine mammals range
between two-thirds and one-twelfth octave /189/. It is common practise to use a bandwidth of
one-third octave /189/ /190/ /191/ and thus give noise measurements as third-octave RMS
sound pressure levels in units of dB re 1 μPa.
Figure 4.62 shows a pure tone audiogram for the harbour porpoise plotted together with ambient
noise at a wind speed of 5 m/s in a shallow-water habitat. The harbour porpoise, which does
not produce sound at low frequencies, has quite insensitive hearing at frequencies below 1,000
Hz /189/. As a consequence, the detection of low-frequency sounds (below 1,000 Hz) is limited
by the hearing threshold rather than the ambient noise. Especially at very high frequencies,
around 100–150 kHz, the hearing of the harbour porpoise is very good.

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Figure 4.62 Audiogram of harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) /189/. The audiogram
shows the hearing threshold. Thus, the best ability to detect sound is at
frequencies with the lowest threshold (the best sensitivity). The audiogram also
shows an example of ambient noise and the frequency range of harbour porpoise
vocalisation.
Vision
Cetaceans have good vision, although compared with other mammals odontocetes have
especially small eyes in relation to their body size.
The eyes are completely adapted to water and vision under low light conditions. The spherical
lens makes the eye highly myopic (short-sighted) out of the water, and cetaceans are not likely
to be able to see objects sharply in air beyond a few metres. However, movement should be
clearly visible to porpoises, even in air. Porpoises, like other cetaceans and seals, are
functionally colour blind /192/.
Other senses
Odontocetes have no sense of smell, whereas taste may play a role, not only in relation to
tasting prey, but also in terms of collecting information about the surrounding water. Thus, in the
context of anthropogenic impact it cannot be ruled out that porpoises will react to harmful and/or
distasteful substances in the water.

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A magnetic sense, that is the ability to determine the direction of the Earth’s magnetic field, has
only been demonstrated convincingly in a few vertebrates. However, this ability has turned out
to be very difficult to explore experimentally /193/, and this sensory modality is not nearly as
well-understood as the other modalities (vision, hearing, smell, electroreception, etc.). It thus is
unclear how common this ability is in vertebrates in general. Whether cetaceans have
magnetoreceptive capabilities or not remains an open question, and it is not even safe to
conclude whether we a priori should expect them to have this ability or not (i.e., whether a
magnetic sense is the normal condition for vertebrates or a rare exception).
Until fairly recently it was believed that no mammals had electroreceptive abilities, but it has
been conclusively demonstrated that the duckbilled platypus has electroreceptive organs along
the edge of its bill and uses them in prey capture /194/. Since this discovery, several other
mammals have been suspected of possessing electroreceptive capabilities. Although marine
mammals seem like good candidates for electroreception, because they often live and find their
prey in dark and murky waters, there at present is nothing to support this idea. In contrast to the
case for magnetic sense, this absence of evidence should be taken more conclusively.
Electroreceptive sensory cells are well-known from animals with electric sense and among other
features have a characteristic morphology and often special and easily recognisable support
structures attached to them, such as the Lorenzinian ampullae of cartilaginous fish /195/. No
cells with this special morphology and support structure have been identified in any cetacean,
however, and it thus seems unlikely that they are sensitive to weak electric fields, or even able
to perceive them.
Protection
A number of international treaties, agreements and regulations have been enacted in order to
protect harbour porpoises. The species in northern European waters are listed in Annex II and
IV of the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), Annex II of the Bern Convention, Annex II of the Bonn
Convention and Annex II of the Washington Convention. Furthermore, the harbour porpoise is
covered by the terms of the Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic
and North Seas (ASCOBANS), a regional agreement under the Bonn Convention and
HELCOM.
Harbour porpoises are listed on Annex IV of the Habitats Directive, which implies that Member
States shall take the requisite measures to establish a system of strict protection for the animal
species listed in Annex IV (a) in their natural range, prohibiting: ... (b) Deliberate disturbance of
these species, particularly during the period of breeding, rearing, hibernation and migration ...
(Article 12).
The ASCOBANS agreement covers all small odontocetes and thus also porpoises. The
agreement obliges member states to Work towards ...(c) the effective regulation, to reduce the
impact on the animals of activities which seriously affect their food resources, and (d) the
prevention of other significant disturbance, especially of an acoustic nature.58 Furthermore, as
an extension of the ASCOBANS agreement, member states have signed the Recovery Plan for
Porpoises in the Baltic Sea (Jastarnia Plan), which highlights the highly threatened status of the
58
Annex to Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic and North Seas (www.ascobans.org)

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harbour porpoise population in the Baltic Proper. The aim of the recovery plan is to re-establish
the porpoise population in the Baltic to at least 80% of its carrying capacity. Although the
recommendations of the plan focus on measures to reduce incidental by-catches in fishery, the
serious situation the population currently faces is reflected in the recommendations:
In other words, analysis indicated that recovery towards the interim goal of 80% of carrying
capacity could only be achieved if the by-catch in this part of the Baltic were reduced to two or
fewer porpoises per year (compared with the estimated current minimum by-catch of seven).
4.5.4.2 Harbour seal
General distribution and abundance

Harbour seals are found in temperate and Arctic waters of the northern hemisphere. The
harbour seals of southern Scandinavia (Skagerrak, Kattegat, western Baltic and the Limfjord)
have probably been present in low numbers since the end of the latest glaciation; however,
harbour seals were not abundant until a few centuries ago. Recently, two severe epidemics in
1988 and 2002 killed approximately half the population. In the Baltic Proper, harbour seals are
only found in Kalmarsund, between Öland and mainland Sweden. The Danish harbour seal
population in the Baltic Sea is concentrated around Rødsand (7 km west of Gedser), with
around 300 individuals /196/. There are also important haul-out and breeding sites for harbour
seals at Falsterbo and Saltholm in Ôresund. The Kalmarsund population comprises around 530
individuals /197/. There have been no observations of harbour seals from the Finnish coast, and
there are no known haul-out sites along the coasts of any of the other Baltic countries.
Tagging studies have shown limited movements of harbour seals (e.g., /198/). From the studies
it can be concluded that there is no or limited exchange between colonies separated by more
than approximately 100 km. Genetic analysis has distinguished two sub-populations of harbour
seals in the Baltic Sea /199/ /200/. These are the seal population in Kalmarsund and the seal
population in the south-western Baltic Sea, along the Danish and Swedish coasts.
Harbour seals in the Baltic Sea

Information on the abundance and density of seals is very good with respect to the location of
haul-out sites. Haul-out sites are well-known, and years of data, based on airplane counts, are
available. Knowledge about the species’ use of the surrounding waters, however, is very limited.
An atlas project on Danish mammals, which included information on incidental observation,

counting and satellite tracking of harbour seals in Danish waters from 1990 to 2005, showed
that there have been few observations of harbour seals around Bornholm /201/.
Satellite tracking of seals can provide detailed information on the movement of individual seals.
In Denmark, harbour seals have been satellite-tracked from Rødsand (western Baltic), Anholt
(Kattegat) and the Wadden Sea. Five harbour seals were tagged between 2001 and 2003 at
Rødsand in the south-western Baltic. These harbour seals showed only local migrations to haul-
out sites within 10 km, as well as trips to the northern coast of Germany for two of the seals
/198/.

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The general distribution of harbour seals in the Baltic Sea is shown in Figure 4.63. It appears
that there are no harbour seal colonies close to the planned pipeline route in Danish waters.
Figure 4.63 The general distribution of harbour seals in the Baltic Sea. From Atlas Map MA-5.
Feeding
Harbour seals are opportunistic predators. They feed mainly on benthic fish but can catch and
eat all fish species, which indicates that they are highly adaptable to changes in fish availability.
The diet of seals varies across their distribution. Studies in the Kattegat have shown that the

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harbour seal diet varies considerably with region and season /202/. At Rødsand in the south-
western Baltic, the main prey was Atlantic cod in spring and autumn (42% and 43%,
respectively, of biomass consumed). Atlantic cod was less important in summer (22%), whereas
flounder and plaice together comprised 52% of the biomass consumed. In total, seven newly
ingested, headless garfish specimens were recovered in the digestive tracts of two seals from
Rødsand /203/.
Behaviour and reproduction

The harbour seal is a relatively small seal with an adult weight of about 65-140 kg. Females are
believed to give birth once a year on land between June and July, following a gestation period of
11 months. Pups suckle for about three to four weeks, after which they are left to fend for
themselves. Suckling always takes place on land. Harbour seal pups shed their embryonic fur
(lanugo) before birth and are thus born with adult fur. In contrast to most other true seals, pups
are able to swim and dive immediately after birth. If mothers and pups are disturbed on land
they will flee together into the water, but because they must return to land again for suckling,
disturbances in the breeding season in June and July can severely affect reproduction. Moulting
occurs in July and August, when seals spend more time on land to develop their new fur. The
moult depends on good blood perfusion to the outer layers of the skin. In order to reduce heat
loss from the body, this increased perfusion can occur only on land, preferably with dry fur.
Thus, adult seals are also vulnerable to disturbances during the summer months.
Mating occurs immediately after the conclusion of suckling and takes place in the water. Little is
known on the exact circumstances surrounding mating. Several studies from Norway, Scotland
and California have suggested that males have an underwater display that includes vocalisation
/204/ and that females seek out displaying males and decide whether to mate or not /205/ /206/.
This mating structure is known as a lek system and is well-known and described for several
species of birds. The implications of such a system are that males do not form and defend a
group of females, as observed in many other seal species (e.g., sea lions and elephant seals).
Neither do males defend individual territories. In the lek system of bird species it is common for
males to aggregate in certain locations, where they perform their display either sequentially or in
parallel. These locations are often used year after year. Whether harbour seal males also
aggregate in the same way and in the same location over subsequent years is unknown, but
there are indications from radio-tagged animals in Norway that this may be the case.
At sea, harbour seals hunt alone or in small packs. Depending on individuals and the area,
harbour seals stay within 25-100 km of shore; however, individuals are occasionally found more
than 100 km offshore /207/. They dwell primarily on the same undisturbed islets and sandy
beaches year round but may occasionally be seen resting on scattered stones along the shores.
Adult harbour seals do not migrate, but they are capable of travelling long distances. Localised
movements whilst searching for food are common, and short-distance movements also may be
associated with seasonal availability of prey and with breeding.
Hearing
Seals’ ears are well-adapted to aquatic life. These adaptations include a cavernous tissue in the
middle ear that allows for balancing the increased pressure on the eardrum when the animal
dives /208/ and is also a separate pathway for sound to the middle ear when the seal is

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underwater. The audiogram of harbour seals shows good underwater hearing in the range from
a few hundred Hz to about 50 kHz, see Figure 4.64. The harbour seal produces sounds at
frequencies down to approximately 200 Hz. Also, the harbour seal has reasonable hearing
sensitivity down to the range between 200 Hz and 400 Hz. This suggests that the harbour seal
could be limited by ambient noise rather than by its own hearing sensibility in the frequency
range between approximately 100 Hz and approximately 1 kHz.
Figure 4.64 Audiogram of harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) /189/ /209/ /210/ /211/.
Vision
Seals have good vision, both in air and water, with variation from species to species in terms of
the degree to which the eyes are adapted to water. The lens is adapted to underwater vision,
and focusing in air is believed to be possible due to the slit-formed pupil (when contracted),
which results in a large depth of focus /212/. As for all other pinnipeds (and cetaceans), the
harbour seal is considered to be functionally colour blind /192/. They have very few cones in the
retina, and all of these are of the same (blue) type /213/.
The sensitivity of the eyes is high, enhanced by the presence of a tapetum lucidum behind the
retina, and seals are probably able to orient visually even at great depth /214/.

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Touch/vibration
Seals have very well-developed whiskers (vibrissae), and the follicles are highly vascularised
and have a large number of attached sensory nerves /215/. Behavioural experiments have
shown that the whiskers of seals are extraordinarily sensitive to particle movement in water
/216/. It is within practical possibilities that seals can detect the vortices and eddies left behind in
the wake of a swimming fish, even several minutes after the fish has passed /217/.
It can thus be conjectured that in terms of locating prey, whiskers play as large a role as the
eyes, if not larger. This is especially true at great depth, at night and when visibility in general is
low.
Electro- and magnetoreception

In parallel with harbour porpoises and other cetaceans, there is no evidence of seals being
capable of electroreception or magnetoreception. However, as for porpoises, the possibility of
magnetoreception in particular should not be dismissed.
Disturbance and threats

Threats to the Baltic Sea population of harbour seals include reduction of food supply,
disturbance at reproduction sites, fishermen by-catches and pollution, which can effect
hormonal balance and impair the immune system /218/.
Harbour seals on land react to boats by moving into the water when a boat is 50-500 m from a
haul-out. The disturbance distance depends on the area. In some areas, seals become
accustomed to regular traffic and also seem to develop tolerance to noise /196/. The effect of
disturbances on seals was investigated during construction and operation of a large wind farm
near Rødsand in Denmark. Only the ramming of sheet piles at one of the wind turbine
foundations caused a measurable effect on the seals on land /196/. Very little is known about
the effect of noise and disturbance on harbour seals that are underwater.
Protection
Harbour seals are protected under the EU Habitats Directive and the Convention for the
Protection of Migratory Species (Bonn Convention).
4.5.4.3 Grey seal
There are three separate populations of grey seal in the world. One of them is the Baltic grey
seal, which is found in the northern Baltic Proper, the Bothnian Sea and the Gulf of Finland.
Grey seals in the Baltic Sea

The grey seal is the most abundant seal species in the Baltic. About 100 years ago, the grey
seal population was comprised of 80,000-100,000 individuals, while in the 1970s it declined to
about 4,000. Abundance based on photo identification in 2000 revealed an estimated 15,600
individuals, while an aerial survey in 2004 found 17,640 grey seals on land /219/. With an
annual population increase of 7.5% and a correction for seals in the water, it is believed that the
total population in the Baltic in 2004 was almost 21,000 /219/.

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As shown on Figure 4.65, it appears that the grey seal regularly appears along the planned
pipeline route in Danish waters. On the figure a colony is marked at Ertholmene. Although this
colony is not yet established, 8-10 seals were observed on a regular basis during April-June
2008. Sightings were much more sporadic in previous years. It is hoped that this indicates that
the grey seal will re-establish a former colony at Ertholmene.
Most of the Baltic grey seals are distributed from the northernmost part of the Bothnian Bay to
the southwest waters of the Baltic Proper during May and June. The distribution from late
summer to spring is not well-known. Generally, during the breeding period, the seals dwell on
drift ice in the Gulf of Riga, the Gulf of Finland, the northern Baltic Proper and the Gulf of
Bothnia; otherwise, on the ice of the Bothnian Bay or on the rocks in the north-western Baltic.
Grey seals move over long distances in the Baltic Sea. Five of the six satellite-tagged grey seals
moved from Rødsand in Denmark far into the Baltic Proper. One grey seal that was observed
with a pup in Estonia returned to Rødsand a month later. This indicates seasonal migrations that
are closely related to the requirements of feeding and suitable breeding habitats /198/. Typically,
however, grey seals feed more locally, foraging just offshore and adopting a regular pattern of
travelling between local feeding sites and preferred haul-outs /220/.

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Figure 4.65 The general distribution of the grey seal in the Baltic Sea. From Atlas Map MA-4.
The colony at Ertholmene has been abandoned for many years, but a group of
seals (no pups) was observed recently, and it is hoped that grey seals will return
permanently and re-establish a colony.
Behaviour and reproduction

Grey seals feed in cold, open waters and breed in a variety of habitats where disturbance is
minimal, such as rocky shores, sandbars, ice floes and islands. Mating takes place between
April and June on land, on ice or in the water. Birthing takes place on pack ice between
February and March. Some seals, however, also pup on uninhabited islets, most notably in
Estonia and in the Stockholm Archipelago.

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Grey seals are gregarious and gather for breeding, moulting and hauling out. They primarily
haul out in coastal areas – in winter on drift ice close to open water and during summer
preferably on uninhabited islands, outer islets and rocks. During the moulting period, they dwell
on rocks and islets and sometimes on the last drift ice in the Bothnian Bay. Studies have shown
that grey seals are very individualistic and that preferred prey, haul-out sites and feeding
locations and techniques differ greatly between individuals. Grey seals often share their
territories with the harbour seal in areas where both species live. This is the case at Falsterbo
and Rødsand, the southernmost areas for grey seals in the Baltic. A few pups are born at these
locations every year /196/.
Feeding
Grey seals dive alone or in small groups and feed on many species of fish. Throughout the
Baltic Sea the main prey is herring. In the Baltic Proper, common white, cyprinids, flounder and
sprat are also important, while a series of other species, covering most fish living in the Baltic,
contribute in lesser amounts /221/.
Hearing, vision, touch/vibration and electro- and magnetoreception

The senses of grey seals have not been studied in detail but they are not believed to deviate
significantly from the general information about other true seals. Therefore, the section on the
senses of harbour seals above applies for grey seals as well.
Disturbance and threats

Seal populations can be disturbed by tourism, commercial fishing and mining activities, although
little is known about responses to human presence, underwater noise and airborne noise. The
grey seal populations in the Baltic Sea are vulnerable to the effects of disturbance by ice-
breaking activities, with a possible impact on breeding success. The Baltic Sea is relatively
polluted, and fertility rates of seals in the Baltic are low. Grey seals show a high incidence of
reproductive abnormalities and sterility. The abnormalities could be the result of the effect of
PCB, DDT or perhaps organochlorines, as high levels of these have been recorded.
Protection
The grey seal is a protected species listed in Appendix II and Appendix V of the EC Habitats
Directive and Appendix III of the Bern Convention. The Baltic population of the grey seal is also
listed as endangered by the World Conservation Union (IUCN).
4.5.5 Birds
This section describes birdlife along the proposed Nord Stream pipeline route within Danish
waters by providing:
• A general overview of seabirds in the Baltic Sea and key species in the Important Bird
Areas (IBAs) in the project area, including the most important seasons of stay, the
distances between the IBAs and the pipeline route, and trends in breeding pairs since 2003
• A presentation of results from three field surveys
• A description of general threats to seabirds in the Baltic Sea

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The data used is based on existing literature and on results from dedicated surveys carried out
along the pipeline route.
4.5.5.1 Baltic seabirds

In the Baltic Sea, there are many highly important staging areas for seabirds. Seabirds comprise
pelagic species such as gulls (Laridae) and auks (Alcidae) as well as benthic feeding species
such as dabbling ducks, sea ducks, mergansers (Anatidae) and coots (Rallidae) /47/. By
numbers, the Baltic Sea is more important to seabirds for wintering (approximately 10 million)
than for breeding (approximately 0.5 million). The offshore banks are habitats for species of
diving ducks and auks.
The Baltic Sea is an important migration route, especially for waterfowl, geese and waders
nesting in the Arctic tundra. Every spring, these birds move northwards en masse along the
Baltic Sea coasts to their nesting grounds. Some of the birds rest along the coast during their
migration.
An important feature of the distribution of the 10 million wintering seabirds in the Baltic Sea in
relation to the planned pipelines is the association of the bird fauna with shallower areas (< 30
m). This feature is especially characteristic for benthic-feeding species, which comprise at least
75% of the Baltic winter bird fauna /222/. The more open and deeper parts of the Baltic Sea,
where the majority of the pipelines will be located, are generally used by pelagic-feeding
species, such as razorbill (Alca torda), guillemot (Uria aalge), herring gull (Larus argentatus),
mew gull (Larus canus) and great black-backed gull (Larus marinus).
The distribution of seabirds in the shallower areas is not uniform. In general, the lower sub-
littoral, the offshore banks and the lagoons are most important to wintering seabirds, while the
deeper part of the littoral zone is less important. Proximity to human activities in shipping lanes
and harbours also affects the distribution of seabirds in shallow areas.
4.5.5.2 Important Bird Areas

The designation of IBAs has been a particularly effective way to identify conservation priorities.
IBAs are key sites for conservation and they are sufficiently small in order to be conserved in
their entirety. To be designated an IBA, an area must meet one or more of the following criteria:
• Hold significant numbers of one or more globally threatened or restricted-range species

• Hold biome-restricted assemblages of birds
• Regularly hold >1 % of the flyway population of one or more congregatory seabird species
A site is recognised as an IBA only if it meets at least one of these criteria, which are based on
the occurrence of key bird species that are vulnerable to global extinction or whose populations
are otherwise irreplaceable. An IBA must be amenable to conservation action and management.
The IBA criteria are internationally recognised, standardised, quantitative and scientifically
defensible. Ideally, each IBA should be large enough to support self-sustaining populations of as
many of the key bird species for which it was designated as possible or, in the case of migrant

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species, fulfil migrant species’ requirements for the duration of their presence. By definition, an
IBA is an internationally agreed priority for conservation action.
In Europe, the criteria take into account the requirements of regional conservation treaties, such
as the Bern Convention (the Emerald Network), the Helsinki Convention, the Barcelona
Convention, as well as the Birds Directive of the European Union. Consequently, IBAs are often
already included in a protected area network, such as the Natura 2000 network.
Figure 4.66 and Atlas Map BI-4 show IBAs in the Baltic Sea, and Table 4.23 lists Danish IBAs in
the vicinity of the project area, including key bird species, season of stay and distance from the
pipelines /223/ /224/.
Figure 4.66 Important Bird Areas in the Baltic Sea. From Atlas Map BI-4.

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Table 4.23 The Danish IBA “Ertholmene” in the vicinity of the project area, including key bird
species, season of stay and distance from pipelines.
No. Important Species Season Status according Distance
Bird Area to the Danish from
Red List pipelines
DK079 Ertholmene Common eider
east of (Somateria mollissima) B LC
Bornholm 11.2 km
Guillemot (Uria aalge) R, W NT
Razorbill (Alca torda) R, W NT
Season: B (breeding visitor); R (breeding resident); W (winter visitor)
Red list: LC (least concern = not threatened); NT (near threatened)
Table 4.24 shows the number of breeding pairs of important bird species at Ertholmene since
2003. The number of breeding common eider has declined significantly, whereas the number of
breeding guillemot and razorbill has increased.
Table 4.24 Number of breeding pairs of important bird species at Ertholmene /225/.
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Common eider 2255 2040 1645 1710 1660 1060
Guillemot 2500 2500 2600 2600 2600 2700
Razorbill 775 860 895 965 910* 1000
* Strong winds from the north-east and a storm from the west washed away some nests before they were counted.
Since most seabirds are present in the areas for only part of the year, a more general view of
their spatial and temporal distribution is presented in Atlas Maps BI-1, BI-2 and BI-3.
Figure 4.67 shows the location and extent of areas of international importance for wintering sea
birds in the Baltic Sea selected on the basis of the so-called Marine Classification Criterion
(MCC) /226/. Based on Figure 4.66 and Figure 4.67, it can be seen that the most important bird
areas in Danish waters are the IBA Ertholmene northeast of Bornholm and Rønne Bank
southwest of Bornholm. Both are in the vicinity of the pipeline route.

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Figure 4.67 Areas of international importance for wintering seabirds (Marine Classification
Criterion). The colours yellow, orange and red refer to a priority ranking based on
the sum of proportions of total populations of seabirds supported. Yellow = < 10;
orange = 10-49,9; red = > 50 /226/ (red areas are most important).
4.5.5.3 Field studies

Two field studies have been conducted at the two potentially critical areas in the vicinity of the
planned pipeline route in Danish waters, namely at Ertholmene (summer) and at the western
edge of the Bornholm Basin between the Rønne Bank in the north and the northern slope of the
Oder Bank in the south (summer and winter). In addition to these two surveys, part of a national
survey of wintering seabirds in Danish waters is included in the baseline to identify the
distribution of important bird species at Ertholmene and Rønne Bank during the winter.
These three investigations are presented in /13/, /227/ and /12/, respectively, and summarised
below.
Ertholmene – summer /13/

The study was designed using ship-based line transect methodology to determine the mean
location of the main feeding area of the two target species for the site – razorbill and guillemot –

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during the breeding season. GPS-loggers has documented that the two species feed a short
distance (< 20 km) from their colonies on Ertholmene and that they typically leave their colonies
to feed in a north-easterly direction /228/. Thus, the study focused on this sector. Both razorbills
and guillemots are central foragers, meaning that adult birds from one colony typically feed in
one preferred site. Hence, a relatively limited number of surveys should be sufficient to identify
the main trends in the spatial use of the area by feeding birds.
Table 4.25 lists the date, time, duration and length of the seven surveys, and Figure 4.68 shows
the geographical distribution of the survey transects.
Table 4.25 Date, time, duration and length of seven survey transects.
Survey No. Date Start time End time Duration Length
1 17 May 0340 1430 10hr 50min 187 km
2 2 June 0332 1632 13hr 10min 243 km
3 8 June 0334 1412 10hr 38min 204 km
4 25 June 0318 1458 11hr 40min 202 km
5 5 July 0505 1655 11hr 50min 218 km
6 23 July 0314 1430 11hr 16min 209 km
7 31 July 0422 1424 10hr 2min 147 km
Total - - - 79hr 26min 1.410 km
Figure 4.68 Survey transects obtained during the seven surveys (see Table 4.25). Transect 1
= black dotted line; transect 2 = blue dotted line; transect 3 = black; transect 4 =
light green; transect 5 = blue; transect 6 = yellow; transect 7 = red.

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Razorbill (Alca torda)
Ninety-nine percent of all auks observed in the transects were identified to species, and of
these, 15% were razorbills. In all surveys, razorbills were less common than guillemots. During
the two surveys in the post-fledgling period in late July, no adult-juvenile groups were observed.
No immature birds were identified. Birds were observed over a wide area around Ertholmene,
but mainly along a southwest-northeast axis with scattered observations at the periphery of the
survey area off the eastern coast of Bornholm and more than 30 km northeast of Ertholmene. A
well-defined high-density area could be established 2-8 km northeast of Ertholmene (see Figure
4.69). The average density of razorbills in this area was around 10 birds per square kilometre.
This high-density area is well over 10 km from the pipeline route. Observations of birds’ flight
patterns did not reveal any specific flight corridors through the study area.
A spatial continuity model of the mean density of sitting and potentially foraging razorbills during
the seven surveys is presented in Figure 4.69.
Figure 4.69 Spatial continuity model of the mean density of sitting and potentially foraging
razorbills during the seven surveys. The pipeline route is indicated by a solid line.

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Guillemot (Uria aalge)
Eighty-five percent of all auks identified to species were guillemots. Guillemots were more
abundant than razorbills in all surveys. Throughout the two surveys in the post-fledgling period
in late July, only one adult-juvenile pair was observed. No immature were identified. Most
guillemots were observed over a wide area around Ertholmene in the same coherent zone as
razorbills, stretching across a south-west/north-east axis from the eastern coast of Bornholm to
more than 30 km north-east of Erholmene. The high-density area of guillemots was larger than
that of razorbills, stretching from 4 km southwest to 12 km northeast of the colony (see Figure
4.70). The average density of guillemots in this area was around 20 birds per square kilometre.
This high-density area is well over 5 km from the pipeline route. Observations of birds’ flight
patterns did not reveal any specific flight corridors through the study area.
A spatial continuity model of the mean density of sitting and potentially foraging guillemots
during the seven surveys is presented in Figure 4.70.
Figure 4.70 Spatial continuity model of the mean density of sitting and potentially foraging
guillemots during the seven surveys. The pipeline route is indicated by a solid
line.

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Common eider (Somateria mollissima)
Common eider were not included in this survey because they are not included in the designation
of Ertholmene as a Natura 2000 area (see Section 4.3.1.1, Table 4.6). Furthermore, their status
on the Danish Red List is ‘least concern’, meaning they are not threatened (see Table 4.23).
Common eider are primarily located close to Ertholmene because they feed mainly in shallow
waters with depths less than 15 m /222/. Therefore, they feed at a considerable distance from
the pipeline route. Common eider usually feed on molluscs, especially blue mussels (Mytilus
edulis), but they also feed on fish, starfish and crustaceans.
The recent decline in the number of common eider at Ertholmene could indicate that the
population in the area will disappear in time. If the decline continues at its current pace, the
common eider population will be gone from Ertholmene within 40 years /229/.
One reason for the recent decline is likely due to climate change. Due to warmer winters, blue
mussels, which are the main food source for the common eider, contain a lower quantity of
energy. In addition, the abundance of Gammarus spp., the most important food source of eider
ducklings, has declined due to warm winters. Overfishing of mussels has also contributed to the
decline in food abundance. The recent decline in the common eider population has been further
exacerbated by poor egg quality; 20% of the eggs laid in 2008 were barren /229/.
Declining common eider populations have been observed in Sweden and Finland as well. For
example, the Gotland population declined from 7,000 females in 2007 to 2,100 in 2008 /229/.
In Denmark, the species breeds mainly in the inner waters, but it is also common in the Wadden
Sea. The most important breeding location is at Saltholm in the Sound, which holds up to 25%
of the Danish breeding population /229/.
Discussion
Throughout the summer period, the auk community offshore at Ertholmene was dominated by
guillemots (85%), which corresponds well with the proportion of the two species (guillemots and
razorbills) in the colony at Ertholmene. The colony of auks on Ertholmene is comprised of
approximately 1,000 pairs of razorbills and 2,700 pairs of guillemots /225/. It is therefore likely
that most birds in the offshore areas surveyed at Ertholmene were from the local breeding
population and not recruited from the large colonies of both species at Karlsöerne in Sweden.
Surveys during the post-fledgling period revealed very few birds and only one adult-juvenile pair,
indicating low use of the survey area during this period, or very low breeding success. It must be
expected that the main moulting and post-fledgling areas for both species are offshore and
outside the study area. The absence of immature birds indicates that they may use other
offshore areas during the breeding season.
The entire feeding zone was quite wide for both species, extending to the coast of Bornholm to
the southwest and outside the study area to the northeast. The primary feeding areas of both
species were well-established and showed substantial overlap to the northeast of the colony. As

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patterns of flying birds did not reveal the existence of any potential flight corridors passing
through the study area, the birds most likely did not use other feeding areas in 2008. The high-
density areas were rather small for razorbills (radius 6 km) and large for guillemots (radius 20
km). The average density of guillemots in the core area was higher than for razorbills. These
results correspond well with the results of the GPS-loggers study undertaken in 2000 /228/,
although this study revealed that guillemots also use the area just to the southwest of
Ertholmene intensely.
Sprat (Sprattus sprattus) is the primary food source of razorbills and guillemots at Ertholmene,
and young birds also feed on sprat /230/. Any impact on sprat beyond 5 km from the pipeline
route may affect the available food supply and hence affect the condition of these bird species.
Common eider are primarily located close to Ertholmene because they usually feed in shallow
waters at depths less than 15 m /222/. Common eider mostly feed on molluscs, especially blue
mussels. Any impact on blue mussels could affect the population of common eider at
Ertholmene.
Ertholmene and Rønne Bank - winter /227/

From 3 January to 29 February 2004, a national inventory of wintering seabirds in Danish
waters was performed. The vast majority of the inner Danish waters were covered using aerial
surveys. The aim of the inventory was to gather information about the number and distribution of
wintering seabirds in Denmark, analogous to inventories carried out in 1969-1973, 1987-1992
and 2000. The achieved data are used to monitor and report seabird abundances within the
Danish EU Bird Directive SPAs (Special Protection Areas, designated according to the EU Bird
Protection Directive) /227/.
Arial surveys were performed either as ’total counts‘, during which observers count all seabirds
present within a defined survey area, or as ’line transect counts‘, in which survey areas are
sampled along pre-defined parallel transect lines using the line transect survey technique.
Based on the sampled data, the number and distribution of selected species can be modelled.
The total count method was used in areas with a complex coastline and high seabird density
and species richness, whereas more offshore areas were covered using the line transect
method /227/.
Figure 4.71 shows the aerial coverage of the survey around Bornholm in January-February
2004.
During this survey, the only bird occurrences relevant to the pipeline route in Danish waters
were:
• Guillemot (U.aalge) and razorbill (A.torda) (which were counted as one species)
• Common eider (S.mollissima) (which are primarily present during the breeding season and
hence not in winter)
• Long-tailed duck (Clangula hyemalis)

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Figure 4.71 Aerial coverage of the relevant Danish waters during mid-winter surveys in
January-February 2004. Lines indicate areas in which the line transect survey
method was used, while red indicates areas in which the total count method was
used /227/.
Razorbill (A.torda) and guillemot (U.aalge)
Figure 4.72 shows the number and distribution of razorbill and guillemot during mid-winter
surveys in January-February 2004. The two species where counted as one (auks). Around
Ertholmene, a concentration of 600 auks was recorded /227/.

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Figure 4.72 Number and distribution of guillemot (U.aalge) and razorbill (A.torda) during mid-
winter surveys in January-February 2004 /227/.
Common eider (S.mollissima)
As Table 4.23 shows, common eider are present at Ertholmene only during their breeding
season, which explains the low number during the winter survey (see Figure 4.73).
Figure 4.73 Number and distribution of common eider (S.mollissima) during mid-winter
surveys in January-February 2004 /227/.

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Long-tailed duck (C.hyemalis)
In Danish waters, a total number of 47,339 long-tailed duck was estimated. The highest density
was observed south-west of Bornholm at Rønne Bank, which is part of the IBA Pomeranian
Bay. Figure 4.74 shows the number and distribution of long-tailed duck during surveys in
January-February 2004.
The majority of long-tailed duck winter offshore in waters with depths of 10-35 m. Long-tailed
duck mainly feed on molluscs, crustaceans, fish eggs and fish larvae /222/.
Figure 4.74 Number and distribution of long-tailed duck (C.hyemalis) during mid-winter
surveys in January-February 2004 /227/.
The western edge of the Bornholm Basin between Rønne Bank and Oder Bank - summer
and winter /12/.
The study area was situated in the Danish EEZ at the western edge of the Bornholm Basin
between Rønne Bank in the north and the northern slope of Oder Bank in the south (see Figure
4.75).

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Figure 4.75 Study area /12/.
Birds at sea were counted in transects from ships or aircraft. Based on the seasonal advantages
of each method, ship-based surveys were conducted in winter (February and March) and aerial
surveys in July and August.
Winter numbers (ship-based surveys)
Bird species density and estimated total number in the study area are summarised in Table
4.26.
Table 4.26 Results of ship-based surveys in winter 2007.

Species 6-7 February 2007 3-4 March 2007
Density Estimated Density Estimated
birds/km2 total birds/km2 total
number number
Long-tailed duck (Clangula hyemalis) 25.9 16,376 10.8 6,823
Velvet scoter (Melanitta fusca) 0.37 234 3.5 2,227
Common scoter (Melanitta nigra) 0.0 0 0.0 0
Divers (Gavia arctica / stellata) 0.06 39 0.22 140
Razorbill (Alca torda) 0.0 0 0.0 0
Guillemot (Uria aalge) 0.44 281 0.06 37
High densities of long-tailed ducks were observed only in the shallow parts of Rønne Bank at
< 20 m water depth. Lower densities were observed on the adjacent slopes (see Figure 4.76).
Numbers in March were much lower than in February, indicating an early start of spring
migration.

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Figure 4.76 Density of long-tailed ducks recorded during ship-based surveys in winter 2007
/12/.
Average density of velvet scoters was low, and most birds were recorded at medium water
depths (20-50 m) in the middle of the study area (see Figure 4.77). A strong increase in number
from February to March indicates the beginning of spring migration.
Figure 4.77 Density of velvet scoters recorded during ship-based surveys in winter 2007 /12/.

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Divers were rarely observed in the study area, despite high densities observed in German
coastal waters in March59. In addition to birds recorded swimming in the transect, flying birds
were recorded in all parts of the study area (see Figure 4.78). These birds either had been
swimming outside the transect or were observed during migration. They were thus not available
for density estimation but confirm that approximately half the study area can be utilised by divers
in spring.
Figure 4.78 Density of divers recorded during ship-based surveys in winter 2007 /12/.
Winter numbers of guillemots were low and not sufficient to reflect a preference for certain parts
of the study area (see Figure 4.79).
59
IFAÖ data

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Figure 4.79 Density of guillemots recorded during ship-based surveys in winter 2007 /12/.
Summer numbers (aerial surveys)
Common scoter and guillemot were the only species present during the July and August
surveys. Two common scoters were detected on 19 July 2006 in a single grid cell, and no birds
were present on 10 September 2006. The July observation may be regarded as a case of
migration through the study area. Table 4.27 shows the results of aerial surveys in summer
2006.
Table 4.27 Results of aerial surveys in summer 2006.

19 July 2006 10 September 2006
Species Density Estimated Density Estimated
birds/km2 total birds/km2 total
number number
Guillemot (Uria aalge) 3.06 2428 0.91 723
Figure 4.80 shows the distribution of guillemots recorded during aerial surveys in summer 2006.

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Figure 4.80 Density of guillemots recorded during aerial surveys in summer 2006 /12/.
Discussion
During the survey period, neither species exceeded the 1% threshold of the respective flyway
population in the Danish EEZ waters covered in this report. The total number of birds did not
reach the level of 20,000 birds in February, when the highest densities were recorded. The
study area, therefore, is only of medium importance for staging seaducks and divers. The
relatively deep waters in the study area explain the low density of several seabird species
compared with the important staging areas on the Rønne Bank and the Oder Bank /222/.
In summer, the study area has a high importance for adult-chick associations of guillemot and
possibly also razorbill from the colony at Ertholmene.
4.5.5.4 Threats to Baltic seabirds

The recent decreases in numbers of several species of Baltic seabirds are caused by:
• Decreasing extent of suitable biotopes (especially coastal meadows) due to human activity
• Increased disturbance due to boating and other recreational activities
• Decrease in the extent of macroscopic shallow-water vegetation due to eutrophication
• Increased predation by red fox (Vulpes vulpes), American mink (Mustela vison), raccoon
dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), great black-backed gull (Larus marinus) and herring gull
(Larus argentatus)
Many coastal zones of the Baltic Sea have been developed to the extent that most natural
habitats have been destroyed. Protected areas are often the only places where breeding
seabirds as well as coastal birds can still reproduce, although indirect effects, such as predation
pressure, can be very intense. Herring gulls and mew gulls seem to circumvent the problem of
lack of natural breeding habitats by founding new colonies on buildings with flat roofs, this is

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particularly the case in the much-exploited western part of Germany /231/ /232/. For most other
breeding species, however, the population decreases in accordance with the disappearance of
suitable breeding habitats.
Hunting on seabirds is still practised in Denmark on a large scale. For example, an estimated
77,400 common eider were killed by hunters in the season 2001-2002 in Denmark alone. The
values for other sea ducks are smaller: for example, common scoter, 2,800; long-tailed duck,
1,600; goldeneye, 17,100; and red-breasted merganser, 2,500 /233/.
The impact on seabird populations due to the use of passive fishing gear throughout the Baltic
Sea is currently unknown. It is known that by-catches of many bird species occur throughout the
region, but the size and importance have not been assessed. The numerical effects of such
activities vary with the type of gear used and the temporal and spatial overlap between fishery
activities and seabird distribution and abundance. The impacts at the population level vary
according to the demographic patterns and the populations concerned: long-lived species with
low reproductive rates suffer greater effects on overall abundance than short-lived species with
high reproductive potential. A well-documented example is the study of common guillemots
ringed in Sweden. By-catches of this species appear to be the single most serious threat to the
population, and the proportion of recoveries of ringed birds in fishing gear, compared with other
finding circumstances, has significantly increased over a 28-year period /234/. Fifty percent of
guillemots found dead were caught in fishing nets, most notably in drift gillnets for salmon and
set gillnets for cod.
The observed increased use of cod gillnets in the Baltic Sea may have contributed to the
observed decrease in the survival rate of adult guillemot /234/. As another well-documented
example, about 16,000 long-tailed ducks and velvet scoters are killed annually in the set-net
fishery for flatfish and cod in the Gulf of Gdansk, representing 10%–20% of their local wintering
populations.
Fishing activities also affect the seabird community through the discarding of unwanted catch
and fish offal. This influences the population structure, as bird species particularly associated
with scavenging, such as the larger gulls, may profit and thus increase in number, whereas
diving species may decrease.
Scavenging is a widespread phenomenon in the Baltic Sea as in other shelf areas of Europe,
but the number of bird species involved is generally lower and strongly biased towards gulls,
especially herring gulls /235/. Herring gulls were clearly the most numerous scavenging species
in all areas and all seasons studied, followed by great black-backed gulls, lesser black-backed
gulls and mew gulls. High percentages of discarded gadids (cod, whiting), clupeids (herring,
sprat), scad, rockling and offal were consumed by seabirds during experimental discarding on
fishing boats, whereas percentages of flatfish consumed were extremely low. By combining
official discard and offal statistics and experimental discarding, it is estimated that 6,500 tonnes
of fish discards and 16,000 tonnes of offal were consumed annually by seabirds in the Baltic
Sea. The proportion of discards in herring gull pellets was on average 1.6% (range: 0%–4.5%)
and 17.5% (range: 9.4%–25.5%), respectively, at two study sites in the south-western Baltic
Sea /235/. Even if these percentages are not extremely high, it seems likely that herring gulls in

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particular but also great black-backed gulls in winter and lesser black-backed gulls in summer
should have benefited from this surplus food.
Predation by mammalian ground predators is one of the main reasons for declines in breeding
gulls and terns (as well as shorebirds) along the Baltic Sea coasts. Different predators include
native (e.g., red fox) as well as introduced (e.g., American mink) species. Mew gulls in
Schleswig-Holstein (northern Germany) suffer from repeated breeding failure due to intense
predation from red foxes /231/. Further east along the German Baltic Sea coast, foxes and other
mammals have caused severe reduction in breeding success and breeding populations of many
coastal species /236/.
Large-scale losses of breeding habitats, such as small islands that are almost inaccessible to
predators, have strongly enhanced predation pressure on the remaining breeding colonies.
These colonies are usually easily accessible to predators /231/. After the experimental removal
of minks from islands in south-western Finland, some bird species returned to their former
breeding sites /237/. However, removal of native species is a much larger issue, at least for
most of the southern Baltic Sea coast /232/.
Winter weather conditions have a substantial influence on distribution and number of seabirds
along the coast as well as in offshore areas /232/ /238/ /239/. Species with relatively restricted
habitat selection, especially those living in shallow waters (e.g., common goldeneye and
Steller's eider), respond to cold winters and thus ice formation much more quickly than species
exhibiting a more flexible habitat selection, such as velvet scoter and long-tailed ducks /240/.
The climatic trend is thus of major importance for explaining trends in wintering birds in the
Baltic Sea. Unfortunately, few large-scale surveys have been conducted in offshore areas in
cold winters, to the extent that changes outside the coastal areas remain partly speculative.
4.5.6 Non-indigenous species

The Baltic Sea is a problematic area regarding bio-invasions. Being both a recipient, transit and
donor area of non-indigenous species (NIS), it has become an important node in a global
network of NIS transfers during recent decades, thereby facilitating the process of
homogenisation of the world’s aquatic fauna and flora /241/.
Generally, the alien fauna and flora are well-known in the Baltic Sea area. More than 105 NIS
have been recorded in the brackish waters of the Baltic Sea /242/ (see Figure 4.81).
The Baltic Sea Alien Species Database lists 120 species in estuarine and brackish waters.
According to the database, some 77 species have established reproducing and thereby self-
sustaining populations, and 40 of these species were introduced by ship traffic /243/ /244/. NIS
have arrived from all over the world, the majority originating in North American waters and the
Black Sea. Shipping is the predominant vector of species introduction, and maritime traffic is
increasing in the Baltic Sea. Therefore, the likelihood of repeated species introduction is
increasing. More than two-thirds of the introductions of recent non-native species in marine and
coastal areas are likely to be ship-borne. However, species are also intentionally introduced
e.g., for aquaculture and stocking purposes. The most common ways invasive species are
introduced to the Baltic Sea are described in Table 4.28.

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Figure 4.81 Cumulative number of first records of non-indigenous species (NIS) in the Baltic
Sea (105 NIS, based on Baltic Sea Alien Species Database, 2005) and the share
of ship-mediated introductions since the early 1800s /243/.
In the Baltic Sea, the number of NIS is lowest in the northernmost areas and highest in the
lagoons in the southern parts, as well as in the Kattegat.
Table 4.28 Most common ways invasive species are introduced in the Baltic Sea.
Most common ways invasive species are introduced in the Baltic Sea
Ballast water Ballast water is carried by ships to provide stability and adjust a vessel's trim
for optimal steering and propulsion. The use of ballast water varies among
vessel types and with cargo and sea conditions. Ballast water often originates
from ports and other coastal regions that host rich planktonic assemblages.
As part of normal ship operations, ballast water can be discharged in ports,
along coastlines and at sea, resulting in a diverse mix of organisms that is
transported and released around the world.
Ballast water appears to be the most important vector for marine-species
transfer throughout the world.
Hull-fouling Organisms such as barnacles, mussels, sponges, algae and sea squirts
attach themselves to the hulls of ships, fouling them. These organisms then
‘hitch a ride’ from one port to the next, thus entering new bioregions.
Invasions can occur when fouling organisms come in contact with structures
in a new port or release their larvae into its waters. Under the right conditions,
these invaders may establish themselves in the new port and spread to
nearby areas within that bioregion.
Historically, hull-fouling was considered a primary vector for transporting

species. However, the modern use of metal hulls and anti-fouling paints, as
well as decreased port residency times and faster ship speeds, have reduced
hull-fouling. Although these advances help decrease the importance of this
vector, an increase in shipping may counteract the benefits.
Intentional Different fish species are imported to an area because of commercial interest.
introduction These may originally be stocked in ‘nets’ in different maricultures (or
aquacultures in the case of freshwater species) but escape to the

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Most common ways invasive species are introduced in the Baltic Sea
surroundings when provided the chance. One example of a fish species
introduced to the Baltic Sea is the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss),
which was introduced in the late eighteenth century.
The ecological impacts of non-indigenous species are very diverse. Some are positive, but most
are regarded as negative.
Competition between non-indigenous species and local species can lead to negative impacts,
such as declining abundance or extinction of local species. Other impacts include altering of
habitat; production of toxins (e.g., from algal blooms); as well as hybridisation with or increased
predation on local species /245/ /246/. Some introduced species host parasites or carry
diseases. For example, the eel Anguilla japonica, which was imported from Southeast Asia for
aquacultural purposes, led to the introduction of the eel swim bladder nematode (Anguilicola
crassus) to the population of the native Baltic eel (Anguilla anguilla) /127/. The native population
is less resistant to attacks of the nematode than the original host.
The economic impacts of non-indigenous species may involve impacts on human health, on
fishery and on tourism and fouling on manmade constructions. The bay barnacle Balanus
improvisus and the zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha, for instance, are species that grow on
boats (hull-fouling), bridges, fish farms, cooling water intakes and other underwater structures.
Positive impacts include increased biodiversity; new habitats and substrates (e.g., mussels);
increased food sources for local species; more efficient bioturbation, which results in improved
oxygen conditions at the seabed; and improved water quality due to the introduction of filtering
organisms /247/. Some non-indigenous species, such as the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus
mykiss) and the signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus), even have an economic value.
Some non-indigenous species have become very successful, with the North American spionid
polychaete Marenzelleria viridis (see Figure 4.82) as arguably the most striking example in the
soft-sediment system. This species was reported in the Baltic Sea for the first time in 1985 and
has spread rapidly. Today, it dominates many soft-bottom communities, where it dwells in
burrows down to 30 cm deep in the sediment. Field experiments combining natural densities of
native macrofauna and the introduced polychaete show that the effects of M. viridis on the
sublittoral community ecology are many and diverse. The presence of M. viridis increases
benthic production but reduces the growth and survival of the native polychaete Nereis
diversicolor and the native amphipods Monoporeia affinis and Corophium volutator. This effect
decreased with the increasing density of adult specimens of the bivalve Macoma balthica.
Competitive interactions between M.viridis and M.balthica appear to be a key factor in limiting
the distribution of M.viridis in the northern Baltic Sea. Competitive superiority of the bivalve
M.balthica over the polychaete M.viridis is likely due to the more efficient feeding regimen of the
bivalve /248/.
Other examples of invasive species in the Baltic Sea include the American comb jelly
Mnemiopsis leidyi (see Figure 4.82), which was recorded off the western coast of Sweden in the

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Kattegat region in the southern Baltic Sea for the first time in autumn 2006. In August 2007, the
species was also found in the northern Baltic Sea. The American comb jelly is a free-swimming,
planktonic organism belonging to comb jellies (Ctenophora). It resembles a jellyfish but is not
related. M.leidyi originates from the eastern coasts of North and South America, where it is very
abundant in estuaries and along the coast. It lives in the surface waters and can tolerate a wide
range of salinities, temperatures and other environmental conditions /249/.
M.leidyi has a jelly-like, walnut-shaped body. It is almost colourless and transparent, with four
rows of ciliated combs running along the body. It glows green when disturbed at night and can
grow to more than 10 cm in length /249/.
M.leidyi is a self-fertilising, simultaneous hermaphrodite, which means that in theory, one

individual is capable of establishing a new population. Therefore, under suitable environmental
conditions reproduction is very effective. One individual produces on average 3,000 eggs/day if
food is available and the temperature is approximately 25ºC. Under these conditions, comb
jellies increase rapidly in number and form so-called blooms, usually in late summer and
autumn. M.leidyi is an actively hunting carnivore, consuming zooplankton, fish eggs and larvae.
In the Black Sea, it has caused a dramatic decrease in the anchovy fisheries by consuming fish
eggs and larvae as well as zooplankton utilised by fish as food /249/.
Figure 4.82 The polychaete Marenzelleria viridis (left). The comb jelly Mnemiopsis leidyi (right,
length up to 10 cm). Photo by Jan-Erik Bruun, FIMR.
The predatory Ponto-Caspian water flea Cercopagis pengoi, which has successfully moved into
major parts of the Baltic Sea in fewer than 10 years, is yet another example of a non-indigenous
species in the Baltic Sea. C.pengoi is a potential competitor with young stages of planktivorous
fish for herbivorous zooplankton. Several lines of evidence indicate that C.pengoi may affect
resident zooplankton communities by selective predation. Such changes may result in
decreased grazing pressure on phytoplankton and enhanced algal blooms. It is, however,
difficult to study food competition between small fish and C.pengoi because of the lack of
feeding studies on the latter. On the other hand, zooplanktivorous fish have been reported to
prey on C.pengoi, implying that it has become a new food source, particularly for larger fish.

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Moreover, this large cladoceran tends to attach to fishing gear, clogging nets and trawls,
causing problems and substantial economic losses for fishermen /250/.
4.6 Description of the socio-economic environment
4.6.1 Fishery
4.6.1.1 Most important fisheries in the Baltic Sea

Cod (Gadus morhua), herring (Clupea harengus) and sprat (Sprattus sprattus) dominate the fish
community both in terms of biomass and number /154/. These species are the most important
commercial species, comprising around 90%-95% of the total weight of commercial catches in
the Baltic Sea, see Figure 4.83.
Figure 4.83 The most important fish catches in the Baltic Sea (all areas) /154/.
The trophic interactions between cod, herring and sprat may periodically exert a strong influence
on the state of fish stocks in the Baltic Sea. Cod is the main predator of herring and sprat, and
there is also some cannibalism on small cod. Herring and sprat are cod-egg predators, and
sprat are egg cannibals, although seasonal and inter-annual variations exist. The change in
zooplankton communities in the Baltic Sea in recent years has been unfavourable for cod
recruitment and herring growth; however, it favours sprat, which is presently dominant in the
Baltic /154/.
In the Baltic Proper, cod and sprat spawn in the same deep basins and have partly overlapping
spawning seasons. However, their reproductive success is largely out of phase, meaning that

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the hydrographical-climatic variability (i.e., low frequency of water inflows from the North Sea,
warm temperatures and heavy fishing intensity during the past 10-15 years) have led to a shift in
the fish community composition from cod to herring and sprat as the dominant fish species.
Possible factors leading to future destabilisation of sprat dominance include unfavourable
hydrographical conditions for sprat reproduction, e.g., low water temperatures in spring following
a severe winter, or developed industrial fishery, with concurrent low fishing pressure on cod and
an inflow of oxygenated water from the North Sea /154/.
In addition to these three species, flatfish, such as flounder, turbot and plaice, and salmon are of
relatively high economic importance in the Baltic Proper.
Cod stock in the western Baltic

The cod stock in the western Baltic (ICES subdivisions 22-24) has historically been much
smaller than the neighbouring eastern Baltic stock, from which it is biologically distinct. It
appears to be a highly productive stock and has sustained a very high fishing mortality for many
years. Recruitment is rather variable and the stock is highly dependent upon the strength of
incoming year classes. Since 2002, spawner biomass has fluctuated around the threshold below
which fishing mortality may need to be reduced /251/.
The total yearly catch in 2002-2007 (21,000-25,000 tonnes) was just over half of the catch in the
second half of the 1990s (34,000-51,000 tonnes) /251/.
Cod stock in the eastern Baltic

The cod stock in the eastern Baltic (ICES subdivisions 25-32) is biologically distinct from the
adjacent western Baltic stock, although there is some migration of fish between areas.
Spawning is confined to the deep basins, as egg survival depends on oxygen concentrations in
the deep saline water layer where fertilized eggs are neutrally buoyant. The total spawning-
stock biomass increased by the end of the 1970s, due to the extremely abundant year classes
of 1976, 1977 and 1980 and the favourable reproduction conditions in the southern and central
Baltic Sea. The spawning stock declined from the historically highest level in 1982-1983 to the
lowest level on record in the most recent years. The decline was a result of an increase in
traditional bottom-trawl fishery, the introduction of gillnet fishery and decreased egg and larval
survival due to unfavourable oceanographic conditions (i.e., low oxygen concentrations
impeding egg development and low food supply for larvae). Since the mid-1980s, cod
reproduction has been successful only in the southern spawning areas: Bornholm Basin and
Slupsk Furrow. Although the present estimates of stock size are uncertain due to misreporting of
landings, discarding and age-reading problems, all available information indicates that the
spawning stock biomass is at a historic low level, although an increase in spawning stock
biomass has been observed since 2005. Recruitment since the late 1980s has continued to be
at a low level, although the year classes 2003 and 2005 were above the recent average /251/.
From historically high catches of more than 300,000 tonnes in the first half of the 1980s, cod
catches declined to a level of 50,000-90,000 tonnes (including unallocated catches) in the last
10 years /251/.

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Sprat stock
Sprat is the largest stock assessed in the Baltic. Spawning stock biomass is currently assessed
to be above the long-term mean. At the beginning of the 1990s, spawning stock started to
increase rapidly, and in 1996-1997 it reached the maximum observed spawning stock biomass
of 1.7 million tonnes. The stock size increased due to the combination of strong recruitment and
declining natural mortality (effect of low cod biomass). Since 1998, the stock has fluctuated
between 700,000-1,300,000 tonnes. The majority of the sprat catch is taken for industrial
purposes with by-catches of herring, and the species composition of these catches is imprecise
in some fishing areas/periods /251/.
The exploitation rates of sprat in the Baltic Proper began to increase at the beginning of the
1990s from yearly catches of less than 100,000 tonnes in the 1980s to more than 300,000
tonnes in the last decade.
Western Baltic spring-spawning herring stock

Spring-spawning herring stocks in the Western Baltic (ICES sub-divisions 22-24) are migratory.
The ICES sub-divisions and ICES sub-squares are shown on Figure 4.84.
Figure 4.84 The ICES division of fishery areas in the Baltic Sea. The system outlines large
subdivisions (24-32) that are further divided into sub-squares. The area of the
sub-squares covers 0.5° N-S and approximately the same distance E-W,
representing about 55 km x 55 km = 3,025 km².

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There are feeding migrations from the western Baltic into the more saline waters of Kattegat and
Skagerak (ICES subdivisions IIIa), and the eastern parts of the North Sea (ICES division Iva).
Stocks in the Baltic Proper do not make similar migrations. Recruitment has shown a declining
trend in recent years, and fishing mortality is estimated to be at a high level /252/.
The herring catch in the western Baltic Sea has declined from 80,000-100,000 tonnes in the late
1980s/early 1990s to around 40,000 tonnes in the 2000s /154/.
Eastern Baltic herring stock

Herring stock in the eastern Baltic (ICES sub-divisions 25-29 and 32, excluding the Gulf of Riga)
comprises a number of spawning components. This stock complex experienced a high biomass
level in the early 1970s but declined until 2001. The proportion of the various spawning
components has varied in both landings and in stock. The southern components, which grow to
a relatively large size, have declined, and the more northerly components, with individuals
reaching a maximum length of only about 18-20 cm, now dominate the landings. Recruitment
has been below the long-term average since the beginning of the 1990s. The slight increase in
spawning stock biomass in 2007 was mainly driven by a low fishing mortality. Since 1990, mean
weight-at-age has decreased by 15%-45% across all age groups. In recent years, mean weights
have stabilised and remain at a low level /251/.
The total yearly catch of herring in ICES sub-divisions 25-29 and 32 has declined by almost half,
from 200,000 tonnes WHEN to the present level of 100,000 tonnes /154/. It should be noted that
reported landings may be imprecise, as this stock is caught together with sprat.
Flounder
Flounder in the Baltic Sea are divided into several stocks. The major stock is in the south-
western Baltic Sea (ICES sub-divisions 22-25 and deeper areas of 26 and 28). Spawning takes
place in the Arkona Deep, the Slupsk Furrow and the Bornholm Deep at depths of 40-80 m in
the period from February to May. This is followed by feeding migrations to shallow coastal areas
in Germany, Poland and southern Sweden. Most flounder landings come from by-catches in cod
fishery. The long-time average of catches in each of the ICES sub-divisions 24 and 25 is 3,700
tonnes /251/.
The available information on stock structure, discards and the uncertainties in age-reading are
inadequate to establish reliable assessments and evaluate stock trends /251/.
Plaice
Plaice is taken as a by-catch mainly in cod fishery. Landings peaked in the late 1970s (around
8,000 tonnes), declined to less than 300 tonnes in the 1990s and then increased again.
Reported landings were 2,400 tonnes in 2007. Almost all catches were taken in ICES sub-
divisions 22, 24 and 25. The fluctuations are assumed to be caused by migration of plaice from
the Kattegat into the western Baltic Sea. The available information is inadequate to evaluate
stock trends /251/.

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Turbot
Turbot is mainly distributed in southern and western parts of the Baltic Proper (ICES sub-
divisions 22, 24, 25, and 26). Turbot is a valuable by-catch in cod fishery. Total landings peaked
in 1996 (1,210 tonnes), but have declined to about 200 tonnes in recent years. The available
information is inadequate to evaluate stock trends /251/.
Salmon
The salmon population in the Baltic Sea consists of several stocks in six different assessment
units, with similar biological and genetic characteristics within each assessment unit. The total
wild smolt production has increased about fourfold in the main assessment units since
management action was taken in 1997. However, post-smolt survival in recent years has been
low, leading to decreasing numbers of feeding and maturing salmon /251/.
The nominal catch in the Baltic Sea (including rivers) has declined from 4,000-6,000 tonnes in
the 1990s to 1,125 tonnes in 2007. In the same period, the share of non-commercial
(recreational) catches has increased and will likely increase further /251/.
4.6.1.2 Fishing methods

Trawls are the main gear type used in fishery outside coastal areas in the Baltic Sea. Mid-water
trawls are used mainly to capture herring and sprat, and bottom trawls are used mainly for cod
and flounder. In addition, mid-water and high-opening trawls are also used for cod when low
oxygen conditions prevent the species from living near the bottom. Mid-water trawls are used
throughout the Baltic Sea, whereas bottom trawls are mainly used in the Baltic Proper and in the
south-western Baltic. High-opening trawls are used in the Bornholm Basin /253/. Areas of
special importance to trawl fishery are shown on Atlas Map FC-2.
Gear types used in salmon fishery include gill nets, long lines and salmon traps.
Smaller vessels (< 10m) fishing for cod and flatfish primarily use bottom-set gill nets/trammel
nets and long lines (fishing with hooks).
4.6.1.3 Fisheries regulation

Fishery in most of the Baltic Sea is subject to regulations aiming to secure sustainable
exploitation of fish and other living aquatic species /254/. The regulations are exercised through
the Common Fisheries Policy adopted by the European Community and published in council
regulations, e.g., Council Regulation No. 2371/2002, relating to sustainable exploitation of fish
resources within the European Community. The International Baltic Sea Fishery Commission
(IBSFC) was the regional organisation for fisheries management in the Baltic Sea until 2006, but
after the enlargement of the EU with the Baltic states and Poland, a bilateral agreement
between the European Union and the Russian Federation on co-operation in fisheries and the
conservation of the living marine resources in the Baltic Sea was adopted.
Fisheries management consists of the following elements:
1. Establishment of total allowable catches (TAC) for joint species. The TAC for each fish stock
is distributed between the different countries on the basis of historical catches (cf. the latest

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Council Regulation (EC) No. 1404/2007, fixing the fishing opportunities and associated
conditions for certain fish stocks and groups of fish stocks applicable in the Baltic Sea for 2008).
TACs for the following fish stocks are fixed according to the Council Regulation: herring, sprat,
cod, flounder, plaice, turbot and salmon.
2. Development and implementation of long-term management plans for fisheries on joint

stocks. In light of the serious condition of the Baltic Sea cod stocks, the Council has adopted a
multi-annual plan for cod stocks in the Baltic Sea and the fisheries exploiting this stock (cf.
Council Regulation (EC) No. 1098/2007).
3. Establishment of fishing limits, including limitation of the number of allowable fishing days
(Cf. Council Regulation (EC) No. 1404/2007). The regulation details fishing opportunities and
associated conditions for certain fish stocks and groups of fish stocks applicable in the Baltic
Sea for 2008. This regulation also includes provisions for seasons that are closed to fishery.
Consequently, the central Baltic Sea is closed to fishery in the period from 1 July to 31 August
east of 15ºE and in April west of 15ºE, except for fisheries using mesh sizes less than 70 mm.
4. Technical measures (cf. Council Regulation (EC) No. 2187/2005) for the conservation of
fishery resources in the Baltic Sea, the Belts and the Sound.
This regulation contains a large number of specific provisions concerning fishing gear, minimum
mesh size, fishing seasons and area closures. According to Council Regulation (EC) No.
1098/2007, three specific areas in the Baltic Sea are closed to all fisheries from 1 May to 31
October, except for fisheries using hooks or nets with a mesh size of 157 mm or more. The
areas are the Bornholm Deep, the Gdansk Deep and the Gotland Deep. Furthermore, a total
ban on fisheries within a distance of 4 nautical miles around Gotska Sandön has been
implemented. The areas are indicated on Atlas Map FC-1.
4.6.1.4 Overview of fishery statistics

The total catch (by weight and by value, respectively) along the pipeline route for the individual
ICES sub-squares in 2004 is presented in Atlas Maps FC-4 and FC-5. The same is presented
for 2005 in Atlas Maps FC-6 and FC-7. In Atlas Maps FC-8 and FC-9, the total catch by country
in 2005 is shown by weight and by value, respectively.
This description has its shortcomings due to the fact that two countries – Russia and Germany –
were unable to provide the requested data. The figures, therefore, do not reflect the total catch
in the ICES sub-squares shown. In addition, the following practical limitations exist:
• Catch data for vessels smaller than 10 m are subject to individual estimation by the various
fishery authorities in the Baltic Sea countries.
• Fishing boats that begin trawling in one square and recover their gear in another will often
report all of the catch from the last square.
• Young herring are sometimes mistaken for sprat and reported as such.

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These shortcomings have not been evaluated and cause some uncertainties. However, the
available data are considered to provide an acceptable representation of the importance of
different fishing areas.
4.6.1.2 Fishery along the pipeline route within Danish waters

The planned Nord Stream offshore pipelines will pass through ICES sub-squares 38G4, 38G5
and 39G5 within Danish waters. The majority of the catches in this area is taken by fishermen
from Denmark, Sweden and Poland; see Atlas Maps FC 8-9 (data from 2005). The total catch
by weight/value by Danish fishermen in 2005 is shown on Atlas Map FC-16 and Atlas Map FC-
19. As can be seen from the Atlas Maps, the area around Bornholm represents the most
important area to fisheries in the Baltic Sea as a whole. The most commercially important fish
species are: Cod, sprat, herring, flounder, plaice, turbot and salmon, see Figure 4.85 (only data
from DK and S, 2006-2007). Not included in Figure 4.85 are landings from smaller vessels (< 10
m), which amount to a yearly catch of around 1,500 tonnes (2006-2007) and primarily consist of
cod, flatfish and salmon. Gill nets, trammel nets and long lines are the main fishing gear
employed by smaller vessels.

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38G4
38G5
39G5
Figure 4.85 Catch by Danish and Swedish fishermen in ICES sub-squares 38G4, 38G5 and
39G5 in 2006 and 2007 (vessels >10 m) /255/ /256/.

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The catches in the above-mentioned ICES sub-squares vary substantially from year to year, but
the following catch distributions by species and country for the period 2004-2007 are valid:
• Danish fishermen had the largest catches of cod, plaice and turbot and considerable
catches of salmon, herring, sprat and flounder.
• Swedish fishermen had considerable catches of cod, sprat, herring and salmon.
• Polish fishermen in 2004-2005 had the largest catches of herring and flounder and have had
considerable catches of cod, salmon, herring and sprat.
As previously mentioned, all three ICES sub-squares are of great importance to fishermen in
Denmark, Sweden and Poland. ICES sub-square 39G5 is a particularly important catch area for
Danish and Swedish fishermen; whereas ICES sub-square 38G5 is particularly important to
Polish fishermen.
Fishing methods
The most important fishing method in the Danish part of the Baltic Sea is trawling, representing
more than 90% of the total catches. Some cod and flatfish are taken in gill nets and trammel
nets, and cod is also caught on long lines. Long-lining is the most important fishing method for
catching salmon.
The majority of cod is taken in targeted trawl fishery, with some by-catch of flatfish species. Both
single and twin otter bottom trawls are used in this fishery.
Herring and sprat are taken in small mesh (< 32 mm) pelagic trawl fisheries, which include
fisheries catching both species simultaneously. The main part of the catch is used for industrial
purposes. The fishery is conducted both by single- and pair-trawling.
The main fishing seasons

The main fishing seasons for sprat, herring, cod, flounder, plaice and salmon are shown in
Table 4.29.
Table 4.29 Main fishing seasons for different commercial fish species.
Species Season
Sprat October-March
Herring June-October
Cod All year, except July-August in ICES sub-division 25 and except April in ICES
sub-division 24.The most important fishing period for cod is January-April.
Flounder March-October
Plaice November-February
Salmon November-March

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Areas of special importance to trawl fishery
Bottom trawling for cod and flatfish is performed in most of the Danish part, except in areas with
stony bottom. Fishing along edges of plateaus is particularly prefered. As illustrated in Figure
4.86, the proposed pipeline route crosses some very important trawl routes.
Fishing for herring and sprat is mainly performed in the eastern part of the Danish EEZ and
further east in the Baltic Proper. In cold winters and in waters closer to Bornholm with a depth of
more than 60 m, fishing for sprat occasionally is performed with semi-pelagic trawls or with
bottom trawls.
Figure 4.86 Important trawl routes (red lines) and the planned pipeline route (dark green line).
4.6.2 Maritime traffic

Today, there are 14 major sailing routes in the Baltic Sea /257/. In Figure 4.87, the ship traffic
intensity is shown together with the identified primary sailing routes. The intensity plot gives an
impression of the current ship traffic pattern in the Baltic Sea.

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Figure 4.87 Intensity plot with primary sailing routes during August and September 2006,
based on AIS data from the Royal Danish Administration of Navigation and
Hydrography (Refer to Atlas Map SH-1).
The description of maritime traffic is primarily based on Automatic Identification System (AIS)
data, but nautical charts, data from Vessel Traffic Service Storebælt (VTS Storebælt) and
tracking of ship passages at Drogden Lighthouse have also be utilised. The AIS data used to
describe the general maritime traffic is based on AIS report line data from 1 August 2006 to 30
September 2006 and 1 January 2007 to 28 February 2007, while the specific information about
ship traffic crossing the pipeline route is based on the full AIS data set from the period 1 January

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2007 to 30 June 2007. The AIS data was provided by the Royal Danish Administration of
Navigation and Hydrography /257/.
The annual ship traffic volume on each of the identified primary routes varies from
approximately 810 (Route H) to 52,630 (Route A) ship movements. The annual ship movements
for each route are shown in Figure 4.88.
60000
30
,6
52
50000
Annual movements
40000
30000
40
20
,0
20000
,9
18
16
50
50
,5
,3
10
13
13
,1
11
0
0
0
81
58
0
0
30
10000
91
44
38
0
7,
7,
7,
0
10
6,
6,
6,
26
5,
0
0
4,
22
24
78
2,
2,
0
1,
81
0
B, rth
C rth
th
A, th
B, th
C th
F, t h
rth
L
E
K
D
N
M
G
J
ou
u
u
or
no
no
no
so
so
so
,n
,s
A,
F,
Figure 4.88 Annual ship movements on primary routes /257/. The letters refer to Figure 4.87.
Atlas map SH-2 shows Figure 4.87 with annual number of movements.
The primary routes passing through the Danish EEZ are Route A, Route I and Route K. The
routes are indicated on the ship traffic intensity plot of the Danish section in Figure 4.89.

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Figure 4.89 Intensity plot with primary sailing routes relevant to the Danish EEZ.
Route A is the primary sailing route for international traffic through the Baltic Sea. The route
runs north of Bornholm, passes close to the tip of the islands of Öland and Gotland, continues
east of Gotland and through the Gulf of Finland to Vyborg and St Petersburg. Cargo ships
dominate ship traffic along Route A, comprising approximately 60% of the traffic. This is
followed by tankers, which constitute around 15% of the ship traffic. There are approximately
52,630 annual ship movements along Route A north of Bornholm.
Route I represents a collection of sailing routes for traffic south of Bornholm towards ports in the
south-east of the Baltic Sea, such as Gdansk, Kaliningrad and Klaipeda. More than 50% of the
ships travelling along Route I are cargo ships. Approximately 13,550 ships pass south of
Bornholm along Route I each year.
Route K represents the ship traffic north-east of Bornholm to and from the east coast of the
Baltic Sea. The route is dominated by cargo ships followed by an equal number of tanker and

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passenger ships. Approximately 6,910 ships pass northeast of Bornholm along Route K each
year.
In addition to the major sailing routes relevant to the Danish EEZ, there are a number of small
routes to/from Bornholm. Passenger ferries from Sweden (Ystad), Germany (Sassnitz),
Denmark (Køge) and Christiansø to Bornholm do not cross the pipeline route. The only ferry
route crossing the pipeline route from Bornholm is the route to Kolobrzeg in Poland.
A number of the ships travelling along Route A diverge slightly from Route A around Bornholm
in order to pick up a pilot when entering the straits in Denmark, or drop off a pilot when leaving
Danish waters. In 2007, there were 1,442 pilot operations, comprising 881 pick-ups and 561
drop-offs /258/. Furthermore, ships that are vulnerable to high wind speed and waves anchor
along the east coast of Bornholm during bad weather conditions. Depending on wind direction,
the ships will anchor from north of Hasle on the west part of Bornholm (in order to be a safe
distance from cables on the seabed running form Denmark to Sweden) and all the way down to
Dueodde on the southeast part of Bornholm. In general, the ships will anchor as close to shore
as possible to obtain the most shelter from the wind. Ships with smaller draught will anchor
closer to shore than ships with larger draught /258/.
The annual number of ships crossings the pipeline route has been estimated for each kilometre
point (KP) along the whole route, as shown in Figure 4.90. The greatest number of crossings
occurs in the Gulf of Finland. Crossings in the Danish EEZ are shown in Figure 4.91. The
leftmost peak is related to the traffic originating from Route K, while the two other peaks are
mainly due to the ship traffic crossing the pipeline from Route I. The locations where more than
250 ships crossing per kilometre pipeline per year are illustrated in Figure 4.92.
4500
4000
3500
Crossings per year
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
0
50
00
50
00
50
00
0
0
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
90
95
10
10
11
11
12
Kilometre Point
Figure 4.90 Crossings per year per kilometre point along the pipeline route.

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700
600
500
Crossings per year
400
300
200
100
0
1002 1022 1042 1062 1082 1102 1122
Kilometre Point
Figure 4.91 Crossings per year per kilometre point along the pipeline route within Danish
waters.
Figure 4.92 The yellow lines showes locations along the pipeline route with more than 250
ships crossing per year per kilometre pipeline (Atlas map SH-8-D).

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A prognosis for maritime traffic in 2016 indicates that the number of movements of all ship
types, except for tanker ships, will be at the same level as today /257/. See Figure 4.93. The
number of tanker ships is expected to increase 20% during the period from 2006 to 2016.
Regarding the size of ships in the Baltic Sea, it is expected that there will be a development
towards larger ships during the period from 2006 to 2016 in order to accommodate increases in
cargo and passenger volume. However, the size of the largest ships in the Baltic Sea today is
not expected to increase because the Storebaelt sets the upper limit for ships entering and
leaving the Baltic Sea.
Figure 4.93 Ship traffic prognosis 2016. Annual number of movements for the identified
primary routes (Atlas map SH-5).
4.6.3 Tourism and recreational areas
4.6.3.1 General
In Denmark, the area under consideration when assessing impacts on tourism and recreation
comprises only the eastern and southern coastal areas of Bornholm located near the pipeline
route, as well as the small Ertholmene archipelago consisting of Christians Island, Frederiks
Island and a few uninhabited small islands some 10 nautical miles north-northeast of Bornholm.

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The description of tourism in the Danish EEZ and territorial waters at and around Bornholm is
primarily based on the description in /259/.
Atlas Map TO-1-D shows the beaches, camping sites, marinas and sights along the eastern and
southern coasts of Bornholm.
It can be seen from the Atlas map that the main area of interest to tourists is the rocky coast to
the north and west of Bornholm. The south eastern coast of Bornholm is dominated by beaches
from south of Nexø down to the tremendous and very popular beach around Dueodde. Two
main attractions “Joboland Brændegårdshaven” (amusement park) and “Sommerfuglepark og
tropeland” (butterfly- and tropical garden) are situated on the eastern coast. In addition a
number of pleasant sights are located along the eastern and southern coastline.
4.6.3.2 Bornholm
In 2007, there were 1.82 million passengers on ferries and aeroplanes to/from Bornholm, i.e.,
910,000 arrivals, of which about 72% were on the ferry route Rønne-Ystad. In 2007, 8.7% of all
ferry passengers were travelling to/from Germany and Poland, which accounted for 5.5% and
3.2%, respectively. The ferries to/from Germany (Rønne/Sassnitz) and Poland
(Rønne/Swinoujscie and Nexø/Kolobzeg) are seasonal. Almost 80% of the passengers from/to
Poland go via Nexø to Kolobzeg. Seventy-five percent of the passengers to/from Nexø are one-
day visitors; 25% stay overnight. Among the arrivals to Bornholm, 30% are residents and 70%
are visitors, i.e., 634,000 visitors in 2007. In addition to visitors arriving by ferries and
aeroplanes, there are about 10,000 through-passengers on cruise ships to Rønne, and about
12,000 arriving to Bornholm and one or more of Bornholm’s 18 ports, hereunder Nexø and
Svaneke. Among the 634,000 guests in 2007, 305,000 paid for their stay. About 88% of the
paying guests stayed in accommodations that are obliged to report their bed nights to Statistics
Denmark. Among the remaining 328,000 visitors, there were about 80,000 one-day visitors (not
including the cruise ship through-passengers), while the rest visited friends and family, stayed in
their own holiday cottages or similar. The average length of stay for those in commercial
accommodations was just under six nights (5.7), on average.
Usually, those who rent holiday cottages on Bornholm stay for at least a week, and some – in
particular visitors from Germany – stay for two weeks. Thus, the average length of stay in rented
holiday cottages was 8.7 nights in 2007. This, however, is almost two nights shorter than in the
year 2000, when holiday cottage guests stayed for 10.5 nights on average, and all paying
guests on Bornholm stayed for 7.3 nights on average. Around this time faster travel routes to
Bornholm via the Øresund Bridge and the high speed ferry Rønne-Ystad was established.
Germans, who have traditionally had relatively long stays on Bornholm and elsewhere in
Denmark, now account for only half of the holiday cottage nights, which has also contributed to
the decline in the average length of stay.
Tourism on Bornholm is very concentrated in the summer. For all nationalities in general, and
for Danes specifically, July has the greatest number of tourist nights. But for Germans and
Polish visitors, August has the greatest number of arrivals and tourist nights on Bornholm. July
accounts for as much as 34% of all registered bed nights on Bornholm. August and June
account for 26% and 14%, respectively. The top three months thus account for 74% of the

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registered bed nights. September and May together account for 20%. Thus, only 6%-7% of the
bed nights are in the remaining seven months of the year.
There were 1.54 million registered tourist nights on Bornholm in 2007, while there were 1.62
million in 2000, i.e., a decline of 5%, even though the number of visitors increased by as much
as 20%. Hence, the average length of stay dropped from 2000 to 2007, as previously
mentioned.
Danes account for 56% of the registered bed nights on Bornholm, Germans 31%, Swedes and
Norwegians 5% and 4%, respectively, while Polish people and other nationalities account for
2% each (not including Poles in holiday cottages, since Poles are registered under “other” for
holiday cottages). Holiday cottages account for 44% of the bed nights, while hotels and holiday
centres account for 31.5% in total (19.2%+12.3%). While genuine hotels account for only 19%-
20% of the bed nights, they account for as much as 45%-46% of the overnight revenue.
Camping, on the other hand, accounts for 18%-20% of the tourist nights, but only 6%-7% of the
overnight revenue. Danes staying at genuine hotels is the most important segment measured by
share of accommodation revenue, followed by Germans in holiday cottages. Danes in holiday
cottages are in third place by this measure.
The tourist season on Bornholm is more concentrated than in Denmark overall. Thus, the five
months May-September account for 93%-94% of all tourist nights on Bornholm, but these
months only account for 69% of the tourist nights in Denmark overall. Back until the year 2000,
and even back to and including 1995, October-April accounted for 10% of the bed nights, while
these seven months accounted for only about 6% in 2007, the lowest share back to and
including 1995. It is especially as of the end of 2002 that there were particularly few bed nights
on Bornholm during the five months November-March, which account for only 1% of the bed
nights in total now, in comparison with 3%-4% until and including 2002. This should of course be
seen in light of the cancellation of year-round ferries between Germany-Bornholm by the end of
2002. One could say that Bornholm has lost at least 2% of its tourist nights because, among
other reasons, there are no winter ferries to/from Germany. In cash amounts, this accounts for
probably at least 2% of the accommodation revenue of about 360 million DKK per year, i.e.,
minimum 7 million DKK, on top of which comes a corresponding figure in other lost tourist
revenue on the island. There also would be ticket revenue for the crossings, but apparently the
latter hardly covers the costs of winter sailings, since the number of cars per departure during
the winter months historically has been low.
4.6.3.3 East and south of Bornholm

There is a considerable concentration of summer houses in eastern and south-eastern
Bornholm. There are statistics for each of the five previous60 municipalities on Bornholm until
and including 2002. By that time, in 2002, 40% of Bornholm’s summer houses were located in
the previous Nexø municipality. There is no reason to believe that the share of summer houses
in this part of Bornholm should have dropped since then. In 2002, there were 3,634 summer
houses at Bornholm, which by the beginning of 2008 had increased to about 4,000 (3,999).
Therefore, it is assumed that there are about 1,600 summer houses in the area corresponding
60
On the 1. of January 2003 the five previous municipalise on Bornholm were united as one regional council.

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to the previous Nexø municipality, which largely corresponds to the postal codes 3730 Nexø
and 3740 Svaneke. Only privately owned summer houses may be rented to vacationers (by
letting agencies), in which case they are always referred to as ‘holiday cottages’. On average, a
holiday cottage on Bornholm is rented for about six weeks, while the national average is
somewhat lower, namely just over 2½ weeks. While 18% of privately owned summer houses in
Denmark are rented out as holiday cottages, the percentage on Bornholm is more than 50%.
About 42% of the holiday cottages that are used as rental properties (for at least a few weeks
each year) are located in the previous Nexø municipality, i.e., a percentage a little higher than
the previously mentioned 40%. This may be because relatively more summer houses are built in
the previous Nexø municipality or because the percentage of summer rental properties is higher
in eastern and south-eastern Bornholm than the rest of the island. However, the difference
between the two percentages is insignificant. 17% of Bornholm’s summer rental cottages are
located in Sømarken, west of Dueodde. An additional 2%-3% of the island’s holiday cottages
are located in Boderne, west of Sømarken on the south coast. In total, as much as 62%-63% of
Bornholm’s summer rental houses are located in the eastern and south-eastern part of the
island. For comparison, only 21% of the residents of Bornholm and Christiansø live in seven
eastern and south-eastern parishes on Bornholm.
The four traditional national brands, Novasol, Dansommer, Dancenter and Sol & Strand, have
about 47% of the holiday rental cottages on Bornholm, while local agencies including
Feriepartner Bornholm have 35%. The last 18% of the rental properties are held by one of a few
small agencies off the island (estimated to be approximately 3%), i.e., about 15% are let out
privately through the internet or other channels.
Approximately 41% of the camping capacity is located on eastern and south-eastern Bornholm
(seven of the island’s 18 camping sites are located in these areas). With regard to hotels and
holiday centres, only 15% of the total bed capacity is located in eastern and south-eastern
Bornholm. Approximately 29% of the youth hostel capacity at Bornholm is situated in eastern
and south-eastern Bornholm, on top of which are a number of leisure ports, primarily Nexø and
Svaneke. In total, approximately 41% of Bornholm’s commercial bed capacity is in eastern and
south-eastern Bornholm.
4.6.3.4 Ertholmene
The two currently inhabited islands in the Ertholmene archipelago, Christians Island and
Frederiks Island, are home to 95 people in all. These islands were a fortification and naval
harbour from around 1600 until 1855. 1,256 hectares of the archipelago (of which 39 ha are
land) are comprised of bird-protection area, habitat-protection area and Ramsar area. Today,
the archipelago is a popular day-trip destination for tourists from Bornholm; between 70,000 and
80,000 tourists visit the area every year.
4.6.3.5 Attractions
Two of Bornholm’s five largest attractions with an entry fee are located in eastern and south-
eastern Bornholm, i.e., Joboland Brændesgårdshaven near Svaneke, and Bornholm’s
Sommerfuglepark og Tropeland (butterfly park) in Nexø. However, there are many more visitors
to Hammershus, and probably also to Østerlars Round Church than to even the largest tourist

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attraction with an entry fee. There is also a fee to enter Østerlars Round Church, but there are
many visitors who view only the exterior of the church.
4.6.4 Cultural heritage

Cultural heritage can largely be defined as the record of past and present human activity. It must
be recognised that cultural-heritage resources are finite and non-renewable; each site may
contain information that is both unique and previously unknown.
The safeguarding of archaeological remains within the sea is covered by the Danish ‘Museum
Law’ (LBK no. 1505 of 14/12/2006). Furthermore, Denmark has ratified the United Nations
Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) of 10/12/1982 and thus is obliged to protect and
preserve archaeological and historical objects found in maritime areas outside national
jurisdiction.
Protection outside national marine zones is also addressed in the 2001 UNESCO Convention
on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage (although it has not yet been ratified by
Germany, Sweden, Finland, Russia or Denmark) and in the Espoo Convention on
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in a transboundary context (1991), which is ratified or
signed by all Baltic countries, except Russia /260/ /261/.
4.6.4.1 Underwater cultural heritage within the Baltic Sea

The maritime cultural heritage in the Baltic Sea primarily consists of two broad categories of
underwater sites: shipwrecks and submerged settlements/landscapes.
In the following section, each category of underwater sites is described in a general way,
followed by specific descriptions of sites in relation to the pipeline route within Danish territorial
waters and EEZ.
Shipwrecks
Shipwreck sites reflect a diverse group of vessels that vary in age, size and type. Some
shipwrecks are of no archaeological interest, whereas others are unique either due to
construction method, degree of preservation, historical context or similar. The integrity of
shipwreck sites depends on a number of factors, in particular the way in which the vessel was
wrecked, the conditions on the seabed and later disturbances.
Due to physical conditions in the deeper parts of the Baltic Sea (low salt content, low species
diversity, relatively low temperatures, low oxygen content, etc.) the decomposition of organic
materials progresses slowly. Consequently, the preservation of organic materials is exceptional,
even on an international scale. The preservation value and scientific potential of underwater
cultural remains are therefore very great. The fact that the underwater cultural environment has
been exempt from much of the exploitation that has taken place on land only adds to the
potential archaeological value of the underwater cultural remains in the Baltic Sea /262/.
Once settled onto the seabed, the wrecks are prone to physical destruction by activities like
trawling. Still, a shipwreck must not necessarily be fully intact to be of archaeological interest.
Even some highly degraded shipwrecks can yield valuable information after thorough

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investigations of hull remains, equipment, cargo and other artefacts belonging to the wreck. It is
therefore important to recognise that the ‘ancient monument area’ of a wreck site is not only the
hull itself, but the total deposit and distribution area of remains from a broken wreck, which in
many cases is substantially larger than the actual hull.
Sidescan sonar (SSS) is one of the preferred instruments used for locating wreck sites. Wrecks
with high relief or large dimensions are easily located by SSS surveys. Smaller and/or degraded
wrecks are more problematic to locate, especially in areas with irregular bottom features (rock
outcrops or boulders). Shipwrecks completely embedded in sediments cannot be located by
SSS. The effectiveness of SSS in locating wrecks also strongly depends on frequency. High-
frequency SSS (as used in the 2006, 2007 and 2008 surveys) is very detailed, whereas the
lower-frequency SSS survey performed in 2005 may obliterate features, thus only making very
distinct wrecks or remains discernible. Figure 4.94 shows examples of wreck sites discovered
along the route around Bornholm during an SSS survey.
Figure 4.94 Examples of wreck sites discovered along the route around Bornholm during an
SSS survey.
Within a 1,200 m zone on each side of the planned pipeline route around Bornholm, 13 known
or potential archaeological sites are registered in the databases and archives of the Danish
Heritage Agency (KUAS) and the Viking Ship Museum /263/.
One of these registrations is a wreck site from World War II. The rest of the registrations are not
specified and are based primarily on ‘snag’ reports by fishermen. The snags may or may not be
of archaeological interest, as their nature has not been confirmed; they could be a pile of
boulders, a shipwreck, dumped objects from contemporary shipping or something completely
different. The locations of the snags may also be uncertain because of imprecise positioning
and because their coordinate conversions have not been quality assured /264/ /265/ /266/ /267/.
Due to the uncertainties connected with the ‘snag’ data, these areas are only presented as
reference. They are not considered cultural heritage sites, as the survey data is considered as
‘overriding’ the snag data.
Seven wreck sites or possible wreck sites were identified during the 2007 and 2008 SSS
surveys along the pipeline route in Denmark. The archaeological significance of the wreck sites
as well as a general review of the survey data is currently being assessed by the Viking Ship

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Museum. The position of these wrecks and possible wrecks in relation to the pipelines is
presented in Table 4.30. The locations of the wrecks and images of the sites are presented in
Atlas Map CU-3.
Table 4.30 The position of wrecks in relation to the pipelines.

Approximate distance from pipeline
0-50 m 50-250 m > 250 m
No. of wrecks or possible wrecks 2 3* 2*
Target ID: Target ID: Target ID:
S-DK1-2-36-4472 S-S34-3811 S-S33-3790
S-S33-3802 S-S33-3809 S-S33-3768
S-33-3782
*The list of wrecks at distances greater than 50 m from the pipelines may not be complete, as the anchoring corridor
surrounding the pipeline route (1 km to each side) has not been surveyed in detail.
Submerged settlements and landscapes

Since the latest glaciation, the Baltic Sea has undergone major environmental changes. Global
warming at the end of the latest glacial period led to rising sea levels, which, combined with
isostatic upheaval of land masses, caused great changes in the coastline of the Baltic /268/. The
changes were neither uniform nor constant. Changing sea levels caused some former land
areas to be submerged (particularly in the southern part of the Baltic Sea), thus also submerging
human settlements, monuments and the landscapes around them.
The preservation potential of submerged settlements is in many cases far better than that of
sites on dry land. Organic materials in particular may be preserved in a fine state. Submerged
settlements therefore represent a unique opportunity to gain knowledge of former ways of living.
The submerged landscapes are also import for investigating the development of the Baltic Sea
and the living conditions of people in the area.
In most cases, submerged settlements and landscapes are not only submerged, but also totally
or partially covered by sediments. The SSS surveys that were performed were unable to identify
sites of submerged settlements, as these are often not visible in relief. However, it is possible to
predict the most likely locations of submerged Stone Age settlements.
In recent decades, the ‘fishing-site model’ has been used successfully to predict locations of
submerged Stone Age settlements. The model is based on the knowledge that the Stone Age
population was largely dependent on food from the sea /269/. Experience has shown that Stone
Age people had very clear preferences for building settlements in specific areas that were
favourable to fishing /270/. The theory behind the ‘fishing-site model’ can be summarised as
follows:
Settlements were placed on the shore immediately beside good sites for trap fishery. Such
places were mouths of streams, at narrows in the fjords, and on small islands and promontories
close to sloping bottom in fjords /269/.

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Thus, it is possible to predict the most likely locations of submerged settlements by combining
the principles of the fishing-site model with basic knowledge of quaternary geology, coastal
morphology and sedimentary conditions of the area under study.
Divers frequently identify submerged Stone Age settlements by the presence of worked flints on
or just below the sea-bottom sediments. In many cases, the flints are accompanied by remains
of fishing weirs. Fireplaces or preserved organic artefacts such as wooden implements or food
remains have been identified as well /8/. However, visual detection is only possible if some
measure of erosion has taken place. Some settlement strata have become completely
embedded and will defy visual discovery. Such situations are limited to areas with appropriate
sedimentary conditions and can therefore be predicted.
Within the Baltic Sea it is not likely that submerged settlements are present at latitudes north of
approximately 55.5o-56o N, as these areas were not dry land during the Stone Age /9/. The area
around Bornholm is situated south of this latitude. Due to Bornholm’s geological history of
numerous regressions and transgressions since the glacial period, vast former land areas
around Bornholm are now submerged /271/.
According to the local museum (Bornholm Museum), submerged settlements and ancient
submerged forests may be encountered in waters shallower than approximately 40 m in the
area around Bornholm /272/. Certain areas, however, are more likely to contain the remains of
submerged Stone Age settlements than others. These areas were identified by the government
agency Fredningsstyrelsen (Danish Conservation Agency) in 1986 and are indicated on Atlas
Map CU-3. The designated areas are in depths of less than 20 m and thus correspond well (and
conservatively) with the parameters of Zone A.
Ancient submerged forest has for many years been encountered by fishermen and aggregate
extractors working in the waters around Bornholm. Although areas with ancient forest remains
as such are not usually prioritised with respect to heritage protection, the stumps of submerged
trees (particularly oak trees) are of archaeological interest as they can possibly be dated, thus
providing valuable information on sea-level changes in the area. Almost all known submerged
forests are in depths of less than 20 m, although some occur in deeper water (20-40 m) /272/
/273/ /274/.

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Figure 4.95 Tree roots from submerged forests around Bornholm. Picture: Courtesy of
Bornholm Museum.
The pipeline route crosses into water depths less than 40 m west and south of Dueodde. The
pipeline route does not cross into depths under 20 m. The planned pipeline route is thus within
Zone B for the entire stretch through Denmark’s territorial waters and EEZ.
Zonation
For the purpose of this assessment, two ‘anticipation’ zones have been identified in relation to
possible presence of cultural heritage sites. These anticipation zones are defined in Table 4.31.
Table 4.31 Definition of anticipation zones.

Zone Definition
Shallow-water areas with water depth less than 20 m. In the middle and
southern Baltic Sea (south of 56o N), submerged settlements may be present
A within Zone A. In the entire Baltic Sea, Zone A may contain remains of
degraded/broken shipwrecks (possibly embedded in sediments) that have not
been discovered during surveys.
Zones with water depths greater than 20 m. Within Zone B there is a possibility
of wreck sites embedded in sediments, and thus undiscovered during surveys.
B In the shallowest areas of Zone B (less than 40-45 m) and only south of 56o N
there is a slight possibility of encountering submerged Stone Age settlements.
The chance, however, is much smaller than in Zone A.
The possibility of encountering previously undiscovered sites of cultural heritage varies between
the zones. Awareness during construction work should vary accordingly. Highest awareness

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should naturally occur during construction work within Zone A, due to the possible presence of
submerged Stone Age settlements.
In principle, Zone B could be divided into areas with softer sediments, where objects may be
hidden, and areas with hard substratum, where anticipation of accidental finds is negligible.
Such a subdivision, however, has not been applied for the present project, as it has no practical
consequences during the construction process.
Atlas Map CU-4 indicates anticipation zones along the pipeline route.

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5. Description of methodology used for the impact assessment
5.1 Methodology for impact assessment
5.1.1 General
This chapter describes the methodology used to assess the environmental impacts associated
with the proposed Nord Stream pipelines within Danish waters.
The assessment of the environmental impacts from the construction, operation and de-
commissioning of the planned Nord Stream pipelines within Danish waters will be based on:
• Description of the project (Chapter 2)

• Description of the existing environment/baseline description (Chapter 4)
• Methodology for environmental impact assessment (Chapter 5)
The methodology used for assessment of planned impacts will include:
• Definition of the project area and the possible impact area

• Description of the different project activities and the associated sources of impacts (impact
parameters) that may affect the environment
• Description of environmental parameters that will be affected by the sources of impacts
(impact parameters) from different project activities during construction and operation
• Description of criteria for categorising the environmental impacts
• Description of methods used for assessing specific impacts
5.1.2 Definition of the project area and possible impact area

The impact assessment is carried out within a corridor along the pipeline route; the width of this
corridor (impact area) will depend on the specific environmental conditions and on the different
construction works that will be conducted along the pipeline route.
At locations offshore, where the pipelines will be placed directly on the sea floor by the lay
vessel without seabed intervention works, and at locations which are far from environmentally
sensitive areas, the width of the corridor for the impact assessment will be relatively restricted.
The potential impact area, and hence the width of the corridor for the impact assessment, is
extended where the planned pipelines will run close to or through more sensitive and valuable
areas, such as:
• Shallow water areas (the areas east and south of Bornholm)

• Areas where the pipelines run relatively close to internationally protected areas (Natura
2000 areas)
• Areas with dumped munitions
• Areas that have been identified as vulnerable during the environmental impact assessment
(EIA) baseline study and through field investigations

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• Areas where the pipeline route crosses or is close to shipping lanes
The extension of the impact areas will depend on individual circumstances in terms of sensitive
environmental parameters, such as protected areas and protected species, and in terms of
water depth and actual activities taking place in the area and their effects. This includes release
of sediments and sediment-associated contaminants, sedimentation, re-suspension, noise and
emissions of substances to the surrounding environment.
5.1.3 Description of project activities and parameters that may cause impacts on the
environment
The activities that will be carried out during construction, pre-commissioning, commissioning and
operation of the planned Nord Stream pipelines and the sources of impacts (impact parameters)
are discussed below.
5.1.3.1 Project activities and sources of impacts (impact parameters) during construction
Table 5.1 shows the project activities and the sources of impacts during construction of the
planned Nord Stream pipelines that may result in impacts on the environment.
Table 5.1 Project activities and sources of impacts during construction of the planned Nord
Stream pipelines.
Activity Source of impacts (impact parameter)
Construction
Construction works (general)
- Construction works Noise
- Pipe-laying (vessels)
- Seabed intervention works
- Pre-commissioning (pressure-testing)
- Physical activity Physical disturbance during construction
- Pipe-laying – lay vessel, support vessels, etc.
- Anchor handling
- Visual effects/light
- Energy consumption Emission of CO2 and air pollutants (construction including surveys)
- Waste generation Construction activities (industrial and household waste)
- Ballast water Flora and fauna contamination
Seabed intervention works Sediment spreading and sedimentation

- Sediment spreading
- Sedimentation
- Spreading of nutrients, inorganic and organic contaminants
-.Spreading of dumped chemical munitions
Trenching
Laying of pipelines directly on Sediment spreading from pipe-laying and from anchor-handling
seabed
Pipe-laying Protection zone around lay vessel

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5.1.3.2 Project activities and sources of impacts (impact parameters) during operation
Table 5.2 shows the project activities and the sources of impacts during operation of the
Table 5.2 Project activities and sources of impacts during operation of the planned Nord
Stream pipelines.
Operation
Pipelines on seabed Noise from gas in pipelines
Restriction zones around pipelines
Occupation of area on seabed
Pipeline itself
Changes in bathymetry
Blocking effects
Contaminants from pipelines/anodes
Gas temperature Difference in temperature between gas and environment
Maintenance and repair Noise and physical disturbance from vessels

Air emissions from vessels
5.1.3.3 Activities and sources of impacts (impact parameters) during decommissioning

Table 5.3 shows the project activities and the sources of impacts during decommissioning of the
Table 5.3 Project activities and sources of impacts during decommissioning of the planned
Nord Stream pipelines.
Decommissioning
Decommissioning Method used depends upon practice/methodology available at
that time
5.1.4 Description of environmental parameters that will be affected

In this section, the potential environmental impacts from the Nord Stream pipeline project have
been identified based on project activity. Table 5.4 shows the environmental parameters (those
potentially leading to environmental impacts) within Danish waters that may be affected by the
project.
Environmental impacts include both direct and any indirect, secondary, short-, medium- and
long-term, permanent and temporary, positive and negative effects/impacts caused by the
project. In addition, an assessment will be made as to whether or not there will be any
cumulative impacts associated with the project, in relation to other existing and planned

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infrastructure projects in the project area as well as to the fact that the proposed project consists
of two pipelines that will be built consecutively.
Table 5.4 Project activities, sources of impacts and potential environmental impacts.
Activity Source of impacts Potential environmental impacts
(impact parameter) (Environmental parameter
affected/Target of impact)
Construction
Construction works
(general)
- Construction works Noise Fish, birds, marine mammals, people,
- Pipe-laying (vessels) tourism, fishery
- Seabed intervention works
- Pre-commissioning (pressure-
testing)
- Physical activity Physical disturbance during Fish, marine mammals, birds, people,
construction tourism, fishery, cultural heritage
- Pipe-laying – lay vessel, support
vessels, etc.
- Visual effects/light
- Anchor handling
- Energy consumption Emission of CO2 and air pollutants Air quality (local, regional, global)
(construction including surveys)
- Waste Construction activities (industrial and -

household waste)
- Ballast water Flora and fauna contamination Marine flora and fauna (non-indigenous
species)
Seabed intervention Sediment spreading and Surface sediment, water quality,

works sedimentation benthic flora and fauna, plankton, fish,
- Sediment spreading marine mammals, birds, tourism,
- Sedimentation fishery, eutrophication, cultural heritage
- Spreading of nutrients, inorganic
and organic contaminants
- Spreading of dumped chemical
munitions
Trenching
Laying of pipelines Sediment spreading from pipe-laying Surface sediment, water quality,
directly on seabed and from anchor-handling benthic flora and fauna, plankton, fish,
eutrophication
Pipe-laying Protection zone around lay vessel Maritime traffic, fishery
Operation
Pipelines on seabed Noise from gas in pipelines Fish, marine mammals, fishery
Restriction zones around pipelines Maritime traffic (anchoring), fishery
Occupation of area on seabed Sediment conditions, benthic flora and
fauna, fishery, non-indigenous species

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Activity Source of impacts Potential environmental impacts
(impact parameter) (Environmental parameter
affected/Target of impact)
Pipeline itself Benthic flora and fauna, cultural
heritage
Changes in bathymetry Sediment conditions, benthic flora and
fauna
Blocking effects Water exchange, water quality,
sediment transport, ecological system
Contaminants from pipelines/anodes Water quality, marine flora and fauna
Gas temperature Difference in temperature between Water quality, marine flora and fauna
gas and environment
Maintenance and Noise and physical disturbance from Maritime traffic, birds, marine
repair vessels mammals, fish, fishery
Air emission from vessels Air quality (local, regional, global)
Decommissioning
Decommissioning Method used depends upon practice/methodology available at that time
5.1.5 Criteria for categorising environmental impacts
5.1.5.1 General
The overall purpose of the environmental impact assessment is to describe the aspects of the
environment which potentially can be affected by the proposed project. This includes the
physical and chemical environment (geology, air, water, etc.), the biological environment (flora
and fauna) and the socioeconomic environment (fishery, tourism, archaeological heritage, etc.).
The impact assessment methodology serves to provide a means of characterising identified

impacts and their overall residual significance. Residual significance is the significance of an
impact upon the receiving environment following the implementation of mitigation measures that
have been designed into an intended activity during a particular phase of the project. Only
residual impacts are assessed in the EIA. Impacts judged to be ‘significant’ or ‘moderate’ after
the application of mitigation measures will be continually monitored and managed during the
various project phases
Two different forms of impacts are assessed within the EIA:
• Planned impacts – those impacts that result from a planned event. Such impacts are
expected to occur during the course of the project (e.g., a temporary and local increase in
turbidity levels in the water column due to disruption of seabed sediments). Planned impacts
are described and evaluated in Chapter 6 and Chapter 7.
• Unplanned impacts – those impacts that result from an unplanned or non-routine event.
Such impacts are not expected during the project, but the probability and the consequences
of the impact (e.g., a fuel spill during construction) nevertheless are assessed. The
environmental risks of unplanned impacts are described and evaluated in Chapter 8.

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The impact assessment methodology for planned impacts takes into consideration an impact’s
nature, type and degree of reversibility, its intensity, scale, duration and sensitivity, and its
overall significance. As mentioned, unplanned impacts are assessed in Chapter 8. In both
cases, residual risks following the implementation of mitigation measures are assessed.
5.1.5.2 Nature, type and reversibility of impact

Impacts are initially classified according to their nature (either negative or positive), their type
and their degree of reversibility. Type refers to whether an impact is direct, indirect, secondary
or cumulative. The degree of reversibility refers to the capacity to return an impacted resource /
receptor to its pre-impact state. Ideally, all impacts associated with the project are reversible.
Nature, type and reversibility are elaborated upon in Table 5.5.
Table 5.5 Nature, type and reversibility of impacts.

Nature of impact
Negative – an impact that is considered to represent an adverse change from the baseline or to introduce
a new, undesirable factor.
Positive – an impact that is considered to represent an improvement to the baseline or to introduce a new,
desirable factor.
Type of impact
Direct – impacts that result from a direct interaction between a planned project activity and the receiving
environment (e.g., the loss of a habitat during pipeline installation).
Indirect – impacts that result from other activities that are encouraged to happen as a consequence of the
project (e.g., an increase in fishery activity along the pipeline route due to the creation of an artificial habitat
favourable to certain target species).
Secondary – impacts that arise following direct or indirect impacts as a result of subsequent interactions
within the environment (e.g., secondary direct: an impact upon marine fauna due to a loss of a habitat;
secondary indirect: by-catch of non-target species).
Cumulative – impacts that act together with other impacts (including those from previous, concurrent or
planned future third-party activities) to affect the same resources and/or receptors as the project (e.g., the
combined effect of other pipelines in the general area – Baltic Sea).
Degree of reversibility
Reversible – impacts on resources / receptors that cease to be evident, either immediately or following an
acceptable period of time, after termination of a project activity (e.g., turbidity levels in the water column will
return to normal levels shortly after the construction works in an area are finalised).
Irreversible – impacts on resources / receptors that are evident following termination of a project activity
and that remain for an extended period of time. Impacts that cannot be reversed by implementation of
mitigation measures (e.g., the occupation of seabed by the pipelines).
5.1.5.3 Impact variables and overall significance
Impact variables
Predicted impacts are defined and assessed in terms of a number of variables. This would
comprise an assessment of the intensity, scale and duration of an impact. Awarding values are,
for the most part, objective due to the limits in place. However, awarding a value to variables,

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such as intensity, may be subjective in that the extent of change is difficult to define. Experts
carrying out the assessments draw on their professional judgement and prior experience from
similar projects and environments to ensure a reasonable degree of consensus on the value
placed on an impact variable.
Various methods are employed in determining the value of the variables. These include:
• The use of modelling techniques to determine the extent of interaction between a project
activity and the receiving environment
• The use of Geographical Information Systems to plot resources / receptors in relation to the
pipeline route and the sphere of influence of an impact (determined by modelling, previous
studies and available literature)
• Statistical evaluation
• The use of results of desk studies and field surveys into resource / receptor presence and
sensitivity
• Prior experience of the EIA team
An explanation of the variables and values employed in the EIA are presented in Table 5.6.
Table 5.6 Criteria for intensity, scale and duration of effects.

Intensity of effects
No effect: There will be no effects on structure or function of the resource/receptor within the affected
area.
Minor effect: There will be minor effects on structure or function of the resource/receptor inside the
affected area, but its basic structure/function is retained.
Medium effect: There will be partial effects on structure or function inside the affected area.
Structure/function of the resource/receptor will be partially lost.
Large effect: The structures and functions of the resource/receptor are affected completely.
Structure/function loss is apparent inside the affected area.
Geographical extent of effects
Local effects: There will be changes in the immediate vicinity of the pipelines/construction site. Effects
are restricted to the pipeline route corridor (approximately 2 km wide).
Regional effects: There will be effects outside the immediate vicinity of the pipelines (local effects),
outside the pipeline corridor, and up to around 5 km outside the pipeline corridor.
National effects: Effects will be restricted to Danish territorial waters and to the Danish EEZ.
Transboundary effects: Effects will be experienced outside the Danish EEZ.
Duration of effects
Short-term: Effects during and immediately after the construction of one pipeline. Effects end before
Pipeline 2 is placed on the seabed.
Medium-term: Effects throughout the period of construction of both pipelines, and up to approximately
one to two years after the construction of Pipeline 2.
Long-term: Effects that continue over an extended period, more than two years after the construction of
the two pipelines.

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Overall significance of impacts
The overall significance of the impacts is evaluated on basis of the evaluation of the single
impact variables, as described above, and on the sensitivity of the resource/receptors affected.
It is imperative to place some form of value (low, medium and high) on a resource/receptor that
could potentially be affected by project activities. Such a value may be regarded as subjective to
some extent.
However, expert judgement and stakeholder consultation ensure a reasonable degree of

consensus on the intrinsic value of a resource/receptor. The allocation of a value to a
resource/receptor allows for the assessment of a resource’s/receptor’s sensitivity to change
(impact). Various criteria are used to determine value/sensitivity, including, amongst others,
resistance to change, adaptability, rarity, diversity, value to other resources/receptors,
naturalness, fragility and whether a resource/receptor is actually present during a project
activity. These determining criteria are elaborated upon in Table 5.7.
Table 5.7 Criteria used to evaluate sensitivity of resource/receptor.

Sensitivity/value
Low: A resource / receptor that is not important to the functions/services of the wider ecosystem or that
is important but resistant to change (in the context of project activities) and will naturally and rapidly
revert to pre-impact status once activities cease.
Medium: A resource / receptor that is important to the functions/services of the wider ecosystem. It may
not be resistant to change, but it can be actively restored to pre-impact status or will revert naturally over
time.
High: A resource / receptor that is critical to ecosystem functions/services, not resistant to change and
cannot be restored to pre-impact status.
For this assessment, the overall significance of impacts has been defined as no impact, minor
impact, moderate impact or significant impact, as shown below. The evaluation, including the
different variables of intensity, scale and duration, and sensitivity of resource/receptor, is partly
subjective, as mentioned, and is included to give the reader a brief overview of the evaluation of
the impacts, see Table 5.8.
Table 5.8 Criteria for evaluation of overall significance of impacts.

Overall significance of impacts
No impact: There will be no impacts on the environment.
Minor impact: The structure or functions in the area will be affected partially, but there will be no
impacts outside the affected area, and impacts will be short-long term, without significant impacts on the
environment.
Moderate impact: The structure or function in the area will be changed, but the impact will have no
significant effects outside the affected area. Impacts will be medium-long term, without significant
impacts on the environment.
Significant impact: The structure or function in the area will be changed, and the impact will also have

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significant effects outside the area. Impacts will be long-term and significant.
Generally, projects can also result in positive impacts. Positive impacts are shown with a “+” in
the comprehensive tables for the predicted impacts.
Where the scale/intensity of effects in the impact assessment (Chapter 6) is evaluated to be “No
effect”, a “-” sign will be used under “geographical extent of effects” and “duration of effects” in
the comprehensive tables, indicating that evaluation is not possible/relevant.
In the impact assessment in Chapter 7, every resource/receptor assessed will be accompanied

by a schedule at the end of the section that includes an assessment of the different variables
and an evaluation of the overall significance of the impacts, see Table 5.9.
Table 5.9 Criteria used in the environmental impact assessment for the Nord Stream
project.
Intensity Scale Duration Overall significance
of effect of effect of effect of impact1
No Local Short-term No impact
Minor Regional Medium-term Minor impact
Medium National Long-term Moderate impact
Large Transboundary Significant impact
1: Evaluation of overall significance of impact includes an evaluation of the variables shown and an evaluation of the
sensitivity of the resource/receptor that is assessed.
5.2 Methods for modelling spreading of sediment and sedimentation during construction
5.2.1 Spreading of sediment during trenching

To assess the impacts from seabed intervention works, mathematical modelling of sediment
spreading has been carried out. In Denmark, the seabed intervention works will comprise post-
trenching by plough, /275/. Post-trenching by plough means that the pipeline will be laid on the
seabed and subsequently lowered to the required depth in a trench that is made by a machine
(a plough) moving along and guided by the pipeline.
Disturbance in the close vicinity of the pipelines

Some disturbance of the seabed must be anticipated in the vicinity of the pipelines due to the
trenching activity and the spoil heaps, see Figure 5.1. The width of disturbance is roughly
assessed to be within the order of 100 m from the pipelines based on information on trench
dimensions and trenching method, see /276/. Consequently, only particles that are capable of
being transported more than in the order of 100 m away from the pipelines have been
considered. For a release close to the seabed (< 5 m) this means the fine fraction of sediment
(clay, silt and possibly very fine sand), see /276/.

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Surface
Seabed works and

release of spill
Area of possible disturbance

Area of possible disturbance
Area of immediate disturbance (close

vicinity of pipelines)
Spoil heap due to

trenching (plough)
Sea bed
O(100)m O(50) m O(100)m
Figure 5.1 Disturbance in the close vicinity of the pipelines.
Spill rate of sediment during trenching

Seabed works that disturb the seabed sediments are regarded as a moving agent causing
sediments to be mobilised. The spill rate states the mass of sediments that is released per
second during the seabed intervention works.
Experience from the Great Belt and Oresund Bridge projects in Denmark shows that the total
spill percentage for scoop-type dredging operations can be kept below 5% of the dredged mass,
/277/. For this type of operation, the sediment is lifted through the water column and placed on a
barge or dam. No such data is available for trenching operations. However, trenching by plough
involves much less handling of the sediment because it is not lifted through the water column
and placed on a barge or dam. The plough mechanically moves the material on the seabed,
resulting in a V-shaped furrow with the sediment pushed to either side of the trench. The
resulting sediment disturbance is very local. Consequently, the spill is estimated to be
approximately 2% of the handled mass of seabed materials.
Applying an average nominal trench volume of 6.9 m3/m as specified in the design documents,
/278/, a relatively low ploughing speed of 300 m/hr and an average spill of 2%, the resulting
sediment spill rate will be approximately 0.012 m3/s, corresponding to approximately 18 kg/s.
This figure is distributed among the fine fractions of sediment only and released 5 m above the
seabed on average.
The main sediment parameter governing the distance each particle travels is the settling
velocity. Generally, large particles have high settling velocities, meaning that the particles settle
rapidly after their release, while fine-grained particles have lower settling velocities, allowing a
wider spreading of the sediment with the currents. When considering the settling velocity of fine-

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grained sediments, the impact of their tendency to stick together to larger aggregates
(flocculation) with a larger settling velocity than the individual sediment grains must be taken into
account.
The settling velocity of a single particle in a fluid is calculated according to Fredsøe, /279/. The
calculated settling velocities shown in Table 5.10 correspond well with what has been observed
in the Elbe, Tamar and Dollard estuary /280/, as well as with experiment results /108/.
Table 5.10 Settling velocity according to Fredsøe, /279/, of mean aggregates, adjusted for
hindered settling and salinity-dependent flocculation (clay and silt only).
Clay Silt Very fine sand
Settling velocity, ωs [mm/s] 0.14 0.45 2.63
The applied grain-size distribution and porosity for trenching in the Danish area of the pipeline
stretch is based on physical analysis of surface sediment samples reported in /15/, shown in
Table 5.11.
Table 5.11 Grain-size distribution and porosity for trenching in Denmark.

Percentage content of nominal wet volume (%)
Very fine
Seabed work type Clay Silt Total fines Porosity
sand
Trenching 1 6 22 30 41
The numerical particle analysis model MIKE 3 PA has been used to simulate the transport and
fate of the suspended or dissolved substances in three dimensions. The Lagrangian approach
allows the MIKE 3 PA model to be set up in a fine horizontal resolution (~100 m in this study) to
properly resolve the concentration of particles in the vicinity of the pipeline.
Information on current velocities and water levels is acquired from an existing model setup of the
numerical hydrodynamic model MIKE 3 by the Danish National Environmental Research
Institute as a part of the Danish national monitoring programme. A description of the model and
setup is given in /54/, and a validation report is available from the Danish Meteorological
Institute (DMI) /281/.
The simulated substances can be pollutants of any kind; for instance, suspended sediment or
chemicals. The spilled material is represented by a large number of particles, each of a specific
mass, which may change during the simulation due to decay. The particles are released at a
source point for discharge.
The extent of the spreading of sediment is governed by the speed and direction of the natural
currents in the Baltic Sea, which vary continuously due to, e.g., wind and air pressure. The exact
extent of the spreading thus will depend on the current pattern at the time when the spill is
released. To study the variability, three different time periods have been considered,
representing calm, average and rough conditions in relation to spreading of sediment. Stormy

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conditions are not considered because extreme weather will usually prevent the execution of
seabed works.
5.2.2 Spreading of sediment during pipe-laying directly on the seabed

During the pipe-laying process, sediments from the seabed may be suspended due to the
following processes /282/:
• The current generated in front of the pipeline when it is lowered through the water column
near the seabed may potentially bring sediment into suspension
• The pressure from the pipeline when it touches down on the seabed may create an
upwards movement of sediment in the vicinity of the pipelines
The mechanisms contributing to the spreading of sediments during pipe-laying on the seabed
have been analysed in reference /282/, and are related to:
1. Erosion caused by water movement in front of the pipeline: When the pipeline moves down
through the water column, it displaces a corresponding volume of water, creating a current
in front of the pipe. When approaching the seabed, the velocity of this current increases
because the area where the water can escape to decreases towards zero.
2. Upwards flow generated from increased pore water pressure in a coarse-grained seabed:
When the pipeline touches down on the seabed, its weight will be transferred to the seabed
soil. Anticipating that the pipeline will not displace the seabed material, the soil will be
compressed according to the elastic characteristics of the soil, increasing the pore pressure
of the soil. The increased pore pressure will release a small amount of pore water,
generating a flow of pore water in the seabed material upwards to the water column. This
flow may cause some of the sediment at the seabed to be suspended in the water column.
3. Upwards flow generated in fine-grained sediments: In some parts of the Baltic Sea, the
upper part of the seabed sediment is dominated by very soft clay with limited carrying
capacity and water content above the liquid limit /283/. In these areas the physical
behaviour of the sediment will be more like a viscous substance, and the pipeline may sink
into the seabed, displacing the sediment, which will flow to the sides and upwards as the
pipe sinks.
The sediment composition and seabed conditions vary along the pipeline corridor. The
suspension of sediment during the pipe-laying process has been estimated based on analytical
considerations to determine the order of magnitude of the suspension for a worst-case scenario.
5.2.3 Spreading of sediment from anchor handling

Pipe-laying will be carried out by a lay vessel that is positioned with 12 anchors, each weighing
up to 25 tonnes. The anchors are fastened to 12 anchor winches, each with a 3,000 m anchor
wire of 76 mm /284/. The anchors will be placed on the seabed at positions around the lay
vessel and moved forward by tugboats during the operation of the lay vessel.

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During displacement of the anchors from one position to another, the anchors and wires will be
lifted from the seabed to ensure manoeuvrability of the tugboats. Disturbance of the seabed by
the anchors and the anchor wire is therefore limited. Dragging of anchors along the seabed
(from the location where the anchor was placed), and thereby resulting in increased seabed
disturbance, is assessed to be rare. The distance between two positions of one anchor during
operation of the lay vessel is approximately 500 m. In one position, the distance between two
anchors is 200-1,000 m, depending on the water depth.
Figure 5.2 Anchor patterns at a water depth of 100 m.
The processes that may create suspension of sediment are therefore when the anchors are laid
on the seabed, when they are pulled up again and when the anchor wire sweeps across the
seabed during movement of the lay vessel.
In soft sediment, it is expected that the anchors will sink into the sediment when they hit the
seabed. Therefore, when the anchor is pulled to give the desired holding capacity, no significant
suspension of sediment to the water column is expected. When the anchor is pulled back again,
some sediment may stick to the anchor and be suspended in the water column.
The anchor wire will typically rest on the seabed at a stretch of 100 - 150 m from the anchor
/285/. When the lay vessel is moving forward, the anchor wire will be sweeping across the

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seabed in a section of a circle as shown in the sketch in Figure 5.3. This may create some
suspension of sediment, even though the movement of the anchor wire is very slow.
Anchor
Anchor corridor
Influenced area
Figure 5.3 Areas influenced by the anchor wire (sweeping).
In /286/ conservative calculations of the vertical spreading of suspended sediment from anchor
handling during calm, normal and rough weather conditions, defined in /286/, have been carried
out.
5.3 Method for calculation of amounts of nutrients and contaminants suspended during
construction
Based on the measured concentrations of the contaminants in the seabed (see Section 4.4.4)
and the amount of released sediment during construction due to trenching, pipe-laying and
anchor-handling, an estimate of the total amount of nitrogen and phosphorus, organic
contaminants and heavy metals released during construction within Danish waters has been
calculated.
The two pipelines will be constructed separately and at different points in time. Calculations
have been carried out for one pipeline (East Pipeline) because the amount of seabed
intervention works for the two pipelines is nearly equal, but slightly greater for the East Pipeline.
The calculations of suspended particle-associated nutrients and contaminants have been based
on mean concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus, organic contaminants and heavy metals in
the sediment along the pipeline route in Danish waters on the basis of a survey conducted in
2008 /16/ (see Section 4.4.4). The total amounts of released nutrients and contaminants have
been calculated by comparison with the calculated total amount of suspended sediments
resulting from trenching, pipe-laying and anchor-handling.
5.4 Method for evaluation of noise

The impacts from noise during construction and operation of the Nord Stream offshore pipelines
can be the result of:

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• Airborne noise during construction
• Underwater noise during construction and pre-commissioning
• Noise during operation, including maintenance and survey works (vessels) and gas
streaming in the pipelines
The Nord Stream project will generate both airborne and underwater noise. Noise in air can be
disturbing or harmful to people or animals. Underwater noise can cause behavioural responses
of marine animals; it can mask communication between animals or cause injuries, depending on
the noise level and properties. The likely sources of airborne and underwater noise due to the
Nord Stream project have been examined. Because many details regarding construction,
machinery and vessels are not known, the examination is based on a desk study of literature
values. The effects of assessed noise levels are compared with the known guidelines,
background noise levels or levels of known effects from the literature as applicable.
It shall be noted that noise in air and underwater noise are both measured in decibels (dB). The
term dB covers the logarithm to a ratio between the actual level (sound force per unit area) and
a reference level. The commonly used reference levels for noise in air and underwater are not
equal. Therefore, noise levels in air and underwater stated in dB cannot be directly compared.
5.4.1 Airborne noise during construction

Noise in air from vessels is generated from the main and auxiliary engines and from ventilation
fans. The noise level from a noise source diminishes over increasing distance. This is due to
the fact that the noise spreads over an expanding area as the distance increases. Theoretically,
the level will be reduced by 6 dB (reduction to one-fourth) for each doubling of the distance
(geometrical attenuation).
Normally, noise-prediction calculations are carried out for situations that will result in the highest
typical noise levels. In practical terms: downwind and a moderate negative temperature gradient
(lower temperature near the ground). This situation can be estimated using the General
Prediction Model /287/. This method anticipates a geometrical noise transmission (6 dB
reduction for each doubling of the distance).
The General Prediction Model /287/ calculates the noise according to:
L pA = LWA − 8 − 20 log(r ) − ai r
where:
LpA is A-weighted noise level [dB]
LWA is sound power level of noise source [dB]
r is distance from noise source to receiver [m]
ai is air absorption coefficient [dB/m]
For long-range noise propagation, the changing wind and temperature conditions will result in
significant and very noticeable variations in the noise level over time. Sound absorption in the air
is related to the air temperature, the humidity level and the frequency of the sound. The result is

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a noise attenuation of approximately 3 dB (reduction to one-half) per doubling of distance
instead of the theoretical 6 dB (reduction to one-fourth) mentioned above.
The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (Naturvårdsverket) has issued guidelines for the
prediction of noise /288/. The guidelines include long-range noise propagation over sea. The
noise propagation model introduced in /288/ focuses on the prediction of noise from wind
turbines and not specifically noise from construction works or similar noise sources. Noise from
wind turbines during normal operation will be continuous with a more or less constant level.
Noise from pipe-laying will also be continuous, but with varying levels because the operational
conditions of the equipment will not be constant. Still, the physics of sound propagation are the
same for constant and intermittent noise.
The Swedish long-range noise propagation model calculates noise level according to:
r
L pA = LWA − 8 − 20 log(r ) − ai r + 10 log( )
200
As the air absorption depends of the frequency of the noise, see /289/, the calculation must be
performed for each 1/1 octave frequency band, 63 – 4.000 Hz.
It is therefore assessed that the Swedish guidelines /289/ are valid not only for wind turbine
noise but for other purposes as well, including construction works at sea. The prediction method
takes into account that the noise propagation is cylindrical between the sea surface and low-
level jets. The basic parameters are the propagation distance, the air absorption and the
average height of the cylindrical propagation, which the method defines to be 200 m. The total
attenuation of noise during propagation is a combination of air absorption and geometrical
attenuation.
A study performed in 2005 and 2006 by the Marcus Wallenberg Laboratory, KTH, Sweden /290/
indicated that the actual noise level will be lower than the predicted level 90% of the time and
higher 10% of the time.
The Swedish long-range noise propagation model /289/ will thus predict the high noise levels
that will occur during special weather conditions. In combination with the General Prediction
Model /288/ the two models will show typical high and low noise levels that can occur during
construction work at sea with noise transmission over long distances. The actual noise level in
situations with the wind flowing from the noise source towards the receiver will typically be
between the high level estimated by the long-range noise propagation model and the lower
levels predicted by the General Prediction Model. During situations in which the wind is flowing
in other directions, the noise level will be even lower than the level predicted by the General
Prediction Model.
5.4.2 Underwater noise during construction and pre-commissioning

There are no national regulations of underwater noise. Therefore, the sources of underwater
noise and its possible effects can best be assessed in comparison with existing conditions as

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well as some with other construction works where the effects have been studied empirically.
Some examples have been gathered for comparison to allow an empiric assessment of the
possible effects during construction and commissioning.
Spreading and damping of underwater noise is quite complicated , and accurate modelling
depends on many factors. The most common spreading laws will be presented together with
some examples of actual observations from other construction work.
The main reason for considering the impacts of underwater noise is that it may affect marine
mammals and fish. The harbour porpoise is probably the most noise-sensitive marine mammal
in the Baltic Sea. In connection with the construction of marine wind farms, extensive
observations have been made concerning the effects of piling on marine mammals. It should be
noted that the noise levels from piling are far higher than the noise levels that can be expected
from pipeline construction work. Piling may well take place at the two landfalls, but not along the
Danish stretch of the pipeline route. During piling work for marine wind farms, marine mammals
are observed to be temporarily affected within a distance of approximately 10 km.
General considerations regarding underwater noise

It is important to distinguish between underwater noise and noise propagated through the air. In
both media the sound-pressure level and sound-intensity level are expressed in terms of decibel
(dB). However, the reference levels are different, meaning that the levels cannot be compared.
For comparison, typical values for noise in air are: conversation: 65 dB; power saw: 110 dB; and
a jet engine: 145 dB. Noise in excess of 125 dB can cause pain to the human ear. In water, the
noise from lightning striking the sea surface can be 250 dB; the noise from the engines of a
super tanker is 190 dB; and the background noise of the ocean is 70 - 100 dB.
Sound pressure is sound force per unit area (N/m2 or Pa) and for practical reasons often stated
in μPa (10-6 Pa). Sound-pressure levels and sound-intensity levels are measured in decibels
(dB), as they typically extend over several orders of magnitude.
⎛ P2 ⎞ ⎛ P ⎞
⎜ ⎟
Sound-pressure level (dB) = 10 ⋅ log⎜ 2 ⎟ = 20 ⋅ log⎜ ⎟ , where
⎜ Pref ⎟ ⎜P ⎟
⎝ ⎠ ⎝ ref ⎠
Pref is reference pressure. The commonly used reference pressure level in underwater
acoustics is 1 μPa. The reference pressure level in air is most often 20 μPa. These values
correspond to reference intensities of 6.7·10-19 W/m2 in water and 1·10-12 W/m2 in air.
Transmission loss in deep water

In acoustic uniform environments, the sound intensity will decrease by spherical spreading and
by attenuation, the latter typically being frequency dependent. Thus:
Spherical decrease in sound-intensity level (dB) = 20 ⋅ log(r ) + α ⋅ r ,

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where r is range in metres from source to receiver and α is the (frequency dependent)
attenuation coefficient. For frequencies below 1 kHz, the attenuation coefficient, α, will be below
0.1 dB/km /189/ and the attenuation will be negligible.
Transmission loss in shallow water

In shallow water conditions, the determination of transmission loss becomes more complicated.
Sound waves are reflected and refracted at various acoustic boundaries: seabed, sea surface
and interfaces in the stratified water column. In theory, if the seabed and sea surface have ideal
reflecting properties the transmission loss can be reduced to cylindrical spreading /189/, thus:
Cylindrical decrease in sound-intensity level (dB) = 10 ⋅ log(r ) + α ⋅ r
In practice, the transmission loss in shallow water will be significantly higher because of
refraction, scattering and absorption. A number of in-situ measurements of transmission loss
from pile driving and from operating wind farms are compared with the spherical and cylindrical
spreading loss model in /189/. Results are shown in Figure 5.4.
Mechlenburg
North Hoyle
-20 Horns Reef
North Star 51
North Star 107
Utgrunden
-40 Cylindrical spreading
Spherical spreading
-60
dB re 1 μPa
-80
-100
-120
10 100 1000 10000 100000
Range (m)
Figure 5.4 Transmission loss in water during pile driving of wind-turbine foundations /189/.
Underwater background noise

The sea is never quiet. Ambient noise is sound that is always present and cannot be attributed
to any particular source. In addition to the ambient noise in the sea, there is also noise from

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distinct and identifiable sources, such as shipping, mechanical installations and marine animals.
This all adds together to form the background noise in the sea.
Ambient noise in deep water

In deep waters (oceans) the phenomenon of ambient noise has been carefully studied due to its
impact on military use of sonar /291/. Sources include rain falling on the ocean, bubbles
entrained by breaking waves, wave interaction, the Earth’s seismic activity and sounds from
marine animals. The ambient noise comes from all directions and varies in magnitude and
frequency content with direction, location and time /291/. The level of ambient noise depends on
the sea state, in particular in the frequency band between 200 Hz and 50 kHz /291/.
Figure 5.5 exemplifies the spectral distribution of the sound-pressure level of deep water
ambient noise. It shall be noted that shipping noise dominates between 10 Hz and 100 Hz.

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Figure 5.5 Sound pressure spectral distribution /291/.
Ambient noise in shallow waters

In shallow waters, ambient noise is highly variable and less understood /291/. It can be both
significantly quieter and louder than ambient noise in deep waters /291/.
An example of ambient noise at a shallow location (8 m) at low winds is shown in Figure 5.6.

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Ambient noise, low winds
80
70
dB re 1 μ Pa 1/3 octave band
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
1 10 100 1000 10000 100000
Frequency (Hz)
Figure 5.6 Ambient noise at a shallow location (8 m) with low winds, implying a calm sea
state /292/.
Underwater noise caused by shipping

The Baltic Sea is heavily trafficked, and shipping noise is prevailing. Measurements of the M/V
Overseas Hariette, a bulk cargo ship of length 173 m and 25,515 tonnes displacement powered
by a direct-drive low-speed diesel engine, stated a source level of 192 dB re 1 μPa at 1 m at a
typical service speed of 16 kt. /291/. It is a typical representation of a large, modern
merchantman.
For comparison, medium-sized supply vessels generate underwater sound (noise) in the
frequency band between 20 Hz and 10 kHz, with source levels ranging between 130 and 160
dB re. 1 μPa at 1 m /291/. Measurements of noise from small boats are limited. In /291/ a 25 m
tug pulling an empty barge is stated to have a source level of 170 dB re 1 μPa at 1 m, with a
spectrum peaking between 100 Hz and 1,000 Hz.
Noise from ‘rock placement’

According to /291/ only one set of measurements of noise due to rock placement exists. These
measurements of the Rollingstone laying rock at 60-70 m near the Shetland Islands show no
evidence that rock placement contributed to the noise level.
Noise from trenching

Figure 5.7 shows measurements of two suction dredgers with a spectral peak between 20 Hz
and 200 Hz. In the band 20-1,000 Hz, the same two dredgers were measured to have a noise

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level of 133-140 dB re 1 μPa at 200 m /291/. A hopper dredger is reported to have a level of 142
dB re 1 μPa at 930 m while loading and 117 dB re 1 μPa at 13,300 m while pumping out.
Figure 5.8 shows the spectral characteristics of ploughing at 150 m distance. Two peaks can be
observed at 5-10 Hz and 20-80 Hz.
Cable trenching at North Hoyle gave a sound level of 178 dB re 1 μPa at 1 m, assuming a
transmission loss of 22log(R) /293/.
Band source levels from two dredgers
250
200
dB re 1 μPa 1/3 octave band
150
Beever Mackenzie
Dredging
Aquarius Dredging
100
50
0
1 10 100 1000
Frequency (Hz)
Figure 5.7 Third-octave band source levels from two dredgers /291/.

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Ploughing noise at 150 m
120
100
dB re 1 μPa 1/3 octave band
80
60
40
20
0
1 10 100 1000 10000 100000
Frequency (Hz)
Figure 5.8 Spectral characteristics of ploughing noise /292/.
Noise during pre-commissioning

During pressure testing, the pipeline will be filled with water, and the water will be pressurised.
Afterwards, the water will be pressed out of the pipeline.
The compressor will emit noise (airborne noise). However, the compressor can also cause
underwater noise (fluid-borne noise): The noise is created by the compressor/pump. The noise
travels as a pressure wave in the fluid along the pipe. The pressure wave causes the pipe walls
to vibrate and in turn radiate noise into the sea.
It has not been possible to find any examples of emission of fluid-borne noise from gas
pipelines. In /294/ an overview calculation can be found. This is based on an oil pump and a
pipeline with a wall thickness of 15 mm at the Northstar offshore gravel island production facility.
The oil pump produces vibration tones at 60 Hz and 120 Hz. The tonals propagate in the fluid
having a source level of 175 and 174 dB re 1 μPa. Disregarding transmission losses in the fluid,
the tonals will generate pipeline wall vibration levels of -30 and -27 dB re 1G at 60 and 120 Hz,
respectively /294/. For a pipeline in water, this would result in a radiated sound-pressure level of
127 and 128 dB re 1 μPa at 1 m /294/. Actual measurements have shown significantly lower
levels. Assuming a transmission loss of 20 dB due to the pipeline being buried below the sea
floor and assuming cylindrical spreading, the noise levels would be in the order of 80 to 85 dB re
1 μPa at 400 m distance, which is comparable to actual measurements /294/. Obviously, the
pressure waves in the fluid will also exhibit transmission loss, which will limit the noise
generation to a limited part of the pipeline closest to the compressor.

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5.4.3 Noise during operation, including maintenance and survey works (vessels) and gas
streaming in the pipelines
Noise from maintenance and survey works

This will involve activities comparable to or more limited than those undertaken during the
construction phase; therefore, the possible impacts can be assessed in parallel.
Noise from gas streaming in the pipelines

Because there were no detailed studies in the literature, Nord Stream AG commissioned
consulting engineers Ødegaard and Danneskiold-Samsøe, who are well-known in the field of
marine noise /295/, to carry out a specific analysis.
The generation of noise along the pipelines was estimated based on the properties of the gas,
the dimensions of the pipelines and the assumed properties of the compressors (from analogy).
Two kinds of sources were considered to estimate the sound radiated by the underwater
pipelines:
• Internal noise sources caused by the gas flow. Discontinuities, such as bends,
expansions and valves in pipes, affect gas flow and generate turbulence. Part of the
turbulent energy is converted into noise. Turbulence in the straight pipe also generates
noise. Subsea only straight pipes will be used.
• External noise sources. Machinery such as compressors are potential important noise
sources when running. The compressor noise propagates through the medium in the
pipeline and is attenuated along the pipeline due to absorption in the gas and the radiated
sound from the pipeline.
The properties of the gas considered comprise gas density, pressure, temperature and velocity
along the pipelines.
Pipeline properties considered comprise thickness, density and sound speed of steel and
concrete coating.
The predicted sound power levels for the straight pipe, bends in the pipelines, and the
compressor are then calculated using appropriate formulae /295/.
Compressor data have been assumed: Motor power 10 MW, impeller tip speed 80 m/s. The
assumed values result in a predicted total sound power of 130 dB re. 1 pW.
The gas flows through a cooling system, flow metering and a number of cross-section changes
after the compressor, all of which give rise to attenuation of the noise. Descriptions of these
discontinuities were not available. Hence, as a rough and conservative estimate, a frequency-
independent attenuation of 3 dB is assumed, and the resulting sound power radiated into the
pipeline is therefore 127 dB re. 1 pW.
The transmission loss of the pipelines relating the internal sound power in the pipe to the
externally radiated sound power per metre of pipe section have been calculated taking into

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consideration the mass of the steel wall, the added weight of the extra concrete coating and the
extra attenuation from the internal polypropylene layer. Damping in the water is calculated by
the conservative assumption of cylindrical spreading.
Finally, the predicted sound power spectra per metre of pipeline are calculated for four selected,
potentially critical locations along the pipeline. The resulting spectra are shown in Figure 5.9
Figure 5.9 Sound power level re. 1 pW per m of pipeline, 1/3 octave frequency bands /295/.
The increasing sound power at low frequencies for KP 125 km is due to compressor noise and
low predicted internal attenuation in the pipeline of the low frequencies.
One pipeline only is considered in this calculation. For two closely spaced pipelines with the
same sound power, the sound pressure level would increase by up to 3 dB. However, for
greater distances between the pipelines, the increase depends on the pipeline and observation
distance. For a 10 m observation distance from one pipeline, the sound pressure level is
increased by less than 0.5 dB by adding an extra pipeline 100 m from the first one.

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5.5 Method for calculating air emissions
Emissions loads originating from vessels used during construction and operation of the Nord
Stream pipelines in Danish waters are presented in Section 6.4.5. The method is presented
below.
The emissions from each activity are estimated based on the fuel consumption of the working
machines. The fuel consumption is estimated based on data on the capacity (power output) of
the engines onboard typical vessels that will be used for the work on the Nord Stream pipelines.
The fuel consumption is then estimated based on a conversion rate of 190 g fuel / kWh /296/.
The vessels will be powered by either heavy fuel oil (HFO) or by marine gas oil (MGO).
The emissions estimates comprise the three main pollutants:
• Carbon dioxide (CO2)

• Nitrogen oxides (NOX)
• Sulphur dioxides (SO2)
The estimates of SO2 emissions are based on limit values of sulphur content of the used fuel
according to the Directive 2005/33/EC on the sulphur content of marine fuels /297/. As
construction works are planned to commence in 2010, the maximum sulphur content
permissible at that date will be 1.5% by mass for HFO and 0.1% by mass for MGO.
The NOX emissions of vessels working within the Baltic Sea are set at 12 g NOX/kWh based on
investigations of /296/ and /298/. For evaluation purposes, NOX is treated as NO2.
The CO2 emissions are proportional to the fuel consumption and are estimated by an emission
factor of 3.2 t CO2/ t fuel. This generally accepted value is derived from the consumption and
combustion process in a standard diesel engine. It averages over a number of different types of
machines as well as the alteration of the motor rotation speed which affects the level of emission
significantly. The high variation range of diesel engines, depending on its performance,
technology, size, age and degree of development, were taken into account. For the same
reason, specific emission calculations, such as those on CO or HC, could not been carried out
at this stage of the planning.
The listed time slice of engine-operation has been provided by Nord Stream AG. It bases on
empirical assumptions which were derived from the expected work flow performed by a specific
type of machinery within a typical operation sequence. Therefore efficiency aspects, such as
operating degree, idle and stand by times, wear and tear etc., were considered.
The data used for calculating emissions from vessels that will operate within Danish waters are
presented in Table 5.12.

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Table 5.12 Data used for calculating air emissions from vessels that will operate within
Danish waters.
Activity /vessel Engine No of Fuel Availability Time Working
power vessels time slice time
Pipe-laying vessel 20,000 kW 1 MGO 98 days 100% 98 days
Anchor handling tugs 10,000 kW 3 HFO 98 days 40% 39.2 days
Plough 30,000 kW 1 HFO 3.6 days 100% 3.6 days
Support vessel 7,860 kW 1 HFO 125.4 days 100% 125.4 days
(line pipe)
Thruster 833 kW 2 HFO 125.4 days 20% 25.08 days
(support vessel)
Survey vessel 7,200 kW 2 HFO 49 days 100% 49 days
(inspection before
and after pipe-lay)
Survey vessel 7,200 kW 1 HFO 49 days 100% 49 days
(inspection during
operation)

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6. Assessment of environmental impacts
6.1 Impacts from sediment spreading and sedimentation
6.1.1 Spreading of sediment during trenching

The location of planned seabed intervention works within Danish waters is south of Ertholmene,
as shown on Atlas Map PR-3-D. The works include post-trenching by plough of a 10 km section
(West Pipeline) and a 15 km section (East Pipeline) east of Bornholm. The basis and input for a
model simulation of the spreading of sediments is based on the assumptions summarised in
Table 6.1. Trenching volumes for the two pipelines are 2,160 tonnes for the West Pipeline and
3,240 tonnes for the East Pipeline. Analyses have been made with respect to the East Pipeline
because it involves the largest amount of released sediment.
Table 6.1 Input for the model simulation.

Scenario TRE_DE_S
Location East of Bornholm
Route C14.0, East Pipe
Activity Post-lay trenching
Method Plough
Speed 300 m/hr
Scope (10,000 – 15,000) m
Volume 6.9 m3/m (69,000 – 103,500) m3
Duration 1.4 – 2.1 days
Spill 2% ~18 kg/s
Parameters Sediment
Weather Normal
Reference /275/
Table 6.2 shows the length and duration of seabed works and the amount of suspended
sediment. The total amount of suspended sediment for the West and East pipelines is 2,160
tonnes and 3,240 tonnes, respectively, which is distributed according to the grain-size
distribution shown in Section 5.2 Table 5.11.
Table 6.2 Length and duration of seabed intervention works and amount of suspended
sediment.
Scenario – weather From To Length Duration Suspended
sediment
KP (km) KP (km) (m) (days) (tonnes)
TRE_DE_S – Normal
1043 1058 15,000 2.1 3,240
(East Pipeline)
TRE_DE_S – Normal
1043 1053 10,000 1.4 2,160
(West Pipeline)

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The results of the model simulation are analysed in terms of area and average duration of
suspended sediment concentration > 1 and 10 mg/l, as shown in Table 6.3 and Figure 6.1.
An excess concentration of 1 mg/l will hardly be visible in the water because naturally occurring
concentrations in the Baltic Sea are typically in the range of 1 – 4 mg/l during normal weather
conditions and significantly higher during stormy conditions, /299/. Therefore, the sediment
clouds shown may be regarded as the maximum extent of the visible turbidity caused by
sediment spreading (for the applied weather conditions).
Considering a concentration > 10 mg/l, the total affected area is 5.9 - 8.9 km2 with an average
duration of three hours, after which conditions will return to normal. The results may vary up to
about +/- 20% during calm or rough weather conditions, see /276/. The trend is that calm
conditions cause longer exceedance durations but cover smaller areas.
Table 6.3 Area and duration of suspended sediments caused by post-trenching by plough in
Danish waters.
Suspended sediment1
Average Average
Area of Area of
duration of duration of
Scenario - weather concentration concentration
concentration concentration
> 1 mg/l > 10 mg/l
> 1 mg/l > 10 mg/l
(km2) (km2) (hr) (hr)
TRE_DE_S – Normal
25.7 8.9 10.5 3.0
(East Pipeline)
TRE_DE_S – Normal
17.1 5.9 10.5 3.0
(West Pipeline)
1: Average concentration 0 - 10 m above the seabed (including all suspended particles).

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Duration of suspended sediment
concentration* > 1 mg/l, [hr]
* Average concentration 0 - 10 m above the seabed

(including all suspended particles).
Figure 6.1 Duration of suspended sediment concentration > 1 mg/l due to post-trenching by
plough during normal weather conditions east of Bornholm, Denmark.
The resulting net sedimentation once all the suspended particles have settled is shown in Figure
6.2. As observed, the majority of the sediment will settle within close vicinity (a few hundred
metres) of the pipelines, resulting in very minor net sedimentation (< 1 mm, green and blue
colours) in areas up to about 2 km from the pipelines. The sediment may travel up to about 5 km
only on rare occasions of strong currents perpendicular to the pipelines, see /276/. Areas in
close proximity to the pipelines may experience a net sedimentation > 1 mm; however, this is
not considered further, as this is within the area of possible immediate disturbance of the
seabed, cf. Chapter 5.

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Net seabed sedimentation, [kg/m2]*
2
* 1 kg/m ~ 1 mm for a porosity of the settled sediment of
0.6 (0 - 1).
Figure 6.2 Net sedimentation following post-trenching by plough during normal weather
conditions east of Bornholm, Denmark.
The model results indicate that the applied method for trenching (plough) mainly causes
disturbance in the close vicinity (within the order of 100 m) of the pipelines. The suspension of
sediment is primarily in the lower part of the water column and generally too small to produce a
visible sediment concentration (> 1 mg/l) in the water more than a few hundred metres away.
The resulting net sedimentation is therefore also very small (< 1 mm) more than a few hundred
metres from the pipelines.

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6.1.2 Spreading of sediment during pipe-laying directly on the seabed
The pipelines will be laid from a lay vessel with a slow horizontal speed, giving an even slower
vertical velocity of the pipelines that decreases towards zero when reaching the seabed. Only
very small amounts of sediment, around 300 kg/km, have been found to be suspended during
pipeline layout directly on the seabed for worst-case scenarios where the pipeline is placed on
soft clay. For the entire Danish section of 137 km, this corresponds to be at maximum around 41
tonnes of suspended sediment.
The suspension has been calculated without taking friction into account, which will further
reduce the possible suspension of sediment during pipe-laying.
It can be concluded that suspension caused by pipeline installation is negligible in the case of
firm sediment. In the case of very soft clay sediments, where the pipeline is able to sink down,
some small suspension of sediment near the bottom can be expected. However, compared with
suspension during trenching, this is negligible, and therefore sediment spreading from pipe-
laying directly on the seabed has not been included in the mathematical modelling of spreading
and sedimentation /282/.
6.1.3 Spreading of sediment from anchor-handling

In /286/ conservative calculations of the vertical spreading of suspended sediment from anchor
handling during calm, normal and rough weather conditions, defined in /286/, have been carried
out. The results show that concentrations of suspended sediment of 1 mg/l will be restricted to
around 10 m above the seabed, while concentrations of 10 mg/l will be restricted to around 5 m
above the seabed, for all weather conditions.
In total, the size of the release of sediment to the water column when the anchor is lowered, set
at a new position and when it is taken up again is estimated to be in the order of 10 - 160 kg.
The release of sediment from the anchor chain sweeping process is estimated to 400 - 1,600 kg.
In total, this gives a release of sediment of approximately 400 - 1,800 kg per anchor position
/286/.
With 12 anchors and approximately 500 m between the anchoring positions, there are
approximately 24 anchor-handling operations per kilometre/pipeline. This results in a total
release of approximately 10 - 38 tonnes/km pipeline. The total release within Danish waters will
be between 1,370 - 5,206 tonnes for each pipeline with a mean value of 3,288 tonnes.
Assuming the release of sediment is distributed in the lower 10 m of the water column, the initial
sediment concentration, if the total amount of sediment that will be suspended is suspended
simultaneously, is approximately 25 - 95 mg/l in the release area, the release area being
approximately 2% (0.04 km2/km) of the anchor corridor. The area where the concentration of
suspended sediment is >10 mg/l in the lower 10 m of the water column is calculated to be 0.1 -
0.38 km2/km within an area of 2 km2 (the anchor corridor being 2 km wide).
The seabed area affected by anchors and anchor wires is calculated to be around 5.5
km2/pipeline in total within Danish waters, whereas the area affected by suspended sediment
>10 mg/l is calculated to be 13.7 - 52.1 km2/pipeline.

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In the mathematical modelling, sediment spreading from anchors has not been included, as the
distribution of sediment spreading from a single anchor is very limited, 0.004 - 0.016 km2 with
concentration > 10 mg/l.
6.1.4 Amount of nutrients and contaminants suspended during construction

An estimate of the total amount of nitrogen and phosphorus, organic contaminants and heavy
metals released during construction within Danish waters is presented below. As described in
the methodology (Section 5.3), the amounts have been calculated from measured
concentrations of the contaminants in the seabed and the estimated amounts of sediment
released during construction.
6.1.4.1 Mean concentrations of the contaminants in the seabed along the route in Danish waters
Table 6.4 shows the mean concentration of nitrogen and phosphorus in the sediment along the
pipeline route in Danish waters. Table 6.5 shows the mean concentration of organic
contaminants, and Table 6.6 shows the mean concentration of heavy metals. The tables are
made on basis of a survey conducted in 2008 /16/ (see Section 4.4.4).
Table 6.4 Mean concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus in the sediment along the
pipeline route in Danish waters /16/. See Section 4.4.4 for a full description.
Parameter Mean Unit N>LOQ Ntotal
Nitrogen 12484 mg/kg DM 28 28
Phosphorus 786 mg/kg DM 28 28
LOQ = limits of quantification, N = numbers of samples, DM = dry matter
Table 6.5 Mean concentrations of organic contaminants in the sediment along the pipeline
route in Danish waters /16/. See Section 4.4.4 for a full description.
CH (total) <LOQ μg/kg DM 0 28
DBT 2.69 μg/kg DM 19 28
DDT(sum) <LOQ μg/kg DM 0 28
HCB <LOQ μg/kg DM 0 28
HCH (sum) <LOQ μg/kg DM 0 28
MBT 4.45 μg/kg DM 27 28
16PAH (sum) 0.38 μg/kg DM 14 28
7PCB (sum) <LOQ μg/kg DM 0 28
TBT 3.15 μg/kg DM 12 28
CH (sum): Sum of cis and trans chlordane
DBT: Dibutyltin
DDT(sum): Sum of DDTs (p,p)(o,p), DDE(o,p) and DDD(o,p)
HCB: Hexachlorobenzene
HCH (sum): Sum of hexachlorocyclohexanes (alpha, beta and gamma)
MBT: Monobutyltin
16PAH (sum): Sum of PAH congeners
7PCB (sum): Sum of PCB congeners
TBT: tributyltin

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Table 6.6 Mean concentrations of heavy metals in the sediment along the pipeline route in
Danish waters /16/. See Section 4.4.4 for a full description.
Arsenic (As) 8.00 mg/kg DM 28 28
Cadmium (Cd) 0.35 mg/kg DM 23 28
Chrome (Cr) 25.67 mg/kg DM 28 28
Copper (Cu) 21.68 mg/kg DM 28 28
Mercury (Hg) 0.04 mg/kg DM 11 28
Nickel (Ni) 21.53 mg/kg DM 28 28
Lead (Pb) 34.80 mg/kg DM 28 28
Zinc (Zn) 107.86 mg/kg DM 28 28
6.1.4.2 Total amount of sediment released during construction

Table 6.7 shows the total amount of sediment released during trenching, pipe-laying and
anchor-handling.
Table 6.7 Sediment released in Danish waters during construction works. See Section 5.2
and Section 6.1.1, 6.1.2 and 6.1.3 for a full description.
Trenching Pipe-laying Anchor-handling Total
(tonnes) (tonnes) (tonnes) (tonnes)
3,240 41 3,288 6569
6.1.4.3 Total amount of nitrogen and phosphorus released during construction

Table 6.8 shows the estimated release of nitrogen and phosphorus during construction of one
pipeline. The calculations are based on mean values of the concentration of total nitrogen and
total phosphorus in the sediment along the pipelines within Danish waters (see Table 6.4) and
calculations of the total amount of sediment released during construction (see Table 6.7).
Table 6.8 Estimated release of total nitrogen and total phosphorus during construction
within Danish waters for the East Pipeline and the amount that entered the Baltic
Sea and the Baltic Proper in the year 2000.
Parameter Unit
Total (mean) released within Entered the Entered the
Danish waters during Baltic Sea in Baltic Proper in
construction of one pipeline 2000 /97/ 2000 /97/
(rounded)
Nitrogen tonnes 82 1,009,000 293,236
Phosphorus tonnes 5 34,500 16,046
To put the calculated amount of released nitrogen and phosphorus during construction in
perspective, it can be mentioned that in 2000 the total inputs of nitrogen and phosphorus to the
Baltic Sea were 1,009,000 tonnes and 34,500 tonnes, respectively, while the total loads of

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nitrogen and phosphorus to the Baltic Proper were 293,236 tonnes and 16,046 tonnes,
respectively /78/ /97/. Compared with these figures, the amounts released during construction
are quite insignificant (nitrogen: 0.03% of what entered the Baltic Proper in 2000, phosphorus:
0.03% of what entered the Baltic Proper in 2000).
6.1.4.4 Total amounts of organic contaminants released during construction

Table 6.9 shows the estimated amounts of organic contaminants released within Danish waters
during construction work for one pipeline (East Pipeline). The calculations are based on mean
values of the concentration of contaminants in the sediment along the pipeline route within
Danish waters (see Table 6.5) and calculations of the total amount of sediment released during
construction within Danish waters (see Table 6.7).
Table 6.9 Mean values of organic contaminants released during construction work within
Danish waters for the East Pipeline.
Parameter Unit Total (mean) released within Danish waters during construction
of one pipeline (rounded)
CH (total) g <LOQ
DBT g 18
DDT(sum) g <LOQ
HCB g <LOQ
HCH (sum) g <LOQ
MBT g 29
16PAH (sum) g 2.50
7PCB (sum) g <LOQ
TBT g 21
DBT: Dibutyltin
DDT (sum): Sum of DDTs (p,p)(o,p), DDE(o,p) and DDD(o,p)
MBT: Monobutyltin
TBT: tributyltin
LOQ = limits of quantification
6.1.4.5 Total amounts of heavy metals released during construction

Table 6.10 shows the mean values of heavy metals released during construction work within
Danish waters for the East Pipeline. The calculations are based on mean values of the
concentrations of heavy metals in the sediment along the pipelines within Danish waters (see
Table 6.6) and calculations of the total amount of sediment released during construction within
Danish waters (see Table 6.7).
To put the calculated amount of heavy metals released during construction in perspective, Table
6.10 shows the estimated amount of heavy metals released during construction of one pipeline
compared with the amount that entered the Baltic Sea in the year 2000. It is obvious that the

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amount of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn) released during construction is insignificant
compared with what is released into the Baltic Sea on a yearly basis.
Table 6.10 Mean values of heavy metals released during construction work within Danish
waters for the East Pipeline.
Parameter Unit Total (mean) released Entered the Entered the
within Danish waters Baltic Sea in Baltic Proper in
during construction of one 2000 /78/ 2000 /78/
pipeline (rounded)
Arsenic (As) kg 53 No info No info
Cadmium (Cd) kg 2 53,000 9,700
Chrome (Cr) kg 169 No info No info
Copper (Cu) kg 142 1,068,000 164,000
Mercury (Hg) kg 1 46,000 * 43,000
Nickel (Ni) kg 141 No info No info
Lead (Pb) kg 229 477,000 70,000
Zinc (Zn) kg 709 3,059,000 959,000
* The amount of mercury that entered the Baltic Sea in 1999 and 2000 was unusually high. In 2004 the amount was
9,600 kg /91/
Only a certain percentage of the remobilised hazardous substances will actually be bioavailable,
as much of it will be bound to the sediment. Even though bioavailability can vary depending on
various factors, such as the specific compound, chemical desorption characteristics and
sediment type, a more realistic estimation would be that only approximately 12.5% of the
released organic contaminants and 10% of the released heavy metals will be available for
bioaccumulation /276/.
Furthermore, it is important to remember that most of the releases within Danish waters are
below the halocline, often in water masses with a relatively low oxygen concentration and little or
no life.

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6.2 Impacts from chemical and conventional munitions
A description of the environmental parameters that will be affected is presented in Section 5.1.4,
and the criteria used to categorise the environmental impacts are given in Section 5.1.5.
Chemical and conventional munitions lying on the seabed may impact the environment in
connection with construction and operation of the Nord Stream pipelines. Impacts from
munitions are considered as:
• Impacts from dumped chemical munitions

• Impacts from conventional munitions
6.2.1 Impacts from dumped chemical munitions

Three chemical munitions were identified in the Danish section of the pipeline route during the
munitions screening survey (see Section 4.2). The Danish Admiral Fleet has been informed
about these finds and has been asked to evaluate the finds and propose a method to handle
these chemical munitions. The Danish Admiral Fleet has replied in a letter (ref 001329-22553,
date 30.01.2009) that the the chemical muntions are best left where found and should not pose
any risk to the pipeline. However human contact with chemical munitions should be avoided
during the pipelaying. Nord Stream will follow these guidelines and will leave the three munitions
on the seabed and avoid contact with them during the installation of the pipelines. The munitions
objects are located 16-19 m from the East Pipeline and therefore are outside the installation
corridor of 7.5 m to either side of the pipeline. The only possibility of contact with the chemical
munitions is by the anchors of the lay vessel, and contact with munitions from anchors can be
eliminated by marking the positions of the munitions as “areas to avoid”. The anchor touchdown
points will then be planned to circumvent the positions of the three chemical munitions objects.
This procedure is considered to eliminate the impacts from the three chemical munitions.
It is assessed that there will be no overall impacts from identified chemical munitions.
6.2.1.1 Impacts from contact with chemical munitions

It is assumed that dumped chemical munitions are not armed; typically, the canisters of artillery
shells have corroded away so that only the warfare agent and some of the explosives remain.
This means that if the pipelines were to come into contact with the remains of chemical
munitions, e.g., lumps of mustard gas, the munitions would be buried, pushed away and/or
broken in pieces. The pipelines would not introduce new degradation processes to the mustard
gas, as these processes are already occurring because of weathering and fishing activities.
The only possibility of exposure to humans would be through direct contact with a chemical
agent recovered from the seabed. This can be mitigated by thoroughly washing down
equipment whenever it is brought on deck. A response plan will be developed and the deck
crew on the lay vessel will be provided with appropriate training.
The pipelines will be post-trenched along a section of 10-15 km just east of Svaneke. This
section is outside the chemical munitions dumpsite and associated Risk zone 2. A plough
mounted on a sledge will move along the pipeline alignment, making a trench. Trenching
equipment may become contaminated if it comes into contact with chemical agents during this

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work. As it is impossible to know in advance whether this has occurred, it will be necessary to
take precautionary measures to prevent human contact with chemical agents by washing down
equipment thoroughly upon retrieval.
The lay vessel will be positioned by 12 anchors. This means that there is a possibility of the
anchors coming into contact with chemical munitions. The pipe-laying contractor will perform a
very detailed survey of the lay vessel anchoring corridor that will identify any munitions lying in
the anchor corridor (see details in Section 4.1.2.6). If chemical munitions are encountered in
spite of pre-investigations, the interaction would be comparable to similar contact between
chemical agents and fishing gear, as experienced by several fishermen over the years. During
normal anchor-handling operations, anchors are lifted off the seabed by an anchor-handling
vessel and moved through the water to a new position. Anchors are brought out of the water
only on rare occasions, e.g., if the anchor has to be decked when crossing existing infrastructure
or if an anchor cable has to be repaired. If this were to occur, the incident would have to be
handled in a way that prevents any human contact with chemical agents. This would mean
hosing down the anchor carefully before people, personnel approach it. When an anchor
polluted with chemical agents is hosed down, the chemical agents will spread in the surface
water. With proper mitigation measures in place, the possibility of such events occurring is
limited, and even if they did occur, the amount of chemical agent would be so small that it would
have no environmental impact.
It is assessed that there will be no – minor effects from contact with chemical munitions, that
effects will be local, short-term, and that there will be no overall impacts.
6.2.1.2 Contact between pipelines and munitions during operation

Sections of the pipelines will be installed directly on the seabed. If a munitions object has been
transported along the pipeline corridor by, e.g., fishing activity, it is possible that the object could
be caught by the pipeline and settle on the seabed adjacent to it. Since chemical munitions were
dumped without detonators, this will not have any effect on the pipeline.
It is assessed that there will be no overall impacts from contact between the pipelines and
chemical munitions during operation.
6.2.1.3 Impacts from spreading of chemical munitions
Spreading of chemical munitions

In theory, spreading of chemical warfare agents (CWA) can take place due to sediment handling
(pipe-laying, anchor-handling, trenching) if lumps of CWA (e.g., mustard gas) are broken into
smaller pieces, thereby increasing the mobility of the mustard gas with respect to current/wave
action.
It is evaluated in general that construction activities at the seabed may have only a very local
effect on spreading of CWA. Contact between CWA and pipelines during pipe-laying, anchors
during anchor-handling operations, and the plough during trenching is assessed only to result in
relocation of the CWA within the close vicinity of where it was affected.

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Construction works at the seabed may result in three scenarios with regard to CWA:
• The lump of CWA is buried under the pipeline or pushed down into the seabed by anchors,
especially in areas with soft sediment.
• The lump of CWA is pushed aside by the pipeline/anchors/plough during trenching without
breaking.
• The lump of CWA is broken into smaller pieces by the pipeline/anchor/plough.
The mobility of a CWA lump would increase only if it were broken into smaller pieces. The
mobility of broken lumps of viscous mustard gas has been analysed at two locations: Bornholm
Basin (90 m depth) and Gotland Deep (60 m depth) /300/.To evaluate whether the lumps would
be moved by current and waves at the two locations, a desktop analysis has been performed
/301/.
The size of mustard gas lumps when broken by mechanical action has been estimated based
on findings of mustard gas lumps by fishing vessels that were reported to the Bornholm maritime
authorities. The size distribution of these findings cannot be directly used to indicate the size of
lumps broken by mechanical action. Large lumps may be caught in trawls more easily, and if
small pieces break off when the lumps are moved in trawls, they may be left behind.
Furthermore, many of the lumps that have been found were not broken. However, from the
description of the size range of the findings, the relevant size range of lumps of mustard gas
broken by mechanical action can be estimated at approximately 0.2-25 cm in diameter /301/.
The critical current velocity for movement of the lumps varies between 0.05-0.62 m/s, depending
on lump size. The critical current velocity is only exceeded at Bornholm Deep, where
movements of very small lumps (0.2 cm in diameter) would be possible on a plain seabed, not
taking the movement on a sloping seabed closer to the shore into account /301/.
The maximum wave corresponding to the significant wave height at a one-year sea state would
not move the lumps in Bornholm Deep (90 m depth). Small lumps (0.2 cm) would only be moved
by the maximum wave in depths of less than 50 m /301/.
The analysis therefore supports the conclusions of the Helsinki Commission (HELCOM)
Working Group on Dumped Chemical Munitions regarding the mobility of the chemical munitions
/22/:
“A relocation by hydrographic conditions is unlikely. Because of intensive fishing activities in or

close to the dumping areas relocation of chemical munitions may take place.”
and
“The Group concludes that a threat to the coastal areas of the Helsinki Convention Area from
residues of warfare agents or chemical munitions washed ashore is unlikely.”
These conclusions indicate that although lumps of viscous mustard gas have been moved by
mechanical action there have been no incidents where lumps have washed ashore.

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Furthermore, the relocation of chemical munitions is primarily due to fishing activities; relocation
by currents is only a minor factor.
Based on the description and evaluation above, it is assessed that there will be no overall
impacts in relation to spreading of chemical munitions during construction of the planned Nord
Stream pipelines.
Impact and toxicity of chemical munitions on marine environment

The toxicity of CWA to the marine environment and the risk of impacts to the marine
environment are based on the results of a May 2008 Nord Stream field survey on the
concentrations of CWA in sediment and pore water along the planned Nord Stream route.
A search for the ecotoxicological data in the US EPA ECOTOX database /302/ revealed that
data on only one of the additives and one warfare gas are available from the literature. The data
is summarised in Table 6.11.
Table 6.11 Summary of measured acute and chronic ecotoxicological values (LC50- and
EC50- values) of Clark I, Clark II and monochlorobenzene /302/ /303/.
Compound CAS Trophic level
Algae Crustacean Fish
(exp.≤3d) (exp.≤2d) (exp.≤4 d)
Acute effects - L(E)C50(mg/l)
Monochlorobenzene 108-90-7 0.057-298 0.0006-310 0.006-73
Clark I 712-48-1 n.d. 0.024-0.255 n.d.
Clark II 23525-22-6 n.d. 0.02-0.162 n.d.
Algae Crustacean Fish
(exp.>3d) (exp.>2d) (exp.>4d)
Chronic effects - L(E)C50 (mg/l)
Monochlorobenzene 108-90-7 12.5-343 1.72-24 0.05-10.3
Clark I 712-48-1 n.d. 0.009-0.022 n.d.
Clark II 23525-22-6 n.d. 0.006-0.037 n.d.
n.d.: No data
Exposure >3 days: Test duration more than three days.
Table 6.12 it can be seen that the lowest concentration where effects have been observed is in
crustaceans, at concentrations of monochlorobenzene of 0.0006 mg/l.
Because measured ecotoxicological values for most of the relevant warfare gases and additives
were unavailable, ecotoxicological values have been calculated by applying the EPISuite v.3.12,
ref. /304/.
Estimation of toxicity in the EPISuite is performed by applying Structure-Activity Relationships

(SAR), which in the case of EPISuite are chemical-class specific. The EPISuite contains 150
SARs (one for each trophic level) for 50 different groups of chemicals. Each of the estimations
was carried out applying the most appropriate SAR, thus minimising prediction error.

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The EPISuite is capable of estimating effect concentrations for most organic compounds.
Inorganic compounds, however, are not covered by the software.
The estimated data on acute/chronic ecotoxicity of CWA is presented in Table 6.12 and in Table
6.13.
Table 6.12 Estimated acute ecotoxicological values of the warfare gases and additives /302/
/303/.
Name CAS no. Trophic level
Algae Crustacean Fish1
EC50 LC50 LC50
(mg/l) (mg/l) (mg/l)
Sulphur mustard gas 505-60-2 34.3 53.5 48.6/13.6*
Clark I 712-48-1 0.8 1.1 0.8/0.7*
Clark II 23525-22-6 9.1 13.6 11.6/5.0*
Adamsite 578-94-9 2.1 3.1 2.4/1.5*
Chloracetophenone 1341-24-8 88.5 142 133
Trichloroarsine 7784-34-1 Inorganic compound estimation not possible
Triphenylarsine 603-32-7 0.05 0.06 0.04/0.07*
Monochlorobenzene 108-90-7 15.2 23.4 20.9/6.5*
Phenyldichloroarsine 696-28-6 12.8 19.2 16.7/6.4*
Less-certain CWAs dumped east of Bornholm
Phosgene 75-44-5 n.d. n.d. 990
Diphosgene 503-38-8 n.d. n.d. 88.7
Nitrogen mustard 51-75-2 9.6 6.0 86.0
Tabun 77-81-6 15.1 4634 202
1: Values marked with (*) are in saltwater species, the rest are in freshwater species.
n.d.: No data
Test duration less than four days.
Table 6.13 Estimated ecotoxicological values due to prolonged exposure to the warfare
gases and additives /302/ /303/.
EC50 EC50 L(E)C50
Sulphur mustard gas 505-60-2 4.3 3.32/10.51 6.7/93.93
2 1
Clark I 712-48-1 0.3 0.2 /0.04 0.2/2.33
2 1
Clark II 23525-22-6 1.9 1.3 /1.3 1.8/25.83
2 1
Adamsite 578-94-9 0.7 0.4 /0.2 0.4/6.13
Chloracetophenone 1341-24-8 8.5 7.12/40.41 17/2393
Trichloroarsine 7784-34-1 Inorganic compound estimation not possible
Monochlorobenzene 108-90-7 2.2 1.62/3.81 3.0/41.83
2 1
Phenyldichloroarsine 696-28-6 2.4 1.6 /2.3 2.5/35.73
2 1
Triphenylarsine 603-32-7 0.05 0.02 /0.0007 0.01/0.13
Less certain CWAs dumped east of Bornholm

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EC50 EC50 L(E)C50
Phosgene 75-44-5 n.d. n.d. n.d.
Diphosgene 503-38-8 n.d. n.d. n.d.
Nitrogen mustard 51-75-2 1.9 n.d. n.d.
Tabun 77-81-6 11.3 n.d. 246
1: Values are LC50 in mysid shrimp (freshwater).
2: Values on Daphnia.
3: All values marked with “3” are 14-day LC50 values, the rest are EC50-values.
n.d.: No data.
Teast duration more than four days.
From Table 6.12 and Table 6.13 it can be seen that the lowest concentration with effects from
exposure to CWA compounds <4 days is 0.07 mg triphenylarsine/l, while the lowest effect
concentration with effects from exposure to CWA compounds >4 days is 0.0007 mg
triphenylarsine/l.
Calculations of the concentration of chemical warfare agents in the water environment, based
on the analysed concentrations in sediment and pore water, have been carried out by NERI
/305/. The results (predicted effect concentration (PEC) in the water environment) have been
compared with the hazard concentration (HC5) where 95% of a fish community is protected,
translating to a community no observed effect concentration (NOEC) /301/. The HC5 value then
represents a concentration where 5% of a fish community could be potentially affected.
The acute and chronic HC5 concentrations for different CWA compounds as presented in
reference /301/ are shown in Table 6.14.
Table 6.14 Compound-specific fish community estimated acute/chronic HC5 values (mg/l)
/301/.
Compound Cas no. Fish community acute/chronic HC5 (mg/l)
Acute HC5 Chronic HC5
Sulphur mustard gas 505-60-2 0.1 0.01
(Yperite)
Clark 1 712-48-1 0.01 0.001
Adamsite 578-94-9 0.01 0.001
Chloracetophenone 1341-24-8 0.5 0.05
Trichlorarsine 7784-34-1 0.1 0.01
Triphenylarsine 603-32-7 0.0005 0.00005
Monochlorobenzene 108-90-7 0.1 0.01
Phenyldichloroarsine 696-28-6 0.1 0.01
Zyklon B 94-90-8 0.001 0.0001

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The results from the risk assessment carried out in reference /305/ show that the concentrations
in the water environment will be lower than the HC5 values presented in Table 6.14, and that
the risk of impact on the fish community from CWA that will be mobilised due to pipe-laying,
anchor-handling and trenching is negligible /305/.
Based on the results from ref. /305/, it is concluded that the increase in concentrations of
chemical warfare agents in the water environment from sediment disturbance during
construction works on the seabed will have no overall impact on the marine environment.
6.2.2 Impacts from conventional munitions

No conventional munitions have been identified in the Danish section of the Nord Stream
pipeline during extensive munitions screening surveys (see Section 4.1.2.4 for details). The risk
of contact with conventional munitions during pipeline installation in Denmark therefore is
considered to be miniscule.
In the highly unlikely situation that interaction with non-detected munitions would occur, the
worst-case scenario would be the explosion of a munitions object. If this were to happen during
pipe-laying, the impact would be localised and would likely be limited to the pipeline or anchors
only, since the lay barge will be at some distance from the touchdown point of the pipeline or
anchor on the seabed. If this were to occur during trenching operations, the plough and the
pipeline would be affected. The most severe effect would be spillage of oil from the plough. To
avoid and minimise impacts on the marine environment from oil spillage, the contractor has
established contingency plans that will be implemented. The pipelines are empty during pipe-
laying, so there is no risk of product leakage.
Based on the results from surveys and investigations, it is assessed that there will be no overall
impacts from conventional munitions.
6.2.3 Summary of impacts from munitions

The impacts from dumped chemical munitions and conventional munitions due to construction
and operation of the planned Nord Stream pipelines within Danish waters are summarised in the
table below, with respect to the intensity, scale and duration of the effects, and the overall
significance of the impact on the environment. All the effects outlined above occur outside
designated protected areas and also outside areas that are used by protected bird species as
feeding areas.
Impact Intensity of Scale of Duration of Overall

effect effect effect significance of
impact
Chemical munitions
Contact with chemical No - - No
munitions during
construction
Contact between No/Minor -/Local -/Short-term No
pipelines and munitions
during operation

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Spreading of chemical Minor Local Short-term No
munitions
Conventional munitions
Contact/impacts from No - - No
conventional munitions
6.3 Description of impacts on infrastructure and restrictions along the pipeline alignment
6.3.1 Impacts on protected areas

The only international protected areas that are relatively close to the planned Nord Stream
pipeline route are:
• Ertholmene. Ertholmene is a designated Natura 2000 area (DK007X079) and a

designated Ramsar area. It is designated for protection because of its reef habitats and
the bird species common guillemot (Uria aalge) and razorbill (Alca torda). The area is
approximately 11.2 km from the planned pipeline route. Ertholmene is also designated as
a Important Bird Area (see Section 4.5.5.2), a Ramsar area (see Section 4.3.1.2) and a
Baltic Sea Protected Area (see Section 4.3.1.3).
• Dueodde. Dueodde is a designated Natura 2000 area (DK007X246) in which seven of the
eight designated habitats are terrestrial only. The habitat “Embryonic shifting dunes” is so
close to the coast that the areas can be flooded during winter storms. The coastline of
Dueodde is approximately 9.2 km from the planned pipeline route.
The impact assessment in relation to protected areas will concentrate on these two areas.
All other international protected and proposed Natura 2000 areas are located 16.1 – 44.3 km
from the planned Nord Stream pipeline. Because of the considerable distance between these
areas and the Nord Stream project area, they will not be considered in this impact assessment.
6.3.1.1 Source of impacts

The impacts on protected areas from the construction and operation of the Nord Stream
offshore pipelines can be the result of:
• Sediment spreading and sedimentation

• Noise and physical disturbance during construction
6.3.1.2 Impacts from sediment spreading and sedimentation

Both pipe-laying and seabed intervention works, i.e., anchor-handling during pipe-laying and
trenching of the 10 and 15 km section approximately 11 - 20 km southeast of Ertholmene, will
result in impacts on the seabed, with spreading of sediments.

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Modelling of sediment spreading and deposition of sediment brought in suspension by the
trenching operation shown in in Section 6.1.1 indicates that the concentration of spilled
suspended sediments in the water column will not exceed 1 mg/l a few km from the construction
site and will therefore be insignificant compared with the natural concentration of suspended
sediments.
Sediment spreading during pipe-laying and anchor-handling is described in Section 6.1.2 and
Section 6.1.3. It is evaluated to be small and restricted to the immediate vicinity of pipe-laying
and anchor-handling activities.
Based on the results in Section 6.1.2 and 6.1.3 as described above, effects from sediment
spreading and sedimentation are evaluated to have no impact inside the protected areas.
Impacts from sediment spreading and sedimentation on feeding areas of the common guillemot
and razorbill outside the protected areas at Ertholmene are also assessed to be insignificant.
This is based on the fact that the area with trenching is located outside the important feeding
areas for these two bird species (see Section 4.5.5.3) /13/.
Generally, a concentration of 15 mg/l or more sediment is regarded as problematic for the vision
of diving seabirds /306/.If impacts from suspended sediments does occur, they will be restricted
to the immediate vicinity around the construction site. Impacts from sediment spreading and
sedimentation on birds are further assessed in Section 6.5.5.2.
It is assessed that there will be no impacts inside the protected areas, since nither sediment
spreading or sedimentationas will reach the areas.
6.3.1.3 Impacts from noise and physical disturbances during construction

Methods for evaluation of noise is described in Section 5.4 and the impacts are described in
Section 6.4.4. The noise level from pipe-laying and trenching is shown to be low a few
kilometres from the construction site. There will be no increased noise level within the Natura
2000 areas that could affect marine fauna or protected bird species. The same is true for
important feeding areas outside the Natura 2000 areas (see Section 4.5.5.3)
Physical disturbances from the lay vessel, support vessels and vessels used during seabed
intervention works are not assessed to have any significant impacts on the environment.
Disturbance and flight reactions of different bird species in response to slow-moving vessels in
general is recorded to be up to a distance of around 1–2 km /306/, /307/, /308/, /309/, /226/.
Impacts from noise and physical disturbances during construction on birds are further assessed
in Section 6.5.5.3.
It is assessed that there will be no impacts inside the protected areas, since nither noise or
physical disturbances during construction will reach the areas.
6.3.1.4 Summary of impacts on protected areas

The impacts on protected areas from construction and operation of the planned Nord Stream
pipelines within Danish waters are summarised in the table below, with respect to the intensity,

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scale and duration of the effects, and the overall significance of the impact on the environment.
All the effects outlined above occur outside the designated protected areas and also outside
areas that are used as feeding areas by protected bird species.

impact
Sediment spreading No - - No
and sedimentation
Noise and physical No - - No
disturbance during
construction
6.3.2 Impacts on offshore installations, cables, pipelines, wind farms, extraction and military
practice areas

During construction and operation of the Nord Stream pipelines, there will be infrastructure and
extraction areas to consider. Possible impacts to take into consideration are:
• Impacts on cables and pipelines

• Impacts on wind farm areas
• Impacts on extraction areas
• Impacts on military practice areas
6.3.2.2 Impacts on cables and pipelines

Existing cables and planned pipelines are shown on Atlas Map IN-1-D and Atlas Map IN-2-D,
and crossings of these cables by the Nord Stream pipelines have been identified. Impacts on
existing cables can be caused by pipe-laying, anchor-positioning and seabed intervention
works.
Crossing agreements
All owners of active cables have been approached with the aim of reaching mutual crossing
agreements covering liabilities and procedures for crossing methods. According to the
agreements, Nord Stream AG will have to provide crossing designs and installation procedures
to the satisfaction of the owners prior to installation.
The draft crossing agreement used by Nord Stream AG is based on the industry standard
prepared by the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC), which is used worldwide for
telecom cables.
Should the BalticPipe be implemented, the crossing design will follow international engineering
standards and will be agreed upon with the owner.

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Technical solutions
As mentioned above, the cable crossings will be designed according to agreements between
Nord Stream AG and the individual cable owners.
Possible solutions include:
• Crossing without intervention

• Separation obtained by elevation of pipelines by a support of mattresses
• Separation obtained by elevation of pipelines by a support of a rock berm
Crossings will be constructed in a manner that ensures that the pipelines and the cables remain
at a safe distance from each other. They also will be constructed in a way that avoids the cables
being unduly stressed or loaded due to the pipelines. At most crossings, cables on the seabed
will be covered/buried, and the pipelines will be elevated and supported by concrete mattresses
or rock berms. The corrosion potential will be taken into account, and the necessary precautions
will be implemented.
A specific cable survey has been conducted in order to confirm the location and conditions at
the crossing points. Table 6.15 shows the cable crossing conditions. As of September 2008, one
cable in the northern part of the Nord Stream route in Denmark (DK-RU1) had not been
detected. Further surveys will reveal the exact location of the cable.
Table 6.15 Cable crossing conditions.

Name Crossing angle Cable situation
DK-RU1 Karlslunde- 60 Not detected in cable survey
Kingisepp
DK-PL2 90 Buried approximately 1.4 m
Baltica Seg1 90 Buried approximately 0.6 m
The construction and operation of the Nord Stream pipelines, therefore, are assessed to result
in no overall significance of impact on cables.
6.3.2.3 Impacts on wind farm areas

According to standard industry practice, offshore wind farms should not be constructed in areas
with water depths greater than 30 m. Areas suitable for wind farm development have been
designated by the Danish authorities, see Atlas Map IN-3-D. Only two of these areas are of
relevance to the Nord Stream pipelines, with locations on Rønne Banke west of Bornholm
relatively close to the pipeline route. Each wind park is planned to have a potential of 200 MWs
/44/. As described in Section 4.3.3.2, the two designated wind park areas are not among the
high-priority areas for development of offshore wind parks in Denmark, mainly due to estimated
high costs of developing the two wind parks /45/.
An assessment of possible conflicts has been carried out by considering the location of possible
future wind farms and the extent to which there will be impacts.

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No wind farms are expected to be present along the pipeline route at the time of the laying of
the pipelines.
The construction and operation of the Nord Stream pipelines, therefore, are assessed to result
in no overall significance of impact on wind farm areas.
Furthermore it is assessed, on basis of the description above, that there will be no cumulative
impacts during construction and operation of the Nord Stream pipelines with wind farm areas.
6.3.2.4 Impacts on extraction areas

The impacts on extraction areas are assessed by defining any conflicts between the pipelines
and prospective extractable resources. No permits have been issued regarding the exploration
of natural resources in the close vicinity of the pipelines within the Danish EEZ and territorial
waters.
The planned Nord Stream pipeline route does not cross any of the existing raw material
extraction areas inside the Danish EEZ and territorial waters.
The construction and operation of the Nord Stream pipelines, therefore, is assessed to result in
no overall significance of impact on extraction of sand, and there will be no cumulative impacts
during construction and operation of the Nord Stream pipelines with extraction areas.
6.3.2.5 Impacts on military practice areas

The military practice areas are shown in Atlas Map MI-1-D. More than half the route of the Nord
Stream pipelines in Danish waters is located in a firing danger area east of Bornholm, which is
used for military shooting exercises. As described in Section 4.3.4, Nord Stream AG will
coordinate with the proper authority at the appropriate time to ensure that no exercises are
interfering with the construction and operation of the pipelines.
It is therefore assessed that construction and operation of the Nord Stream pipelines will result
in no overall significance of impact on military practice areas.
6.3.2.6 Summary of impacts on infrastructure

The impacts on infrastructure and extraction areas from construction and operation of the
planned Nord Stream pipelines within the Danish territorial waters and EEZ are summarised in
the table below with respect to the intensity, scale and duration of the effects and the overall
significance of the impact on the environment. Criteria used to categorise the environmental
impacts are described in Section 5.1.5.

impact
Cables and pipelines No - - No
Wind farms No - - No
Extraction areas No - - No
Military practice areas No - - No

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6.4 Impacts on the physical and chemical environment
6.4.1 Impacts on bathymetry and hydrography


During construction and operation of the Nord Stream pipelines, impacts on bathymetry and
hydrography can be caused by:
• Changes in bathymetry from seabed intervention works (trenching)

• Pipelines on the seabed
6.4.1.2 Impacts from changes in bathymetry from seabed intervention works (trenching)
In Danish waters, the pipelines will be trenched into the seabed by ploughing where they pass
the sub-sea ridge south of Ertholmene and east of Svanneke. The West Pipeline will be
trenched over a distance of 10 km, resulting in 69,000 m3 of trenched sediment. The East
pipeline will be trenched over a distance of 15 km, resulting in 103,500 m3 of trenched sediment.
In trenching by plough, the plough is clamped around the pipeline in such a way that the shears
will displace the sediment underneath the pipeline and deposit it to the sides of the trench. The
trench will not be backfilled mechanically; backfilling will be achieved by natural processes,
mainly by seasonal storms.
Trenching will result in minor sediment suspension in the water column. Based on the sediment
composition, the suspended amounts are calculated to be 2,160 tonnes (West Pipeline) and
3,240 tonnes (East Pipeline).
The changes in bathymetry from the trenching operation are assessed to be limited to:
• Heaps of sediment on both sides of the trench

• Sloping of the trenched sections
• Insignificant bathymetrical changes from deposition of suspended sediment
The changes in bathymetry will be confined to the immediate environment around the pipelines
in the sections where trenching is carried out. The changes in bathymetry will be minor and the
scale of effect local. The duration of natural backfilling of the pipeline trench is assessed to be
medium – long-term. The overall significance of the impact is assessed to result in no – minor
impact.
6.4.1.3 Impacts from pipelines on the seabed

The new deep water flowing in from the west through the Arkona and Bornholm basins during
periods of storms supplies oxygen and salt to the deep water of the Baltic Proper. Therefore,
this inflow is vital for the physical, biogeochemical and ecological status of the Baltic Proper. In
particular, successful cod spawning, and therefore the economically important cod fishery, are
heavily dependant on these inflows.

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At present, the turbulence created by the dense bottom current is due to bottom and interfacial
mixing. The total dissipation of the dense bottom current, i.e., the dissipation integrated from the
entrance sills in Fehmarn Belt and Öresund to Stolpe Channel, is essentially determined by the
potential energy of the dense water when passing the sills. The mixing of the new deep water
might increase if the mixing efficiency of pipeline-generated turbulence is greater than that of
turbulence generated by the present combination of bottom and interfacial friction.
Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) has analysed potential pipeline
alignments north and south of Bornholm. The analysis showed that for the northern alignment,
the pipelines rising 1.5 m above the seabed would be capable of dissipating about 0.5% of the
total potential energy, depending on the speed of the dense bottom current in the crossing
section. If the mixing efficiencies are equal, the pipelines should have no impact on the
properties of the new deep water. With a northern route, the mixing of the new deep water could
increase by a maximum of 2% /68/.
On the southern route, the pipelines cross the dense bottom current in a section of lower
velocities than in the northern route. Accordingly, the possible increase of mixing of the new
deep water would be lower for the southern route.
During large inflow events, the Bornholm Strait and the Stolpe Channel may control the
transports from the Arkona and Bornholm basins into the Baltic Proper. Neither the northern nor
the southern route, however, will pass through the Stolpe Channel. A pipeline following the
initially proposed northern route would run along the flow in the Bornholm Strait and then cross
the flow path downstream of the sill in the Bornholm Basin. In view of the fact that no crossing
takes place in the Bornholm Strait, the sill height will not be altered and the pipelines will not
affect the hydraulic flow /68/.
Because the southern route does not pass the Bornholm Strait, the pipelines will not affect the
inflow of dense water or the mixing of the water masses. Based on the assumption above, the
actual pipeline route south of Bornholm (the Nord Stream route) will have no impact in relation
to blocking of the dense bottom current into the Baltic Sea.
6.4.1.4 Summary of impacts on bathymetry and hydrography

The impacts on bathymetry and hydrography from construction and operation of the planned
Nord Stream pipelines within the Danish territorial waters and EEZ are summarised in the table
below, with respect to the intensity, scale and duration of the effects, and the overall significance
of the impact on the environment. Criteria used to categorise the environmental impacts are
described in Section 5.1.5.

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impact
Changes in bathymetry Minor Local Medium - No - minor
from seabed long-term
intervention works
(trenching)
Pipelines on the No - - No
seabed
6.4.2 Impacts on geology/surface sediment conditions


During construction and operation of the Nord Stream pipelines, impacts on geology/surface
sediment conditions can be caused by:
• Changes in sediment conditions from seabed intervention works (trenching)

• Pipelines on the seabed
6.4.2.2 Impacts from changes in sediment conditions from seabed intervention works
(trenching)
Along the trenched section, there will be changes in sediment conditions inside the trench and in
close vicinity to the pipelines where deposition of sediments mobilised by the trenching activities
will occur.
The total area for the two pipelines in the Danish territorial waters and EEZ that will be directly
affected and indirectly affected (by deposition of mobilised sediments) will be < 5 km2. Inside this
area, the sediment conditions will be changed, especially where trenching takes place.
The changes in sediment conditions will be minor and the scale of effect will be local. The
duration of effect, or the amount of time it will take for the surface sediment to be re-established
and natural backfilling to be completed, is assessed to be medium – long term (see also
section below). The overall significance of impact is assessed to result in no – minor impact.
6.4.2.3 Impacts from pipelines on the seabed

The pipelines on the seabed may locally affect currents and sedimentation in the vicinity of the
pipelines, thereby resulting in changes in erosion/sedimentation and in surface-sediment
composition near the pipelines.
Changes in surface sediment composition are assessed to be minor, the scale of effects will be
local, and the duration will be long-term. The overall significance of impacts on sediment
conditions/composition is assessed to result in no – minor impact.

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6.4.2.4 Summary of impacts on geology/surface sediment conditions
The impacts on geology/surface sediment conditions from construction and operation of the
planned Nord Stream pipelines within Danish waters are summarised in the table below, with
respect to the intensity, scale and duration of the effects, and the overall significance of the
impact on the environment. Criteria used to categorise the environmental impacts are described
in Section 5.1.5.

impact
Changes in bathymetry Minor Local Medium - long No - minor
from seabed term
intervention works
(trenching)
Pipelines on the Minor Local Long-term No - minor
seabed
6.4.3 Impacts on water quality

Various parameters determine the quality of the water masses, including salinity, oxygen levels,
suspended solids, nutrients, heavy metals and organic pollutants (see Section 4.4.5 for a
description of the present situation). These compounds are not constant throughout the Baltic
Sea and differ depending on location as well as depth. Accordingly, the significance of the
associated impacts on the water column will also differ along the pipeline route.
Essentially, the water quality is important for all ecosystems. At the same time, the water column
is very resilient with respect to potential impacts, as it will rapidly revert back to its original status
once the project activity ceases.

The impacts on water quality from the construction and operation of the Nord Stream offshore
pipelines can be the result of:
• Sediment spreading
• Spreading of nutrients, inorganic and organic contaminants
• Spreading of dumped chemical munitions
• Difference in temperature between gas in the pipelines and the surrounding environment
• Contaminants from pipelines/anodes
6.4.3.2 Impacts from sediment spreading

The effect from construction works (pipe-laying, anchor-handling and trenching) will depend on
the kind of equipment used and the duration, extent and location of the work. Table 6.16 shows
the total amount of sediment released during pipe-laying, anchor-handling and trenching for one
pipeline.

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Table 6.16 Sediment released during construction works within Danish waters for one
pipeline (East Pipeline). See Section 5.2 (methode) and Section 6.1.1 , 6.1.2 and
6.1.3 (results).
Pipe-laying Anchor-handling Trenching Total
(tonnes) (tonnes) (tonnes) (tonnes)
41 3,288 3,240 6,569
Even in worst-case scenarios, only very small amounts of sediment have been found to be
suspended during pipe-laying directly on the seabed (see Section 5.2.2 and 6.1.2), and it is
concluded that suspension caused by pipe-laying directly on the seabed is negligible.
Even though the share of sediment released from anchor-handling is approximately half the total
amount of released sediment (see Table 6.16), the impact on water quality will be negligible
because the distribution of sediment spreading from a single anchor is very limited. While the
total area affected with suspended sediment >10 mg/l is calculated to be 13.7 – 52.1
km2/pipeline in Danish waters, the distribution of sediment spreading from a single anchor is
calculated to be 0.004 – 0.016 km2 with concentration >10 mg/l. Since the impacts will be local,
temporary and spatially distributed along the pipeline route, there will be no significant impact
from anchor-handling on water quality. Anchor-handling is further described in Section 5.2.3 and
6.1.3.
Along most of the pipeline route, the vertical density differences between the water masses
have created a rather stable stratification of the water masses. The halocline significantly
constrains the dispersal of suspended sediments into the surface water, as it acts as a lid,
hindering the bottom-water masses from mixing with those above the halocline. Furthermore,
currents and waves can have a substantial influence on the dispersal pattern.
Each of the two pipelines will be trenched on one stretch between KP 1043-1053 (West
Pipeline) and KP 1043-1058 (East Pipeline), which means that trenching will be carried out over
a length of 10 km and 15 km, respectively. Spreading of sediment during trenching in the Danish
section of the pipeline route has been modelled in Section 6.1.1. Since the two pipelines will be
constructed separately (approximately one year apart) there will be no cumulative effects on
water quality.
The results of the model simulation are analysed in terms of area and average duration of
suspended sediment concentration >1 mg/l and >10 mg/l shown in Table 6.3, page 304.
A concentration greater than 1 mg/l will hardly be visible in the water because naturally
occurring concentrations in the Baltic Sea are typically in the range of 1 - 4 mg/l during normal
weather conditions and even higher during stormy conditions /299/.
For concentrations > 10 mg/l, the total affected area is 4.1 km2 with an average duration of three
hours, after which conditions return to normal. The results may vary up to about +/- 20% during
calm or rough weather conditions, see /276/. The trend is that calm conditions cause longer
exceedance durations but cover smaller areas.

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Table 6.17 Area and duration of suspended sediment from trenching in Danish waters during
normal weather conditions (from Section 6.1.1).
Scenario Area of Area of Average Average
concentration concentration duration of duration of
> 1 mg/l > 10 mg/l concentration concentration
> 1 mg/l > 10 mg/l
(km2) (km2) (hr) (hr)
Trenching
25.7 8.9 10.5 3.0
(East Pipeline)
Trenching
17.1 5.9 10.5 3.0
(West Pipeline)
The model results indicate that the applied method for trenching mainly causes a disturbance in
the close vicinity (within the order of 100 m) of the pipelines. The suspension of sediment is
generally too small to produce a visible sediment concentration (> 1 mg/l) in the water more than
a few hundred metres away and in general occurs only in the lower part of the water column.
Even though the intensity of effect of sediment spreading is modelled to be minor and the scale
of effects is assessed to be local (although in some locations where trenching is planned
sediment spreading will extend beyond the pipeline corridor), the duration of effects will be
short-term. Hence, the overall significance of impact from sediment spreading is evaluated to
be minor.
The evaluation above applies only to the site where trenching will be carried out (a 10-15 km
stretch); for the remaining approximately 122 km of the pipeline route in Danish waters, the
sediment spread will be negligible.
6.4.3.3 Impacts from spreading of nutrients, inorganic and organic contaminants

The seabed sediments, especially in the deeper parts of the Baltic Sea, are known to be
contaminated with organic pollutants and heavy metals in some areas. In addition to the
spreading of sediment, a simultaneous release of particle-associated nutrients and
contaminants could occur /276/. The amounts of nutrients and contaminants suspended during
construction are calculated as described in Section 5.3 and presented in Table 6.18.

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Table 6.18 Calculated amounts of nutrients and contaminants suspended during construction
of the East Pipeline within Danish waters (from Section 6.1.4)
Parameter Unit Total (mean) released Entered the Entered the
within Danish waters Baltic Sea in Baltic Proper in
during construction of one 2000 /97/ 2000 /97/
pipeline (rounded)
Nutrients
Nitrogen tonnes 82 1,009,000 293,236
Phosphorus tonnes 5 34,500 16,046
Heavy metals
Arsenic (As) kg 53 No info No info
Cadmium (Cd) kg 2 53,000 9,700
Chrome (Cr) kg 169 No info No info
Copper (Cu) kg 142 1,068,000 164,000
Mercury (Hg) kg 1 46,000* 43,000
Nickel (Ni) kg 141 No info No info
Lead (Pb) kg 229 477,000 70,000
Zinc (Zn) kg 709 3,059,000 959,000
Organic contaminants
CH (total) g <LOQ No info No info
DBT g 18 No info No info
DDT(sum) g <LOQ No info No info
HCB g <LOQ No info No info
HCH (sum) g <LOQ No info No info
MBT g 29 No info No info
16PAH (sum) g 2.50 No info No info
7PCB (sum) g <LOQ No info No info
TBT g 21 No info No info
DBT: Dibutyltin
DDT (sum): Sum of DDTs (p,p)(o,p), DDE(o,p) and DDD(o,p)
MBT: Monobutyltin
TBT: tributyltin
LOQ: limits of quantification
* The amount of mercury that entered the Baltic Sea in 1999 and 2000 was unusually high. In 2004 the amount was
9,600 kg /91/
Nutrients
Release of nutrients from the sediment, if they reach the photic zone, may stimulate
phytoplankton production and thereby increase the biomass. Spreading of suspended material
will have the opposite effect, due to shading of the phytoplankton. This effect is season-

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dependant, as phytoplankton growth mostly takes place during spring and summer. Increase in
primary production due to release of nutrients from the suspended material can potentially
contribute to oxygen consumption by degradation of organic matter, i.e., when dead algae settle
to the seabed. A release of oxygen-consuming compounds during trenching may further
aggravate situations with local oxygen deficiency at the sea bottom.
The total mean releases of nitrogen and phosphorus during the construction of one pipeline
within Danish waters are 82 tonnes and 5 tonnes, respectively. Compared with the amount that
entered the Baltic Proper during the year 2000 (nitrogen: 293,236 tonnes; phosphorus: 16,046
tonnes), the calculated amounts of released nitrogen and phosphorus are quite insignificant
(0.03 % of the amount that entered the Baltic Proper in 2000, respectively).
Inorganic and organic contaminants

The calculated amounts of heavy metals suspended during construction of one pipeline within
Danish waters are shown in Table 6.18. The amounts are small, and compared with the
amounts that entered the Baltic Proper in 2000 they are quite insignificant.
The content of many of the organic contaminants in the seabed along the pipeline route was
below the limit of quantification (see Table 6.18). Areas with increased contaminant content are
primarily associated with the deeper parts of the Baltic Sea (accumulation areas for fine-grained
sediments). In the area where trenching is planned and the shallower areas south-east of
Bornholm, the contaminant content in general is low due to the fact that the areas are rather
shallow and hence areas where erosion occurs (see Atlas Map GE-27 and 28).
As mentioned in Section 6.1.4, only a certain percentage of the remobilised hazardous

substances will actually be bioavailable, as much of it will be bound to the sediment. Therefore,
a more realistic estimation would be that only approximately 12.5 % of the released organic
contaminants and 10% of the released heavy metals will available for bioaccumulation /276/.
In addition, the release will be spatially and temporarily distributed along the pipeline route,
consequently making the impact at any given location very small. Furthermore, it is important to
remember that the seabed intervention works are not adding a new source of nutrients or
contaminants but may cause some redistribution or re-suspension of existing material.
Based on the discussion above, the intensity (concentration) of contaminants brought in

suspension is assessed to be minor, the scale of effects is assessed to be local (although at
some of the trenching locations sediment spreading will extend beyond the pipeline corridor)
and the duration of effects will be short-term. Hence, the overall significance of impact from
release of nutrients and contaminants is evaluated to be minor.
6.4.3.4 Impacts from spreading of dumped chemical munitions

The content of dumped chemical munitions (intact chemicals and degradation products and
derivatives) in surface sediment and in pore water have been analysed by Verifin and NERI./32/
/17/ The results from the analysis are presented in Section 4.2.3 and show that that the content
of chemical warfare agents was low both in sediment and in pore water.

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Sediment disturbance during pipe-laying, anchor-handling and trenching will cause spreading
and suspension of sediment in the water environment, resulting in increased mobilisation of
chemical warfare agents.
Calculations of the concentration of chemical warfare agents in the water environment, based
on the analysed concentrations in sediment and pore water, have been carried out by NERI, see
Section 4.2.3.2. The impact on the water quality and the overall impact on the marine
environment, based on the study carried out in reference /35/ is described in detail in Section
6.2. Based on the results from ref. /35/, it is concluded that the increase in concentrations of
chemical warfare agents in the water environment from sediment disturbance during
construction works on the seabed will have no overall significant effects on marine fauna.
Based on ref /35/ and the description of sediment spreading during construction (see Section
6.1), it is evaluated that the intensity of the effect from chemical warfare agents brought into
suspension is minor, and the scale of effects are assessed to be local and short-term. Hence, it
is assessed that there will be no overall significance of impact on water quality.
6.4.3.5 Impacts from difference in temperature between pipeline and environment

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has been used in simulations of the temperature impact
from the Nord Stream gas pipelines on the surroundings along the planned pipeline alignment,
especially at the landfall sites at Vyborg (Russia) and Greifswald (Germany). The simulations
show that there will be insignificant temperature difference between the surface of the gas
pipelines and the marine environment within Danish waters and therefore no impact from heat
transfer between the pipelines and the environment.
6.4.3.6 Impacts from contaminants from the pipelines/anodes

To minimise external corrosion, anodes will be installed at regular intervals along the pipelines.
The potential environmental impacts from pipeline anodes are related to the release of metal
ions from the anode material, which will be gradually released into the marine environment
during the lifetime of the pipelines. The concentration of metals in the water column is expected
to be low and the toxic effects limited.
Model calculations of the concentration of released metals have been compared with the
acceptable levels in the sea /310/. The OSPAR ecotoxicological assessment criteria (EAC) for
the North Sea have been adopted for this purpose because no such criteria exist for the Baltic
Sea /89/. EU water-quality criteria are insufficient for the purpose of this project because they
are primarily determined for surface water only and also are currently under revision due to
implementation of the Water Framework Directive by member states.
The concentration of zinc in the water environment, from release of zinc from the aluminium
anodes, is in the same order of magnitude as the background level and also within the
acceptable EAC level. The release of cadmium from the anodes will be so low that an increase
in the natural concentrations of chemicals in the seawater cannot be detected. No background
values or EAC levels have been found for aluminium.
Past experience with polyethylene (PE) and polyurethane (PU) foam used for external corrosion
protection and filling of pipe joints indicates that the diffusion of chemicals from these

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substances to the marine environment is so low that an increase in the natural concentrations of
chemicals in the seawater cannot be detected /310/.
Based on the above-mentioned circumstances and assumptions, it is assessed that the intensity
of effect will be minor and the scale of effect will be local. Since the anodes are designed to last
the lifetime of the pipelines, the duration of effect will be long-term. Overall, there will be no
impact on water quality from contaminants from the pipelines/anodes.
6.4.3.7 Summary of impacts on water quality

The different impacts on water quality due to construction and operation of the planned Nord
Stream pipelines within Danish waters are summarised in the table below, with respect to the
intensity of effects, the scale of effects, the duration of effects, and the overall significance of the
impact on the water quality. Criteria used to categorise the environmental impacts are described
in Section 5.1.5.

impact
Sediment spreading Minor Local Short-term Minor
Spreading of nutrients, Minor Local Short-term Minor
inorganic and organic
contaminants
Spreading of dumped Minor Local Short-term No
chemical munitions
Difference in No - - No
temperature between
gas and environment
Contaminants from Minor Local Long-term No
pipelines/anodes
6.4.4 Impacts from noise
6.4.4.1 Impacts from airborne noise

Referring to Section 5.4 Method for evaluation of noise, the airborne noise levels have been
predicted using two models: the Swedish long-range noise propagation model and a general
prediction model. The Swedish long-range noise propagation model /289/ predicts the high
noise levels that occur during the weather conditions allowing the widest propagation of noise
while the general prodiction model provides less conservative predictions. The combined use of
the two models provides a range of noise levels that can occur during construction work at sea.
For the purpose of estimation of the environmental noise from pipe-laying activity, the noise
source shown in Table 6.19 has been identified. The sound power levels are based on general
experience and estimated to be representative.

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Table 6.19 Sound power level, LWA [dB] for representative vessel sound power level.
1/1 octave centre (Hz) Total 63 125 250 500 1,000 2,000 4,000
frequency
LWA
Pipe-laying barge 113 103 108 105 108 103 94 82
(dB)
LWA
Supply ship 110 100 105 102 105 100 91 79
(dB)
LWA
Tugboat 105 95 100 98 100 95 86 74
(dB)
An example of noise distribution due to pipe-laying operations is shown in Figure 6.3. The sound
pressure level was calculated from the Swedish long-range noise propagation model. The
calculated noise distribution was based on a setup including the pipe-laying vessel, a nearby
supply ship and four tugboats at a distance of 1 km from each corner of the barge.
Figure 6.3 An example of noise distribution from pipe-laying setup. The sound pressure level
is calculated from the Swedish long-range noise propagation model /289/. The
calculated noise distribution was based on the setup including the pipe-laying
barge, a nearby supply ship and four tugboats at a distance of 1 km from each
corner of the barge.

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Figure 6.4 Predicted noise from pipe-laying setup using the general prediction model. The
predicted noise level is the equivalent, A-weighted noise level, LAeq in dB during
operation.
It can be seen from Figure 6.3 and Figure 6.4 that the General Prediction Model, as expected,
predicts lower levels than the Swedish long-range model.
In Danish waters, the distance from the pipelines to the closest residence, holiday settlement or
protected area is approximately 9 km (to Snogebæk at Bornholm).
The pipe-laying setup is expected to move with a minimum speed of 2 km/day during normal
pipe-laying operations. The noise impact from the pipe-laying setup as it passes a location on
shore at Snogebæk at Bornholm has been predicted using the two prediction models.
The results are shown in Figure 6.5. The typical noise level interval shows the results of the
predicted levels using the Swedish long-range model (highest levels) and the General Prediction
Model (lowest levels). For approximately four days the highest noise levels can be between 40 -
41 dB(A).

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Noise from pipe laying
Snogebæk, Bornholm
50 25
40
20
Noise level,
Kilometres
LAeq, dB
30
15
20
10
10
0 5
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Days during pass by
Typical noise level interval Distance
Figure 6.5 Predicted noise from pipe-laying at Snogebæk, Bornholm, located a few
kilometres east of Dueodde. High levels are from the Swedish long-range
prediction model, low levels are from the General Prediction Model.
The guidelines used by some Danish municipalities on noise limits for construction works
include a night-time noise limit of 40 dB(A). Because the pipe-laying will take place on a 24-hour
basis, this limit will theoretically be exceeded by approximately 1 dB onshore at Snogebæk
(located a few kilometres east of Dueodde). It shall be noted that this would happen only under
the special weather conditions presumed in the Swedish long-range model.
At all other onshore locations in Denmark, the noise impact will be well below all known
guideline limits on noise from construction works.
It can be expected that people living on land within approximately 20 km of the ongoing pipe-
laying operations will be able to hear and identify the construction noise. However, it will be only
during situations with low background noise levels (low wind conditions) and during
meteorological conditions that in general provide efficient noise transmission over long
distances. The noise nuisance caused by the pipe-laying, therefore, is evaluated to be low and
fully acceptable.
With regard to birds and the marine life, the calculated noise levels within a relatively short
distance of pipe-laying activities are evaluated to be low and comparable to any other ship
traffic.
During seabed intervention works and pre-commissioning, the volume of vessel traffic will be
low compared with the volume during pipe-laying activities. Thus, impacts due to airborne noise
will be comparable or lower during these operations.

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The scale/intensity of effects from airborne noise will be minor, the geographical extent of
effects will be local, and the duration of effects will be short-term. It is assessed, therefore, that
the overall significance of the impacts from airborne noise during construction will be minor.
6.4.4.2 Impacts from underwater noise

The sea is never quiet. Ambient noise is sound that is always present and cannot be attributed
to any particular source. The level of ambient noise depends on the sea state. In addition to
ambient noise, there is noise from distinct and identifiable sources, such as shipping,
mechanical installations and marine animals. This all adds together to form the background
noise in the sea.
There are no national regulations for underwater noise from shipping or marine installations.
Underwater noise may impact fish and marine mammals. In the following, levels of underwater
noise created by the processes and vessels involved in the construction of the pipelines are
indicated.
Pipe-laying
The impact from noise on marine animals will be concentrated around the construction areas,
which due to the physical disturbance will be largely avoided by fish species and marine
mammals while pipe-laying activities are ongoing.
It is assumed that the pipe-laying setup will include the pipe-laying barge, a nearby supply ship
and two to four tugboats at average distances of approximately 1 km from each corner of the lay
barge.
Pipe-laying vessel
No direct measurements of underwater noise levels are available. The movement of the pipeline
down the stinger, into the water and onto the seabed is relatively slow and designed to be gentle
to the pipeline. The pipe-laying vessel itself has heavy machinery and generators, but no large
main engines. Low frequencies are likely to be dominant. The process of laying the pipelines on
the seabed generates only limited noise. Other activities, such as welding and supplementary
coating, will not produce significant underwater noise. Thus, the main sources of underwater
noise will be from supply vessels going to and from the lay vessel and tugboats moving anchors.
Tugboats
Availability of measurements of underwater noise from tugboats and other small boats is limited.
Measurements of a 25 m tug pulling an empty barge show a source level of approximately 170
dB re 1 μPa at 1 m and a spectrum peaking between 100 Hz and 1,000 Hz /291/. The
underwater noise from tugs will not differ from that of other tugs in the area.
Supply vessels
Measurements of underwater noise from M/V Overseas Hariette, a bulk cargo ship of 173 m
length and 25,515 tonnes displacement powered by a direct-drive low-speed diesel engine,
stated a source level of 192 dB re 1 μPa at 1 m at a typical service speed of 16 knots. /291/.
Such a vessel is a typical example of a large, modern merchantman. The underwater noise from
carriers will be no different from other, similar vessels in the area.

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Underwater noise from pressure oscillations in pipelines
During pressure-testing, the pipelines will be filled with water, and the water will be pressurised.
Afterwards, the water will be pressed out of the pipeline. The pressurisation can cause
underwater noise, which travels as a pressure wave in the fluid along the pipe. The pressure
wave causes the pipe walls to vibrate and in turn radiate noise into the sea.
The assessment of underwater noise from pressurisation of the pipelines has been based on
analogy to noise during operation. During pressurisation the primary noise source will be the
compressors, as there will be no streaming fluid. Therefore the noise levels are assumed to be
similar of lower.
Noise during operation

During the operational phase of Nord Stream, noise will be generated by gas streaming in the
pipelines. The noise levels from streaming gas are low and therefore literature does not provide
comparable examples of live measurements from other pipelines. However, a study to estimate
actual noise levels from the Nord Stream pipelines has been commissioned. An overview of the
study is presented in Section 5.4.3.
Figure 6.6 Sound pressure level calculated 10 m from the pipeline /295/.
The sound power spectra per metre of pipeline has been predicted for four selected, potentially
critical locations along the pipeline route /295/. The corresponding sound pressure levels have
been calculated 10 m from the pipeline in the water, see Figure 6.6. In addition, the total sound
pressure levels have been predicted for 100 m and 1,000 m. Cylindrical sound radiation is
assumed for all three distances.

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The increasing sound power at low frequencies for KP 125 km is due to compressor noise and
low predicted internal attenuation in the pipeline of the low frequencies.
One pipeline only is considered in this calculation. For two closely spaced pipelines with the
same sound power, the sound pressure level would increase by up to 3 dB. However, for
greater distances between the pipelines, the increase depends on the pipeline and observation
distance. For a 10 m observation distance from one pipeline, the sound pressure level is
increased by less than 0.5 dB by adding an extra pipeline 100 m from the first one.
Furthermore, there will be occasional noise from maintenance and inspection vessels.
Inside Danish waters the noise levels will be between the levels at KP 493 and at KP 1135. The
noise levels will thus be comparable to the ambient noise and have no or very limited impact.
6.4.5 Impacts on air quality

Emissions of pollutants from diesel engines onboard the vessels used during construction and
operation of the Nord Stream pipeline can be divided into the following compound groups:
• Carbon dioxide (CO2)

• Nitrogen oxides (NOX)
• Sulphur oxides (SOX), particularly sulphur dioxide (SO2)
• Carbon monoxide (CO)
• Particles (soot particles)
• Hydrocarbons (HC)
CO2 and SO2 is emitted due to the carbon and the sulphur content in the fuel, while NOX is
emitted due to the nitrogen (N2) content in atmospheric air. The remaining compounds are a
result of incomplete combustion. A description of the criteria used to categorise the
environmental impacts are given in Section 5.1.5.

The impacts on air quality during construction and operation of the Nord Stream offshore
• Energy/fuel consumption by vessels used for construction and operation activities
6.4.5.2 Impacts on air quality during construction
Supply of line pipes

In Denmark, the line pipes will be supplied to the lay vessel from the stockyards in Karlskrona
and Sassnitz-Mukran. Line pipes to the stockyard in Karlskrona will be delivered from the
weight-coating plant in Sassnitz-Mukran by a pipe carrier (large coaster vessel). Smaller pipe
supply vessels will transport the line pipes from the stockyards to the lay vessel.

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Pipe-laying
The average lay rate of the pipeline will be in the order of 2–3 km per day. In the Danish waters
pipeline installation is expected to be carried out using one anchored deep-water lay vessel. For
the purpose of calculations, three anchor-handlers have been assumed to support the lay
vessel. In connection with the pipe-laying, several pre-lay and post-lay surveys will be
performed. Surveys may be carried out by a typical survey vessel.
Seabed intervention works

Trenching will be performed by a plough mounted on a dedicated mother vessel. The ploughing
will be performed at a speed of approximately 300 m/hr.
Pre-commissioning and tie-in

No pre-commissioning or tie-in activities will take place within Danish waters.
Summary of impacts during construction

The total estimated emissions load from construction of the Nord Stream offshore pipelines
within Danish waters is shown in Table 6.20.
Table 6.20 Total estimated emissions loads from construction activities in Danish waters.
Activity Estimated emissions loads [tonnes]
Construction CO2 NOX SO2
Supply of line pipes 23,365 461 219
Pipe-laying 66,353 1,310 372
Seabed intervention works 6,391 126 60
Pre-com and tie-in 0 0 0
Total 96,109 1,898 651
6.4.5.3 Impacts on air quality during operation

Once the system is operating, survey inspections will be carried out along the length of the
pipelines to ensure the integrity of the system. During the first years of operation these surveys
will be performed every one to two years along both pipelines. Later, this frequency will be
optimised based on experience. For the purpose of emissions calculations, the frequency is
expected to decrease to every four years after the first six years. It takes approximately 60 to 90
days to survey one pipeline (1,222 km).
The total estimated emissions load from operation of the Nord Stream offshore pipelines within
Danish waters is shown in Table 6.21.

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Table 6.21 Total estimated emissions loads from operation activities in Danish waters.
Activity Estimated emission loads [tonnes]
Operation CO2 NOX SO2
Pipeline inspection 6,054 119 57
Total 6,054 119 57
6.4.5.4 Total impact on air quality from the Nord Stream project
The total estimated emissions load from the Nord Stream offshore pipelines within Danish
waters is shown in Table 6.22.
Table 6.22 Total estimated emissions loads from vessel activities in Danish waters during
construction and operation.
Estimated emission loads [tonnes]
CO2 NOX SO2
Total 102,163 1,720 567
The majority of the emissions from the Nord Stream project vessel activities in Danish waters (>
90%) will be from construction activities. Emissions from the construction will occur over a
period of approximately two years, whereas emissions from the operation phase will be
distributed over the 50-year design lifetime. The annual emissions from the project are shown in
Table 6.23.
Table 6.23 Estimated annual emissions loads from vessel activities in Danish waters during
the Nord Stream project.
Estimated emissions loads [tonnes/year]
Period CO2 NOX SO2
2010 42,212 759 235
2011 53,896 841 275
2012 0 0 0
Operation
404 8 4
(in year with inspection)
6.4.5.5 Comparison of emissions from the Nord Stream project with emissions from existing
ship traffic
The Baltic Sea is one of the most intensely trafficked shipping areas in the world. Cargo vessels
are by far the largest group of ships, accounting for approximately 60%-70% of the traffic,
whereas 17%-25% are tankers. There are about 1,800-2,000 ships in the Baltic Sea area at any
given moment /311/.

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For the purpose of comparing the magnitude of the emissions from the Nord Stream project, an
analysis of emissions loads from existing ship traffic in the Baltic Sea has been performed based
on AIS data on ship intensity during the periods from 1 August 2006 - 30 September 2006 and
from 1 January 2007 – 2 February 2007 (see Section 4.6.2 for details on the shipping data). The
AIS data covers about 95% of the ship traffic. The results, therefore, have been scaled up to
100%.
The emissions loads from the existing ship traffic have been calculated using the same method
as used to calculate the emissions from the Nord Stream Project. The results are presented in
Table 6.24.
Table 6.24 Total estimated emissions loads from existing ship traffic in the Baltic Sea (2006
level).
Vessel type Fuel Estimated emissions load
consumption [tonnes/year]
[tonnes]
CO2 NOX SO2
Cargo 72,853,981 12,770,295 252,045 59,861
Tanker 25,151,014 4,839,521 95,517 22,685
Passenger 14,750,392 1,572,519 31,037 7,371
Other 2,868,431 2,328,625 9,509 2,258
Unknown 26,415,146 4,583,233 90,459 21,484
Combined (95% 24,247,352 478,566 113,659
of traffic)
Total (100% of 25,523,529 503,754 119,642
traffic)
It should be noted that the estimated emissions loads are only rough estimates. This is due to
the fact that the emissions of pollutants from ship engines can vary significantly from ship to
ship, depending on, e.g., the age and condition of the engine. Still, it is believed that these data
give a good indication of the present level of air emissions caused by the existing ship traffic in
the Baltic Sea.
When comparing Table 6.23 and Table 6.24 it is seen that the emissions loads during the years
of construction of the Nord Stream pipeline (2010-2012) is in the level of max 0.21% of annual
CO2 emissions from existing ship traffic, max 0.17% of annual NOX emissions and max 0.23% of
annual SO2 emissions.
6.4.5.6 Summary of impacts on air quality within Danish waters

The different impacts on air quality from construction and operation of the planned Nord Stream

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Since the total load of emissions from the Nord Stream project is so low compared to the load
from existing ship traffic, the intensity of the impact is assessed to be minor. Local effects are
expected to be short-term and geographically limited since the vessels will be changing location
during their operations, and since the main part of air pollutants are expected to quickly disperse
due to the wind patterns in the region. Impacts such as the contribution to global warming as a
consequence of their nature will be global and long-term. The overall significance of the impact
of emissions on the air quality is assessed to be minor.
Impact Intensity of Scale of effect Duration of Overall

effect effect significance
of impact
Pipe-laying and Minor Local/regional/ Short-term/ Minor
pipe supply global long-term
Seabed Minor Local/regional/ Short-term/ Minor
intervention works global long-term
Pre-commissioning Minor Local/regional/ Short-term/ Minor
/tie-in global long-term
Operation Minor Local/regional/ Short-term/ Minor
global long-term
6.5 Impacts on the biological environment
6.5.1 Impacts on the pelagic environment

The biological pelagic environment consists in this context of phytoplankton and zooplankton.
Potential impacts on the planktonic environment are closely correlated to the impacts on water
quality, which are described in Section 6.4.3.
Plankton has short turnover time, which enables plankton to recover to its original status once
the local disturbance ceases if the impact is reversible /312/. As such, the planktonic
environment has a low sensitivity throughout the Baltic Sea. However, sensitivity to long-term
changes (e.g., input of nutrients) is high.

The impacts on the pelagic environment from the construction and operation of the Nord Stream
• Sediment spreading
6.5.1.2 Impacts from sediment spreading

suspended during pipeline layout directly on the seabed (see Section 5.2.2 and 6.1.2). It is

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therefore concluded that the effect on phytoplankton and zooplankton from suspension caused
by pipeline layout directly on the seabed is negligible or nonexistent.
Since the sediment spread from anchor-handling will be local, temporary and spatially
distributed along the pipelines and mainly will be limited to the lower parts of the water column,
there will be no significant impact from anchor-handling on the pelagic environment. Anchor-
handling is further described in Section 5.2.3 and 6.1.3.
The largest impact will be at the site where trenching is planned, but even here the impact will
be limited. Trenching is planned between KP 1043-1053 (West Pipeline) and KP 1043-1058
(East Pipeline), which means that trenching will be carried out over a length of 10 km and 15
km, respectively, at a water depth of approximately 50 m. Modelling of spreading of sediment
during trenching in the Danish section of the pipeline route has been described in Section 5.2.1
and results are shown in Section 6.1.1 (see Figure 6.1). Since the two pipelines will be
constructed sequentially (approximately one year apart), there will be no cumulative effects on
the pelagic environment from the two pipelines.
Along most of the pipeline route, the water masses are vertically stratified during most of the
year. The depth of the halocline in the Danish sector of the pipeline route is approximately 60-70
m and most of the pipe-laying will take place on the seabed beneath the halocline. Because the
halocline significantly constrains the dispersal of suspended sediments, nutrients and
contaminants into the surface water, the impact of seabed intervention works on phytoplankton
production will be low. During summer, the vertical density stratification will be enhanced in most
places by development of a thermocline, which will further reduce the upwards transport of
substances from the bottom layers.
As modelling for the trenching operation has shown (see Section 6.1.1, Figure 6.1) the sediment
spread (concentration > 10 mg/l) will be limited to an area of 5.9-8.9 km2 with an average
duration of about three hours.
The intensity of the effect of sediment spreading is modelled to be minor, the scale of effects
are assessed to be local (although at some of the locations where trenching is planned
sediment spreading will extend beyond the pipeline corridor), and the duration of effects will be
short-term. Therefore, the overall significance of impact on the pelagic environment is
evaluated to be minor. This evaluation applies only to the site where trenching will occur (a 10-
15 km stretch); for the remaining approximately 122 km of the pipeline route in Danish waters
the impact will be insignificant.

In addition to the spreading of sediment, a simultaneous release of particle-associated nutrients
and contaminants could occur. The principles for calculating the total amounts of nutrients and
contaminants suspended during construction are described in Section 5.3 and the results are
presented in Section 6.1.4. The spreading of nutrients, inorganic and organic contaminants
during construction and its impact on water quality are described in Section 6.4.3.3.

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The main parts of the suspended sediments will be deposited close to the pipeline, but
dissolved nutrients and contaminants may be transported further by the water currents.
Nutrients
Nutrients could stimulate phytoplankton production (and hence zooplankton production) in the
photic zone and thereby increase the biomass and effect plankton composition. Spreading of
suspended material will have the opposite effect due to a shading of the phytoplankton. The
effect of nutrients is season-dependant, as phytoplankton growth mostly takes place during
spring and summer. Increase in primary production due to release of nutrients from the
suspended material could potentially contribute to oxygen consumption by degradation of
organic matter, i.e., mineralisation of dead algae settling to the seabed.
The total mean releases of nitrogen and phosphorus during the construction of one pipeline
within Danish waters are 82 tonnes and 5 tonnes, respectively. Compared with the amount that
entered the Baltic Proper in the year 2000 (nitrogen: 293,236 tonnes; phosphorus: 16,046
tonnes) the calculated amounts of released nitrogen and phosphorus are quite insignificant
(0.03 % of the amount that entered the Baltic Proper in 2000).
Even if any released nutrients did reach the photic zone, any effect would last for only a couple
of days at most, as the released substances will dilute or re-settle. It has previously been
described how the structure of the phytoplankton community in an upwelling zone (a place
where nutrients rich deep water rises in the ocean) changed due to upwelling but was re-
established within five days after the relaxation of upwelling /313/.
Inorganic and organic contaminants

Areas with shallower water depths are usually characterised by erosional or transporational (i.e.,
non-accumulating) seabed. The contaminant content in the sediments in these areas is low, and
consequently there will be no significant spreading of contaminants in these areas. This is the
case where trenching is planned in Danish waters between KP 1043-1053 (West Pipeline) and
KP 1043-1058 (East Pipeline) (see Atlas Map GE-27 and Atlas Map GE-28).
The intensity of effect will be minor, the scale of effect of contaminants spreading will be local
(although at some of the locations where trenching is planned sediment spreading will extend
beyond the pipeline corridor), and the duration of effects will be short-term. Therefore, the
overall significance of impact from nutrients and contaminants released from the sediment on
the pelagic environment is evaluated to be minor. This evaluation applies only to the site where
trenching will occur (a 10-15 km stretch); for the remaining approximately 122 km of the pipeline
route in Danish waters, the impact will be insignificant.
To put the released amounts of nutrient and inorganic and organic contaminants in perspective,
it can be noted that a concentration of 100-550 mg/l suspended material up to 50 m behind a
bottom trawl has been reported /314/. Considering the fact that bottom trawling is carried out on
a large scale in the Baltic Proper every year, the released amount of sediment (and hence
nutrients and contaminants) during construction seems quite insignificant.

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6.5.1.4 Summary of impacts on the pelagic environment
The different impacts on the pelagic environment from construction of the planned Nord Stream
pipelines within Danish waters are summarised in the table below, with respect to the intensity of
the effects, the scale of the effects, the duration of the effects, and the overall significance of the
impact on the pelagic environment. Criteria used to categorise the environmental impacts are

effect Effect effect significance of
impact
Spreading of nutrients, Minor Local Short-term Minor
contaminants
6.5.2 Impacts on benthic flora and fauna


Impacts on the benthic environment from the construction and operation of the Nord Stream

• Difference in temperature between gas pipelines and the surrounding environment
• Contaminants from pipelines/anodes
• Occupation of area on seabed by the pipelines

The spreading and sedimentation of sediment and contaminants during construction works at
the sea floor has been assessed through numerical simulations using the three-dimensional
particle-analysis model MIKE 3 PA, see Section 5.2. An estimate of the total amounts of
released nutrients, organic contaminants and heavy metals is presented in Section 6.1.4. Based
on these inputs, an assessment of the impacts on benthic flora and fauna from seabed
intervention works causing sediment plumes and sedimentation is presented below.
Suspended sediments can potentially have an impact on those species likely to be sensitive to
clogging of respiratory or feeding apparatuses by fine-grained sediments. In addition, light
attenuation caused by suspended sediments (turbidity) could have an impact on benthic flora.
As the pipelines and surroundings are located at depths without benthic flora, there will be no
impacts on benthic flora.

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Marine benthic invertebrates generally have poor if any visual acuity and are unlikely to be
adversely affected by an increase in turbidity. Smothering by re-suspended sediment as it
settles or by deposited spoil has direct mechanical effects on epifauna (species living on the
stones/rocks) and infauna (species living in the seabed) and may result in modification of the
substratum. Deposited spoil may directly clog the feeding or respiratory apparatuses of
suspension feeders. The maximum impact may not be immediate, as some indirect ecological
changes, such as exposed organisms becoming more vulnerable to predation, may take place
/315/. For this reason, the number of scavengers generally increases at recently dredged sites
/316/ /317/ /318/. For these types of animals, seabed intervention works will likely have a
positive effect.
For example, the impact on suspension feeders 1-1.5 km from a sand-extraction site has been
found to be short-term, resulting in lower activities and a reduced feeding rate, while no long-
term effects were found at this distance. It was concluded that any considerable effects on
benthic fauna occurred only in the vicinity of the extraction sites /319/.
The mussel Mytilus edulis, e.g., is generally adapted to a broad range of suspended matter in
intertidal and subtidal environments. Low concentrations may even stimulate its growth rate
/320/. A selection of food particles and rejection of pseudo faeces is induced at concentrations
of suspended matter between 1 - 5 mg/l /321/. The rate of filtration may be regulated by the
valve gape, and a total closure of the valves and cessation of filtration is the ultimate response
to adverse conditions /322/. The filtration of small mussels (3 cm in length) from an estuary with
a yearly range in suspended matter between 5-35 mg/l was found to have decreased at 100
mg/l and stopped at 250 mg/l. Larger mussels were more tolerant /321/.
When the suspended sediment settles, it may cover and destroy, or diminish, the infauna in the
vicinity of trenched sites. The impact depends on the grain-size distribution of the settled
sediments and species-specific tolerances to increased rates of sedimentation and
accumulation. Generally, infauna is tolerant. In situ experiments with induced accumulation
indicated that Macoma baltica is robust, and accumulation of 1.0 – 3.5 cm had no impact on its
survival /323/. The impacts from suspended sediment and sedimentation are evaluated below.
suspended during pipe-laying directly on the seabed, see Section 6.1.2. It is therefore
concluded that the effect of suspension due to pipe-laying directly on the seabed on benthic
fauna is negligible or nonexistent.
Sediment spreading from anchors has not been included in the mathematical modelling
because the distribution of sediment spreading from a single anchor is limited to 0.004 – 0.016
km2 with concentration > 10 mg/l. The area affected by anchors and anchor wires is calculated
to be around 5.5 km2/pipeline within Danish waters, and the area affected with suspended
sediment >10 mg/l is calculated to be 13.7 – 52.1 km2 /pipeline, see Section 6.1.3. The area
affected is the sum of (24 anchors/km x 137 km) approximately 3,288 small areas. Because the
spreading of sediment from the individual anchor placements is restricted to a very small area
and because the anchor placements are spatially and temporally separated, it is concluded that
the impact on benthic flora and fauna caused by suspension and sedimentation due to anchor-

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handling is negligible or nonexistent. The only impact on benthic fauna will be within the area
that is physically affected by dropped anchors and by anchor wires.
Trenching will affect an area with concentrations of suspended sediment > 10 mg/l of 5.9 – 8.9
km2, with an average duration of concentrations > 10 mg/l lasting around three hours. The
majority of the sediment is expected to settle within close vicinity of the pipelines, resulting in
very minor net sedimentation >1mm within a few hundred metres of the pipelines.
The effects of pipeline construction on benthic invertebrates were investigated using a

before/after impact protocol at Clonakilty Bay, West Cork, Ireland. The study showed that six
months after disturbance there was no significant difference between the mean number of total
individuals in the impacted site and in the reference areas /324/. Other studies have shown that
benthic invertebrate communities began to re-colonise a disturbed seabed area quite quickly,
but that it could take up to five years for the structure of the community to recover /324/ /325/.
To put the sediment spreading from seabed intervention works in perspective, it can be noted
that a concentration of 100-550 mg/l suspended material up to 50 m behind a bottom trawl has
been reported /314/. Considering the fact that bottom trawling is carried out on a large scale in
the Baltic Proper every year, the released amount of sediment, nutrients and contaminants from
seabed intervention works seems quite insignificant. Furthermore, sediment spreading due to
seasonal and inter-annual changes, such as storm events is much greater than that caused by
seabed intervention works /315/ /326/ /327/ /328/ /329/. Major storms may naturally deposit a
layer of additional material of several centimetres at 20 m depth and several millimetres at 40 m
depth /330/. For example, storms were reported to deposit 4-10 cm of sand at 28 m in the
Helgoland in German Bight and up to 11 cm of sand off the Schleswig-Holstein coast /330/.
Based on the reported impacts on benthic fauna from suspended sediment and sedimentation
ref. /315-323/, and on the amount of sediment spreading and sedimentation during construction
activities, the intensity of effects on benthic fauna is assessed to be minor, the scale of effects
is assessed to be local, and the duration of the effects will be short-medium term.
Based on the above-mentioned circumstances and assumptions, it is assessed that there will be
minor overall significance of impact on benthic fauna from sediment spreading and
sedimentation.

As mentioned above, a simultaneous release of particle-associated contaminants could occur in
addition to the spreading of sediment.
From Atlas Map GE-27 and Atlas Map GE-28 it can be seen that the concentrations of metals
and organic contaminants in the sediment are low within relatively shallow areas, which are
characterised by a non-accumulating seabed. This is the case in the pipeline section west of
Dueodde and in the section east/north-east of Svaneke where trenching is planned carried out, .
As the contents of contaminants in the sediments in these areas are low, no noteworthy
amounts of contaminants are expected to be released from construction activities and no
impacts on benthic fauna are expected.

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Inside the deeper areas east of Bornholm, at a depth of around 70–90 m, there are increased
levels of metals and organic contaminants (organic tin, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons) in the
surface sediments. Anchor-handling is the only activity that will result in release of sediments
and contaminants from the seabed. During a field survey in 2008, it was found that benthic
fauna was absent at six out of nine stations north of the relatively shallow water area east of
Svaneke, where trenching is planned /132/. At the remaining three stations, the number of
species and the abundance were low. In general, the oxygen content is low near the seabed in
these deep areas, which is the reason for the poor development of the fauna communities.
Along the pipeline route inside Danish waters it has been calculated that the total amount of
organic contaminants that will be suspended together with sediment along one pipeline will be:
78 g of mono-di- and tributyltin, and 2.5 g of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (Sum of 16 PAH
substances), see Table 6.9 Section 6.1.4.4.
The total amounts of metals that will be suspended together with sediment for one pipeline is
calculated in Section 6.1.4.5 (Table 6.10) to be approximately: 2 kg cadmium, 1 kg mercury, 229
kg lead, 141 kg nickel, 709 kg zinc, 142 kg copper and 53 kg arsenic. It is assessed that a large
fraction of the contaminants will settle together with sediments shortly after being suspended,
and that only a minor fraction of the remaining organic contaminants and metals that are
brought in suspension will be bioavailable to marine fauna /276/.
Based on the limited spreading of sediments and contaminants, the short duration of
construction activities, and the poorly developed benthic fauna community in the deeper waters
east of Bornholm, it is concluded that there will be no impacts on benthic fauna from release of
contaminants during construction in the deeper parts of the pipeline route.
As mentioned above, a simultaneous release of nutrients could occur in addition to the

spreading of sediment. The effect of nutrients is season-dependant; an increase in primary
production due to release of nutrients from the suspended material could potentially contribute
to oxygen consumption by subsequent degradation of organic matter. The impacts from the
release of nutrients are assessed below.
In Section 6.1.4.3 (Table 6.8), it is shown that the total mean releases of total-nitrogen and total-
phosphorus during the construction of one pipeline within Danish waters are 82 tonnes and 5
tonnes, respectively. Compared with the amount that entered the Baltic Proper in the year 2000
(total-nitrogen: 293,236 tonnes; total-phosphorus: 16,046 tonnes), the calculated amounts of
released nitrogen and phosphorus are quite insignificant. It has been assessed that the release
of nitrogen and phosphorous will not have any significant negative impacts on benthic fauna
along the pipeline route. From Atlas Map GE-27, it can be seen that the contents of total-
nitrogen and total-phosphorous are relatively low for the section west of Bornholm, compared
with the pipeline section west of Bornholm in deeper water.
6.5.2.4 Impacts from difference in temperature between gas and environment

In the Danish section, there will be no significant difference between the temperature of the
pipelines and the surrounding waters. Therefore, there will be no impact on the benthic
environment.

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6.5.2.5 Impacts from contaminants from pipelines/anodes
Anodes will be spaced seven to 12 line pipes apart which means that the distance between the
anodes will be approximately 85-146 m (see Section 2.3.2.8). The impact on the water quality is
assessed in Section 6.4.3.6.
Due to the low toxicity of the anodes and the large distance between them the intensity of
effects will be no or minor and the scale of effects will be local, the duration of the effects will
be long-term, lasting the lifetime of the pipelines.
It is assessed that there will be no overall significance of impacts on benthic flora and fauna due
to contaminants from pipelines/anodes (anode metals, etc.) dissolved in the marine
environment.
6.5.2.6 Impacts from occupation of area on seabed by the pipelines

Benthic fauna will be destroyed in the areas directly beneath the pipelines and in areas with
heaps of sediment from trenching. An overall estimation of the area occupied by the two
pipelines and heaps of sediment from trenching within Danish waters, is approximately 1.0 – 1.5
km2 for the two pipelines. However, the establishment of the pipelines will introduce new types
of sub-littoral structures, which may increase the habitat heterogeneity. Structural complexity
appears to be characteristic of many productive environments. The size, diversity and density of
organisms associated with hard bottom/artificial reef depend on the number and size of niches.
The growth of sessile invertebrates on the pipelines further contributes to an increase in the
heterogeneity of the ecosystem. The presence of the artificial structures may lead to
colonisation by epibenthic organisms that may not have inhabited the area previously. The
structures of the pipelines may also provide substrates that are more usable to mobile fauna
than the previous ’pre-pipeline‘ seabed. The establishment of epibenthic communities on the
hard substrates will increase the food available to fish, which again may lead to an increase in
the food available to marine mammals and birds /331/.
Re-colonisation of benthic invertebrates depends on the availability of colonists, either by

dispersal of adults or recruitment of larvae and juveniles /332/. A study of the impact of pipeline
construction on estuarine benthic invertebrate communities showed that the impacts were
limited and short-term /333/.
The process of recovery of the benthic community within the impact area depends on the
species within the surrounding area /324/. Animals that favour the changes in the environment
will gain a competitive advantage, as they will be the first to colonise the new seabeds.
Experience from the North Sea has shown that rock placement in specific zones of a pipeline
led to a succession in the bottom fauna from benthic infauna to epifauna species.
Colonisation of the artificial substrates will take place through a combination of migration from
the surrounding seabed and settling of larvae and juveniles. The recruitment will be governed by
the residual currents carrying the larvae and juveniles to the foundation and by the location of
the pipelines with respect to factors such as depth and distance from recruitment source /331/.

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The sediment structure in sandy-bottom areas where the pipelines are laid could change to
softer bottom texture in the immediate vicinity of the pipelines because the pipelines will act as
lay belts for transverse currents. Consequently, the fauna composition in the vicinity of the
pipelines could change to species that are more tolerant of occasional coverage by sediments.
While the intensity of effects will be medium to large and the scale of effects will be local, the
duration of the effects will be long-term, lasting the lifetime of the pipelines.
Based on the above-mentioned circumstances and assumptions, it is assessed that there will be
minor/moderate overall significance of impact on benthic flora and fauna from occupation of the
seabed by the pipelines. It is even likely that the biodiversity and productivity will increase in
some places along the pipelines, although slowly, due to an increase in habitat heterogeneity.
6.5.2.7 Summary of impacts on benthic flora and fauna

The different impacts on benthic flora and fauna from construction and operation of the planned
Nord Stream pipelines within Danish waters are summarised in the table below, with respect to
the intensity, scale and duration of the effects, and the overall significance of the impact on the
environment. Criteria used to categorise the environmental impacts are described in Section
5.1.5.
Impact Intensity Scale Duration Overall

of effect of effect of effect significance of
impact
Sediment spreading Minor Local Short- Minor
and sedimentation medium
Spreading of nutrients, No/Minor -/Local -/Short No
contaminants
Difference in No - - No
temperature between
gas and environment
Contaminants from No/Minor1 -/Local1 -/Long-term1 No/Minor1
pipelines/anodes
Occupation of area on Medium/Large Local Long-term Minor/Moderate
seabed by the pipelines
1: Aluminium anodes/zinc anodes
6.5.3 Impacts on fish and fish stocks


Impacts on fish and fish stocks from the construction and operation of the Nord Stream offshore

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• Occupation of seabed and changes in bathymetry
In the vicinity of the pipeline route, there are spawning areas/nursery areas of cod, sprat and
flounder and feeding areas of herring and salmon. Species of no importance to commercial
fishery, such as snake blenny (Lumpenus lampretaeformis) and twaite shad (Alosa fallax)
probably also occur in the area, although no specific information exists. Eel are found along the
coastal areas, and they migrate in the open sea, including the waters around Bornholm. Cod,
snake blenny, eel and salmon are High Priority Species on the HELCOM Red List of threatened
and declining species of lampreys and fish.

Impacts on fish species and fish stocks due to seabed intervention works can be related to:
• Areas directly affected by construction works (pipe-laying, including areas with anchor-
handling or trenching)
• Proximity to areas affected by sedimentation of suspended sediment, resulting in
destruction of habitats (seabed) and in reduction of potential spawning and nursery areas
• Increased water turbidity, increased oxygen consumption caused by mineralisation of
mobilised organic matter during the construction works, destruction of fish eggs and larvae,
avoidance reactions by juvenile and adult fish species
• Increased bioaccumulation of contaminants in fish due to release of contaminants from
suspended matter in the water column /334/
To predict impacts on fish, the impact area of the intervention work sites has been compared
with important fish areas. The impact area is the area where increased concentrations of
suspended matter and increased sedimentation are predicted. Criteria used to predict impacts
are proximity to intervention work sites and concentrations of suspended sediments.
Areas directly affected

The area directly affected by pipe-laying and anchor-handling within the Danish EEZ and
territorial waters is < 1.0 km2 and around 5.5 km2, respectively. The area directly affected by
trenching (approximately 25 km in total for both pipelines) is around 1-1.5 km2. The area directly
affected by trenching includes the trench and the sediment heaps along both sides of the trench.
Habitats in the directly affected areas will be destroyed. Some of these areas are expected to be
re-colonised by macrozoobenthos within between one and a few years, depending on habitat
type, depth, sediment conditions and location. Areas occupied by the pipelines will establish
new habitats for marine fauna, including macrozoobenthos and fish species.
Food sources in the seabed will become exposed during trenching, and fish that are not affected
by noise and higher turbidity will be attracted to the construction site /316-318/.
Spawning areas for bottom spawners, such as herring and turbot, are not assessed to be
affected. There are no potential spawning areas for these species along the pipeline route in
Danish waters.

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Areas affected by increased sedimentation
In addition to the areas that will be directly affected, other areas around the planned pipeline
route will be indirectly affected by re-settling of sediment brought in suspension during
construction. Results from modelling of sediment spreading and sedimentation in the trenching
areas indicate that areas in which sedimentation will be > 1 kg/m2 (corresponding approximately
to a 1 mm sediment layer) will be limited to the very close vicinity (up to a few hundred metres)
of the pipelines, see Section 6.1.1. Furthermore, the duration of sedimentation at a specific
location during trenching will be limited to hours/ days.
The impact of sedimentation on fish habitats, including nursery areas, is assessed to be limited,
both geographically and temporally. Impacts on bottom spawners from sedimentation are not
expected; see above.
Areas affected by increased turbidity

In general, fish eggs and fish fry are more sensitive to increased concentrations of suspended
sediment than juvenile and adult fish species /335/. Normally, concentrations of suspended
sediment that may be lethal to fish eggs and fish fry are expressed in mg/l, whereas the lethal
concentration for juvenile and adult fish is expressed in g/l /336/ and /337/.
High concentrations of suspended material may injure or kill adult and juvenile fish, e.g., if
particles collect in their gills, reducing oxygen absorption, or if sharp-edged particles damage
their gills /338/. However, there must be high concentrations of suspended material in the water
column for fish to be injured or die. Literature reports lethal and sub-lethal concentrations in the
magnitude of 580-225,000 mg/l and 650-13,000 mg/l, respectively /338-342/.
Pelagic fish are more sensitive to suspended sediment than demersal fish /338/. This is
probably because the gills of pelagic fish are more exposed to irritation and injury on account of
their faster swimming speed and larger gill area. Demersal fish are more highly adapted to
occasional instances of increased concentrations of suspended material in their natural
environment. Pelagic fish, therefore, will probably avoid suspended material to a greater extent
than demersal fish. In the field, herring and sprat have demonstrated avoidance reactions to
suspended material /343/.
Both laboratory and field investigations showed that herring and smelt began to flee areas with
fine-grained suspended sediment when the concentration reached approximately 10 mg/l and
20 mg/l, respectively. For herring, it was further discovered that the threshold concentration was
higher for coarser sediment with 30% sand (35.5 mg/l) /344/, probably because of the smaller
turbidity per mass unit of suspended sediments consisting of larger particles.
Demersal fish in general are more tolerant of suspended sediment than pelagic fish, as
described above. Flatfish are especially tolerant to relatively high concentrations of suspended
sediment. Studies of plaice with concentrations of 3,000 mg/l showed no increased lethality
during a 14-day period /345/.
The impacts on bottom-laid eggs can be related to:

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• Sediment covering the eggs
• Suspended sediment adhering to the eggs (which themselves are generally sticky), thereby
reducing egg respiration, leading to decreased survival and affecting embryonic
development. In reference /346/, increased egg mortality was recorded when particles
adhered to herring eggs
• Deterioration or destruction of spawning grounds due to changes in the bottom substrate as
a result of re-sedimentation of suspended material
Laboratory studies in which fish eggs and fish larvae were exposed to different concentrations of
suspended fine-grained sediment showed no effects below 100 mg/l /344/.
Demersal fish eggs from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) demonstrated 100% mortality in
sediment concentrations of 1,000 - 2,500 mg/l. Pelagic fish eggs may also be affected if
suspended matter adheres to eggs, causing them to sink to the bottom, where there is a risk of
oxygen depletion /336/ and /347/.
Many species use their vision for feeding, and the feeding of herring fry is shown to be affected
by concentrations of suspended matter of 20 mg/l /348/. The most likely effects due to
suspended material will be avoidance reactions or fish species fleeing an area during
construction activities. The total area for avoidance reactions, using 10 mg/l suspended
sediment as a conservative limit, will be 5.9 km2 for the West Pipeline and 8.9 km2 for the East
Pipeline for areas with trenching (total of 25 km). The average duration of concentrations >10
mg/l will be around three hours, see Section 6.1.1.
The primary cause of avoidance reactions of fish will be sediment plumes due to trenching
activities These avoidance reactions are temporary and will have no long-term impact on fish
and fish stock. Pipe-laying directly on the seabed will not cause noteworthy sediment spreading;
therefore this activity is estimated to have no significant impacts on fish species or fish stocks.
Based on the threshold values described above, impacts on demersal/pelagic spawning (injury
of eggs, fish larvae) are evaluated to be very limited. Any impacts would be limited to the very
close vicinity of the pipelines. The main spawning grounds of the commercial fish species cod,
sprat and flounder are east of Bornholm in water depths exceeding 60 m.
No or only insignificant impacts on cod spawning, cod eggs and fry are expected if pipe-laying
directly on the seabed is carried out during the cod-spawning period. This evaluation is based
on calculations of the amount of sediment suspended at the seabed, the concentration of
suspended sediment in the ’reproductive‘ volume of the water column where the cod are
spawning, and the area affected in comparison with the size of the cod spawning area.
As mentioned in Sections 6.1.2 and 6.1.3, conservative calculations of sediment spreading due
to pipe-laying and anchor-handling with concentrations of suspended sediment of 1 mg/l and of
100 mg/l will be restricted to 10 m and 5 m above the seabed, respectively. Compared with
threshold values where fish eggs and fish fry are affected, it is assessed that impacts will be
restricted to the lower 5 m of the water column.

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The part of the cod-spawning area (see Atlas Map FI-1) that will be directly affected by anchor-
handling will be around 0.72 km2 for each pipeline, and around 0.04% of the cod spawning area
in Danish waters east of Bornholm (calculated for the area closed for fishery from 1 May - 31
October). The area that will be affected by suspended sediment >10 mg/l from anchor-handling
is calculated to be around (0.09 - 0.4)% of the cod spawning area in Danish waters and (0.04 -
0.16)% of the total cod spawning area.
Based on the size of the area that may be affected by suspended sediment >100 mg/l, and
based on the short duration of the impact (it will take approximately seven days to install each
pipeline in this area), it is assessed that impacts on cod spawning (if construction is carried out
in the cod spawning period) will be insignificant, with no impacts on the cod stock.
Increased bioaccumulation of contaminants

In the shallow areas west of Dueodde and the relatively shallow area east of Svaneke, no
impacts due to bioaccumulation of contaminants in fish are foreseen. This is based on the fact
that there is no, or negligible contamination with heavy metals or organic contaminants in the
surface sediments in these areas.
In deeper areas east of Bornholm, there is an increased content of organic and inorganic
contaminants in surface sediments, see Section 4.4.4. However, there will be no impacts on fish
and fish stocks because there are no seabed intervention works planned in these areas and
because the amount of sediments and contaminants that will be brought in suspension during
pipe-laying will be limited.
It is assessed that impacts on fish and fish stocks and bioaccumulation of contaminants in fish
species will be insignificant.
The overall effects on fish from sediment spreading and sedimentation are assessed to be
minor, local and generally short-term. It is concluded that there will be no overall impacts on
fish and fish stocks from seabed intervention works.
6.5.3.3 Impacts from noise and physical disturbance during construction

Studies investigating sound-induced effects on fish are relatively scarce, and the results vary. It
is often difficult to extrapolate the results from specific investigations or in fundamental research
to different conditions, basically because of the different hearing systems of the species in
question and differences in the physical properties of the sound stimuli.
There is extraordinary diversity in hearing structures among fish, resulting in varying hearing
capabilities among species. Different species have hearing ranges from about 30 Hz to 4 kHz.
Noises from shipping, seismic airguns, trenching by ploughing and pile-driving exhibit major
energy below 1,000 Hz and are thus within the frequency range of hearing of most fish species.
Fish possess two principal sensory organs for the detection of underwater vibrations and noise:
the lateral line system and the inner ear. The lateral line system is stimulated by low-frequency –
generally below 150 Hz – water-pressure variations relative to the fish’s body; i.e., very close to
the sound source the lateral line system can detect the acoustic field. The inner ear tends to
respond to sound-induced motions of the fish’s body in both the near and far fields. However,

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the perception of sound pressure is restricted to those fish species with air-filled swim bladders
that respond to sound-pressure fluctuations. Fish can discriminate between sounds and
determine the direction of a sound. It actually has been shown that all species of fish tested are
able to hear. However, hearing ability varies greatly among fish species /349/.
The propagation of low-frequency sounds is approximately five times faster in water than in air
/19/. Fish are receptive to noise, with hearing and the detection of vibrations being one of their
most developed senses /350/.
Three Baltic Sea species have been selected as examples /349/:
Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar): Atlantic salmon have a swim bladder, but it is not believed to play
any part in the species’ hearing. Salmon respond only to low-frequency tones (below 380 Hz),
with best hearing at 160 Hz. The hearing of salmon is poor, with narrow frequency span, poor
power to discriminate signals from noise and low overall sensitivity.
Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua): Atlantic cod have a gas-filled swim bladder and are probably more
sensitive to sound than the Atlantic salmon. Experiments with 20 specimens in a tank found the
best hearing sensitivity at 150 Hz and 160 Hz. Cod are capable of distinguishing between
spatially separated sound sources and also between sources at different distances. For cod,
both particle motion and sound pressure are important stimuli, especially for determining sound
direction.
Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus): Atlantic herring have a swim bladder and inner ear
connection, which explains their special hearing capabilities. Atlantic herring hear an extended
range of frequencies between 30 Hz and 4 kHz.
Fish avoidance is stimulated typically at levels above 160-180 dB re 1μPa. Difficulties in

investigating responsiveness to noise in fish have consequences for deriving appropriate
threshold values for behavioural reactions. For example, it has been proposed that fish show a
positive avoidance reaction to vessels when the radiated noise levels exceed their threshold of
hearing by 30 dB or more. Reaction range varies from 100 - 200 m for many typical vessels but
is as high as 400 m for noisy vessels. Other factors, both physical and physiological, play a part
in determining the noise level that will trigger an avoidance response from fish /351/.
Research on the effects of ship noise on fish, especially noise generated by ships using sonar
systems, was recently summarised by ICES /352/. The authors noted that it is difficult to draw
definite conclusions /349/.
For the Nord Stream project, noise from the lay vessel and supporting vessels will lead to
avoidance reactions among fish. Pipe-laying activities close to shipping lanes may lead to
accumulative effects, but no injurious levels of noise are envisaged.
A study of spawning herring was carried out in Norway to investigate the effects of repeated
passage of a research vessel at a distance of 8 - 40 m, in 30 - 40 m water depth. At a peak

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value noise source level of around 145 dB re 1uPa 1Hz within the range 5 - 500 Hz, there was
no detectable reaction amongst the spawning herring /353/.
Five-day-old cod larvae subjected to 250 dB suffered delaminating of the retina, while cod
larvae of 2 - 110 days suffered no apparent injuries after exposure to 230 dB /354, 355/.
The conclusion is that avoidance reactions from almost all fish species will occur in close
proximity to the area where the lay vessel is operating but that the fish population will return
after the cessation of activities. The lay vessel moves approximately 2-3 km per day. Long-term
effects are not envisioned.
The effects on fish species from noise and physical disturbance are assessed to be minor,
local and short-term. It is assessed that there will be an overall minor impact on fish, but no
overall impacts on stocks.
6.5.3.4 Impacts from occupation of seabed and from changes of bathymetry

Impacts due to occupation of the seabed by the pipelines and bathymetrical changes in the
seabed have been evaluated by studying comparable artificial marine installations /356/.
The sediment structure in sandy-bottom areas where the pipelines are laid on the seabed could
change to a softer bottom texture in the immediate vicinity of the pipelines, which will act as lay
belts for transverse currents and also as artificial reefs. An investigation regarding possible
effects on fish species, fish stocks and fish eggs from offshore installations in the North Sea (the
Halfdan Field) found that there were no effects from the pipelines /357/. A study of fish densities
at a complex of 13 structures in the Ekofisk Field in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea found
that the aggregation of cod around the platforms was particularly noticeable and that fish density
decreased with distance from the platforms /358/.
Based on the results from ref. /356/, “Artificial Reefs in the European Seas”, it is assessed that
the pipeline structure, including the pipelines and rocks from rock placement, will result in
establishment of new habitats on the seabed. The new habitats, depending on water depth, will
result in the development of new fauna communities, increasing the number of fish species/fish
around the pipeline structure. In general, reef structures have been shown to have a positive
impact on fishery yields /356/.
Regarding the European eel’s migration out of the Baltic Sea during its silver eel stage, it has
been argued that untrenched sections of pipeline will act as a barrier similar to a standing gill
net. The concern is that the pipelines will prevent the eels from further migration out of the Baltic
Sea by inducing them to swim along the length of the pipelines instead of passing over them.
Because eels primarily migrate out of the Baltic Sea along the coasts and swim close to the
surface in the water column at night, it is assessed that the pipelines will not act as barriers. This
is also based on the fact that the pipelines in the coastal landfall areas will be trenched into the
seabed.

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Effects on fish from the pipelines and from bathymetrical changes during operation of the
pipelines are assessed to be minor, local and long-term. The overall impact on fish along the
pipelines is evaluated to be minor.
6.5.3.5 Summary of impacts on fish and fish stocks

The different impacts on fish from construction and operation of the planned Nord Stream
Criteria used to categorise the environmental impacts are described in Section 5.1.5.
Impact Scale/intensity Geographical Duration of Overall

of effect extent of effect significance of
effect impact
Sediment spreading Minor Local Short-term No
and sedimentation
Noise and physical Minor Local Short-term No/Minor
disturbance during
construction
Occupation of seabed Minor Local Long-term Minor
and changes of
bathymetry
6.5.4 Impacts on marine mammals

Only two of the four species of marine mammals in the Baltic Sea are regularly found in the
vicinity of the gas pipeline route in Danish waters, namely the harbour porpoise and the grey
seal. The harbour porpoise is sporadically distributed along the pipeline route (< 0.1
individual/km2, according to Atlas Map MA-2), while the grey seal is regularly observed along the
pipeline route (see Atlas Map MA-4). At present, there are no seal colonies in the vicinity of the
pipeline route in Danish waters, but eight to 10 grey seals were observed on a regular basis
from April to June 2008 at the island of Ertholmene, while only a few observations had been
made in previous years. It is hoped that this is an indication that grey seals will re-establish a
former colony at Ertholmene in the near future, although the sightings could turn out to be a
coincidence. Ertholmene is approximately 11.2 km from the pipeline route and 11.6 km from the
site where trenching is planned.
and the criteria used to categorise the environmental impacts are given in Section 5.1.5

The impacts on marine mammals from the construction and operation of the Nord Stream
• Sediment spreading and sedimentation during construction


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6.5.4.2 Impacts from sediment spreading and sedimentation during construction
Sediment spreading from construction activities (trenching, pipe-laying and anchor-handling) is
described in Section 6.1.1 - 6.1.3. The main sources of sediment spill in Danish waters are
trenching and anchor-handling. Because the impacts from anchor-handling will be local,
temporary and spatially distributed along the pipeline, there will be no significant impact from
anchor-handling on marine mammals. Anchor-handling is further described in Section 5.2.3
while the amounts of sediment spreading is assessed in Section 6.1.3.
The two pipelines will each be trenched at one location between KP 1043-1053 (West Pipeline)
and KP 1043-1058 (East Pipeline), which means that trenching will be carried out over a length
of 10 km and 15 km, respectively. Spreading of sediment during trenching in the Danish section
of the pipeline route has been modelled in Section 6.1.1. Because the two pipelines will be
constructed separately (approximately one year apart), there will be no cumulative effects on
marine mammals from construction of the two pipelines. The evaluation below applies only to
the site where trenching will occur. On the remaining approximately 122 km of the pipeline route
in Danish waters, sediment spreading will mainly be caused by anchor-handling. As such, it will
be more diffuse and generally limited to the lower parts of the water column. The amounts of
released sediment and contaminants are calculated in Section 6.1.4., and the impacts on water
quality are assessed in Section 6.4.3.
Considering a concentration > 10 mg/l, the total affected area is 5.9 - 8.9 km2, with an average
duration of three hours, after which conditions will return to normal. The modelled results
indicate that the applied method for trenching (plough) mainly causes a disturbance in the close
vicinity (within the order of 100 m) of the pipelines. The suspension of sediment is generally too
small to produce a visible sediment concentration (> 1 mg/l) in the water more than a few
hundred metres away and occurs mainly in the lower part of the water column.
As the Baltic Sea mammals are known to use their hearing ability efficiently as an ‘orientating
tool’ and are able to successfully hunt in darkness, increased turbidity it is not expected to cause
significant negative impacts. Only a few individuals are likely to be present at a trenching site,
and those animals are likely to flee from seabed intervention areas because of noise and
physical disturbance. In any case, the impact will be short-term.
The release of contaminants from suspended matter in the water column could raise the
concentration of contaminants in the food chain and subsequently in mammal tissue. There
have been many studies on the impact of contaminants on Baltic Sea seals, and it is clear that
contaminants may cause reproduction failure in seals. The amount of contaminants that will be
suspended from seabed intervention works, however, is very limited (see Section 6.1.4).
Impacts on marine mammals are assessed to be insignificant based on the fact that:
• Elevated concentrations of contaminants in the sea water will be of short duration and will
be confined to the deep bottom water
• Elevated concentrations with contaminants will be very local
• Vertical mixing is not likely to occur because of the halocline

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• The use by marine mammals of the marine environment below the halocline near the
seabed in the deeper basins (which often suffers from oxygen depletion) is limited
An indirect impact from the construction works at the seabed is that bottom dwellers, such as
fish, may flee, and crustaceans may be buried, thus leading to a local lack of prey (within 100 m
of the trenching operation). A shortage of food may force seals to seek prey elsewhere, but as
seals are capable of travelling great distances, local food shortages would not cause any
impacts on individuals or on the population.
The potential re-colonisation of a grey seal colony at Ertholmene will not be effected by
construction or operation of the pipelines because the pipeline route is more that 11 km from
Ertholmene.
Overall, the scale/intensity of effects will be minor, the geographical extent of effects will be
local and the duration of effects will be short-term. Based on the above-mentioned
circumstances and assumptions, it is assessed that there will be minor overall significance of
impacts on marine mammals from sediment spreading.

This assessment is based on data of marine mammal sensitivity to noise in existing literature
and estimated noise and vibration levels of planned pipe-laying activities. Many marine
mammals, including the harbour porpoise, communicate by emitting sounds that pass through
water. Such sounds can be received across great distances and can influence the behaviour of
these mammals /359/. Increasing background noise and specific sound sources therefore may
impact marine animals adversely.
Five zones of noise are defined, depending on the distance between the source and receiver
(see Figure 6.7).
The zone of audibility is defined as the area within which an animal is able to detect a sound.
The zone of masking defines the region within which noise is strong enough to interfere with
detection of other sounds, such as communication signals or echolocation clicks. Noises that
mask important sounds such as calls may have an indirect impact on marine mammals by
postponing reactions to calls. Although there are many indications that marine mammals might
have the ability to change their natural sound in order to counteract the masking effect,
confirming studies are scarce or missing. However, the construction work is temporary, and the
masking effect is not likely to have significant impacts on individuals or populations of marine
mammals. In the zone of behaviour, an animal reacts behaviourally or physiologically. Noise that
causes behavioural changes, such as reduced time at the surface or swimming away from the
source of noise, may affect individual mammals temporarily. However, a behavioural change
causes no permanent damage to the individual mammal and hence no impact on the population
as a whole. The zone of hearing loss is the area where the received sound level is high enough
to cause hearing loss (temporary or permanent). The zone closest to the noise source is defined
as the zone of tissue damage; in this zone the noise is strong enough to damage tissue
surrounding the lungs /349/.

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Figure 6.7 The zones of noise influence on mammals /191/ /349/.
Noise from ship traffic involved in the construction activities is described in Section 5.4.2. The
zone of responsiveness to ship noise in general is roughly estimated to be limited to
approximately 200-300 m for harbour porpoises and seals /360/. The most common effect of
noise and vibration on seals is a short-term avoidance response. Seals generally become
accustomed to noise once no threat is perceived /361/. Because the pipeline route is relatively
close to busy shipping fairways or other areas with ship traffic, according to AIS data (Atlas Map
SH-1), it is expected that the marine mammals in the area are already habituated to noise and
vibration generated by vessels. Hence, the impacts from noise and increased ship traffic during
construction on marine mammals are negligible. It should be noted that the pipe-laying vessel
will move at a rate of 2-3 km a day; thus the noise from the pipe-laying operation will be short-
term at any location.
The primary source of noise from pipe-laying is believed to be the movement of anchors. The
movement of the pipeline down the stinger, into the water and onto the seabed is relatively slow
and designed to be gentle to the pipeline. Other activities, such as welding and supplementary
coating, will not produce significant underwater noise. There will be heavy machinery on the
pipe-layer, but low frequencies, below 100 Hz, are likely to be dominant. Moving anchors results
in local noise and minor sediment plumes around the pipe-laying vessel. Marine mammals are
likely to be habituated to new sounds once no threat is perceived or they will flee the noise /362/
/363/ /364/. The noise from pipe-laying will not exceed the background noise. Hence, no
impacts are expected to occur.
The impact from noise from seabed intervention works is associated with trenching operations
between KP 1043 and KP 1058. Cable trenching at North Hoyle produced a noise level of 178
dB re 1 μPa at 1 m, assuming a transmission loss of 22log(R) /293/. The experience showed
that marine mammals and fish displayed avoidance reactions and moved away from the
exposed area during trenching.

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The only impact from noise and increased ship traffic during construction on marine mammals
encountered in open sea will be a temporary avoidance reaction. Therefore, the scale/intensity
of the effect will be minor, the geographical extent of the effect will be local, and the duration of
the effect will be short-term.
Based on the above-mentioned circumstances and assumptions, it is assessed that the overall
significance of the impacts from noise and increased ship traffic on marine mammals during
construction will be minor.
6.5.4.4 Summary of impacts on marine mammals

The different impacts on marine mammals from construction of the planned Nord Stream
pipelines within Danish waters are summarised in the table below, with respect to the intensity of
the effects, the scale of the effects, the duration of the effects, and the overall significance of the
impact on marine mammals. Criteria used to categorise the environmental impacts are

impact
and sedimentation
during construction
Noise and physical Minor Local Short-term Minor
disturbance during
construction
6.5.5 Impacts on birds

Several bird species may be affected by possible impacts from the Nord Stream project.
Because the nearest land (Dueodde) in Danish waters is more than 9 km from the pipelines,
possible impacts are exclusively related to foraging or resting birds.
and the criteria used to categorise the environmental impacts are given in Section 5.1.5

The impacts on birds from the construction and operation of the Nord Stream offshore pipelines
can be the result of:

During the operations phase, routine inspections will include external inspections of the
pipelines by means of ROV (perhaps one survey each year or less) and internal inspections and
maintenance using intelligent pigs (see Section 2.8.6.2). Maintenance works are not expected

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but may include local repair work on the pipelines or on the seabed to ensure that the pipelines
are stable. These operations are assessed to have no significant impacts on birds.

All Important Bird Areas (IBAs) within Danish waters are sensitive to sediment spreading and
sedimentation, as sediment spreading can potentially lead to changes in feeding conditions for
seabirds. Generally, a concentration of 15 mg/l or more sediment is regarded as being
problematic for the eyesight of diving seabirds /306/.
The planned pipeline route passes near the following IBAs within Danish waters (see Atlas Map
BI-4):
• DK079, Ertholmene, at a distance of about 11.2 km
In addition, the pipelines will also pass Rønne Bank southwest of Bornholm, which is also
considered as an area of high importance to birds, especially during winter (see Section 4.5.5).
Sediment spreading from the different activities during construction (trenching, pipe-laying and
anchor-handling) is described in Section 6.1.1 – 6.1.3. The main sources of sediment spill in
Danish waters will be from trenching and from anchor-handling.
Each of the two pipelines will be trenched at one location. The West Pipeline will be trenched
between KP 1043-1053, over a length of 10 km. The East Pipeline will be trenched between KP
1043-1058, over a length of 15 km. Spreading of sediment during trenching in the Danish
section of the pipeline route has been modelled (see Section 6.1.1). Since the two pipelines will
be constructed separately (approximately one year apart) there will be no cumulative effects on
the birds from construction of the two pipelines. The evaluation below applies only to the site
where trenching will occur. Along the remaining approximately 122 km of the pipeline route in
Danish waters, sediment spreading will be caused mainly by anchor-handling, during which
spreading is more diffuse and generally limited to the lower parts of the water column. The
amounts of released sediment and contaminants are calculated in Section 6.1.4, and the
impacts on water quality are assessed in Section 6.4.3.
With regard to concentrations >10 mg/l, the total affected area will be 5.9 - 8.9 km2 for an
average duration of three hours, after which conditions will return to normal. Modelling results
indicate that the applied method for trenching (ploughing) mainly causes a disturbance in the
close vicinity (within the order of 100 m) of the pipelines. The suspension of sediment is
generally too small to produce a visible sediment concentration (>1 mg/l) in the water more than
a few hundred metres away and occurs mainly in the lower part of the water column.
Trenching will lead to mechanical impacts on the sea bottom and a change in water
transparency, thereby affecting organisms such as fish species and benthic fauna, which are
food resources of seabirds. Avoidance of areas by fish could lead to changes in feeding
conditions for seabirds /19/. On the other hand, seabed intervention works may result in
increased available food resources because of increased suspended material that includes
infauna species. Because the overall significance of impact on benthic invertebrates is assessed

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to be minor (see Section 6.5.2), impacts on benthic invertebrates will have no significant impacts
on birds.
It is furthermore important to emphasise that the trenching operation will take place at a depth of
approximately 50 m, which is below or at the maximum dive depth of most of the birds, and that
most of the sediment spreading will be limited to the bottom water layer and have no effect on
the surface layers.
As indicated in the baseline study, the pipeline route is a considerable distance (> 5 km) from
the main feeding/resting areas of the important bird species (see Section 4.5.5.3).
It is important to emphasise that although the main densities of birds are likely to be located
inside the IBAs, birds are not restricted to these areas and may also be encountered elsewhere.
Encountered birds are likely to fly away, and return as the operation moves on. However,
because the scale/intensity of effects will be minor, the geographical extent of the effects will be
local and the duration of the effects will be short-term, it is assessed that sediment plumes and
sedimentation from seabed intervention works will have minor overall significance of impact on
birds.
No ecotoxicological impact on birds is expected because the release of contaminants during

construction will be small and mainly occur close to the seabed (see Section 6.4.3).

Increased ship traffic has the potential to disturb resting and foraging seabirds. Motion, acoustic
and light signalling, and noise during performance of works are considered the main sources of
possible disturbance impact on birds during pipe-laying. Regarding disturbance from navigation,
comparisons have been made between traditional ferries travelling at about 30 km/h and high-
speed ferries travelling at about 40-60 km/h. Both traditional and high-speed ferries disturb
seabirds, but the latter create a greater disturbance. Common eider and cormorant are affected
more significantly by the faster ferries, as indicated by how often the birds dive or fly away when
encountering a high-speed ferry. For eiders, these ferries create a disturbance corridor of 0.5 –
1 km wide on each side of the shipping route /306/.
Studies regarding disturbance effects have been carried out for some bird species to provide an
idea of safe distances regarding moving vessels:
• The flight distance of the cormorant is about 200 m in relation to slow-going vessels and
about 240 m in relation to fast-going vessels /307/
• The flight distance of the goldeneye is about 125 m in relation to slow-going vessels and
about 860 m in relation to fast-going vessels /307/
• For common eider, high-speed ferries create a disturbance corridor 0.5-1 km wide on each
side of their shipping route /308/; however, another reference mentions a flight distance of
2 km or more /309/
• The ‘safe buffer’ recommendation for common scoter is 300-800 m /226/
• The flight distance of coot is about 150 m in relation to slow-going vessels and about 450 m
in relation to fast-going vessels /307/

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Based on these examples, it seems reasonable to estimate that impacts on birds from noise and
other visual disturbances from ships involved in the construction works in general will be limited
to a 1-2 km radius around the lay barge. Disturbance within this distance will likely cause birds
to fly away from the approaching disturbance source. Because the pipe-laying vessel moves at
a speed of around 2-3 km/day, any disturbance from construction will be relatively short-term for
any given location. At locations where seabed intervention works are carried out, ships involved
in the operation will also cause birds to take flight within an estimated maximum of 1-2 km
radius.
It should also be taken into consideration that the actual number of general ship movements
along the pipeline route is high.
All IBAs within Danish waters are sensitive to disturbance, especially in winter, when they host
very significant numbers of seabirds. Due to the distance between these areas and the planned
pipeline route, the impact of disturbance is assessed to be of minor significance for the birds in
these areas. It is important to note that although the main densities of the birds are likely to be
located inside the IBAs, birds are not restricted to these areas and may also be
located/encountered elsewhere. The baseline studies showed that there are no major bird-
feeding areas within a 2 km distance of the pipeline route (see Section 4.5.5.3).
Encountered birds are likely to fly away from any approaching vessels, but because the intensity
of the effects will be minor, the scale of the effects will be local and the duration of the effects
will be short-term, it is assessed that noise from pipe-laying and other disturbances will have
minor overall significance of impact on birds.
6.5.5.4 Summary of impacts on birds

The different impacts on birds from construction of the planned Nord Stream pipelines within
Danish waters are summarised in the table below, with respect to the intensity of the effects, the
scale of the effects, the duration of the effects, and the overall significance of the impact on
birds. Criteria used to categorise the environmental impacts are described in Section 5.1.5.

impact
and sedimentation
Noise and physical Minor Local Short-term Minor
disturbance during
construction
6.5.6 Impacts from non-indigenous species


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The following mechanisms for contamination with non-indigenous species (NIS) are relevant to
the Nord Stream project:
• Transport with ballast water in vessels

• Migration along the pipeline structure
6.5.6.2 Impacts from transport with ballast water in vessels

Ballast water is carried by ships to provide stability and adjust a vessel's trim for optimal steering
and propulsion. Ballast water transport and discharge is the most universal and ubiquitous
vector for contamination with NIS.
Alien species potentially may be introduced to the Baltic Sea through the release of ballast
water or by spreading due to hull-fouling. At the initial construction phase, the service vessels
and the lay vessel will carry non-Baltic ballast water. Further into the construction phase, the
service vessels will load water from the location of the lay vessel and release the ballast water at
the marshalling yards. Water from the Baltic Sea is not likely to add to the exchange of species
from the open water to coastal areas.
The risk of spreading of NIS is no higher than that of other maritime activities in the Baltic Sea.
The ballast water exchange in the southern Baltic Proper has been calculated to be around 1.9
x 109 m3/year /365/.
The amount of ballast water (from outside the Baltic Sea area) that will be discharged from
vessels during construction of the planned Nord Stream pipelines will be very limited, and it is
evaluated that the risk of impacts caused by introducing NIS with ballast water will be
insignificant and have no overall significance of impact.
6.5.6.3 Impacts from migration along the pipeline structure

Hard-bottom species may use the pipeline as an artificial reef, and the pipeline therefore will
bridge otherwise discrete hard-bottom areas. Because the deeps in the Baltic Proper are
oxygen-deficient, they function as barriers for migration between the southern and northern
sections of the pipeline.
Migration of species along the pipeline structure in general and along the pipelines inside
Danish waters is assessed to result in no overall significance of impact in relation to introduction
of NIS to other regions in the Baltic Sea.
6.5.6.4 Summary of impacts from non-indigenous species

The impacts from NIS from construction and operation of the planned Nord Stream pipelines
within Danish waters are summarised in the table below, with respect to the intensity, scale and
duration of the effects, and the overall significance of the impact on the environment. Criteria
used to categorise the environmental impacts are described in Section 5.1.5.

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impact
Transport with ballast No - - No
water in vessels
Migration along the No - - No
pipeline structure
6.6 Impacts on the socio-economic environment
6.6.1 Impacts on fishery


The impacts on fishery from the construction and operation of the Nord Stream offshore
• Protection zone around the lay vessel

• Restriction zones around pipelines
• Occupation of area on seabed
The scale and geographical extent of the impact on fishery have been assessed through a study
of the degree to which the pipeline route interferes with important fishing areas, areas of
national interest, trawl activities reported to the Danish directorate of fisheries, and catch data
from the ICES sub-squares in the Baltic Sea that are crossed by the pipelines, with focus on the
ICES sub-squares 39G5, 38G5 and 38G4 in Danish waters. Criteria for predicting impacts are
intensity in fishing activities in proximity to the pipeline route and duration of the protection zone.
6.6.1.2 Impacts from the protection zone around the lay vessel
It will be necessary to prohibit fishing activity temporarily in specific areas along the pipeline
route while the pipe-laying barge and its support vessels are operating. To ensure minimum
interference of pipe-laying operations by other sea traffic, an exclusion zone will be established
around the pipe-laying vessel, typically extending 3,000 m beyond the position of the furthest
anchor location. Unauthorised ship traffic, including fishing vessels, will not be permitted to enter
the zone.
The pipeline route and its protection zone during construction will cross several areas in Danish
waters that are important for fishery by Danish fishermen as well as those from other Baltic
countries. Three areas of particular importance to Danish fishermen are mentioned below /366/,
see also Section 4.6.1:
• The area “Pladen”, located south of Ertholmene and east of Svaneke

• The area “Sydskrænten/Helvedsbakkerne”, located south of Dueodde

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• The area west of Bornholm, at the western part of the pipeline route in Danish waters
According to Atlas Map FC-2, FC-4 – FC-9, FC-16 and FC-19, all areas (ICES sub-squares)
around Bornholm are very important fishing areas, with ICES sub-square 39G5 as the most
important fishery area for Danish fishermen. In addition to areas in Danish waters, areas along
the pipeline route in the German EEZ and areas east of Gotland, especially ICES sub-square
38G3 in the Swedish and Latvian EEZs, are also important to Danish fishermen. The pipe-laying
vessel will move forward approximately 2-3 km a day; therefore the duration of the fishing ban
will be limited to a period of a few days in each specific area. The total time for pipe-laying of
one pipeline in Danish waters, based on a pipe-laying rate of 2-3 km/day, will be around 50
days.
Due to the direct proximity of the pipeline route to areas of major importance to fishery and due
to a fishing ban of limited duration and scope, the effects on Danish fishery are assessed to be
medium, the scale of effects are assessed to be national/transboundary and the duration of
effects are assessed to be short-term. The overall impact on fishery is assessed to be of
minor significance.
Preliminary discussions with fishermen’s associations on Bornholm Island and with Swedish and
Finnish fishermen’s associations took place in 2007, and further discussion is planned.
Representatives from the fishing associations acknowledge that a ban of all fishing activities in a
specific area most likely will last only for a very short period of time (a few days). The
fishermen’s associations have expressed that their members would appreciate having observers
who speak the local language onboard the pipe-laying vessel for shorter periods in specific
areas in order to warn and support fishermen during the pipe-laying period.

Impacts from sediment spreading have been assessed by comparing impact areas of seabed
intervention works with areas that are important to fishery. The seabed intervention work will
take place in areas indicated on Atlas Map PR-3-D, and areas important to fishery are described
in Section 4.6.1. Avoidance reactions of fish, which may have an impact on fishery, are
assessed to occur when suspended material exceeds 10 mg/l, see Section 6.1 and Section
6.5.3.
Construction activities causing avoidance reactions in fish will take place primarily due to
sediment plumes in trenching areas. Herring and cod are sensitive to suspended sediments. In
Danish waters, a 10 km section of the West Pipeline will be trenched and a 15 km section of the
East Pipeline will be trenched. The total area of suspended sediment >10 mg/l is 5.9 km2 for the
West Pipeline and 8.9 km2 for the East Pipeline. Avoidance reactions may occur at a distance
of around 1 km from the construction site and therefore are restricted to the trenching area.
Trenching will take place in the fishery area “Pladen”, which is important for cod fishery. As the
duration of trenching and pipe-laying in the area will be short (approximately one week), it is
assessed that the impact on fishery in the area is of minor significance. The avoidance reactions
of fish are temporary and will have no long-term impact. Sediment spreading will have a minor

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effect on fish behaviour, a local geographical extent and a short-term duration. Therefore, the
overall impact on fishery is assessed to be of minor significance.
The impact on fishery during pipe-laying from sediment spreading outside the trenching area is
assessed to be insignificant. The impact on fishery here is caused by the protection zone
around the lay vessel, see above.
6.6.1.4 Impact from restriction zones around pipelines

According to the detailed technical design, 2 freespans of around 0.6 m. height, with one around
KP 1005 at around 85 m depth, and one North of Pladen (see Figure 4.86) at KP 1042 at
around 95 m depth., are expected in the Danish section. Further one frespan of 0.4 meter are
expected at KP 1084 at 45 meter depth. It should be mentioned that embedment of the pipelines
in the seabed due to dynamic installation forces, initial operational forces and long-term
settlement forces have not been included in the calculation of freespan heights. Depending on
the seabed/sediment conditions, the pipelines will sink deeper in the sediment, especially in
sediment of very soft clay where expected embedment has been calculated to vary from 0.7 –
1.4 meter. It is Nord Stream´s intention to reduce the freespan height during the ongoing
optimization of the route, so that impacts on fishery (bottom trawling) will be reduced as much as
possible.
If pipeline freespans with critical heights for trawling do occur, a permanent or temporary
restriction zone prohibiting fishery across and along the pipelines may be required for safety
reasons. To avoid impacts on fishery from freespan various mitigation measures may be carried
out, see also chapter 9 about mitigation measures. In general Nord Stream will ensure that the
pipelines are overtrawlable inside Danish water.
6.6.1.5 Impact from occupation of area on seabed

The impact is assessed by evaluating the scale of effects on fishing gear (trawls) based on
experience from similar situations in the North Sea, and by applying the results of investigations
carried out by DNV as described below. The pipelines in the Danish section will be exposed on
the seabed or trenched in the sediments, as indicated on Atlas Map PR-3-D.
The presence of pipelines exposed on the seabed might exert some form of impact on fishing
activities where the pipelines traverse through areas where bottom trawling is practiced.
Impacts will essentially be limited to bottom trawling activities as the use of gear such as gill
nets, pound nets, Danish seine and longlines will allow the fishermen to select specific areas,
even near the pipelines, without the risk of incidence or obstruction. Pelagic trawlers will be able
to avoid the pipeline by allowing sufficient distance between the pipelines and the towed net.
Experience with numerous offshore pipelines in the North Sea shows that fishery and offshore
pipelines can co-exist safely. Investigations of impacts on trawling and on fishing gear from
trawling along and across pipelines (Zeepipe II, 40” pipeline) have shown that there were no
impacts from crossing the pipeline, although friction between the pipeline and fishing gear
resulted in minor wear and tear on fishing gear /367, 368/. Fishing along the pipeline can also
be favourable, as the pipelines act as a shelter for some fish species or as artificial reefs,
resulting in increased numbers of some fish species around the pipelines /356/.

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However, the situation in the Baltic Sea is potentially different, in terms of trawling gear types,
size of vessels/engines and seabed conditions. Also, Nord Stream has a bigger diameter than
any of the pipelines in the North Sea. Fishermen in the Baltic Sea doubted trawling over the
Nord Stream pipeline would be possible without a risk of losing or damaging trawl gear due to
hooking on the pipeline. Therefore, a careful assessment of trawl gear-pipeline interaction
during the operation phase is ongoing.
In order to provide the fishermen with the information they requested, Nord Stream will provide
detailed background information based on the North Sea experience. In order to model the
special conditions found in the Baltic Sea, Nord Stream proposed scale model testing which has
been carried out from 16 – 19. December 2008 at the North Sea flume tank at SINTEF in
Hirtshals in Denmark. Also, a risk assessment will be carried out by DNV. This will – among
others – implement the results of the scale model testing.
At the moment, there are preliminary results from the scale model tests available. The following
sections describe the possible implications of the tests. An update will be made available and
discussed with fishing associations, fishermen and the responsible authorities as soon as the
test results have been assessed and implemented in the risk assessment.
Pipeline in Freespan Areas with Bottom Trawling Activities

In areas of freespans where bottom trawling is conducted, there is a potential risk for the trawl
equipment to become snagged on the pipeline. This may lead to damage to the trawling
equipment or high forces being exerted on the trawl wire which could result in the wire breaking
and subsequent loss of the gear.
Restriction zones might be necessary in some specific areas where there are freespans and
bottom trawling activities. Therefore an impact will occur at those locations within the pipelines’
corridors, where trawling vessels sweeping across the pipelines will need to avoid interaction
with the pipeline. Vessels sweeping in a traverse pattern across the pipeline corridors may need
to lift their gear.
Pipeline on the Seabed in Areas with Bottom Trawling Activities

The scale model tests showed that there may be a risk of gear getting stuck also in areas where
the pipeline is lying flat on the seabed, especially where the approach angle to the pipeline is
small (approx. less than 15 degrees).
Concerning part penetration, the actual seabed condition is an important factor. Where the
seabed is soft, the pipeline will sink in and the exposure height decreases, with an immediate
positive effect on the pull-over mechanism and consequently the hooking probability and
associated forces. Where the sediment is hard, the board will not cut into the seabed when
sliding along the pipeline before pulling over. When seabed conditions are in between hard and
soft, the pipeline may not have sunk in deep enough to allow for easy pulling over, but the
seabed might be soft enough to allow the board to penetrate besides the pipeline. The test
results showed that the pull-over forces – although in line with the generally accepted DNV
guidelines for overtrawlability calculations – were in some cases higher than the breaking forces
of the trawl wires used in the Baltic.

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The Nord Stream pipelines in Danish waters are designed to be resistant to impact loads from
interaction with fishing gear and other larger objects.
Based on the final results from the DNV study in Hirtshals, the necessary mitigation measures in
relation to overtrawlability of the Nord Stream pipelines will be determined in agreement with the
Danish fishery authorities, fishing associations and fishermen.
In areas where the pipelines cross cables, fishery by bottom trawling will not be possible.
The effects of the pipelines on fishery during operation of the pipelines are assessed to be
minor, local and long-term, and the overall significance of impacts on fishery is evaluated to be
minor.
6.6.1.6 Summary of impacts on fishery

The impacts on fishery from construction and operation of the planned Nord Stream pipelines
within the Danish EEZ and territorial waters are summarised in the table below, with respect to
5.1.5.
Impact Intensity of Scale of Duration Overall

effect effect of effect significance
of impact
Protection zone Medium National/transboundary Short-term Minor
around the lay
vessel
Sediment Minor Local Short-term Minor
spreading and
sedimentation
Restriction zone Minor Local1 Long-term Minor
around pipelines
Occupation of area Minor Local Long-term Minor
on the sea floor1
1: Depends on results of the Nord Stream study on overtrawlability and possible mitigation measures to be agreed
upon with Danish fishery authorities.
6.6.2 Impacts on maritime traffic


The impacts on maritime traffic and navigation from the Nord Stream offshore pipelines during
construction and operation of the pipelines can be the result of:
• Physical disturbance/activities during construction

• Physical disturbance/activities during operation

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6.6.2.2 Impact from physical disturbance/activities during construction
The impacts on ship traffic and navigation during the period of construction of the Nord Stream
offshore pipelines in the Baltic Sea can be the result of:
• Impacts from construction works on ship traffic

• Collision between ships resulting in oil spill
Multiple ships will be involved in the construction works. The actual laying of the pipeline will be
carried out by a lay vessel, a large vessel that holds one end of the pipeline and adds new pipe
sections to the pipeline while moving forward, thereby slowly building it. The lay vessel will be
linked to the end of the pipeline and is therefore made to slowly move along the pipeline route
(pipe-laying speed is around 2 - 3 km per day).
The lay vessel is accompanied by a fleet of service vessels:
• Tugboats to move lay-vessel anchors, where anchors are used to fix the position of the lay
vessel
• Guard vessels to maintain a safety zone around the lay vessel
• Supply vessels to supply pipe sections to the lay vessel
Further, vessels for trenching will carry out works for a shorter period south of Ertholmene, east
of Svanneke, where the pipelines will be trenched in the seabed along 10 km and 15 km
sections, respectively. The vessels performing trenching of the pipelines will be accompanied by
a fleet of service vessels like the ones accompanying the lay vessel.
The activities conducted before and after the actual laying of the pipelines are different from the
pipeline-laying process, in the sense that they are concentrated in certain areas along the
pipeline and will be conducted in the same working area over a period of time.
In the following, vessels involved in construction activities are referred to as ’construction

vessels‘. Multiple ships will be involved during the construction works. The primary sailing routes
I and K (see Section 4.6.2 and Figure 6.8) are crossed by the pipeline route in Danish waters. In
these areas, construction works will have a minor impact on commercial ship traffic.

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Figure 6.8 Locations along the pipeline route with more than 250 ships crossing per year per
kilometre pipeline (orange sections along the pipeline route) (Atlas map SH-8-D)
/257/.
The following impacts are described:
• When the safety zone (see Figure 6.9) around the slow-moving lay vessel and the vessel
carrying out trenching occupy a sailing route for background traffic, the ships will have to
change course to keep clear of the safety zone.
• When the safety zone around the slow-moving lay vessel occupies a sailing route for
background traffic, ships will have to communicate with the fleet of service vessels
accompanying the lay vessel and analyse their movements in order to avoid collision with
these vessels.
• When a sailing route for the background traffic is located between the construction vessels
and the project supply harbour, the background ship traffic will have to communicate with
and analyse the movements of the fleet of service vessels accompanying the construction
vessels in order to avoid collision with these vessels when they sail to and from the supply
harbour.
• When commercial ship traffic leaves or visits ports in Bornholm, it will have to change
course to keep clear of the safety zone around the lay vessel.

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In order to minimise the impact on maritime traffic during construction, a safety zone around the
lay vessel will be established and monitored by guard vessels. The guard vessels will contact
ships with a course toward the lay barge and advise them to change their course. Furthermore,
before and during construction the locations of the construction vessels will be announced on
notice to mariners in order to increase awareness of the vessel traffic associated with the
pipeline project.
Lay barge
Ship tracks
Safety zone
Figure 6.9 Safety zone around the lay vessel during construction.
The risk of accidental ship collisions involving construction vessels and the potential
consequences, including the risk of oil spill, have been investigated as part of the risk
assessment for the project. The results of the analysis are discussed in Chapter 8.
The impact on commercial ship traffic is assessed to be minor, as the awareness of other
activities in the sea and changing course to keep clear of activities are standard practice for
commercial ship traffic. The impact is assessed to be local around the construction vessels, and
the time period during which impact on the ship traffic is envisaged will be short-term. The time
for construction works crossing the shipping lanes will be limited to a few days.
Because the scale/intensity of effect will be minor, the geographical extent of effect is local and
the duration of the effect is short-term, it is assessed that the construction works will have a
minor overall significance of impact on shipping and navigation.
6.6.2.3 Impact from physical disturbance/activities during operation

No project-related vessels will be present along the pipeline route during normal operation of the
pipelines. However, inspections of the pipelines will be carried out. During the first years of
operation, these inspections will be performed every one to two years along both pipelines.
Later, this frequency will be optimised based on experience The external visual inspection of the
pipelines will be carried out by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) where the pipelines are
exposed on the seabed and probably by sidescan sonar where they are buried. Either system
will be operated from a small survey vessel travelling along the pipeline route. A ship performing
sidescan sonar surveys normally sails with a speed of 4 knots, while ROV inspection is typically
carried out at a speed of 2 knots.

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Due to the very limited time and very limited project-related ship traffic in the operational phase,
the intensity of effect is considered as no effect and the duration is short-term. The scale of the
effect is local, since the ship moves along the pipeline route. The overall significance of the
impact during the operational phase on shipping and navigation is assessed to be insignificant,
i.e., no impact.
6.6.2.4 Summary of impacts on shipping and navigation

The impacts on shipping and navigation from construction and operation of the planned Nord
Stream pipelines within the Danish EEZ and territorial waters are summarised in the table
below, with respect to the intensity, scale and duration of the effects, and the overall significance
of the impact on the environment. Criteria used to categorise the environmental impacts are
Impact Intensity of Scale of effect Duration Overall

effect of effect significance
of impact
Physical Minor Local Short-term Minor
disturbance/activities
during construction
Physical No Local Short-term No
disturbance/activities
during operation
6.6.3 Impacts on tourism and recreational areas


The impacts on tourism and recreational areas from the construction and operation of the Nord
Stream offshore pipelines can be the result of:

• Sediment spreading and sedimentation during construction
During pre-commissioning and operation, no significant impacts are expected.

The modelled noise distribution from the lay vessel and supply vessels has been reported in
Section 5.4. According to the Nordic model to calculate noise level, the noise level at the coast
of Bornholm will be insignificant and below the background noise level. According to the
Swedish conservative model, the noise level at the coast of Dueodde at Snogebæk is calculated
to be around 40 – 41 dB(A). As described in Section 5.4, 40 dB(A) is the night-time noise limit
used by some Danish municipalities with regard to construction works. Therefore, because pipe-
laying will be carried out on a 24-hour basis, this limit in theory will be exceeded by

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approximately 1 dB(A) at the coastline at Snogebæk for short time, as the lay vessel moves
around 2-3 km a day.
It is further evaluated that during construction the lay vessel and supply vessels will be visible
during daytime and at night from land, especially at Dueodde, where the pipeline route is
relatively close to land (approximately 9 km).
It is assessed that the physical disturbance (motion, visibility) and noise will result in no – minor
effects on tourism and those effects will be local and short-term.
6.6.3.3 Impacts from sediment spreading and sedimentation during construction

Assessment of the impact of sediment spreading was conducted by comparing the extent of
increased concentrations of suspended matter with locations of areas of interest for recreation
and tourism.
Increased concentrations of suspended matter will occur in close proximity to seabed

intervention works, and water quality will not be affected beyond a few kilometres from the
pipeline route. The distance from areas of sediment spreading and sedimentation to recreation
areas, beaches and protected areas that are important to tourism is large. Therefore, there will
be no impacts on tourism and recreation from the pipeline project in Danish waters.
6.6.3.4 Summary of impacts on tourism and recreational areas

The impacts on tourism and recreational areas from construction and operation of the planned
Nord Stream pipelines within Danish waters are summarised in the table below, with respect to
5.1.5.

impact
Noise and physical Minor/No Local/- Short-term/- No
disturbance during
construction
Sediment spreading No - - No
and sedimentation
during construction
6.6.4 Impacts on cultural heritage

The possible impacts on cultural heritage are related to the construction and operations phases.
The following is a description of possible impacts on cultural heritage sites in the exact path of
the pipelines, anchors or anchor wires. A significant effort has been put into rerouting the
pipeline in order to avoid interference with cultural heritage sites.

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Impacts on cultural heritage from the construction and operation of the Nord Stream offshore
• Physical impact due to anchor-handling

• Physical impact due to trenching
• Physical impact due to the pipeline itself
• Changes in bathymetry
6.6.4.2 Impacts from physical impact due to anchor-handling

An anchor-type pipe-laying barge will be used for pipeline installation. The pipe-laying barge
uses a positioning system consisting of 12 anchors, each anchor weighing approximately 25
tonnes, Figure 6.10. The pipe-laying vessel will be supported by other vessels, which may or
may not use anchors.
Figure 6.10 Anchoring pattern in water depth of 50 m
Shipwrecks can be damaged by anchoring. Even small ships generate great force on their
anchors and can cause significant damage to a shipwreck if the anchor gets hold of it /369/. The
damage is both immediate and long-term. The immediate damage is obvious, as the wreck’s
structure may be broken apart by the forces exerted on it. In the long term, the structures of

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wrecks are weakened due to the forces exerted on the wreck, leading to an accelerated
collapse. On iron wrecks, damage induced by anchors exposing non-corroded iron will generate
renewed corrosion on the affected parts, thus accelerating the degradation of the shipwreck
/369/.
Anchoring in areas of submerged Stone Age settlements will disturb the stratigraphy of the
archaeological layers and possibly destroy artefacts.
Cultural heritage (both shipwrecks and submerged settlements) can also be disturbed within the
area affected by the sweep of the anchor wires (see more detailed description in Section 5.2.3).
The width of the anchoring corridor (within which the anchors will be placed) varies between
approximately 2.3 km in water depths of 150 m to approximately 1.6 km in water depths of 50 m.
Anchoring patterns are illustrated in Figure 6.10.
An anchor survey will be carried out prior to the start of construction activities to minimise the
risks related to anchors and anchor wires, see also Chapter 9.
It is assessed that there will be no overall physical disturbance from anchors and anchor wires
during construction.
6.6.4.3 Impacts from physical impact due to trenching

To protect the pipelines in the area south of Ertholmene, they will be trenched into the seabed
by ploughing.
Maintenance seabed works may be required during the operations phase, and it is possible that
placement of fill material may have to be carried out in certain areas if unacceptable freespans
develop.
Any kind of seabed intervention works, either intrusive (ploughing) or constructive (aggregate
placement), may cause an impact on cultural heritage artefacts, if any such exist in the affected
area.
Intrusive seabed rectification naturally will have a destructive effect on all types of cultural
heritage sites present at the location. Ploughing will not be performed in close vicinity of wreck
sites.
Constructive seabed rectification (placement of aggregates/raw material) may or may not cause
damage to sites of cultural heritage. Rock placement will most likely damage shipwrecks,
whereas placement of sandy sediments may serve to enhance preservation of the wrecks
(unless the physical impact of the placement causes additional damage to the wreck). However,
sites covered by sediments and topped by a pipeline are inaccessible for archaeological
investigation during the lifespan of the pipeline.
Based on the results from the cultural heritage survey it is assessed that there will be no overall
impacts on cultural heritage objects from trenching the pipelines into the seabed.

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6.6.4.4 Impacts from physical impact due to the pipeline itself
Placing the pipelines on top of cultural heritage sites will most likely damage objects and as a
minimum render these sites inaccessible for future research during the lifespan of the pipeline.
Based on the results from the cultural heritage survey it is assessed that there will be no overall
impacts on cultural heritage objects from trenching the pipelines into the seabed.
6.6.4.5 Impacts from changes in bathymetry

Sedimentation and erosion patterns will be altered slightly in areas where the pipeline is placed
directly on the sea bottom. Close to the pipelines there may be changes in erosion and
sedimentation patterns. These changes will decrease over time as the pipelines erode into the
seabed.
The changes in sedimentation patterns in the immediate vicinity of the pipelines will have the
greatest impact on the pipelines themselves and are not considered to be problematic in relation
to cultural heritage sites. It is assessed that local minor changes in bathymetry will have no
overall impacts in relation to cultural heritage.
6.6.4.6 Summary of impacts on cultural heritage

The expected impacts on cultural heritage (after implementation of mitigation procedures) from
construction and operation of the planned Nord Stream pipelines within Danish waters are
summarised in the table below. The impact assessment is based on knowledge of sites prior to
the evaluation of sites by the Vikingeskibsmuseet, see Chapter 9. The impacts are listed
according to the intensity of effect, scale of effect, duration of effect and overall significance of
impact. The criteria used to categorise the environmental impacts are described in Section
5.1.5.

impact
Physical impact due to No - - No
anchors and anchor
wires
trenching
the pipeline itself
Changes in bathymetry No - - No
6.6.5 Impacts from waste


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According to Chapter 2 Project description, all waste produced by the lay vessels and the
auxiliary fleet will be handled and disposed of in accordance with MARPOL 73/78 and Helsinki
Convention (HELCOM) requirements.
According to the MARPOL convention Annex V on “Prevention of pollution by garbage from

ships”, the requirements may be more strict in certain areas. The Baltic Sea is an example of a
specially designated area where prohibitions and restrictions on any discharge of garbage, oil or
oily mixtures and noxious substances into the sea have been introduced. The contracting
parties of HELCOM have adopted additional regulations concerning discharge of sewage and
prohibition of incineration of waste in the territorial seas of the Baltic Sea states.

The waste types generated onboard the lay vessel include household waste, i.e., garbage
produced in the galleys and from cleaning activities, and industrial waste from the production,
e.g., welding, non-destructive testing, and the mechanical workshop. Waste generated on
anchor-handling tugs and supply boats mainly comprise household waste and oily waste from
the engine rooms. During operations, survey and maintenance vessels similarly produce
household waste and oily waste.
The impacts from generated waste from the construction and operation of the Nord Stream
Household waste, including mainly:
• Organic waste, paper and plastic
Biodegradable waste that may be incinerated onboard the vessel (only outside territorial
waters), resulting in:
• Incinerator ash
Industrial waste, including mainly:
• Metal scrap
• Waste oil
• Paint and chemical waste
• Mixed refuse
All waste produced on the lay vessels will be separated and sent to shore to be properly
disposed of by licensed waste disposal contractors. The disposal will take place in compliance
with applicable internationally recognised standards and procedures in conjunction with local
legislation. Waste will be stored in containers onboard the vessels until delivery to the disposal
contractor.

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The processing facilities to which the waste will be delivered will most likely include the ports
already selected to support the Nord Stream project logistics. Waste disposal in Denmark is
therefore not foreseen.
Most vessels operate sewage treatment facilities, from where sewage water is discharged to
sea. Oily water will be discharged to sea only via a separator unit approved by the International
Maritime Organisation (IMO). Chemical liquid waste will be retained onboard for later disposal
by a licensed waste disposal contractor. If a vessel does not operate a sewage treatment facility,
water will be kept in a holding tank until later disposal via port facilities.
Waste-handling according to these guidelines is expected to prevent adverse impacts on the

marine environment due to direct discharge of waste or sewage.
It is assessed that the HSE (Health, Safety and Environment) procedures to be implemented by
contractors and all subcontracted vessels will ensure waste-handling in compliance with the
statutory and good practice requirements described above.
Audits or inspections will be conducted on vessels in due time, before mobilisation. The aspects
to be inspected are:
• Details of the Shipboard Marine Pollution Emergency Plan

• Arrangements to prevent oil spills entering water
• Condition of oily water separator control system and engine room bilge oily water
separator/filtering system
• Waste and garbage management plan and records
Information on the volume and type of waste generated and disposed of will be available in the
vessel records at all times.
6.6.5.2 Summary of impacts of waste

The different impacts of waste from construction and operation of the planned Nord Stream
pipelines within the Danish EEZ and territorial waters are summarised in the table below, with
respect to the intensity, scale and duration of the effects, and the overall significance of the
impact on the environment. Criteria used to categorise the environmental impacts are described
in Section 5.1.5.

impact
Waste-handling No - - No
onboard lay vessel and
other vessels

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6.7 Impacts of decommissioning
6.7.1 General regulations regarding decommissioning of offshore structures

The process of decommissioning is regulated by international, regional and national legislation
/370/. These regulate both the removal of installations (primarily concerned with safety of
navigation and other users of the sea) and disposal of materials (primarily aimed at pollution
prevention). There is a framework of international conventions which, in turn, influence national
legislative requirements. The primary conventions are noted below:
• UNCLOS: The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas, 1982 (UNCLOS),
superseded the 1958 Geneva Convention, and Article 60 (3) permits the partial
removal of structures provided that IMO criteria are met. This first came into effect in
1994.
• London (Dumping) Convention: The 1972 London Convention (and the subsequent
1996 Protocol) provided generic guidance for any wastes that can be dumped at sea.
New guidelines, which specified different classes of waste, including platforms and
other manmade waste, were adopted in 2000.
• IMO: The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) sets the standards and guidelines
for the removal of offshore installations worldwide. The 1989 IMO Guidelines require
the complete removal of all structures in water depths less than 100 m and weighing
less than 4,000 tonnes. Those structures in deeper waters can be partially removed,
leaving a minimum 55 m of clear water for the safety of navigation. All structures
installed after 1 January 1998 must be designed so that complete removal is feasible.
There is no Danish legislation or guideline specific to the decommissioning of offshore

installations or pipelines.
6.7.2 Decommissioning of pipelines

As stated above, the international guidelines focus mainly on decommissioning of platform
structures, in contrast to decommissioning of pipelines. Also, there are no HELCOM guidelines
on this issue. Therefore, reference is made to the UK guidelines /371/ stated below.
The specific guidelines for pipeline decommissioning on the UK continental shelf make the
following provisions, as a general approach:
• The potential for reuse of the pipeline in connection with further hydrocarbon
developments should be considered before decommissioning, together with other
existing projects (such as hydrocarbon storage). If reuse is considered viable, suitable
and sufficient maintenance of the pipeline must be detailed.
• All feasible decommissioning options should be considered and a comparative

assessment made.
• Any removal or partial removal of a pipeline should be performed in such a way as to

cause no significant adverse effects upon the marine environment.

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• Any decision that a pipeline may be left in place should consider the likely deterioration
of the material involved and its present and possible future effect on the marine
environment.
• Account should be taken of other uses of the sea.
Where it is proposed that a pipeline should be decommissioned in situ, either wholly or in part,
the decommissioning programme should be supported by a suitable study that addresses the
degree of past and likely future burial/exposure of the pipeline and any potential effect on the
marine environment and other uses of the sea. The study should include the survey history of
the line with appropriate data to confirm the current status of the pipeline, including the extent
and depth of burial, trenching, spanning and exposure.
Determination of any potential effect on the marine environment at the time of decommissioning
should be based upon scientific evidence. The factors to be taken into account should include
the effect on water quality and geological and hydrographical characteristics; the presence of
endangered or threatened species; existing habitat types; local fishery resources; and the
potential for pollution or contamination of the site by residual products from, or deterioration of,
the pipeline.
As a general guide, the following pipelines (inclusive of any ’piggyback‘ lines that cannot easily
be separated) may be candidates for in situ decommissioning:
• Those which are adequately buried or trenched and which are not subject to
development of spans and likely to remain so.
• Those which were not buried or trenched at installation but which are likely to self-bury
over a sufficient length within a reasonable time and remain so buried.
• Those where burial or trenching of the exposed sections is undertaken to a sufficient

depth and it is likely to be permanent.
• Those which are not trenched or buried but which nevertheless may still be candidates
for leaving in place (e.g., trunk lines).
• Those which due to structural damage or deterioration or other cause cannot be

recovered safely and efficiently.
Judgements regarding the degree of burial or trenching necessary will be undertaken on a case-
by-case basis in light of individual circumstances.
6.7.3 Future options for decommissioning

The technological options and the preferred methods for decommissioning of offshore
installations and pipelines most likely will be different in 50 years’ time, when the Nord Stream
pipelines eventually will be decommissioned. General knowledge with respect to the
environmental impact of various decommissioning strategies will be more extensive at that time
due to extensive decommissioning activities in the North Sea in the coming 50 years. Moreover,
the technical options probably will be different at the time of decommissioning than they are

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today. Finally, the layout of the pipeline (degree of burial in the seabed, etc.) at the time of
decommissioning will have an impact on the optimal method of decommissioning.
Therefore, mitigating methods for decommissioning and closure of the pipeline will be conducted
according to the situation (legislative requirements, technology available, knowledge of
environmental impact, degree of burial of the pipeline) at the time of decommissioning.

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7. Risk assessment and environmental contingency planning
7.1 Background
This chapter describes the environmental risks related to the construction and operation of the
Nord Stream pipelines. In addition, evaluations have been performed to evaluate the risk to
third-party human safety. The analyses are based on:
• An analysis of potential environmental risks in the construction phase according to DNV-

RP-H101 /372/ and International Maritime Organization (IMO) guidelines for risk
management and formal safety assessment in marine and subsea operation /373/
(performed by Global Maritime together with the construction contractor)
• A risk analysis according to DNV-OS-F101 /374/ for pipeline integrity and DNV-RP-F107
/375/ for potential environmental risks in the operation phase (performed by detail
engineering contractor)
All documents are part of the independent third-party verification of the engineering work
performed by Det Norske Veritas (DNV). Subsequently, DNV will provide final certification of
compliance for the overall pipeline system.
The documents related to the operations phase are part of the technical description included in
the permit application. The operational risks are covered in “Frequency of Interaction Report for
Denmark Area (south of Bornholm)” /376/; “Pipeline Damage Assessment against Commercial
Ship Traffic Threats in the Danish EEZ (south of Bornholm)” /377/; and “Assessment Report for
Denmark Area (south of Bornholm) – Operational Phase” /378/. Potential risks associated with
pre-commissioning have been omitted, as pre-commissioning will have no potential
environmental risks in the Danish sector. Potential risks associated with the future
decommissioning of the pipelines have not been analysed in detail, but they are estimated to
have the same character and order of magnitude as the potential risks described for the
construction phase only if the pipeline is dismantled. However, at present the expected
decommissioning practice is to leave the pipeline in situ, flood it and seal it. Consequently,
under these conditions there would be no environmental risks in the Danish sector, as the
activity is comparable to pre-commissioning.
The description below follows the classic risk assessment framework illustrated in Figure 7.1 by
starting with the identification of hazards followed by an estimation of the relevant frequencies
and analysis of consequences. Afterwards, the risks are obtained and assessed with respect to
risk acceptance criteria. Furthermore, planned mitigation measures are described.

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Hazard
Identification
Frequency Consequence
Estimation Analysis
Risk Summation
Risk Assessment Risk Criteria
Decision Making
Figure 7.1 Risk assessment methodology.
7.1.1 Individual risk

Individual risk is the risk to specific individuals (e.g. members of the public, crews of other
vessels). This usually refers to the risk of death, and is commonly expressed as the individual
risk per annum (IRPA) or a fatal accident rate (FAR) per 100 million exposed hours.
The tolerability criteria generally set for individual risk (of fatality) in the offshore industry, and
adopted for the Project, are as follows:
• Maximum tolerable risk for workers 1 x 10-3 per person per year
• Maximum tolerable risk for the public 1 x 10-4 per person per year
• Broadly acceptable risk 1 x 10-6 per person per year
The lower figure for members of the public reflects the fact that members of the public gain no
direct benefit from their exposure, they have no control over the risk, and generally do not
necessarily voluntarily choose to accept it. The public also includes especially susceptible
groups of people (e.g. very young and very old) /1/.

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7.1.2 Societal Risk
Societal risk (sometimes called collective or group risk) is a measure of the aggregate risk
associated with a system or operation. It accounts for the likely impact of all accidental events,
not just on a particular type of individual, as in the case of individual risk, but on all individuals
who may be exposed to the risk, whether they be workers or third parties. This again usually
refers to the risk of death, and is usually expressed as an average number of fatalities per year
that would be expected to occur. It is also sometimes called the annual fatality rate or potential
loss of life (PLL).
To calculate societal risk, estimates have to be made, for each identified accidental event and its
possible outcomes, of the frequency of the event per year, f, and the associated number of
fatalities, N. The resulting data takes the form of a set of f-N pairs, and it is usual to consider the
cumulative frequency, F, of all event outcomes that lead to N or more fatalities. These data are
usually plotted as a continuous curve against logarithmic axes for both F and N, which makes for
ready comparison against criteria for intolerable and broadly acceptable risk, themselves
represented as F-N curves /1/.
7.2 Risk during construction
7.2.1 Hazard identification

In /379/ a number of hazards for the construction phase have been identified. All hazards were
addressed in a qualitative assessment, and the hazards identified as ‘medium’ or ‘high’ risks
were subjected to a quantitative assessment. According to the quantitative analysis, the
following potential hazards could impact the environment:
• Collision between construction-related vessels and normal ship traffic leading to an oil spill
• Oil spill during bunkering operation (lay vessel)
• Dropped pipe joints from construction vessels
• Risks related to construction of the East Pipeline while the West Pipeline is in operation
The hazard identification in /1/ also includes sediment spreading, seabed disturbance,
construction operations in spawning grounds and noise. These issues are considered part of the
necessary works on the seabed during installation. These activities are described in Chapter 6.
The risk during bunkering operations related to the lay vessel has been assessed as low and is
not considered in the following /379/.
During loading of pipe joints from the pipe carriers to the lay vessel there is a risk that a pipe
joint could be dropped. Because this hazard only has a very limited impact on the environment,
it is not considered in the following.
During construction of East Pipeline, the West Pipeline will be operating. Therefore, the risk
assessment considered potential damage to the West Pipeline from pipe joints dropped during
pipe-loading operations. The risk was assessed to be very low with pipe separation distances of

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100 m. However, in some sections of the route the separation distance will be reduced, and it
may be necessary to restrict pipe-loading operations in these areas /379/.
The only third party exposure to risk during the construction phase of the project is during the
landfall and shallow water pipelay onshore and in passing vessel situations offshore /379/. Only
the latter is relevant for Denmark, thus assessed below, whereas the former is not considered.
7.2.2 Methodology – ship-to-ship collision

Before, during and after the construction of the pipelines and until the pipelines become
operational, there will be an increase in ship traffic due to the movements of the pipe carriers,
the lay vessel and intervention work vessels. There is a risk of ship-to-ship collision and a
subsequent risk of oil spill when a Nord Stream vessel crosses an existing shipping route.
The frequency of a collision during the construction period of one pipeline is presented below,
along with the conditional probability of an oil spill.
The increase in ship collision frequency is determined using a commonly applied methodology
for crossing shipping routes as illustrated in Figure 7.2. By applying the general ship traffic
information for the routes in the Baltic Sea, the pipe carriers, the lay vessel and the intervention
work vessels, the collision frequencies can be obtained /380/.
Ship traffic
information for IW
vessels
Ship traffic
information for
pipe carriers
Frequency of
collision: Pipe
carriers and other
ships Frequency of
Ship traffic
collision: IW
information for
vessels and other
each route
Frequency of ships
collision: Lay
barge and other
ships
Ship traffic
information for lay
barge
Figure 7.2 Methodology for analysis of ship-to-ship collision frequency during construction
phase.
The general ship traffic information for each considered route is obtained from AIS data /257/,
while the information for ship traffic associated with pipeline construction is based on planning
logistics for the pipeline construction phase. There will be two weight-coating yards, one in
Sassnitz-Mukran, Germany, and one in Kotka, Finland. The two coating yards will supply the lay

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vessel and three transshipment sites (interim stockyards) with pipes. The transshipment sites
are located in Karlskrona and Slite, Sweden, and the Hanko area, Finland. The lay vessel will
receive pipes from the coating yards and the transshipment sites as it moves through the Baltic
Sea. In Figure 7.3, the shipping routes, coating yards, transhipment sites and the pipeline route
are shown. See also Chapter 2.4 for a further description of installation logistics.
Figure 7.3 Map of coating yards (purple dots), transshipment sites (red dots) and the major
shipping routes (blue lines).
The number of possible collisions are then calculated and afterwards multiplied by the
‘causation probability’ and the relevant risk-mitigation measures in order to determine the
collision frequency /380/.
This causation factor takes into consideration the probability of the crews on the involved
vessels taking evasive action to avoid collision. The reasons why no evasive actions are carried
out may be:
• Mechanical failure (engine, steering engine, rudder error, etc.)

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• Human error (absence from bridge, illness, alcohol use, etc.)
• Environmental conditions (poor visibility, waves, ice, etc.)
Risk-mitigation measures will be implemented during the construction of the pipelines in order to
mitigate the risk of ship collision to a level as low as reasonably practical. In the estimation of the
ship-to-ship collision risk, a number of the following risk-mitigation measures have been
considered:
• The pipeline lay contractor will have procedures and equipment in place to monitor ship
traffic and identify possible collision candidates
• The lay vessel, survey vessels and anchor-handling vessels will be in continuous radio
contact
• A safety zone surrounding the lay vessel will be proposed to the navigational authorities
• Notice to mariners and announcements in other maritime bulletins will be used to increase
awareness of the activities of the pipe carriers, the lay vessel and intervention work vessels
during the construction periodThere will be experienced personnel onboard pipe
carriers/lay vessels
• Proper training will be implemented to ensure that the crew onboard the pipe carriers and
the lay vessel are alert when crossing high-risk areas
• Contact with maritime authorities will be maintained
7.2.3 Collision frequencies

Based on the methodology presented in Section 7.2.2, the frequency of ship-to-ship collisions
between construction vessels and the general ship traffic present in the Baltic Sea has been
assessed /380/. The main results for the Danish section are presented in the following.
The lay vessel and supporting vessels will introduce an additional increase in the risk of ship
collisions. In particular, the lay vessel itself, as a slow-moving ship, will constitute a non-common
object in the overall maritime traffic pattern. In the analysis it is conservatively assumed that the
lay vessel and supporting vessels (anchor-handling vessels and survey vessels) will effectively
occupy an area of approximately 2x2 km. The anchor-handling vessels are responsible for
relocating the anchors as the lay vessel moves forward. Table 7.1 shows the collision
frequencies for the lay vessel within Danish waters.
The pipe carriers will cross a number of shipping routes as they transport pipes from the
transshipment sites (Mukran in Germany) to the lay vessel. The collision frequencies for the pipe
carriers within Danish waters are listed in Table 7.1.
The most dominant activity during the construction phase is the actual laying of the pipelines.
However, there will be processes related to different types of intervention work (tie-in support,
rock placement and trenching). The collision frequencies introduced by the intervention work
vessels within Danish waters are shown in Table 7.1.

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Table 7.1 Collisions frequencies and corresponding return periods for lay vessel, pipe
carriers and intervention work vessels within Danish waters.
Construction vessel type Collision frequency per Return period in years
year (interval between collisions)
Lay vessel 4.4·10-5 22,718
Pipe carriers 7.4·10-5 13,480
Intervention work vessels 7.2·10-6 139,077
Total 1.3·10-4 7,975
Taking into account the calculations above, the total increase in the annual ship collision
frequency during construction of the West Pipeline within Danish waters is calculated to 1.3·10-4
collisions per year by adding the contributions from each vessel category, which is equivalent to
a return period of 7,975 years. The pipe carriers are responsible for the highest contribution to
the total increase in collision frequency. The contribution during construction of the East Pipeline
is of the same magnitude.
The ship traffic in the Baltic Sea is dense, and each year a number of ships are involved in
accidents. Table 7.2 shows the number of ship-to-ship collisions in the Baltic Sea area in the
period from 2004–2006. Comparing this with the estimated increased risk of ship collisions
introduced during the construction phase, it can be concluded that the Nord Stream project will
have a theoretically low impact on the current risk of ship-to-ship collisions. The increase in the
annual ship-to-ship collision frequency due to the installation of the Nord Stream pipelines will
be very limited.
Table 7.2 Number of ship-to-ship collisions in the Baltic Sea area 2004–2006 /381/.
Year Number of ship-to-ship collisions per year
2004 19
2005 30
2006 28
The quantitative assessment estimated the individual risks to third party personnel on passing
vessels to be as follows (all figures are per person per year) 61:
• Cargo ship 2.6 x 10-7

• Tanker 5.3 x 10-8
• Passenger ship 1.1 x 10-9
It can be seen that the risks to these third party personnel are well below the criterion value
agreed for the project for risks to members of the public of 1 x 10-4.
61
Note it is not appropriate to add these figures as they are the risk to specific individuals, taking account of their
exposure (e.g. a full time crew member of a cargo ship). No individual is exposed to the annual risk on all three vessels
types.

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The group risks for third party personnel are presented on the F-N curve in,Figure 7.4 together
with the risk tolerability criteria.
Figure 7.4 F-N curve for passing vessel collision risks during construction /379/.
It can be seen that the risks to all ship crews lie in the broadly acceptable region, although the
risks are greatest for cargo ship crews. Collision risks will be managed by the implementation of
standard offshore oil and gas industry collision risk reduction measures such as the enforcement
of a safety (exclusion) zone (which would be in addition to the normal navigational measures
used by merchant shipping).
7.2.4 Risk of oil spill during construction of the pipeline

Before an oil spill becomes a reality, a collision must occur followed by a subsequent leakage of
oil, either in terms of bunker oil (passenger and cargo ships) or crude oil (tankers). The risk of an
oil spill is thus a product of the collision frequency and the conditional probability of having a spill
in the event of a collision.
In /379/ a conditional probability of 0.18 is estimated using events trees based on a study on
pollution in UK waters. Combining this number with the increase in ship-to-ship collision
frequency, it is estimated that the additional annual frequency of ship collisions (because of the
Nord Stream pipelines) leading to an oil spill is 2.3·10-5 oil spills per year, corresponding to a
return period of 44,306 years.
Statistically, the number of oil-spill accidents in the Baltic Marine Area is estimated to be 2.9 per
year /47/.
Comparing this with the estimated increased risk of oil spill introduced during the construction
phase, it can be concluded that Nord Stream will only theoretically increase the risk. The
increase in the annual oil spill frequency due to Nord Stream will be limited to less than 0.008‰,
compared with the situation without construction activities.

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7.2.5 Environmental impacts of an accidental oil spill
Environmental impacts due to a collision and oil spill are related to the accident or spill scenario.
The main risk during construction is increased collision frequency due to ship traffic generated
by the project. This increased traffic is caused by the Nord Stream pipe carriers, lay vessel and
intervention work vessels, as mentioned above. The construction vessel traffic will interfere with
existing traffic independent of the Nord Stream project, which is referred to in the following as
third-party traffic caused by third-party vessels.
In the event of a collision, the cargo and/or fuel of the involved ships can be spilled to the
environment, see Table 7.3. The assessment is limited to oil.
Table 7.3 Material to be spilled from Nord Stream vessels and third-party vessels (existing
traffic).
Fuel Cargo
Nord Stream vessel Diesel -
Third-party vessel (existing traffic) Diesel, bunker, etc. Oil products or crude oil
Spill scenarios caused by leakage from third-party vessels are also a potential risk in the
scenario without any construction activities. This type of spill scenario represents known threats
to the environment, which during the construction period theoretically can happen with a slightly
higher frequency as estimated above. Spill scenarios involving leakage from third-party vessels,
therefore, do not impose new threats to the environment but marginally increase the frequency
of existing risks.
The extent of an oil spill is assessed in reference /382/.
Spill scenarios caused by leakage from Nord Stream vessels can result in a spill of diesel. The
lay vessel Castoro Sei, for example, has a fuel capacity of 3,122 m3 diesel. Diesel is a
commonly used fuel in maritime traffic. Spilled diesel is an existing threat to the environment,
which during the construction period theoretically can happen with a slightly higher frequency.
To predict the risk of environmental impact of an oil spill in which the source and the
meteorological conditions are unknown, long-term modelling of a large number of oil spills has
been carried out using the model MIKE 21/3 Spill Analysis (SA) /383/. The model describes both
the transport and the decay of oil. The settings used in the model are described in more detail in
/382/.
The Mike 21/3 SA transport model is based on a Lagrangian-type approach. In this type of
model, the oil is considered as particles being advected with the surrounding water body and the
wind. Turbulent fluctuations are controlled by dispersion coefficients.

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In the oil spill memo for the Nord Stream pipeline /382/, 7 locations were identified, where the
collision risk is above-average, i.e., at locations where the pipelines cross shipping lanes. 2 of
these locations are near Danish coastlines/waters and presented in Figure 7.5.
Figure 7.5 Spill locations near Denmark. NATURA 2000 areas are shown as hashed
polygons.
The modelling is carried out for the entire year 2005. A new spill/particle is released every 10
minutes, and a total of 52,560 oil spills are included in the model. The constant spill scenario is
used to create the frequency/probability plots and this ensures that all wind and currents
scenarios for the year 2005 are taken into account.
Figure 7.6 and Figure 7.7 show probability plots of oil occurrence for the two oil spill positions for
2 and 7 day drift periods. The results are given as the percentage of time oil is present within an
area.

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Figure 7.6 The probability of oil occurrence two days (left) Probability
and a seven days (right) after an oil spill at Position 1, at the [%]
entrance channel to Świnoujście. Hatched areas are Natura
2000 and other protected areas.
If a spill were to occur at Position 1, Rügen on Germany’s east coast would be exposed with a
probability of 1%-10% within the first two days after the spill, one small area is 10%-30%. No
exposure of places in Denmark is observed. After seven days, the probability is 10%-30% on the
German coast. The highest probabilities are found in the northern vicinity of the mouth of
Greifswalder Bodden. The Southern coast of Bornholm is exposed within 1-3% after 7 days.

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Figure 7.7 The probability of oil occurrence two days (left) Probability
and a seven days (right) after an oil spill at Position 2, on [%]
the main shipping lane south of Bornholm. Hatched areas
are Natura 2000 and other protected areas.
If a spill were to occur at Position 2, the south and east coast of the Danish island of Bornholm
would be exposed with a probability of 3%-30% within the first two days. After seven days, the
entire coastline of Bornholm could be exposed to oil. In the northwest part of the island near
Sandvig and Hammers Odde, the probability is 1%-3%. Near Dueodde, in the south-east, the
probability is highest, at 10%-30% and at the tip of the coast is within the red area with above
30%. In Table 7.4 a summary of the results from the simulations is shown. The table includes
areas in which the probability of exposure is greater than 1%.
Table 7.4 Probabilities of oil reaching coast and exposure to Natura 2000 or other protected
areas during the two days and seven days drift simulations for the two oil spill
locations in the Baltic Sea.
Location Country Coastline Coastline Natura 2000/ Natura 2000/
protected area protected area
2 Days (%) 7 Days (%) 2 Days (%) 7 Days (%)
1 Germany 1-30 1-30 >30 >30

Poland <1 1-3 1-30 1-30
Denmark 0 1-3 0 1-3
2 Denmark >30 >30 1-30 1-30
All spill locations were intentionally placed near Natura 2000 or protected areas, and the drift
studies showed the probability of oil spills reaching these areas to be greater than 1%. This

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leads to the conclusion that there is a risk of coastal impacts and impacts on Natura 2000 and
other protected areas if an oil spill were to occur in the selected locations.
It can be concluded that the Nord Stream project will cause a minor increase in the risk of
accidental oil spill. However, the project does not involve the handling of large quantities of fuel.
Therefore, it will not introduce new spill scenarios compared with the scenario without
construction activities.
7.3 Risk during operation
7.3.1 Hazard identification

During operation of the pipelines, there are a number of hazards that can result in pipeline
failure that may evolve into a subsea gas release /384/. These include:
• Corrosion
• Material and mechanical defects
• Natural hazards
o Ice gouging
o Landslides
• Other/unknown
• Sabotage/terrorism
• Munitions
• Trawling interference
• External interference related to ship traffic
o Sinking ships
o Grounding ships (only relevant for the shore approach)
o Dragged and dropped anchors
o Dropped objects
These hazards are described in greater detail below.
Corrosion
According to /385/ internal and external corrosion failures are considered to be negligible
contributors to the overall failure rate for the following reasons:
• The gas is dry and sweet, and internal corrosion is therefore unlikely
• External corrosion protection consists of primary system (high-quality coating) plus
secondary system (cathodic protection by sacrificial anodes)
• Intelligent pigging will be used to inspect the pipeline and thereby identify potential
corrosion damage before it becomes critical
• Large pipe wall thickness reduces the probability that a corrosion defect will remain
undetected until it becomes potentially critical

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Material and mechanical defects
This hazard comprises both material defects in the steel pipe (plate manufacturing defects or
defects in the longitudinal pipe weld) and construction faults (typically critical defects in the girth
welds). Experience has proven such factors to be extremely rare causes of pipeline failures,
particularly for modern pipelines, where advanced pipe technology and quality control, as well
as welding technology and control procedures, are applied. The failure of the pipeline due to
mechanical defects is therefore considered negligible, as the following measures have been
adopted:
• All materials, manufacturing methods and procedures in compliance with recognised

standards, practices and/or purchaser specifications
• Non-destructive evaluation (NDE) at fabrication site (pipe mills) performed according to
DNV standards
• Automated ultrasonic testing (AUT) inspection and approval of each weld onboard the lay
vessel prior to pipe-laying
• Continuous monitoring of stress on the pipe during the laying operation to ensure integrity
of the pipeline
• Monitoring of the touchdown point of the pipeline during critical lay by remotely operated
vehicle (ROV) in order to visually confirm the integrity of the pipeline on the seabed
• Pressure testing of each individual pipe joint carried out before it is released from the pipe
mill
• Pressure-testing of the pipeline after installation offshore
Three levels of inspection will also be undertaken by inspectors of suppliers and installation
contractors, Nord Stream AG inspectors and DNV inspectors.
Ice gouging
Ice gouging is only relevant in the shore-approach areas. Consequently, this scenario is not
relevant to the pipeline sections within the Danish area.
Landslides
If a submarine landslide hits a pipeline, it can cause an accidental rupture. In an area of low
seismic activity, in general low slope inclination, and ‘normal’ marine sedimentation like the
Baltic Sea region, the risk of submarine landslides should be considered low. Larger landslides
in Nordic waters generally are associated with the more unstable late-glacial situation caused by
higher rates of sedimentation combined with rapid isostatic uplift and associated seismic activity.
In 2005, the Geological Survey of Sweden discovered evidence of two submarine landslides
and one probable landslide during marine geological mapping in the south-western Baltic Proper
/386/. The landslides are developed in glacial clay and in clay-silt, respectively. Glaciofluvial
sediments occur below these sediment strata in both cases, and the seabed is almost flat, with a
slight slope of less than 10 m in 500-1,000 m, indicating that these slides occurred in slopes that
were built up by glaciofluvial sediments.
The setting of the slides in glacial sediments in areas of very gently sloping sea floor strongly
suggests that the slides were triggered by palaeoseismic activity, probably at the very end of the

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Late Weichselian or during the Early Holocene. The Baltic Sea area today is nearly devoid of
seismic activity, while larger earthquakes are interpreted to have occurred during and shortly
after deglaciation.
Therefore, finding the remains of fossil landslides in the Baltic Sea does not cause any concern
with respect to the risk of submarine landslides to the Nord Stream pipelines, which must be
considered negligible.
Sabotage/terrorism
Failure of the pipeline due to sabotage or terrorism is considered remote within Danish waters.
The pipeline will lie on the seabed or be trenched below the seabed; therefore it will not be
directly exposed. Sub-sea pipelines are not easily accessible and must be considered an
improbable target for criminal acts. The threat of sabotage will be mitigated through the overall
pipeline control system as described in Section 2.8.3.
As a reaction to the Madrid terror attack in March 2004 the European Council has set out to
identify and assess the need of protection of European Critical Infrastructure (ECI). In December
2008 the Council Directive 2008/114/EC on the identification and designation of European
critical infrastructures and the assessment of the need to improve their protection ref. /387/
where adopted. In the Annex 1 “List of ECI sectors” of the directive the sector “Energi” including
“gas production, refining, treatment, storage and transmission by pipelines” is included. Based
on the directive the Nord Stream project is identified as an ECI.
Munitions
Munitions screening surveys have been performed to establish that the pipeline installation
corridor is clear of unexploded ordnance and chemical warfare agents that could constitute a
danger to the pipelines or to the environment during installation or operation of the pipeline
system. The ‘clearance corridor’ dimensions are based on detailed analysis of the effects of
underwater explosions to ensure that any exploding munitions at the edge of the corridor could
not damage the pipelines /388/. The survey has included:
• Identification and mapping of targets that may be munitions and may have the potential to
influence pipeline design, installation and long-term integrity
• Visual inspection and classification of targets to identify potential munitions
• Integration of anomalies and objects identified and targets from previous investigations and
correlation with public domain data
• Expert review to identify findings and evaluate handling options
Three chemical munitions have been identified within Danish waters (see Chapter 4.2).
In rare events, unexploded ordnance may be impacted by trawling equipment. If a munitions

object is not detonated by the impact, it may be dragged along the seabed and possibly impact
a pipeline if the dragging direction is towards the pipelines. The probability that the object would
explode due to the impact of being dragged across the pipeline is very low, because if the object
did not detonate due to the initial impact with the fishing gear it is unlikely it will detonate at all.

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Furthermore, the authorities may require an exclusion zone to be imposed along the pipelines,
eliminating the risk associated with trawling across them.
Other/unknown
Other/unknown causes include all the incidents for which no specific causes where identified,
although no such leakage has been recorded for large-diameter operating steel pipelines. For
this project, the design systematic failures will be reduced to a negligible level by implementing
appropriate QA/QC procedures, design review meetings and dedicated HSE reviews and
studies.
Trawling interference
In areas where the pipelines are buried in the seabed, trawling can be carried out without risk of
trawling gear interfering with the pipelines. However, if the pipelines are exposed, a trawl board,
beam trawl or clump weight may interact with the pipelines as described in section 6.6.1. In most
cases, a board would be pulled over, but there is a risk of trawl equipment becoming snagged
under the pipelines, especially where there are freespans. This may stop the fishing vessel and
damage the trawling equipment, and in extreme cases, may lead to the loss of the fishing
vessel. The integrity of the pipelines themselves is not threatened because they are designed to
withstand the described impacts /389/. The risks related to the personnel onboard the fishing
vessels are considered to be remote /390/.
Intervention works, such as placement of rock berms (not planned inside Danish water), are
designed as those typically used in the North Sea, where there is active fishing activity.
Therefore, the rock berms themselves can be constructed so that the structure are
overtrawlable. It should be noted, however, that in areas where the seabed profile is irregular
the pipelines will not be in continuous contact with the seabed. In these areas the pipelines most
likely will not be overtrawlable due to freespans that exceed critical height, which typically is 0.5
m. Therefore, permanent or temporary restrictions for fishing across/along the pipelines in these
areas may be required for safety reasons. In addition, unacceptable freespans can also develop
during the operations phase of the pipelines, and it may become necessary to implement
temporary restrictions for fishing until these freespans have been rectified. Inside the Danish
section 2 freespan of around 0.6 m height have been identified. It is Nord Stream´s intention to
reduce the freespan height during the ongoing optimization of the technical design, so that
impacts on fishery will be reduced as much as possible. Reduction in impacts may also be
achieved by various mitigation measures as described in chaper 9.
Sinking ships
With a large number of ships travelling above the pipeline, there is a risk that a sinking ship
could impact one of the pipelines. Sinking ships may be the result of:
• Hull failure
• Failure of watertight doors, ports, etc.
• Collision between two ships
• Excessive roll due to cargo movement
• Extreme load effect from waves or cargo
• Fire/explosion onboard

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A sinking ship hitting the pipeline will cause a dynamic load during impact and subsequently a
static load from the weight of the ship.
Grounding ships
Within Danish waters along the pipeline route, the minimum water depth is approximately 20 m.
The maximum draft of ships entering the Baltic Sea is 17 m /257/. Therefore, there is no risk of
grounding ships impacting the pipelines within Danish waters.
Dragged or dropped anchors

In the event of propulsion machinery failure, bad weather conditions, etc., it may be necessary
for a ship to anchor. Anchoring operations may impact the pipelines due to:
• Anchor dropped on the pipeline

• Anchor dropping next to the pipeline, dragging along the sea floor, penetrating into the
seabed and eventually hitting (hooking) the pipeline
Emergency anchoring may be initiated as a consequence of failure of the steering system or the
propulsion machinery. In such situations, the ship usually will drift until the propulsion machinery
is repaired or until the ship has received assistance from a tugboat. However, if there is a risk of
grounding or collision with rocks or installations, the ship will attempt anchoring to avoid such an
event.
Dropped objects
A ship may lose cargo objects, such as containers, during rough weather. If the ship is situated
above the pipeline there is a risk of the dropped object impacting the pipelines.
Summary of hazards
The hazards related to pipeline failure have been described above. External interference from
ship-related incidents has been found to be the most significant contributor to potential pipeline
failure for this project and therefore has been subjected to a detailed analysis. The remaining
hazards above are considered to be negligible /376/.
7.3.2 Methodology – threats related to ship traffic

The risk assessment of threats related to ship traffic is comprised of a number of steps, as
illustrated in the overall methodology shown in Figure 7.8.
To begin, a frequency assessment is carried out to estimate the interaction frequency related to
sinking ships, grounding ships, dropped objects, dragged and dropped anchors /376/.
For the operational phase a number of critical pipeline sections have been identified. The critical
pipelines sections are those where the frequency of ships crossing the pipeline exceeds a
criterion value of 250 ships/km/year. The criterion value corresponds to less than one
ship/km/day. For each identified section where this level or greater of ship activity exists, the
interaction frequency is estimated. The critical sections within Danish waters are shown in Table
7.5. The total length of the critical pipeline sections comprises approximately 25% of the total
pipeline length in the Danish section.

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The pipeline failure rate at the critical locations is then analysed in the damage assessment
/377/, where it is calculated by summing the failure rates associated with the different
interference mechanisms, taking into account the interaction scenarios (dropped objects,
dropped anchors, dragged anchors, sinking ships and grounding ships) and pipeline
configurations (exposed, buried or protected). It includes calculation of the kinetic energy of the
falling object (ship, container, anchors), the mechanical behaviour of the soil under surface
loads and of the pressure transmitted to the buried pipeline; calculation of the resistance of the
pipe to tackle impact forces, impact energy, local forces and global bending moments; and a
damage and pipe failure probability assessment. For each critical section, the failure probability
must be less than the acceptance criteria of 10-4 failures per section per year /377/. If the
acceptance criterion is exceeded, protection measures are considered. The acceptance criterion
of 10-4 failures per section per year has been verified by DNV. It should be noted that a failure of
a pipeline does not necessarily lead to a gas release.

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HUMAN ACTIVITIES
• Commercial Ship Traffic
INTERACTION SCENARIO
FREQUENCY QUANTIFICATION
• Dragged Anchors
• Dropped Anchors
• Grounding Ships
• Sinking Ship
• Dropped Objects
YES
IS Foverall ACCEPTABLE?
NO
PIPE CONFIGURATION EVENTS

• Exposed • External Impact / Local Force
• Buried • Global Bending
• Protected • Grazing
TYPE OF DAMAGES FAILURE MODES

• Loss of concrete • Loss of on-bottom stability
• Reduction of burst capacity
• Steel exposure (loss of corrosion coating) • Piggability
• Pipe Ovality / Dent with or without • Local Buckling
notch • Fracture / Plastic Collapse
• Local Puncture • Fatigue
• Over-bending or Residual Curvature • Puncture
DAMAGE CLASSIFICATION
D0 No Damage
D1 Minor damage not requiring control during ordinary inspection
Moderate damage not leading to release of hydrocarbon, requiring mitigation

D2
(lowering, cover etc. that is not on the line pipe) works, not implying shut down
PROTECTION Major damage not leading to unfitness for functional requirements i.e. without of
D3-R0 hydrocarbons, requiring line pipe repair to be carried out in a short time
MEASURES
Major damage not leading to minor release of hydrocarbons and/or to water ingress
D3-R1 (from through thickness flaws or small holes), requiring line pipe repair to be carried
out as soon as possible, not implying shut down or with minor flow reduction
Minor damage leading to major release of hydrocarbons and/or to water ingress (full
D3-R2 bare pipeline rupture), requiring line pipe spool piece repair, implying shut down of
flow assets for a significant duration
PIPELINE FAILURE VS. INTERFERENCE MECHANISMS
OVERALL PIPELINE FAILURE RATE, Pf (PER YEAR AND PER KM)
NO
IS PFailure ACCEPTABLE?
QUANTITATIVE RISK ASSESSMENT
YES
STOP
Figure 7.8 Methodology for risk assessment related to ship traffic threats.

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Table 7.5 Critical pipeline sections related to ship traffic threats within Danish waters.
Section From KP To KP Section length
[km] [km] [km]
1 1014 1023 10
2 1072 1086 15
3 1124 1133 10
For the quantitative risk assessment /378/, the analysis focuses on the consequences of a
subsea gas release due to pipeline failure. This involves several stages, from underwater
release rate and associated depressurisation calculations, through the effects at sea surface
and the atmospheric modelling of gas dispersion, to the assessment of the physical effects of
the final outcome scenario. Three different gas-release scenarios are considered: gas release
from a pinhole (20 mm), a hole (80 mm) and a full-bore rupture. Because not all failure cases
will lead to a gas release, the following is applied:
• Pipeline failure with gas release due to dragged anchor scenario is 30% of the pipeline
failure frequencies; conservatively it is associated to a full-bore rupture
• Pipeline failure with gas release due to sinking ship scenario is equal to 100% of the
pipeline failure frequencies, and it is distributed as: 5% pinhole, 5% hole and 90% full-bore
rupture
• Other contributions can be disregarded
The risks to the environment and to human safety are then compared with the risk acceptance
criteria in /391/. The acceptance criteria for human safety are based on the tolerability of risk
(TOR) framework, which ensures that the risks are acceptable and then shows that the risks are
either as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP) or broadly acceptable. The environmental risk
acceptance criteria are based on a risk matrix adopted from DNV-RP-F107 /375/.
Presented as an F-N curve together with the acceptance criteria the impact is illustrated in
below.

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1.0 E-1
Section 1 (From KP 1014 to KP 1023) Section 2 (From KP 1072 to KP 1086)
Section 3 (From KP 1124 to KP 1133)
1.0 E-2
Fatality Frequency/year/section (F)
1.0 E-3
UNACCEPTABLE
1.0 E-4
1.0 E-5
ALARP REGION
1.0 E-6
1.0 E-7
BROADLY
ACCEPTABLE
1.0 E-8
1.0 E-9
1 10 Number of fatalities (N) 100 1000
Figure 7.9 F-N curve for critical sections in Denmark
The F-N results show the frequency of fatalities is broadly acceptable for all sections.
7.3.3 Pipeline failure frequencies

For each of the critical sections described in Table 7.5, the annual pipeline failure frequency has
been assessed /377/. A summary of the results is shown in Table 7.6. Compared with the
acceptance criteria approved by DNV of 10-4 failure per section per year, the results for the
Danish section are well below the acceptance criteria.
Table 7.6 Failure frequency per section per year for the Danish section.
Dropped Dropped Dragged Sinking
Section Total
objects anchors anchors ships
(failure/section/year)
1 2.60·10-8 1.01·10-12 2.85·10-6 1.54·10-7 3.03·10-6
2 5.18·10-8 1.90·10-12 2.33·10-6 3.89·10-7 2.77·10-6
3 6.58·10-8 2.00·10-12 4.38·10-6 3.61·10-7 4.80·10-6
It should be noted that not all pipeline failures lead to a gas release; i.e., the gas release
frequencies are only a subset of the pipeline failure frequency. The gas release frequencies due
to failure of the pipeline distributed according to pinhole, hole and full-bore rupture are shown in
Table 7.7 /378/. The total gas release frequency for the critical sections within Danish waters is
estimated to be 3.77·10-6 releases per year, or about once every 265,000 years. In Section
7.3.4, the consequences of the rare event of a gas release are presented.

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Table 7.7 Gas release frequency per year per section for pinhole, hole and full-bore rupture
scenarios for the Danish section.
Section Pinhole Hole Rupture Total
(occurrence/sect/year)
1 7.71E·10-9 7.71·10-9 9.94·10-7 1.01·10-6
2 1.95E·10-8 1.95·10-8 1.05·10-6 1.09·10-6
3 1.80E·10-8 1.80·10 -8
1.64·10-6 1.67·10-6
7.3.4 Consequences of gas release

As concluded above, there is only a theoretical risk of a gas release from the pipelines during
operation (once every 265,000 years). However, due to requests from stakeholders during the
consultation procedure, the potential effects of such a gas release are described below.
A gas rupture is primarily a safety hazard, possibly exposing ships, their crews and passengers
in the sea above the rupture to a highly flammable gas cloud and posing a risk to the ship due to
reduced buoyancy of the water. The risk to third parties is addressed in the technical
description.
The impacts on the environment are emissions of natural gas to the atmosphere, impacts on
water quality and impacts on fish, marine mammals and birds.
Modelling of gas release

Damage to the pipelines may result in gas leaks and emissions of gas to the marine
environment and to the air. Although it will take only a short time before the pressure fall is
registered by the control system and the valves of the pipelines are automatically closed, in a
worst-case scenario, where the pipeline is punctured or ruptured, degassing will continue until
an equilibrium pressure is reached.
If a pipeline is punctured or ruptured, the gas will disperse into the water, forming a gas plume in
the water column, see Figure 7.10. Upon reaching the surface, the gas will disperse into the
atmosphere from a circular source. The nature of the dispersion (gas cloud) will depend on its
molecular weight and the meteorological conditions.

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Figure 7.10 Schematic drawing of release of gas from an offshore pipeline.
In /378/ the consequences of a gas release are studied in detail. The analysis involves the
following steps:
• Definition of incident (i.e., size of hole/rupture; process parameters, such as pressure and
temperature, water depth, etc.)
• Modelling of the underwater dispersion
• Effects at the sea surface
• Atmospheric dispersion
• Possible flash fire
In the analysis, leakages have been simulated at KP 1049 (water depth 58.9 m) using OLGA
2000 software for the pinhole, hole and rupture scenarios. The OLGA software is applied
worldwide for transient multiphase flow scenarios. The location was chosen in order to obtain a
conservative result applicable to the identified critical sections /378/. The discharge rates from
the simulation are used as input to the underwater dispersion calculations. The radii of the zone
of surface flow (central boil region) for the three scenarios are summarised in Table 7.8.

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Table 7.8 Results of underwater gas dispersion calculations /378/.
Leakage Water depth Radius at surface
(m) (m)
Pinhole 6.6
Hole 58.9 7.5
Rupture 18.0
To quantify the extent of the hazardous area with respect to flash fire, the dispersion of the gas
has been modelled. To account for the differences in concentrations that may lead to local
concentrations higher than the lower flammable limit (LFL), the extent of the gas cloud with half-
LFL concentrations is shown as well. The upper flammable limit (UFL) is where the cloud is too
rich to be ignited. The results are shown in Table 7.9.
Table 7.9 Extent of hazardous gas cloud.

Hole size Distance of flammable limits at 10 m height above the sea
UFL (m) LFL (m) ½LFL (m)
Pinhole 0.0 0.0 33.0
Hole 22.1 73.4 137.2
Rupture 76.3 133.5 193.7.0
It is judged that the cloud is only a safety issue for ship traffic and will not pose a threat to the
safety of people on Bornholm /378/.
7.3.5 Impacts on the environment

In the significantly unlikely event of a gas release (once every 265,000 years) the following
environmental impacts can occur:
• Emission of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere

• Impacts on water quality
• Impacts on fish, marine mammals and birds
The risks to the environment are assessed in the terms of a risk matrix adopted from DNV-RP-
F107 /375/. A pinhole is ranked as a minor consequence, while holes and pipeline ruptures are
categorised as moderate consequences. Figure 7.11 presents the risk levels due to ship traffic
interaction (A: pinhole; B: hole; and C: rupture). It is seen that all failure modes are within the
acceptable region, and no further protection actions are required /378/.
These environmental impacts are discussed in greater detail below.

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Figure 7.11 Environmental risk matrix. A: pinhole; B: hole; C: rupture.
Emission of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere

Each Nord Stream pipeline will carry 27.5 bcm of dry, sweet natural gas each year from Russia
to Germany. A full-bore pipeline rupture is estimated to occur once every 265,000 years in the
Danish section, as described previously, hence such an event is extremely unlikely to occur in
the lifetime of the pipelines. Nonetheless, Nord Stream AG has considered the global warming
potential of such a failure.
In the event of a full-bore pipeline rupture, the pipeline inlet valve would be closed, and as much
gas as possible would be removed from the pipeline via the outlet valve. However, a typical
worst-case estimate of the amount of gas released can be made assuming simultaneous
closure of both the intake and offtake valves, after which the settle out pressure in the pipeline
will be approximately 165 bar (as shown see Figure 7.12).
Figure 7.12 Methane pressure in the Nord Stream pipelines.

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From the pipeline dimensions given in the project description (internal diameter 1,153 mm;
length 1,222 km) the volume of the pipeline can be calculated as 1.27 million cubic metres
(mcm). At the settle out pressure of 165 bar, there will be the equivalent (at atmospheric
pressure) of 210 mcm of gas in the enclosed pipeline. The density of methane also varies with
temperature; at one atmospheric pressure, methane has a density of 0.688 kg/m3 at 20ºC and
0.717 kg/m at 0ºC. According to the Swedish Meteorological Institute, the temperature at the
bottom of the Baltic varies between 4ºC and 6ºC; at 5ºC the density of methane is 0.705 kg/m3.
Therefore, the mass of gas in the pipeline (at 165 bar and 5ºC) is around 148,000 tonnes.
The solubility of methane in water is low, and it has been assumed for the calculations described
here that all methane released in a rupture will enter the atmosphere. The recent IPCC 4th
Assessment Report /392/, states that methane has a global warming potential 25 times greater
than that of carbon dioxide, meaning the emission of one tonne of methane is equivalent to 25
tonnes of carbon dioxide. Thus, 148,000 tonnes of methane released into the atmosphere
would be equivalent to the release of 3.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide in terms of global
warming potential.
In terms of national carbon dioxide emissions (see Table 7.10), 3.7 million tonnes of carbon
dioxide is equivalent to less than 0.25% of Russia’s annual emissions (2004 data), less than
0.5% of Germany’s annual emissions, but equivalent to 7% of Denmark or Sweden’s annual
emissions.
Table 7.10 National carbon dioxide emissions (2004)

Country Annual CO2 emissions (thousand Equivalent annual emissions from
metric tonnes) ruptured pipeline (%)
Russia 1,524,993 0.24
Germany 808,767 0.46
Finland 65,799 5.6
Sweden 53,033 7.0
Denmark 52,956 7.0
Data from the Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Centre published by the United Nations Statistics Division
(http://millenniumindicators.un.org/unsd/mdg/SeriesDetail.aspx?srid=749&crid)
For comparison, if the same volume of methane lost in a rupture was delivered to customers
and burnt, forming carbon dioxide and water, then 407,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide would be
produced. This means that the methane released from a potential rupture would have a carbon
dioxide equivalence nine times greater than if the same volume of methane was burnt.
The total amount of carbon dioxide emitted from shipping in the Baltic Sea is currently estimated
to be 25.5 million tonnes /393/, with cargo ships being the largest emitters, producing around 13
million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually (see Table 7.11).

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Table 7.11 Carbon dioxide emissions from shipping in the Baltic Sea.
Vessel type Estimated CO2 emissions Equivalent emissions from
(tonnes/yr) ruptured pipeline (%)
Cargo 12,770,295 28.9
Tanker 4,839,521 76.5
Passenger 1,572,519 235.3
Other 2,328,625 158.9
Unknown 4,583,233 80.7
Combined (95% of traffic) 24,247,352 15.3
Total (100% of traffic) 25,523,529 14.5
In terms of global warming potential, the methane released in a pipeline rupture would be
equivalent to approximately 14.5% of the annual carbon dioxide emissions from total shipping
traffic in the Baltic Sea, see Table 7.11.
Impacts on water quality

Natural gas exhibits negligible solubility in water, and thus has little effect on water quality in the
event of an underwater leak. The gas will rise to the water surface, from where it will be released
into the atmosphere; the extent to which it dissipates depends on meteorological conditions and
the weight of the gas in relation to the surrounding air.
A short thermal impact (temperature drop to negative value caused by gas expansion, or Joule-
Thomson effect) may occur in the surrounding water. Another possible impact on water quality
from an accidental pipeline rupture and gas release is a possible updraft of bottom water. This
could cause bottom water to be mixed with surface water, with an impact on salinity,
temperature and oxygen conditions.
Impact on fish, marine mammals and birds

In the unlikely event of gas release, it is judged that all fish, marine mammals and birds within
the gas plume or the subsequent gas cloud will die or flee from the influenced area. The impact
will be of limited time and space.

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8. Identification of transboundary impacts
8.1 Impacts in Denmark due to establishment of pipelines in other countries

The Nord Stream pipeline project outside the Danish EEZ will have an environmental impact
comparable to the impacts of the project within Danish waters. The construction works outside
the Danish EEZ will be carried out using the same methodology as inside Danish EEZ.
Therefore, the possible environmental impacts of project activities outside the Danish EEZ on
Denmark will be of the same nature, but significantly lower inside Danish EEZ, than the impacts
caused by activities within Danish waters.
There will be no seabed intervention works along the pipeline route in the western part of the
Swedish EEZ. Construction in this section will include only pipe-laying directly on the seabed by
the pipe-laying vessel, tugboats and supply vessels. Impacts inside the Danish EEZ caused by
pipe-laying in the western part of Swedish EEZ are assessed to be insignificant.
There will be no seabed intervention works along the pipeline route in the eastern part of the
German EEZ. Therefore, impacts inside the Danish EEZ caused by pipe-laying in the German
EEZ are assessed to be insignificant.
Fishery by Danish fishing vessels outside the Danish EEZ and within the EEZ of other countries
may be affected during construction and pipe-laying due to the safety zone around the lay
vessel. The impact on Danish fishery outside the Danish EEZ during construction is based on
the area affected during pipe-laying (including seabed intervention works), and the duration of
pipe-laying activities at specific locations (pipe-laying carried out at a rate of approximately 2-3
km/day). This impact on fishery is evaluated to be of minor importance.
During operation, there may be impacts on Danish fishery (bottom trawling) outside the Danish
EEZ. This will preliminary be at locations where the freespan height of the pipelines result in a
safety zone around the pipelines where fishery is prohibited for safety reasons.
During construction, pipe-laying outside the Danish EEZ will result in energy consumption, and
thereby emission of substances such as carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (Nox), sulphur
oxides (SOx) and particularly sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC)
and particles. Airborne transport of some of these substances, followed by atmospheric
deposition, will result in an temporary increase of these substances inside Danish waters. It is
assessed that the impact inside Danish waters due to energy consumption during construction
of the Nord Stream pipelines and atmospheric deposition will be insignificant.
8.2 Impacts in other countries due to establishment of pipelines inside the Danish EEZ and
territorial waters
No parts of the Nord Stream project area within the Danish EEZ are close to environmentally
critical areas outside the Danish EEZ. The nature and magnitude of environmental impacts
caused by activities within the Danish EEZ on the EEZs of Sweden and Germany will be similar
to, but significantly less than the impacts caused by the same activities within the Swedish and
German EEZs.

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Fishery inside Danish waters by other countries, especially Sweden, Poland and Germany, is
very important to these countries. Fishery by these countries within Danish waters may be
affected during the construction period because of construction activities and the safety zone
around the lay vessel. The impacts on fishery, as described above, are assessed to be relatively
small. To minimise impacts on fishery during construction inside important fishing areas, a
comprehensive dialogue between the fishing authorities/associations both before and during
construction is necessary. Agreements on how to inform fishermen about construction activities
in the area and how they should proceed is of major importance for reducing impacts on fishery
and should be implemented before construction starts.
Impacts on the fishery (bottom trawling) by other countries inside Danish waters during
operation will depend on wheather safety zones, where fishery is prohibited, around the
pipelines, will be established.
Emissions of substances from energy consumption during pipe-laying inside Danish waters, as
described above, will result in atmospheric deposition of substances inside other countries.
In general, it is assessed that the impacts from activities within Danish waters on other countries
will be insignificant, and that construction and operation of the Nord Stream pipelines within
Danish waters will have no impact on internationally protected areas (Natura 2000 areas,
Ramsar areas) in other countries.
Furthermore, it is evaluated that there will be no cumulative impacts from the planned Nord
Stream pipeline with other projects in other countries.
8.3 Transboundary impacts from unplanned events
8.3.1 Risk and transboundary impacts from oil spill

It is in chapter 7 “Risk assessment and environmental contingency planning” calculated that the
additional annual frequency of ship collisions (because of the Nord Stream pipelines) leading to
an oil spill is 2.3 x 10-5 oil spills per year, corresponding to a return period of 44,306 years.
Probability plots of oil occurrence, after 2 and 7 days, for two spill positions (one location in
Germany, and one position in Denmark) from modelling oil spill, shows that an oil spill may
result in transboundary impacts, see Chapter 7 (Figure 7.6, Figure 7.7 and Table 7.4).
Depending on the location where an ship collision including oil spill occur, inside or outside
Danish water, there may be a risk of transboundary impacts. The risk is as shown above low,
but if an larger oil spill occur the impacts on the marine environment can be significant.
In the HELCOM recommendation 11/13 /394/ it is recommended that Governments of the

Contracting Parties to the Helsinki Convention should, in establishing national contingency
plans, aim at developing the ability of their combating services:
• to deal with spillages of oil and other harmfull substances at sea so as to enable them:

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• to keep a readiness permitting the first response unit to start from its base within 2 hours
after having been alerted.
• to reach within 6 hours from start any place of spillage that may occur in the response
region of the respective country.
• to ensure well organized adequate and substantial response actions on the site of the
spill as soon as possible, normally within a time not exceeding 12 hours.
• to respond to mayor oil spillages:
• within a period of time normally not exceeding 2 days of combating the pollution with
mechanical pick-up devices at sea; if dispersants are used it should be applied in
accordance with HELCOM Recommendation 1/8, taking into account a time limit for
efficient use of dispersants.
• to make available sufficient and suitable storage capacity for disposal of recovered or
lightered oil within 24 hours after having received precise information on the outflow
quantity.
Based on HELCOM Recommendation 11/13 it is therefore assumed that countries around the
Baltic Sea are capable of controlling a major oil spill within two days of a release, and thereby
will transboundary and impacts on the marine environment be minimized.
A mayor oil spill inside Danish water may, depending of the spill location, have transboundary
impacts on Sweden, Germany and/or Poland.
8.3.2 Risk and transboundary impacts from gas release

The consequences of a gas release is described and evaluated in Section 7.3.4. The total gas
release frequency for the critical sections within Danish waters is estimated to be 3.77 x 10-6
releases per year, or about once every 265,000 year. It is judged that a gas release is only a
safety issue for the ship traffic and will not pose a threat to the safety of people on Bornholm, or
at the German, Swedish or Polish coasts.
Depending on the location where an gas release occur, inside or outside Danish waters, there
may be transboundary impacts. The impacts on the marine environment will be locally, and of
relative short duration, while impacts on sea traffic (changing sailing routes) will be of longer
duration, due to repair activities at the location.
The transboundary impacts from a gas release will primarily be related to the emission of
methane to the air. Methane is a greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential 25 times
greater than that of carbon dioxide, and methane released from a potential rupture would have a
carbon dioxide equivalence 9 time greater than if the same volume of methane was delivered to
customers and burnt. As calculated in Section 7.3.5 a full rupture would result in methane
equivalent to 7% of the annual emission of carbon dioxide in Denmark, or equivalent to
approximately 14.5% of the annual carbon dioxide emissions from total maritime traffic in the
Baltic Sea.

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9. Mitigation measures
9.1 General
The environmental management system of Nord Stream AG ensures a commitment to design,
plan and carry out the pipeline project with the least impact on the environment as is reasonably
practicable. The environmental management system for dealing with planned impacts and
emergency response is detailed in Chapter 10 of this report.
The EIA process integrates proposals for mitigation measures against identified negative
impacts into detailed technical planning. The primary goal of this process has been to prevent or
reduce any identified negative impacts. If it has been impossible to prevent an impact (i.e., there
is no other technical or economically feasible alternative), mitigation has been planned. In cases
where it is impossible to identify preventive or mitigation measures to reduce significant
unwanted environmental impacts, compensation shall be considered.
Methods to mitigate environmental impacts
Prevention
Prevention or reduction of any negative impacts can be achieved by changing or replacing
planned activities. For example, it has been possible to prevent negative environmental impacts
by locating the pipelines as far as possible from sensitive or valuable areas, such as Natura
2000 areas, and by avoiding Risk Zone 1 and Risk Zone 2, with dumped chemical warfare
agents.
Mitigation
If no technical alternative is available, the next step is to mitigate. The most efficient method is to
mitigate as close to the impact source as possible. For example, impacts on marine fauna can
be mitigated/reduced by avoiding construction activities during periods when specific species
are sensitive (e.g., fish spawning periods).
Compensation
Compensation measures will be considered for impacts that cannot be mitigated.
“Compensation” can be economic (e.g., paying fishermen for reduced fishing areas) or physical
(e.g., generating ecosystems in another area than the one affected by the project).
The results of the impact assessment include mitigation measures implemented during the
planning phase. If a remaining, so-called ‘residual’ impact has been foreseen and identified as
significantly negative, further measures during the implementation phase of the project have
been proposed by the project developer whenever possible.
Prevention and mitigation measures have been planned for the implementation phases of the
project: construction and operation. Mitigation and prevention measures for the

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decommissioning phase of the project will be planned in accordance with prevailing regulations
at the time of decommissioning.
9.2 Mitigation measures during planning

This section describes prevention and mitigation measures in the Danish EEZ and territorial
waters that have been implemented during the planning phase, which means prior to
submission of this EIA report.
9.2.1 Route optimisation

The alignment of the Nord Stream route is a result of continuous evaluation of different
possibilities of rerouting the pipelines with regard to:
• Avoiding uneven seabed

• Minimising length of pipeline route
• Minimising number of required seabed intervention works
• Avoiding crossing of Risk Area 1 and Risk Area 2, with dumped chemical munitions from
World War II.
• Avoiding crossing of shipwrecks that are valuable with respect to cultural heritage
• Avoiding crossing of major shipping lanes
• Avoiding crossing of Natura 2000 areas
• Avoiding planned or identified infrastructure that could conflict with the Nord Stream route
The objective of this process, which is called route optimisation, has been to find the best
possible route in a way that minimises the environmental impacts and the overall cost of the
project while respecting the applicable codes and standards (see Chapter 2). Consequently,
seabed intervention works, such as trenching, are reduced and thereby environmental impacts
can be prevented and mitigated.
9.2.2 Methods and equipment used

When carrying out seabed intervention works for the pipelines, trenching will be limited as much
as possible; in addition, trenching methods that limit spreading of sediments to a minimum will
be preferred. For the Nord Stream project, trenching by ploughing is evaluated to be the most
optimal method with respect to the environment.
9.2.3 Logistics
In the optimisation of the logistics, including pipe supply, it has been ensured that the
transportation distances are minimised as much as possible and thereby the use of fuel is
minimised. This mitigates environmental impacts due to air pollution. At the same time, it
reduces costs.
9.2.4 Public dialogue

An important measure to mitigate negative impacts in relation to people’s opinions and concerns
has been an ongoing dialogue with relevant stakeholders. Nord Stream AG has been in contact
with different groups with direct or indirect interests in the project and its impacts since the
beginning of the EIA process to ensure that all possible environmental and socioeconomic
effects are discussed and that possible solutions are properly assessed. The purpose of this

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consultation procedure, which will continue throughout the entire construction phase and initial
operation of the pipeline system, is to ensure appropriate solutions and a common
understanding.
9.3 Mitigation of impacts during construction and operation

As Chapter 6 on environmental impact assessment shows, some of the planned activities will
result in impacts on the environment. To mitigate and prevent these impacts as much as
possible, a number of mitigation measures will be applied during the construction and operation
phases, as described in the following sections.
9.3.1 Pre-installation surveys

To prevent damage to sites of cultural heritage and contact with munitions during the anchoring
of the lay vessel, a detailed survey of the anchoring corridor (1 km to each side of the route
corridor) will be performed prior to pipeline installation. The survey will be carried out in
2008/2009. The surveying will be performed by high-resolution sidescan sonar, combined with
visual inspection by remotely operated vehicle (ROV) of identified targets that interfere with
anchoring patterns wherever required.
9.3.2 Traffic control

The maritime traffic sector in general may be affected by pipe-laying operations, although it will
be for only a short period. Stationing a pilot on the pipe-laying vessel is currently under
consideration as a means to avoid critical situations, e.g., collisions.
A safety zone will be established around the slow-moving lay vessel. When the construction
vessels work in a shipping lane, passing ships will be required to communicate with the
commander of the fleet of service vessels accompanying the lay vessel and organise their
movements in order to avoid collision with these vessels. The same communications procedure
should be maintained amongst the operators of vessels traveling between the supply bases
and the pipeline route where construction vessels operate. Good communication between the
general ship traffic and construction vessels will reduce unexpected situations and
miscalculations. Because many construction vessels will be operating simultaneously, it would
be efficient to centralize radio communication through one vessel that manages movements of
the construction fleet. Traffic control and alerts should be carried out in accordance with the
International Maritime Act and authorities’ specifications.
9.3.3 Emergency response arrangements

Nord Stream AG will ensure that there is a suitable emergency response plan in place to
mitigate impacts caused by unplanned environmental accidents (e.g., an oil spill). The
environmental management system of Nord Stream AG, including its requirements to
contractors working on the project, is described in Chapter 10.
Nord Stream AG will do its utmost to prevent unintended environmental accidents and to
mitigate impacts in the unlikely event that an environmental accident should happen.

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9.3.4 Cable and pipeline crossings
A procedure for crossing cables and pipelines has been established by Nord Stream AG to
avoid any unwanted impacts due to cable crossings. All crossing agreements will be
documented thoroughly prior to the construction phase. Different techniques will be documented
for later identification, and any problems or irregularities will be logged.
Exact locations of crossings will be decided based on information from site surveys and data
collection by PeterGaz Ltd and a database on cables in the Baltic Sea developed by the
Swedish company Mätteknik AB. Dialogue and agreements with the cable owners also will
supply information on the crossing points, which will be verified in a final survey to identify exact
crossing points.
9.3.5 Dumped chemical munitions and conventional munitions

To avoid impacts from chemical munitions identified close to the planned pipelines, the
munitions will be left undisturbed on the seabed, as prescribed by the responsible Danish
authorities, the Admiral Danish Fleet in a letter dated 01.30.2009 ref. 001329-22553. Nord
Stream will avoid the positions of the chemical munitions when placing anchors during the
installation of the pipelines. The found chemical munitions are outside the installation corridor
and will therefore not be disturbed by the pipelines themselves.
9.3.6 Pipe-laying
Anchor-handling of the pipe-laying vessel will be carried out in a manner that ensures as little
sediment suspension as possible. Where possible and useful, the anchor wires will be lifted by
means of mid-wire buoys (Yokohama fenders are often used for this purpose) to limit the length
of anchor wire in contact with the seabed.
All vessels involved in the construction process will be provided with information on cultural
heritage sites and possible munitions areas and the protection zones around these areas. A
dedicated anchoring plan will be prepared to prevent impacts on wrecks. Mitigation measures
include adjusting the regular anchoring pattern, using mid-wire buoys to lift anchoring wires over
wreck sites or even omitting an anchor and replacing it with a tug.
In general, the pipelines will be placed within a corridor on the sea bottom with an accuracy of
+/- 7.5 m. In critical areas, such as in close vicinity of a valuable shipwreck, precision can be
improved by employing different controlling measures. With the use of an ROV, touchdown
monitoring and/or acoustic beacons, the position of the pipeline can be controlled with an
accuracy of approximately +/- 2.5 m. It is therefore possible to ensure that agreed safety zones
around, e.g., wreck sites are respected.
If archaeologically significant wreck sites closer than 50 m to the pipeline route are identified, a
controlled installation procedure will be discussed with the Danish authorities. Each controlled
installation procedure will include descriptions of the specific site, the integrity of the wreck site,
the assessments of the site significance, illustrations of the site, detailed drawings of the pipeline
routing around the site and descriptions of the controlling measures that will be employed to
ensure safe passing of the site.

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9.3.7 Fishery
In order to determine the appropriate mitigation measure, Nord Stream will elaborate which
areas are concerned exactly and what length will be affected as well as how the loss of time
affects catches.
Possible mitigation measures include adaptations to the trawling gear, restriction zones and,
compensation for loss or damage caused to fishing gear. In addition, Nord Stream proposes to
develop together with fishermen – involving both national associations and FOGA – a training
programme for all Baltic Sea fishermen. This programme will address all questions and give
recommendations around fishing and submarine pipelines in order to ensure safe fishing
activities.
9.3.7.1 Pipeline Design Adjustments

Pipeline design adjustments are related to the embedment and routing.
A specific pipeline embedment assessment is being made to establish predicted pipeline

embedment. This will be combined with a sensitivity analysis of required ‘pull-over’ force against
pipeline exposure. As-built surveys of the pipelines will establish actual pipeline embedment for
a final assessment of the trawling-pipeline interaction.
To reduce restriction zones, Nord Stream has already taken fishing activities into account when
developing its installation corridor for the pipelines. The route was optimised both in order to
reduce free span areas and to lay the pipelines with a rather small distance in between.
9.3.7.2 Training
In order to guarantee that fishermen will know how to fish in areas near the pipelines, Nord
Stream will ensure there will be professional training of all Baltic fishermen and information
material available for all areas around the pipeline. The pipeline and its positions including
information on free spans will be integrated into charts that will be made available to the
fishermen through appropriate distribution channels and during training sessions.
Nord Stream is continuing to further engage in a dialogue with the fishermen and responsible
authorities in order to better determine the extent of the impacts and to identify interventions that
may be made to minimise impacts to commercial fishing e.g. limiting restriction zones and to
come to a viable solution.
9.3.7.3 Restriction Zones

Practical experience shows that due to e.g. large freespan heights, safe fishing activities may
not be possible and that therefore bottom trawling restriction zones might have to be
established. This is being discussed at a national level.

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Avoidance strategy – pipelines in relation to shipwrecks

A number of shipwrecks (not all of which are of archaeological interest) have been located
through desktop investigations and field surveys.
To avoid impact on wrecks and equipment, the primary strategy has been to reroute the
pipelines away from the shipwrecks wherever possible.
A clearance distance of 250 m or more means that no further consideration is necessary, other
than regarding the positioning of anchors during construction.
Clearance distances of less than 250 m require special consideration and – if necessary – tailor
made solutions (controlled installation procedures) to protect the integrity of the site or
safeguard archaeological information, as well as consideration of anchoring positions during
construction.
At clearance distances between 50-250 m, measures to protect the site’s integrity may be
necessary, proportional to the anticipated archaeological significance of the wreck site. This
means that each site for which the clearance distance cannot be extended beyond 250 m needs
to be assessed for its archaeological significance. On the basis of this, a plan needs to be
elaborated indicating what, if any, measures must be taken to ensure protection of these sites
during the realisation and operation of the pipelines.
Clearance distances of less than 50 m imply that sustainable protection may not be possible.
Subject to the assessment of sites’ archaeological significance, a tailormade plan needs to be
devised indicating how the archaeological information of the site will be safeguarded.
The plans will be discussed with the relevant authority.
Avoidance strategy – pipelines in relation to submerged settlements

The pipeline route will not pass through areas, where submerged Stone Age Settlements may
be present as these areas are situated in shallower water outside the Nord Stream route.
Precautions in anchoring
To avoid damage to sites of cultural heritage, a survey of the anchoring corridor will be
performed prior to pipeline construction. The survey is planned to take place during 2008 and
2009. The surveying will be performed by high-resolution SSS, combined with visual inspection
by ROV of selected targets that interfere with anchoring patterns /20/.
To ensure the best possible anchorage, the vessels will anchor in areas without bottom
obstacles such as shipwrecks, outcrops of rock and unidentified bottom features. The likelihood
of anchors damaging sites of cultural heritage within the pipeline corridor is therefore slim.

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During the construction process all vessels involved will be provided with information on the
cultural-heritage sites and will be instructed to anchor at a safe distance (50 m or more –
depending on the wreck site).
Post-lay survey
After the pipeline has been installed a “post-lay” survey will be performed. This will utilise an
ROV (Remote Operated Vehicle) which will fly along the pipeline and perform a visual survey,
identifying any obstacles on the route, see Figure 9.1. In the event that there is poor visibility,
the ROV will utilise other on-hand equipment such as sonars to determine the position of the
pipeline and the relationship with the seabed.
Figure 9.1 ROV (Remote Operated Vehicle) performing post-lay survey.
Protocol
Even if a detailed survey has been carried out prior to construction work, there is always a risk
of accidental finds of cultural artefacts when construction work begins.
The exact location where the pipeline is to be laid has been surveyed very closely (high-
resolution SSS and visual survey by ROV). It is therefore unlikely that undetected, unburied
wrecks are present in the immediate path of the pipeline. However, wrecks embedded in
sediments may have eluded detection. The same applies to submerged settlements and
landscapes, which traditionally are not detected by the employed surveying methods.
The manner in which accidental finds could be made will vary according to the laying methods
applied in a specific section of the pipeline route. Accidental finds could be made visually at the
seabed (if visual inspection of construction is being performed) or by artefacts being trapped in
equipment when it is hauled onboard. If accidental finds are made during construction work, a
predefined protocol for safeguarding the archaeological information will be effectuated, without
interrupting pipeline construction.

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Following a predefined protocol will reduce negative impacts on accidental finds and yield a
positive result by securing the information in a structured and adequate manner.
The protocol is envisioned to include guidelines for actions to be taken in case of accidental
finds of cultural-heritage artefacts. The guidelines will describe how to document observations
and deal with artefacts that may be encountered during construction work. The cultural-heritage
authorities of the respective countries will be given the opportunity to comment on the protocol
prior to its adoption.
9.3.9 Public dialogue

Close contact with fishing associations should be maintained during the beginning of the
construction phase in order to take action within short notice if unforeseeable impacts occur.
Nord Stream AG will implement a dedicated means of communication with the fishing
community that provides information about the planned construction activities (what, where and
when) on a weekly basis in the form of a leaflet. The details of this approach are presently being
developed based on successful experience with such communication tools in the North Sea.
9.3.10 Monitoring
In general, the monitoring programme proposed in Chapter 10 will ensure an ongoing
investigation of the impact of the pipeline project during the construction phase. This provides
an opportunity to consider additional mitigation measures, if they are found necessary. In
addition, stationing experts on the pipe-laying vessel or online to ensure continuous monitoring
of critical aspects, such as cultural heritage and fishery, can be considered.
9.3.11 Compensation
No significant negative impacts have been identified related to planned activities during
construction and operation of the Nord Stream project. This is the result of developing effective
alternatives and mitigation. Compensation is not addressed in this EIA report.
9.4 Mitigation of impacts from unplanned events

Although efforts have been made to reduce risk and mitigate possible impacts, accidents
resulting in significant environmental impacts could happen. The risk assessments that have
been undertaken for the construction and operation of the Nord Stream pipelines have
highlighted a number of specific risk mitigation measures that must be maintained to ensure that
the risk remains at tolerable levels. There are also specific areas of best practice that have been
highlighted in the studies that the project needs to adopt. These mitigation measures and areas
of best practice are summarized below.
One of the major concerns during construction is the risk related to ship traffic. Risk mitigation
measures will be applied during the installation of the pipelines in order to mitigate the risks of
ship collision to a level as low as reasonably practical (ALARP). In the estimation of the ship-to-
ship collision risk, the following risk mitigation measures have been included:
• The pipe-lay contractor will have procedures and equipment in place to monitor maritime
traffic and identify possible collisions
• A protection zone around the pipe-laying vessel will be enforced by a guard vessel

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• The lay vessel, survey vessels and anchor-handling vessels will be in continuous radio
contact
• Notice to mariners and other maritime and fishery bulletins will be used to increase
awareness of the presence of the pipe carriers, the lay vessel, the survey vessel(s) and
intervention work vessels during the construction period
• Experienced personnel will be present onboard pipe carriers/lay vessel. Native speakers on
the lay vessel will facilitate communication with local vessels
• Proper training will be implemented to ensure that the crew onboard the pipe carriers and
the lay vessel are alert when crossing high-risk areas
• Contact with the maritime authorities will be maintained
Other methods to prevent or mitigate potential impacts from unplanned events during
construction include:
• Compliance with MARPOL requirements related to discharge of oil and waste products
• Oil spill cleanup kits on construction sites to address any local spills
• Preparation of procedures, hazard identification exercises and toolbox talks before any
construction operations start
• Working and safety procedures for anchor-handling to mitigate any risk of contact with
munitions or the remains of chemical weapons
• Pull test on construction vessel anchors after they have been installed to minimise the
possibility of a dragged anchor
• Weather forecasting to identify potential onset of unstable/poor weather conditions and
establishment of criteria for suspending construction activities
• Mandatory use of refuelling (bunkering) procedures for the lay barge and anchor-handling
tugs (ensuring that hoses are checked, spill trays are in place, oil spill kit is in place,
scuppers are blocked, communications are in place and that operations are closely
monitored to ensure oil transfer spills are minimised)
During operation, the risks due to unplanned events are minimised by:
• Marking the pipelines on the relevant nautical charts

• Pressure-testing prior to gas filling and drying the pipeline before initial use to prevent
leakage
• Establishing pipeline pressure regulation and automatic pressure safeguarding system and
leak detection (supervisory control and data acquisition system, automatic alarms and
signals)
• Having emergency oil spill procedures and equipment onboard all construction vessels
• Using intelligent pigs 62 for periodic inspection/monitoring
• Performing regular surveys to monitor the integrity of the pipeline exterior. The survey
frequency will only be reduced (1) if the survey results prove that to be acceptable and (2)
after having reached agreements with the authorities.
62
Pipeline inspection gear: a remotely operated piece of equipment that moves with the gas inside the pipe to assess
pipeline integrity.

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10. Environmental impact control
10.1 Environmental monitoring and management concept

Nord Stream AG is fully committed to carrying out the construction works with as minimal
environmental impact as reasonably practicable. For this purpose, Nord Stream AG has
established an environmental management system for ensuring that the objective of minimising
the environmental impact during construction is fulfilled.
This includes meeting the requirements of national and international legislation and
environmental standards.
The purpose of the environmental monitoring and management programme is to ensure:
• That the assumptions made as basis for the environmental impact assessment are valid
• That the construction works are carried out within the boundary conditions defined for the
project
• That the environmental impact caused by the project is in line with the conclusions of the
impact assessment
• That recovery following the construction activities is satisfactory
The detailed monitoring programme will be established after consultation with the Danish
authorities.
Nord Stream AG has adopted an integrated HSE (health, safety and environmental)
management system in order to ensure that health, safety, and environmental aspects are in
compliance with the corporate HSE policy.
This HSE policy helps to ensure that the project will be implemented with minimum
environmental impact.
10.2 Corporate HSE management
10.2.1 Corporate HSE policy

The Nord Stream AG HSE policy is presented below. The policy provides the overall description
of the commitment of the company to safeguard:
• The health and safety of the personnel working at the project

• The health and safety of the public
• The external environment when planning, constructing and operating the Nord Stream
pipelines
Whilst the environment is the focus of this EIA, Nord Steam’s management system described in
the following sub-section is in place for controlling health, safety and environmental aspects.

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10.2.2 HSE management system
Nord Stream AG has developed an integrated HSE management system for the Nord Stream
project from the design phase through to operation. The system is described in the “HSE
Management System – Principles and Expectations” /395/.

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The structure of the HSE MS (management system) is aligned to the international standards
ISO 14001 (for environmental management systems) and OHSAS 18001 (for health and safety
management systems).
Contractors working for Nord Stream AG are also requested to recognise and implement these
standards.
Elements of the HSE MS of Nord Stream AG are the following:
• Policy, leadership and commitment

• Hazard and risk assessment
• Objectives and HSE plan
• Organisational structure, responsibilities and competence
• Communication and consultation
• Operational control and HSE documentation
• Emergency preparedness and response
• Incident reporting, investigation and corrective action
• Monitoring and measurement
• Management review and system improvement
A formal HSE management review takes place once a year. The first was carried out at the Nord
Stream AG director's meeting on 20 December 2007. An outcome of the management review
was the HSE plan for Nord Stream AG. This includes action plans relating to HSE Policy, HSE
organisation, HSE objectives and targets, risk assessment, emergency preparedness and
response, management of change, and is related to monitoring, measurement and reporting.
This process is an important step in the process of ensuring continual improvement in health,
safety and environmental performance. Nord Stream AG in its HSE policy has committed itself
to preventing pollution and protecting the environment by minimising the adverse impact of Nord
Stream’s business.
10.2.3 Requirements for contractors working for Nord Stream AG

Nord Stream AG has specific requirements for contractors working on the project in the
“Minimum HSE Standards for Contractor Worksites” /396/.
The document establishes a set of rules for managing occupational health and safety and
environmental protection at contractor worksites.
The document requests all main contractors to submit an HSE plan for the work to Nord Stream
AG for approval. The HSE plan is specific to the hazards and risks associated with the
contractor’s work scope and work sites. It defines the actions to be taken to control these risks
to an acceptable level.
The following must be included in the HSE plan:
• HSE policy
• HSE organisation

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• HSE objectives and targets
• Hazard description
• Risk assessment
• Emergency preparedness and response
• Management of change
• Monitoring, measurement and reporting
• HSE plan database
Nord Stream AG has defined a number of minimum standards related to personnel, procedures,
worksites, materials, equipment, etc., for contractors working on the project. Nord Stream AG
requires contractors to ensure the fulfilment of the requirements stated by having a
comprehensive programme for HSE inspections and audits. Nord Stream AG will monitor the
effectiveness of the contractors’ inspections and audits and will also conduct its own inspections
and audits at the contractors’ worksites to ensure compliance with the requirements.
10.2.4 Emergency response arrangements

The HSE management system of Nord Stream AG includes a requirement for having plans and
procedures in place to respond to foreseeable emergencies and to minimise the HSE effects.
These plans and procedures will be coordinated with the Danish emergency management
authorities.
The emergency response plan is periodically tested and improved.
The following expectations with respect to emergency response have been defined:
• The project shall have an emergency notification plan to ensure proper and fast reaction
to emergencies
• The project shall establish an emergency response procedure to manage emergencies in
a manner appropriate to the risk
• All work locations shall have plans and procedures for responding to fire and evacuation.
Other types of emergencies shall be addressed depending on the level of risk and the
legal requirements.
• Emergency plans shall be documented, accessible and easily understood
• The effectiveness of plans and procedures shall be regularly reviewed and improved, as
required
• Plans and procedures shall be supported by training and, where appropriate, exercises
• Equipment for detection and responding to emergencies shall be subject to a preventive
maintenance programme, testing and calibration, according to the relevant standards
Nord Stream AG will develop and use a system to report incidents because learning from
incidents is an explicit part of the HSE plan. Immediate notification of the authorities in the event
of emergencies will be part of the emergency response plans.
Emergency response plans will be implemented both for the construction of the Nord Stream
project and for the subsequent operation of the pipelines.

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Nord Stream AG requires contractors working on the Nord Stream project to establish an
emergency response setup suitable to the type of activities they are carrying out.
Nord Stream AG will ensure that such systems are established and that they are effective.
Moreover, Nord Stream AG will ensure that the emergency response systems of each contractor
are coordinated internally and aligned with the overall Nord Stream AG emergency response
setup.
10.2.5 Measures to mitigate risks from dumped munitions

As the operator company, Nord Stream AG gives highest priority to the location, identification,
evaluation and, where required, clearance of munitions. The goal is to ensure a safe installation
and operation of the pipeline whilst minimising the environmental impact.
Munitions screening surveys have been carried out to find munitions that may impact the safe
installation and operation of the pipeline. In 2005 and 2006, numerous targets were identified
during a series of geophysical surveys combined with remotely operated vehicle (ROV)-based
metal detection and visual inspection survey of the pipeline route. These targets comprised
mainly boulders and anthropogenic debris (e.g., oil barrels, refrigerators, shopping trolleys)
together with munitions-related items (mine chairs and moorings) and occasional conventional
munitions. Based on these results, a detailed survey concept was developed. The concept was
to perform a phased survey combining state-of-the-art technology, commencing with high-
resolution geophysical sensors, followed by specifically developed ROV-deployed gradiometer
array and concluding with ROV-based visual inspection. This detailed munitions screening
survey commenced in July 2007 and has been extended to include potential route optimisations
and alternate routes.
Further investigations for munitions are to be carried out:
• Prior to construction, to develop anchoring procedures

• Immediately prior to pipe-laying to verify the installation corridor is clear of munitions
• Regularly during operation to ensure no munitions have encroached on the pipeline
To evaluate the impact of conventional munitions on the pipeline Nord Stream design consultant
Snamprogetti SpA is performing a structural-integrity assessment on underwater explosion in
the vicinity of the pipeline. This assessment will be utilised to demonstrate the ability of the
pipelines to withstand explosions.
Nord Stream AG will ensure that contractors working in areas where a risk of interference with
mines or other types of munitions exists have training and equipment in accordance with the
HELCOM guidelines for preventive measures and first aid. These guidelines have been
successfully followed by fishermen in areas in the Baltic Sea where interference with munitions
is a significant risk.
If mines or other types of munitions are discovered during the construction works, Marinedistrikt
Bornholm (Bornholm Marine District) will be contacted. This will be done by calling Søværnets
Operative Kommando (Admiral Danish Fleet) and asking for the duty officer. The duty officer will

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call Minørtjenesten where divers are on call. Typically, items assessed to be munitions are
demolished on site by the use of explosives.
10.2.6 Quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC)

Nord Stream AG has defined and adopted a quality assurance and project certification
philosophy for the planning, design, construction and operation of the Nord Stream pipelines.
The purpose is to ensure that the Nord Stream pipeline system is designed, fabricated, installed
and commissioned in line with the highest quality standards in the offshore pipeline industry.
In relation to design and construction services, the QA/QC system works on three levels:
1. Nord Stream AG requires that all contractors, manufacturers and vendors operate a certified
and fully functional quality management system. The companies are responsible for the
quality of the service and goods they provide, and QA/QC and audit and verification
activities will be an important factor when selecting vendors and contractors.
2. An independent third-party expert international certification authority has been assigned by

Nord Stream AG to witness, audit and supervise all aspects of the project. This includes
verification of the design and concept, of the quality of the engineering work, as well as
certification of fabrication procedures and control of fabricated equipment and materials. In
some cases, the third-party certification authority may also be responsible for reporting to
other approval authorities.
3. All critical vendor and contractor activities will be supervised by Nord Stream’s own experts
or by personnel and inspectors who have been appointed by Nord Stream AG to monitor
and verify that the high standards agreed to in the contracts and specifications are
achieved. These experts will act as Nord Stream’s representatives (second-party
inspectors) when working at the premises of the vendors/contractors.
All inspection personnel will be highly qualified and fully experienced with the materials and
components they are inspecting.
The three-level QA/QC hierarchy is illustrated in Figure 10.1 below.

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Figure 10.1 Quality assurance hierarchy and philosophy of the Nord Stream project.
Three independent levels of quality assurance will ensure that the Nord Stream pipelines are
designed and built to the highest quality and safety standards.
Nord Stream AG will ensure that all contractors and vendors understand the high level of quality
required for this project and that they allocate sufficient and qualified QA/QC personnel and
resources to meet these standards.
In relation to the quality management of Nord Stream AG’s internal processes, Nord Stream AG
operates a quality management plan (QMP) that is aligned to ISO (International Organization for
Standardization) 10005:2005 (/397/). Internal processes are defined as the organisational
activities that support the design, construction and eventual operation of the pipelines. The
interface with the QA/QC system applied to contractors, manufactures and vendors is described
in the QMP Level 1 document.
10.3 Management during Operation

Prior to the start-up and operation of the pipeline, Nord Stream will establish a dedicated
Operations Department, responsible for the pipeline operation under all conditions. Key
personnel within this department will be fully trained to operate the pipeline utilising specific
protocols and procedures. Within the Operations Department, all emergency procedures,
reporting lines, and responsibilities will be clearly defined and documented and all necessary
personnel will be fully trained in these procedures. To ensure timely planning and
implementation of all of these measures, Nord Stream has already appointed its Director of
Operations.
Prior to start-up, during pipeline commissioning, a full systems check will be carried out on all
communication lines and protocols, automation systems, pressure safety systems and all

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mechanical systems. Alarms and set points will also be adjusted and tested. Once this systems
check has been completed successfully, the integrity of the pipeline will by tested using a leak
test to the appropriate engineering standards and national regulations.
Following successful completion of all testing procedures on the system, the pipeline will
become operational, under the control of the Operations Department.
10.4 Monitoring within the Danish EEZ and territorial waters
10.4.1 General
The purpose of environmental monitoring is to confirm assumptions used in the environmental
impact assessment (EIA) and to verify the environmental impacts as described and evaluated in
the EIA. Furthermore, data from a monitoring programme may establish the need for
environmental mitigation measures if, contrary to expectations, data indicate unwanted
environmental impacts.
Evaluating environmental impacts caused by construction and operation of the planned Nord
Stream pipelines inside Denmark’s EEZ and territorial waters may require monitoring activities
before, during and after execution of specific project-related construction activities, depending
on the respective objective.
Monitoring activities prior to construction will aim to establish baseline conditions in areas
suited to evaluating the environmental impact caused by construction activities and the
presence of the Nord Stream pipelines on/in the seabed.
Monitoring activities during construction will aim to verify the input parameters used for the
EIA modelling of sediment spreading (including sediment spill rate and sediment settling
velocity) and the output parameters (including sediment plume spreading and settling of spilled
sediments).
Monitoring activities after construction will be used to verify the EIA findings regarding the
impact of construction works, the impact of the pipeline structure on/in the seabed and the
recovery of the environment.
The precise approach to the monitoring programme will be established in consultation with the
Danish authorities.
The proposed monitoring programme inside the Danish EEZ and territorial waters is based on:
• Identification of activities during the construction and operation of the planned Nord Stream
pipelines that may affect the environment
• Identification of sensitive habitats and species that may be affected by the pipeline project
• Description of marine parameters to be monitored, based on the identification of activities
with potential environmental impact and sensitive areas and species.

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The proposed monitoring programme will include two phases of the construction process: laying
of the first pipeline (West Pipeline) from April 2010 - September 2011, and laying of the second
pipeline (East Pipeline) from approximately June 2010 - October 2012. The two pipelines will
become operational in November 2012, and a monitoring programme during the operations
phase is also proposed.
10.4.2 Activities during construction and operation that may affect the environment
Activities that may affect the environment have been identified in Chapter 5. Due to their
potential impacts on the environment, the following activities should be included in the
environmental monitoring programme:
• Seabed intervention works (trenching by ploughing), including pipe-laying and the use of
anchors for positioning of the lay vessel
• Occupation of seabed by pipelines which will function as reef structures and may locally
affect current and sedimentation patterns around the pipelines.
10.4.2.1 Seabed intervention works including pipe-laying

Seabed intervention works and pipe-laying, as described earlier, will result in change of the
existing seabed in areas where trenching and pipe-laying are carried out. In the vicinity of the
directly affected area, sediments mobilised by these activities will temporarily be suspended in
the lower part of the water column, and sedimentation of suspended sediment will take place
locally around the construction site. Trenching activities are planned primarily along a 10 - 15 km
section of the pipeline route south of Ertholmene inside Danish territorial waters.
The impacts from seabed intervention works, including pipe-laying activities inside Danish
waters, are described in detail in Chapter 5, and the impacts are described in chapter 6. In
general, environmental impacts may be related to effects on:
• Changes in seabed topography

• Changes in surface sediment composition
• Changes in community structure/impacts on benthic flora and fauna, fish and marine
mammals
10.4.2.2 Occupation of seabed by the pipeline structure

After the pipelines have been placed direct on the seabed or placed in the pipeline trench, the
surface of the concrete-coated pipelines will constitute the ‘new seabed’. The general effects
from pipelines on the seabed and local changes in the seabed habitats in the immediate vicinity
of the pipelines may be:
• Growth/development of epi-benthos on the surface of the pipelines

• Changes in benthic community structure immediately around the pipelines and on the slope
of the trenched sections
• Changes in fish community structure around the pipelines
Because the pipelines will be located deeper than the photic zone, at water depths greater than
30 metres, establishment and growth of macrophytes is not expected within the Danish section.

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10.4.3 Identification of areas with sensitive habitats and/or species that may be affected by the
pipeline project
With respect to future environmental monitoring, the most important areas within the Danish
territorial waters and EEZ are where the pipelines will be trenched into the seabed, and in the
western part of the pipeline route. Both of theses areas are relatively shallow.
10.4.4 Proposed parameters to be monitored
10.4.4.1 Monitoring programme where the pipelines are ploughed in the seabed
The overall purpose of monitoring around the planned pipeline route where trenching is carried
out is:
• To verify assumptions with respect to sediment spreading and sedimentation during

seabed interventions works
• To describe and evaluate the effects on benthic fauna communities (including description of
regeneration) in relation to sediment spreading and sedimentation during seabed
intervention works
• To describe and assess the possible mobilisation of dumped chemical munitions inside the
area where the seabed has been disturbed during trenching
Monitoring is planned to be carried out before and after seabed intervention works have been
carried out. Data from monitoring activities before the start of construction works will establish
the baseline for future monitoring.
Benthic fauna
A programme to monitor changes and regeneration of benthic fauna communities will be
established. The proposed monitoring programme would be carried out at stations perpendicular
to the pipeline route and include measurements of oxygen, salinity and bottom-water
temperature; sediment sampling with analyses of grain size distribution; and macrozoobenthos
analyses. Still photos of the seabed at each of these stations should be included as well.
The final monitoring programme, including the location of transects and the number of stations,
will be established in consultation with the Danish authorities.
Fish community
A programme to monitor changes in the fish community before construction of the planned
pipelines and during operation will be established. The final monitoring programme, including
the duration of monitoring, will be established in consultation with the Danish authorities.
Dumped chemical munitions

Sediment samples for analysis of content of dumped chemical munitions will be extracted before
seabed intervention works and after pipe-laying. Possible mobilisation of chemical munitions
and the risk to marine fauna will be assessed.

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10.4.4.2 Monitoring where the pipelines are placed directly on the seabed
The purpose of the monitoring programme in the immediate vicinity of the pipeline structure is to
describe the epifauna and infauna communities on and in close vicinity to the pipeline and
compare these communities with the fauna structures in/on the undisturbed seabed. These
investigations are planned for the western section of the pipeline route.
It is proposed that investigations of benthic fauna (infauna and epifauna) and fish fauna are
carried out at three locations before and after construction of the pipelines.
Further investigations of infauna structure at and around locations where anchor-handling

operations have been carried out are also suggested.
The precise approach to the monitoring programme, including the number and location of
monitoring stations, methodology used and number and timing of surveys, will be established in
consultation with the Danish authorities.

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11. Technical deficiencies and lack of knowledge
11.1 General
There may be several reasons for technical deficiencies or lack of knowledge in environmental
impact assessment. It is important to draw attention to the fact that the nature of environmental
impact assessment is predictive – it is therefore challenging to precisely predict what kind of
impacts on the environment will occur and the duration of the impacts. Also, the significance of
impacts or certain aspects in relation to each other (e.g., synergism) is sometimes subjective.
The meaning of ’technical deficiencies‘ and ’lack of knowledge’ within the context of this report
are described below:
Technical deficiencies
The terminology ’technical deficiencies‘ is understood as shortcomings in relation to the
description of the project (Chapter 2). This may include deficiencies in describing the exact
time/period for seabed intervention works, the exact plough to be used for seabed intervention
works or the exact procedures to be followed if conventional/chemical warfare agents or cultural
heritage objects are encountered along the pipeline route. Methods to handle several of these
technical deficiencies must be agreed upon with the national authorities.
Lack of knowledge
The terminology ‘lack of knowledge’ is understood as data that is missing or incomplete from a
detailed baseline description/impact assessment. Furthermore, it is understood as the accuracy
of the data and information used in the report as well as for assumptions and conclusions.
In the scoping phase at the beginning of the project, preliminary assessments were made in
order to identify the most important data and information needed for the environmental impact
assessment (EIA). Based on these, a number of surveys and data-collection activities were
initiated, whereby the lack of data and information have already been minimised before the
actual environmental impact assessment was conducted.
Furthermore, Chapter 10 of this report includes a proposal for a monitoring programme, the
purpose of which is to collect additional data and information in order to verify the predicted
impacts of the project. The monitoring programme as such will aim to minimise the lack of
knowledge that results from either lack of data or assumptions made in the impact assessment.
11.2 Technical deficiencies

The technical aspects of the Nord Stream project have been developed in parallel with the
environmental impact study. At this stage the project has therefore developed to a relatively high
degree of detail. Nonetheless, there are still technical aspects that may be subject to further
optimisations and even in some instances, conceptual developments. This is described in the
following for the different project stages and specific issues.

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11.2.1 Design
The high degree of detail of the project implies that, in all essentials, the routing and the
technical designs have been established.
The routing of the pipeline has throughout the design process been subject to optimisations in
order to identify the technically and environmentally best solution. Adjustments have been
carried out to obtain pipeline stability while at the same time minimising the amount of seabed
intervention works necessary to secure the integrity of the pipeline. Minimisation of intervention
works also minimises the environmental impacts related to these activities. Minor adjustments of
the routing in order to minimise seabed intervention works and thus environmental impacts are
still ongoing.
The technical design is deemed almost finalised. This includes selected engineering solutions
and materials for the line pipe, antifriction and anticorrosion coating, weight-coating, field joints,
cathodic protection etc. Minor optimisations are still ongoing. These are not expected to affect
the assessment of impacts.
11.2.2 Construction
Before commencement of the construction works, munitions surveys will be carried out in the
anchor corridor. The purpose of such surveys is to have a full understanding of latest munitions
at the time of construction. In case additional munitions are found in the anchor corridor, it is
expected, that they will be left untouched on the seabed, however, the survey results will allow
for organisation of the anchoring in a way that contact with identified munitions or other objects
in the corridor is avoided. The issue of munitions in the anchor corridor is therefore not expected
to have any environmental impact.
The equipment used for construction may undergo development or changes depending on
availability of the time that all permits have been granted. Pipe-lay vessel spread for the first
(north-west) pipeline has already been agreed on based on the expected time of initiation of
construction works. However, pipe-lay vessel spread for the second (south-east) pipeline has
not yet been agreed on. Similarly, it has been informed, that a new pipeline plough is to be
constructed for the Nord Stream project. No matter which equipment will be used, it will be
ensured that the assessed impacts from the construction works will be similar or even smaller
than stated in the impact assessment.
The locations of the onshore support facilities (weight-coating plants and interim stockyards) for
construction of the north-west pipeline have been finally selected; however, it is not known
whether these facilities will also be used for installation of the south-east pipeline. The reason is
that selection of the location of weigh-coating plants depends on which pipe manufacturers will
be awarded the contracts for the south-east pipeline, since there are certain demands for the
infrastructure for transportation of the pipes. In the unexpected event that all pipes will be
produced south of the project area the weight-coating plant in Kotka may become unnecessary,
meaning that all pipes will be coated in e.g. the weight-coating plant in Sassnitz-Mukran and
then transported to interim stockyards or directly to the lay vessels. This would consequently
mean more ship traffic through Danish waters and hence a slightly larger environmental impact
that presently assessed.

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11.2.3 Pre-commissioning and commissioning
Adjustments to the pre-commissioning procedure may be expected, e.g. optimisation of the use
of additives to the test-water. The concept for commissioning will also be developed and
detailed over the next few years. However, these activities take place from the landfall areas in
Russia and Germany and unforeseeable impacts from adjustments concerning these activities is
not expected in the Danish part of the project area.
11.2.4 Operation
During the operations phase maintenance of the pipeline will be required in terms of internal and
external inspection. The frequency of these inspections is expected to be 3 to 8 years of
operation, but may be adjusted based on experience and requirements.
Since the Nord Stream pipeline is expected to be the first large pipeline in the Baltic Sea, there
are no experiences of how hydrodynamic loads will affect the pipeline. This means that
freespans of the pipeline above the critical height may develop over time, which will require
temporary or permanent fishing restrictions depending on the possibilities for rectifying these
freespans. Such fishing restrictions may have impacts on fishery. It is not possible to predict
where such freespans will develop, if at all.
11.2.5 Decommissioning
As earlier described the decommissioning strategy has not been finally selected. It is expected
that decommissioning methods will be more developed in 50 years’ time since decommissioning
of a number of pipelines and other installations in the North Sea and other parts of the world will
already have taken place at that time. Therefore technologies and the corresponding
environmental impacts can not be assessed in detail at present.
11.2.6 Over-trawlability of the pipelines

The DNV (Det Norske Veritas) that is an internationally recognised company that specialises in
managing risk in conjunction with industry design codes and standards, has been commissioned
to provide studies in compliance with the DNV Recommended Practise RP F111 “Interference
Between Trawl Gear and Pipelines”. The objective of the study was to evaluate the ability of the
trawlers operating in the Baltic Sea to tow their fishing gear over the pipelines and to investigate
the risk of losing or damaging trawl gear due to hooking on the pipeline. Scale model testing has
been carried out from 16 – 19. December 2008 at the North Sea flume tank at SINTEF in
Hirtshals in Denmark in order to model the special conditions found in the Baltic Sea, including
in Danish waters. Figure 11.1 and Figure 11.2 illustrates such a test where the over-trawlability
of a pipeline located direct on the seabed is examined.
The risk assessment that DNV is going to carry out will – among others – implement the results
of the scale model testing.

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Figure 11.1 Test examing over-trawlability of pipeline on seabed the 17. December 2008 at
SINTEF in Hirtshals.
Figure 11.2 Photo´s from the over-trawlability study carried out by SINTEF in Hirtshals the 17.
December 2008.
As mentioned and described in Section 6.6.1.5 there are preliminary results from the scale
model test available. An final update of the results will be made available and discussed with
fishing associations, fishermen and the responsible authorities as soon as the test results have
been assessed and implemented in the risk assessment.
11.3 Lack of knowledge

Lack of specific data or lack of knowledge, depending on the significance of the data and/or
knowledge that is lacking, may result in an increase of assumptions in the environmental impact
assessment. Even with a very precise baseline and technical data, impacts are difficult to predict
with certainty. Predictions can be made using a variety of means, ranging from qualitative
assessment and expert judgement to quantitative techniques, such as modelling. Use of
quantitative techniques allows a reasonable degree of accuracy in predicting changes to the
existing environmental and socioeconomic conditions and in making comparisons with relevant
quality standards.

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However, not all of the assessed impacts are easy to measure or quantify, and expert
assumptions are necessary.
In the following sections, the lack of knowledge/data for the environmental impact assessment
for the Nord Stream project are described.
11.3.1 Pelagic environment (plankton)

The pelagic environment inside the Danish EEZ and territorial waters has been only briefly
described in the EIA, as impacts on plankton production, e.g., from foreseen construction and
operation activities, is evaluated to be insignificant.
11.3.2 Fish and fishery

Data on fishery by different countries within ICES sub-squares within Danish waters have been
collected for the period 2004-2005.
Data on fishery inside Danish waters inside ICES sub-squares for the period 2004 – 2007 have
been collected from Denmark, Finland and Sweden. Poland do also have significant fishery in
Danish waters, but data on fish catch from Poland from 2006 and 2007 have not been possible
to achieve before finalisation of the Danish EIA.
Data on fishery in the Baltic Sea, and inside Danish waters inside ICES-sub-squares have not
been possible to achieve from Germany and Russia.
11.3.3 Non-indigenous species

Data on non-indegineous species has only been described in general terms for the Baltic Sea,
and for Danish EEZ and territorial water

Assessment of the general data quality and the cultural significance of discovered wreck sites by
the Vikingemuseet (Viking Museum) of Denmark is currently ongoing and planned to be finalised
in winter 2009.
11.3.5 Environmental monitoring programme

The environmental management and monitoring programme as described in Chapter 10, which
includes monitoring before, during and after construction of the pipelines, must be elaborated
upon in detail in agreement with the relevant Swedish authorities.
11.4 Changes during elaboration of the Danish EIA

There have been minor changes to trenching south of Ertholmene during the elaboration of the
Danish EIA. These changes includes that the section that should be trenched have been
optimized so that the section to be trenched have been reduced from 10 km and 15 km for the
two pipelines, to around 7 km and 10 km. Further trenching are going to be carried out with a
plough that backfill materials that have been trenched, so that soil heaps along the trenched
section will be minuscule. In the Danish EIA report it is provided that natural backfilling will take
place.

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All in all will the changes result in a reduction of the environmental impacts on the seabed,
compared to the description in the Danish EIA report.
11.5 Conclusion
The aim of this chapter has been to take the technical deficiencies and/or lack of knowledge into
account in the impact assessment. Uncertainties related to, e.g., technical design have been
minimised by close interaction between the Nord Stream technical team, national authorities and
other parties of interest.

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12. Involved parties
An overview of the consultants and contractors involved in the development of the project
planning is shown in Table 12.1 below. The table also provides information regarding service
providers in the planned construction phase.
Table 12.1 Overview of Nord Stream consultants and contractors (Danish section).
Yr 2005-2012 Scope of work Country of origin
Planning, EIA and permit application
Marin Mätteknik AB Offshore surveys (including Sweden
munitions and cultural
heritage)
Ramboll Group A/S Permit applications Denmark
(authority relations)
ERM Ltd Espoo report (with Ramboll) United Kingdom
Plesner Legal issues Denmark
Technical design
Snamprogetti S.p.a. Detailed design, Italy
operational risk assessment
Det Norske Veritas (DNV) Project certification Norway
SGS/TüV S.A. Project certification Germany
Global Maritime Ltd. Construction risk assessment United Kingdom
Construction
Saipem of the ENI Group Pipe-laying offshore/ UK
landfalls onshore
Europipe GmbH Pipe supply Germany
United Metallurgical Buckle arrestors Russia
Company (OMK)
EUPEC Pipe coating France
Environmental surveys in Denmark
000 Petergaz Environmental baseline Russia
investigations (DK-00 route)
Danish Hydraulic Institute Seabed sampling for Denmark
(DHI) contaminants N-route and
the Nord Stream route
Danish Hydraulic Institute Bird investigations and Denmark
(DHI) assessments (the Nord
Stream route) – Natura 2000
Ertholmene
BioConsult Preparation of habitat maps Germany
Institute für Angewandte Bird investigations Germany
Ökologie (Adler Grund-Rønne Banke)
Danish Biological Macrozoobenthos Denmark
Laboratory assessments for N-route and
the Nord Stream route

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Yr 2005-2012 Scope of work Country of origin
National Environmental Assessment of marine Denmark
Research Institute (NERI) mammals for N-route and the
Nord Stream route
Krog Consult Assessment of fish and Denmark
fishery
National Environmental Laboratory analyses of Denmark
Research Institute (NERI) chemical munitions and
contaminants in seabed
Risk analysis of dumped
chemical munitions
VERIFIN, University of Laboratory analyses of Finland
Helsinki chemical munitions and
contaminants in seabed
Det Norske Veritas (DNV) Over-trawlability study Norway
Foundation for Scientific Over-trawlability modelling Norway
and Industrial Research at
the Norwegian Institute of
Technology (SINTEF)
Public Relations/Communications in Denmark
Hill & Knowlton Public Relations Denmark
Nord Stream AG has emphasised the engagement of nationally recognised service providers in
all of the countries involved. The company therefore has contracted a number of recognised
Danish companies and institutes to ensure understanding of the national perspective during the
planning and execution of environmental assessments of the project.

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Offshore Pipelines Through the Baltic Sea EIA

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Offshore pipelines through the Baltic Sea

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

1. Presentation of Nord Stream 1

2. Description of the project 27

Environmental Impact Assessment for the Danish Section I

3. Description of the major alternatives examined 93

4. Description of the environment 102

II Environmental Impact Assessment for the Danish Section

5. Description of methodology used for the impact assessment 276

6. Assessment of environmental impacts 303

Environmental Impact Assessment for the Danish Section III

7. Risk assessment and environmental contingency planning 385

8. Identification of transboundary impacts 412

IV Environmental Impact Assessment for the Danish Section

9. Mitigation measures 415

10. Environmental impact control 424

11. Technical deficiencies and lack of knowledge 435

Environmental Impact Assessment for the Danish Section V

12. Involved parties 441

13. References 443

VI Environmental Impact Assessment for the Danish Section

ai Air absorption coefficient (dB/m)

Environmental Impact Assessment for the Danish Section VII

VIII Environmental Impact Assessment for the Danish Section

Environmental Impact Assessment for the Danish Section IX

X Environmental Impact Assessment for the Danish Section

1.1 Information about the applicant/ownership

1.1.1 Applicant and Operator

1.1.2 Shareholders of Nord Stream

Environmental Impact Assessment for the Danish Section 1

2 Environmental Impact Assessment for the Danish Section

1.1.3 Summary of competencies in Nord Stream

51,0% 20,0% 20,0% 9,0%

Role: board of directors functions

Technical Commercial Financial

Figure 1.1 The Nord Stream organisation.

Environmental Impact Assessment for the Danish Section 3

1.1.4 Brief description of the project

1.2 Project history

1.2.1 Objectives and structure

4 Environmental Impact Assessment for the Danish Section

1.2.2 1980-1990: Russian-Nordic initiatives to launch new supply projects

Norwegian plans for gas supply to and transit via Sweden

Russian gas to Finland and Sweden via the Baltic Sea

1.2.3 1990-1995: The construction of the Yamal pipeline

Environmental Impact Assessment for the Danish Section 5

NTG Project: Definition and Shareholders

Feasibility study: Scope

6 Environmental Impact Assessment for the Danish Section

Feasibility study: Results

Environmental Impact Assessment for the Danish Section 7

8 Environmental Impact Assessment for the Danish Section

Cost calculations are based on various assumptions. Due to differences in considered

Environmental Impact Assessment for the Danish Section 9

With regard to sustainability a rough comparison of potential environmental impacts showed

A comprehensive environmental comparison would require a full impact assessment of possible

10 Environmental Impact Assessment for the Danish Section

Further advance and development of planning

Environmental Impact Assessment for the Danish Section 11

1.2.7 Creation of Nord Stream

Signing contracts, moving into offices