§ Mr. Simon ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what account she will take of the potential impact of building onshore pipelines through salmon spawning streams when assessing the Sakhalin II phase 2 oil and gas project under consideration for support by the Export Credits Guarantee Department. [157905]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienECGD and the other potential lenders are still discussing the river crossing methods with Sakhalin Energy and want to ensure that the chosen methods are environmentally acceptable.
§ Mr. Simon ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the Sakhalin II phase 2 oil and gas project under consideration for support by the Export Credit Guarantee Department will involve construction of an undersea pipeline through the feeding ground of the western grey whale. [158074]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienSakhalin Energy's plan is for an undersea pipeline to cross the southern point of the whales' northern feeding ground. ECGD is awaiting further information on this issue and will want to be sure that the potential impact on the Western Gray Whales is minimised. I am aware of the range of issues to which this project gives rise and I will approve support only if I am satisfied that these have been addressed.
§ Mr. Simon ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when a decision on whether to support the Sakhalin II phase 2 will be taken by the Export Credit and Guarantee Department. [158075]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienI refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave to the hon. Member for Merionnydd Nant Conwy (Mr. Llwyd) on 26 February 2004,Official Report, columns 406–07W.
I am aware of the range of issues to which this project gives rise, and I will approve support only if I am satisfied that these have been satisfactorily addressed.
1198W
§ Mr. Simon ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what account she intends to take of the risk and potential impact of earthquake damage to the on and offshore oil and gas pipelines on Sakhalin Island when she assesses the Sakhalin II phase 2 project for support by the Export Credit Guarantee Department. [158081]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienSakhalin Island is in an active earthquake zone. During due diligence on the Sakhalin II project, ECGD will want reassurance that effective measures are being taken by Sakhalin Energy Investment Company to minimise any potential damage to the facilities of the project including both on and off-shore oil and gas pipelines, from earthquakes.
Details of action being taken by SEIC to mitigate the risk of damage from earthquakes can be found on their website www.sakhalinienergy.com.
§ Mr. Simon ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the Sakhalin II phase 2 oil and gas project under consideration for support by the Export Credit Guarantee Department will involve the dumping of waste into the Gulf of Aniva. [158271]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienI am informed that the Sakhalin Energy wants to dispose of dredge sediment at a site in the Gulf of Aniva that has been licensed by the Russian Authorities. ECGD and the other potential lenders want to be sure that any disposal at this site is environmentally acceptable.
§ Mr. Simon ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what formal consultation has been undertaken by the Export Credit Guarantee Department on the Sakhalin II phase 2 oil and gas project. [158273]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienECGD publicly disclosed its consideration of the project and invited comments on 23 May 2003.
ECGD officials have also taken part in meetings and corresponded with relevant stakeholders, including environmental NGOs, from both Sakhalin and the UK.
Sakhalin Energy has undertaken public consultation on Sakhalin and will shortly be publishing an updated Public Consultation and Disclosure Plan.