Environment

Environmental protection is a major focus of attention by Sakhalin II. Being a natural resources project, mitigation of potential environmental impacts is its number one priority.

In the course of design documentation development for both phases of the Sakhalin II project, environmental impact assessment was undertaken, including a detailed assessment of all the negative impacts and the development of prevention and mitigation plans. The design documentation has been approved by the State Environmental Expert Review of the Russian Federation.

Sakhalin Energy develops the Biodiversity Action Plan aimed at minimising impacts on the environment.

In October 2007, an independent audit by AEA confirmed “a high level of compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements” in the sphere of environmental protection.

In 2008, Sakhalin Energy won the Environmental Project of the Year award. The company’s performance was recognised in the Environmental Efficiency of Economics category. The award was presented by Yuri Trutnev, the Russian Federation’s Natural Resources Minister. Another diploma was awarded to Sakhalin Energy contractor, Starstroi, for its implementation of the Sakhalin II onshore pipeline system.

Salmon Initiative

The project pays special attention to different species of salmon inhabiting the Sakhalin rivers, in particular—a local rare species—Sakhalin taimen. Special protective measures were used during the construction of more than one hundred pipeline crossings over spawning rivers and streams.

Sakhalin Energy, together with the Sakhalin Oblast Government and an international NGO, the Wild Salmon Centre, launched the Sakhalin Salmon Initiative, a project focusing on conservation and sustainable use of wild salmon and their ecosystems. This includes monitoring activities, establishment of protected natural areas, development and implementation of educational environmental programmes. USD 8.8 million was allocated to support this project.

Western Gray Whales

The Okhotsk-Korean population of gray whales (western gray whales) faces a high risk of extinction and are listed in the Red Data Book. For their protection, Sakhalin Energy and Exxon-Neftegaz Limited engage Russian and international researchers and carry out extensive monitoring programmes. Following advice from environment scientists, Sakhalin Energy changed the route of the offshore section of its pipeline near the Piltun-Astokhskoye field to avoid the feeding area of the western gray whales. The installation of the PA-B platform and offshore pipelines was performed in line with the noise level criteria recommended by the Western Gray Whales Advisory Panel set up by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Experts on marine mammals and acoustics from leading Russian research institutes were also involved in the work.

In an effort to ensure minimal disturbance, additional measures were undertaken including a reduced number of ships involved in offshore operations, prescribed vessel corridors, restricted vessel speeds. The ships were equipped with low-noise level devices and engines.

According to independent monitoring data, implementation of the Sakhalin II project has not produced a significant impact on the whales. For the monitoring period, the local population of gray whales increased from 100 to 123.

Steller’s Sea Eagles and Other Rare Birds

One of nesting areas for the Steller’s sea eagle, classified as a “vulnerable” by the IUCN, is located in the project impact area, near the OPF and along the Sakhalin II pipeline route in the north. Sakhalin Energy has put measures in place to minimise adverse impacts of the Sakhalin II project on these birds. In addition, their nests got additional protection from damage by brown bears. Monitoring of the population showed that the number of birds increased during the monitoring period.

Other rare birds such as Siberian spruce grouses and ancient murrelets are also under monitoring. They were monitored to determine their numbers and migration corridors between the coastal zones and nesting areas inside the island.