Protecting the environment and preserving nature

Safety and environmental protection were the primary factors that determined the planning work and construction of the pipeline link. Special attention was devoted to avoiding and minimizing any environmental impacts. Here are some of the key considerations that went into the planning and design:

• Selection of a route with minimal ecological impact. The chosen solution was designed to avoid a number of potential problems in the natural environment: breeding grounds for water birds, high-tide roosts, areas of natural silt build-up and raised mudflats remained untouched.

• Ocean-side construction was carried out during a period of reduced sensitivity to disturbances.
• The time required for construction was reduced by selecting
  a proven pipeline system.
• Zero discharge method: during the horizontal drilling operations, cuttings and drilling mud was collected on the
  work pontoons and then returned to the mainland for appropriate disposal.
• All project participants were required to adhere to work instructions that were specially developed in order to safeguard the natural environment. Detailed reporting was put in place to track all operational stages, and to ensure adherence to the conditions imposed by the planning approval notice.
• Noise emissions were minimized using the latest noise abatement technology available.Transportation by ship in the Wattenmeer area was confined to an absolute minimum.
• Since its commissioning, continual monitoring of the pipeline has been responsible for ensuring operational safety.

Drilling work at dusk