Construction Principles

• Nabucco Gas Pipeline International GmbH (NIC) will follow international standards for the construction of pipeline systems
• NIC will always seek to minimise the impact of construction on the surrounding environment, property, farmland and other local land developments by using modern construction and mitigation techniques to protect land along the pipeline route and in the vicinity of associated facilities
• NIC will employ Construction and Environmental Managers to work with the Construction Contractors to verify compliance with permits, land easement agreements and adherence to these construction principles
• NIC will aim to minimise both short-term and long-term disruption to land users, landowners and their property. Although overall pipeline construction will take many months to complete, NIC will aim for construction on individual properties to typically last only a few months
• NIC will work with landowners and land users to develop plans to minimise temporary disruption by agreeing new access routes for farm equipment and/or livestock. Should unexpected circumstances occur during construction, NIC will seek to inform and engage with the affected parties to ensure that they are advised of potential disruption and that appropriate mitigation is agreed
• NIC will be responsible for the restoration of land and structure (drainage ditches, irrigation and roadways) needed as a result of construction.  However, in cases where reconstruction is not feasible (i.e. forests), NIC will work with landowners ahead of construction to negotiate fair and reasonable compensation
• Agents for NIC will work with landowners to ensure that land restoration and other reinstatement activities have been completed in accordance to environmental permits and commitments made by NIC. Once the pipeline is in place, landowners will generally be able to use the land the way it was used before.  For example, farmers will be able to grow crops over the easement with minimal restrictions and land within the easement can be used for recreational purposes. However, planting of large trees, erection of buildings or deep excavations over the pipe will be prohibited
• The construction of Above Ground Facilities, such as compressor stations, will require permanent occupation of the relatively small areas of land associated with these facilities. NIC will purchase the land freehold or on a long term lease arrangement and will work closely with the land users and landowners to negotiate fair and reasonable compensation
• Restrictions are included in pipeline easement agreements for pipeline safety and maintenance access. Landowners and land users will be able to contact NIC for guidance on permitted activities within easements
• Upon completion, the pipeline will operate quietly and relatively unnoticed beneath farmland, parks, roads and local community lands with minimal impact to the environment or property
• Temporary facilities will be operational during the construction phase of the Project and will consist of pipe storage and lay down yards, plant and equipment storage and maintenance facilities, construction camps for the accommodation of construction employees, emergency response and waste management facilities
• Temporary facilities will be managed to meet all Project requirements with regards to health, safety, security and the environment. Upon completion, the temporary facilities will be decommissioned and removed and the land reinstated to its former condition