South Stream transport gets permit to build South Stream gas pipeline

Russia's Ministry of Construction and Housing and Municipal Services has issued a permit to the South Stream transport company to build South Stream gas pipeline, the company said in a release.

According to this document, the company is free to start preparatory work on the seashore as specified in the project documentation, Itar-tass has reported.

Under Russian law, a permit for laying underwater cables in inland and territorial waters of Russia and pipelines in the continental part of the country must also be given by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection.

This permit makes it possible to commence the construction of technical infrastructure, all ground pipeline routes and four microtunnels. Thanks to these tunnels, there won't be any construction work in the vicinity of the coast, which will allow for the preservation of natural landscapes of the Russian seaside.

Gazprom reported on Tuesday that South Stream Transport had started preparing a construction site near the Russian city of Anapa on the Black Sea coast to provide approach roads, enable the delivery of construction machinery, equipment and materials, and put measures in place to protect rare animals and plants.