Reply #8: Ecologists say experts reject Siberian oil route

[EuroObserver]

MOSCOW, Jan 25 (Reuters) - A state-convened group of experts has rejected the proposed route for a key Russian oil pipeline to Asia because it would threaten Siberia's pristine Lake Baikal, ecological groups said late on Tuesday.

WWF and Greenpeace said 40 of the 52 experts whose opinion was canvassed by the government's technical supervisory committee (Rostekhnadzor) said the pipeline went too close to Baikal, and must be moved outside its catchment zone.

The decision could prove a blow for oil pipeline monopoly Transneft (TRNF_p.RTS: Quote, Profile, Research) which has been pushing the line as a way to expand exports to the Far East. Analysts said, however, it would not stop the pipe going ahead in some form.

"Until today it seemed that the oilmen and the traders in natural resources of our country had occupied all the authorities in Russia," Greenpeace said in a statement.

"It appears that is not the case, therefore there is hope that the situation in the country could improve."
...
The pipeline is due to deliver 80 million tonnes of oil a year (1.6 million barrels per day) to Asian markets and would be key to Russian plans to circumvent bottlenecks in selling its key export.

President Vladimir Putin, who is very sensitive to criticism, in July accused environmentalists of trying to stop the pipeline because they are in the pay of Western competitors.

/more ...