WWF: BTC Carries Risk for Environment
In a statement issued on May 25 the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Caucasus office said that despite its political and economic importance, the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline ?is not safe from the environment point of view? especially the pipeline?s 17-km long portion, which lies through Georgia?s Borjomi Valley.
The statement says that BP, which led construction of this multi-billion pipeline, which was officially opened on May 25 in Baku, has not examined in details the possible alternative routes, bypassing Borjomi Valley, famous with its mineral water and the region, which carries a risk for landslides.
According to the WWF Caucasus office society was not well-informed about the facts of safety flaws during the BTC construction, involving reports about cracking of a vital anti-corrosion coating used to protect pipeline joints.
The WWF also complains that it was impossible to hold a constructive dialogue with the BP over these problems and reiterates that despite ?unprecedented? safety measures undertaken during the construction process, the pipeline still carries a risk for the region?s ecology.
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