ESIA Italy – Non Technical Summary - Trans Adriatic Pipeline

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Ordering Unit: Trans Adriatic Pipeline AG
Owner:
Environmental Resources Management
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0020
Rev: 00
Project Title:
Trans Adriatic Pipeline – TAP
Document Title:
ESIA Italy –
Non Technical Summary
Rev. Purpose of Issue Remark/Description Orig. Date
00 Issued for Implementation BEL 2012-03-13
CONTRACTOR
Originator Checked Approved
COMPANY
Name/Signature
Bertolè,
Lorenzo
Strøm,
Øyvind
Falkeid,
Svein Erik Accepted on Accepted on
Date 2012-03-13 2012-03-13 2012-03-13 2012-03-09 2012-03-09
Org. / Dept. ERM STATOIL STATOIL
Document Status Preliminary Checked Approved
Accepted
(Commercial)
Accepted
(Technical)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION 5
1.1 Project Understanding and Overview 5
1.2 Project Proponent 6
1.3 ESIA Requirements 6
1.4 ESIA Process 7
2 PROJECT JUSTIFICATION 8
2.1 Project Background and Objectives 8
2.2 Project Alternatives 8
2.2.1 No Project Alternative 8
2.2.2 Route Alternatives 9
2.2.3 Base Case Route Optimisation 11
3 LEGAL FRAMEWORK 13
3.1 International Requirements 13
3.2 International Conventions 13
3.3 European Union Legislation 13
3.4 National Italian Legislation 14
3.4.1 Urban and Regional Planning Instruments 15
3.4.2 Regulatory Constraints 16
3.4.3 Offshore Legal Framework 16
3.5 ESIA Development and Approval Process 17
4 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 18
4.1 Introduction 18
4.2 Project Overview 18
4.2.1 Project Components 18
4.3 Construction Phase 21
4.3.1 Landfall (Offshore Microtunnel) 21
4.3.2 Offshore Pipeline 23
4.3.3 Onshore Pipeline 23
4.3.4 Onshore Microtunnel 25
4.3.5 PRT 25
4.3.6 Pre-commissioning Phase 26
4.4 Operational Phase 26
4.4.1 Pipeline Control 26
4.4.2 PRT Metering Stations 27
4.5 Overall Duration and Timing 27
4.6 Decommissioning 27
5 ESIA APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY 28
5.1 Impact Assessment Methodology 29
6 ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL BASELINE 31
6.1 Introduction 31
6.2 Offshore Physical Environment 31
6.3 Offshore Biological Environment 35

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6.4 Offshore Socioeconomic and Cultural Heritage Environment 38
6.4.1 Harbours, Marine Traffic and Fishery 38
6.4.2 Archaeology 39
6.5 Onshore Physical Environment 39
6.5.1 Climate and Ambient air quality 40
6.5.2 Acoustic Environment 41
6.5.3 Surface Water and Groundwater 42
6.5.4 Geology, Geomorphology and Soil Quality 43
6.5.5 Landscape and Visual Amenity 43
6.6 Onshore Biological Environment 45
6.6.1 Flora and vegetation 45
6.6.2 Fauna and Ecosystems 45
6.6.3 The System of Protected Areas 45
6.7 Socioeconomic Environment 46
6.7.1 Summary of Findings 46
6.8 Onshore Cultural Heritage 48
6.8.1 Summary of Findings 49
7 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND PROJECT RESPONSE 50
8 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 52
8.1 Introduction 52
8.2 Offshore Physical Environment 52
8.2.1 Oceanography and water quality 52
8.2.2 Climate and Air Quality 54
8.2.3 Seabed Geology and Morphology 55
8.3 Offshore Biological Environment 56
8.3.1 Designated Sites and Sensitive Habitats 56
8.3.2 Nutrients and Plankton 58
8.3.3 Marine Benthos 58
8.3.4 Fish and Other Free-Swimming Organisms 59
8.3.5 Marine Mammals and Reptiles 60
8.3.6 Seabirds 61
8.4 Offshore Socioeconomic and Cultural Heritage Environment 61
8.4.1 Marine Traffic 61
8.4.2 Fishery 61
8.4.3 Archaeology 62
8.5 Onshore Physical Environment 62
8.5.1 Air quality 62
8.5.2 Acoustic Environment 65
8.5.3 Surface and Groundwater 66
8.5.4 Geology, Geomorphology and Soil 68
8.5.5 Landscape and Visual Amenity 69
8.6 Onshore Biological Environment 70
8.6.1 Flora and Vegetation 70
8.6.2 Fauna 71
8.6.3 Protected Areas 71
8.7 Onshore Socioeconomic Environment 71
8.8 Onshore Cultural Heritage 73
8.8.1 Construction and Pre-commissioning Phase 73
8.8.2 Operations and Maintenance Phase 74
8.8.3 Decommissioning Phase 74

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8.9 Cumulative Impacts 74
8.10 Transboundary Impacts 75
9 ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING 76
Annex 1
Map
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0001 – Section 1 Introduction
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0002 – Section 2 Project Justification
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0003 – Section 3 Legal Framework
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0004 – Section 4 Project Description
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0005 – Section 5 ESIA Approach and Methodology
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0006 – Section 6 Environmental, Social and Cultural Baseline
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0007 – Section 7 Stakeholder Engagement and Project Response
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0008 – Section 8 Assessment of Impacts and Mitigation Measures
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0009 – Section 9 Environmental & Social Management and Monitoring
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0010 – Annex 1 Scoping Advice from MoE
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0011 – Annex 2 Labour, Health and Safety Legislation in Italy
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0012 – Annex 3 Main Legislation on Energy and Gas Sector
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0013 – Annex 4 Soil Management Plan
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0014 – Annex 5 Baseline Data and Maps
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0015 – Annex 6 ESIA Baseline and Impact Assessment Methodology
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0016 – Annex 7 Landscape Impact Assessment
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0017 – Annex 8 Appropriate Assessment on Natura 2000 Sites
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0018 – Annex 9 Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures
CAL00-ERM-643-S-TAE-0019 – Annex 10 References, Acronyms and Abbreviations

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1 INTRODUCTION
This report presents the Non-Technical Summary of the Environmental and Social Impact
Assessment (ESIA) related to the Italian section of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) Project.
1.1 Project Understanding and Overview
The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) is a natural gas pipeline project which provides a new gas
transportation route between the Caspian Region and Southern and Central Europe. TAP will
transport gas via Greece and Albania and across the Adriatic Sea to southern Italy, thence to
Western Europe. The project is aimed at enhancing security of supply as well as diversifying gas
supplies for European markets. Moreover, TAP has incorporated provisions to accommodate
physical reverse flow.
TAP will initially have a capacity of 10 billion cubic metres per year (bcm/year). As more gas
becomes available, TAP will have the capacity to cater for an additional 10 Billion Cubic Meters
(BCM) per annum of new gas, expanding to 20 BCM as required.
Figure 1-1 Trans Adriatic Pipeline Project Location
Source: TAP AG (2011)
TAP is approximately 800 km long, (Greece 478 km, Albania 204 km, offshore 105 km, Italy 4.9
km).

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The shareholders of TAP AG (see Section 1.2) have specifically designed TAP to transport gas
available from Shah Deniz II gas field in the Caspian Sea and to be in alignment with the
schedule of this development.
Figure 1-2 Trans Adriatic Pipeline Project (red line) and Shah Deniz II gas field location
Source: TAP AG (2011)
1.2 Project Proponent
The shareholder structure of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline project comprises of Swiss EGL (42.5%),
Norwegian Statoil (42.5%) and German E.ON Ruhrgas (15%).
1.3 ESIA Requirements
The D. Lgs 152/06, as modified by D. Lgs 4/08 and D.Lgs. 128/10, lists all the activities subject to
a EIA Procedure (Environmental Impact Assessment Procedure) at both a national and regional
level.
The TAP Project falls under Annex II to Section 2 of the mentioned D.Lgs 152/06:
• point 9) - Condutture di diametro superiore a 800 mm e di lunghezza superiore a 40 km; per il
trasporto di gas, petrolio e prodotti chimici, e; per il trasporto dei flussi di biossido di carbonio
(CO2 ) ai fini dello stoccaggio geologico, comprese le relative stazioni di spinta intermedie
(pipelines with a diameter greater than 800 mm and length greater than 40 km for gas, oil
chemical product transportation and for CO 2 transportation for its geological storage, including
intermediate compressor stations)
and therefore it is included in the activities to be submitted in a national EIA.

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The Environmental Impact Assessment has been developed according to the specific
requirements set by Italian Regulations on EIA (DPCM 27/12/1988 and D.Lgs. 152/2006 as
modified by D. Lgs 4/08 and D.Lgs. 128/10).
In addition, the ESIA has been prepared following international best practice as per EBRD
(European Bank for Reconstruction and Development) standards.
Together with the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Study (ESIA) and the Project
Basic Design, this Non-Technical Summary (NTS) constitutes the documents to activate the EIA
procedure.
1.4 ESIA Process
As an initial step of the ESIA process, TAP has undertaken ESIA scoping procedure (in
compliance with Italian legislation and International Best Practice as per EBRD standards) to
establish key issues for the Project and to define the full scope of the ESIA.
TAP AG applied for the Italian Scoping Procedure (voluntary procedure under art. 21 of D.Lgs
152/06 and further amendments) in May 2011.
The scoping documentation was disclosed to stakeholders (details are reported in Section 7).
The Official Scoping Opinion was issued by the Italian Ministry of Environment in November 2011
(Opinion n. 790 dated 4th November 2011, fully reported in Annex 1 of the ESIA).
The ESIA has been developed considering the main comments of stakeholders and the Scoping
Opinion of the Italian Ministry of Environment.

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2 PROJECT JUSTIFICATION
2.1 Project Background and Objectives
The Southern Gas Corridor is the term used by the European Commission to describe planned
infrastructure projects bringing gas from Caspian and Middle Eastern sources to Europe aimed at
improving security of supply. The TAP Project supports Europe in achieving its strategic goal of
securing further gas supplies and meeting growing energy needs. The TAP Project offers a
realistic opportunity in the form of an alternative transportation route which will open the Southern
Gas Corridor. It will be the shortest gas transit route of all the European pipeline projects
currently being supported by the EU within the Southern Corridor.
The TAP will contribute to the security and diversification of Europe’s energy supply by providing
the necessary infrastructure to transport gas from the Shah Deniz II field in Azerbaijan when
production begins in early 2018. The TAP Project is supported by financially stable and strong
shareholders. The TAP Project will require no funding from subsidies or from any of the
governments of the host countries. The TAP can deliver substantial benefits in terms of
significant investment in the countries through which it passes. The European Union recognised
the project under the so-called TEN-E (Trans-European Energy Networks) guidelines as a
Project of Common Interest for the European Union’s overall energy policy objectives.
2.2 Project Alternatives
The TAP route in Italy was selected following an extensive and thorough route alternatives
assessment process performed by TAP in order to select a technically feasible pipeline route with
the least environmental, socioeconomic and cultural heritage impacts.
Upon selection of the preferred route, Alternative 0 (or ‘base case’), a process of route refinement
commenced in order to optimise the route.
The ESIA summarises the route alternatives assessment performed by TAP in order to select the
“base case” route and considers the “No Project Alternative,” as well as base case optimisation.
2.2.1 No Project Alternative
The TAP project is a strategic asset in the Southern Gas Corridor and a priority energy
infrastructure for the EU, as defined in the proposal for a Regulation on "Guidelines for trans-
European energy infrastructure" (19 October 2011). The Guidelines' aim is to expand European
energy infrastructure and to interconnect networks across borders to meet EU core energy policy
objectives of competitiveness, sustainability and security of supply.

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The Southern Corridor is identified in the EU “Communication on energy infrastructure priorities
for 2020 and beyond” (adopted on 17 November 2010).
The No Project Alternative in the Southern Corridor development would mean that no gas would
be supplied from Azerbaijan through Greece, Albania and then Italy to the European Union gas
network; therefore, none of the resulting benefits from the construction and operation of this
infrastructure would occur.
2.2.2 Route Alternatives
A total of five alternative route options (Figure 2-1) were investigated during the Basic
Engineering phase of the Project:
• Alternative 0 Landfall north of San Foca;
• Alternative 1 Landfall north of the village of Lindinuso;
• Alternative 2 Landfall at the Cerano Power Plant;
• Alternative 3 Landfall at the Petrochemical Plant; and
• Alternative 4 Landfall north of Casale Airport (Brindisi).

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Figure 2-1 Project Alternatives
Source: ERM SpA (January 2012)
Following international best practice, TAP began a review of the routing in 2008 and conducted
an assessment of the alternatives during 2009-2011. The objectives of this process were
threefold:
• Identify the optimal route;
• Identify measures to minimize residual environmental, social and cultural heritage impacts;
• Engage national, regional and local authorities and the populations at large.
The landfall alternatives were assessed as follows:

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• Alternatives 1and 2 were found not to be feasible due to crossing a Natura 2000 protected
area (Posidonia oceanica);
• Alternative 3 was found not to be feasible from a construction and safety point of view since it
will pass through an area with extensive industry infrastructure and buildings associated with
the existing industrial complex of Brindisi (the Polimeri Europa and Basell chemical and
refinery plants). This alternative may also interferes with a Natura 2000 protected area
(Posidonia oceanica) and passes through areas of heavy soil contamination.
• Alternative 4 interferes with future land-use plans of the Municipality of Brindisi and is
therefore no longer a viable alternative.
Alternative 0 represents the only feasible solution in terms of technical viability, safety and
environmental, socioeconomic, land-use and cultural heritage impacts, because:
• it does not interfere with offshore and onshore protected areas;
• it will be designed not to interfere with tourism infrastructure;
• the onshore route lies within agriculture areas.
For the above reasons Alternative 0 was considered the best option and chosen as the Project
“base case” route.
Originally Project Alternative 0 optimised was 21 km in length from the landfall to the tie-in with
the Snam Rete Gas Network, but on the basis of a new agreement between TAP and Snam Rete
Gas (SRG), it was decided to terminate the TAP Italian onshore route at the Pipeline Receiving
Terminal (kp 4.910), while the other section of the alternative will fall under the responsibility of
SRG. For this reason this ESIA considers only this shortened route.
2.2.3 Base Case Route Optimisation
The Alternative 0 pipeline route was optimized as follows:
• A few very slight adjustments were introduced based on updated cadastral maps, in order to
guarantee safe distance from buildings and to reduce as much as possible the number of
land parcels affected by service easement;
• Pipeline Receiving Terminal (PRT) location assessment;

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• A minor rerouting was designed after the choice of the final PRT location and local
stakeholder engagement.
• A landfall microtunnel extension was introduced to avoid any impacts on coastal cliffs and on
nearshore sea grass resources or conflicts with possible future tourism development.

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3 LEGAL FRAMEWORK
The scope of Legislative Framework for the ESIA is to describe the programs and planning
currently in force and to analyse the regulatory constraints related to the proposed Project.
The following sections contain a summary of the planning instruments and regulatory constraints
analysed.
The result of the analysis highlighted that the Project is in compliance with the planning
instruments and regulatory requirements in force.
3.1 International Requirements
In its commitment to the environment and the community, TAP has adopted the European Bank
for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Performance Requirements (PR) and standards as
the main international standards for compliance during the execution of Project activities. The
EBRD PR make reference to other international best practice guidelines such as those of the
International Finance Corporation (IFC) and World Bank. In summary, the Project will address the
following policies, where appropriate:
• EBRD Environmental and Social Policy 2008 (including Performance Requirements [PRs] 1-
10);
• EBRD Public Information Policy 2008;
• IFC Performance Standard 1, Social and Environmental Assessment and Management
Systems, April 2006; and
• IFC, Environmental, Health and Safety General Guidelines 2007.
3.2 International Conventions
Among the main conventions and agreements which Italy has signed and/or ratified, the UN
Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context (Espoo
Convention issued in 1991) is the most relevant to the Project. The directive stipulates the
obligations of contracting countries (countries that ratified the Convention) to assess the
transboundary environmental impacts of a project at an early stage of planning. The process of
notification and consultation with the affected parties is driven by the competent authority.
3.3 European Union Legislation
The European Union (EU) energy and gas sector framework includes the following documents:

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• European Union strategies included in two White Papers published in 1995 and 1997, and in
one Green Paper published in 2006.
• The “Intelligent Energy - Europe Program” for the period 2007-2013.
• The “Energy and Climate Change Package 20-20-20” approved on 17 December 2008.
• Directive 2003/55/EC concerning common rules for the internal market in natural gas and
repealing Directive 98/30/EC.
• Decision n.1229/2003/EC laying down a series of guidelines for trans-European energy
networks and repealing Decision n. 1254/96/EC.
The EU environmental framework includes the following subjects:
•
• Environmental Impact Assessment Directive (Directive 85/337/EEC);
• Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Directive (Directive 96/61/EC replaced by
Directive 2008/1/EC);
• Waste Management (Directive 2008/98/EC);
• Air Emissions (Directive 2008/01/EC);
• Air Emissions Quality (Directive 2008/50/EC);
• Water Framework Directive (Directive 2000/60/EC);
• Noise Directive (Directive 2000/14/EC);
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Directive 2003/87/EC); and
• Habitats and Birds Directives (Directive 92/43/EC and Directive 2009/147/EC).
3.4 National Italian Legislation
The basic Italian Environmental Legislation is composed of laws and legislative decrees:
• Legislative Decree 152 of 3 April 2006 "Norme in materia ambientale" (“Environmental
Regulation”) and further amendments;
• Legislative Decree 155 of 13 August 2010 “Qualità dell'aria ambiente - Attuazione direttiva
2008/50/EC” (“Ambient air quality standards – Directive 2008/50/EC”);
• Law n. 447 of 26 October 1995 “Legge quadro sull'inquinamento acustico” (Law on acoustic
pollution);
• Law n. 357 of 8 September 1997, modified by several laws in particular Law n. 120 of 12
March 2003, which defines the procedure of “Appropriate Assessment” (“Valutazione
d’Incidenza"); and

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• Legislative Decree 42 of 22 January 2004 “Codice dei beni culturali e del paesaggio” (“Law
on Cultural Heritage and Landscape”).
The Regional Law n. 14/2007 on “Apulia landscape and monumental olive trees safeguard” must
be mentioned in regards to the management of cultural resources. The law protects monumental
olive trees, even if isolated, due to their importance for agriculture production and their historic
and cultural relevance in regional landscape characteristics.
Currently, there is no specific Italian legislation on social impact assessment. References to
social issues and to the evaluation of social impacts are contained in the main Italian legislative
sources for the environmental and social impacts procedure and methodology for the
performance of the environmental assessment (D.Lgs 152/2006 and DPCM 27 December 1988).
3.4.1 Urban and Regional Planning Instruments
The planning instruments analysed relating to the proposed Project are:
• Apulia Region Coastal Plan (PRC- acronym for the Italian name), adopted through
Deliberation of the Regional Council n. 1392 of 28 July 2009.
• Apulia Region Water Protection Plan (PTA), approved through Deliberation of the Regional
Council n. 677 of 20 October 2009.
• Apulia Region Hydrogeologic Planning (PAI - acronym for the Italian name) approved through
Deliberation of the Institutional Committee on 30 November 2005.
• Landscape territorial planning instruments:
o Thematic Territorial Urban Planning (PUTT/p - acronym for the Italian name).
o Regional Landscape and Territorial Plan (PPTR - acronym for the Italian name).
• Provincial Territorial Coordination Plan (PTCP - acronym for the Italian name) of the province
of Lecce.
• Municipalities Urban Planning of Melendugno, approved by Regional Deliberations n. 1691
dated 28 November 2001, and Municipalities Urban Planning of Vernole, approved by
Regional Deliberation n. 5484 dated 24 September 1975.
• Regional Transport Plan (PRT), prepared by the Region Councillorship for Mobility in
accordance with the principles set forth by Art. 7 of Regional Law 18/2002.

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3.4.2 Regulatory Constraints
The regulatory constraints analyzed in the area surrounding the pipeline are:
• Protected areas. The definition of the pipeline route has been conducted in order to avoid
interference with the system of protected areas, such as Sites of Community Importance
(SCI), Special Protection Areas (SPA) and Important Bird Areas (IBA), ensuring that no
protected area will be crossed by the pipeline. Some areas of interest are found nearby/within
the study area.
• Landscape constraints. The following landscape constraints are found within the study area:
o Coastal and Territorial area of Melendugno and Coastal and Territorial area of Vernole,
established by Ministerial Decree dated 01 December 1970 and acknowledged by Decree
42/2004 (Art.136).
o Constrained area established by Decree 42/2004 (as per ex Law Galasso) and included in
PUTT/p, due to landscape and environmental values.
o Forest area, within the Municipality of Melendugno, included in the PUTT/p and constrained
by Decree 42/2004 (Art. 142).
3.4.3 Offshore Legal Framework
The basic Italian Offshore Legislation applicable to the TAP Project is composed of the following
laws and legislative decrees:
• Law n. 220 of 28 February 1992, “Interventi per la Difesa del Mare” (Projects for sea
defence);
• Ministerial Decree of 24 January 1996 (“Directives on the preliminary activities for the
issuance of permits under Article 11 of Law n. 319 of 10 May 1976, and subsequent
amendments thereto, concerning dumping in the sea or in areas contiguous to it, excavation
of materials from the depths of brackish or marine or coastal emerged land, as well as from
all other movement of sediment in the marine environment”);
• Legislative Decree 190 of 13 October 2010, “Ambiente marino - Quadro per l'azione
comunitaria” (“Marine Environment – Community Actions”);
• Law n. 41 of 17 February 1982 “Plan for Rationalization and Development of Marine Fishing;”
• Law n. 963/1965 and Law n. 639/1968 (regarding Marine Biological Protection Zone).

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3.5 ESIA Development and Approval Process
Current Italian environmental Legislation (Decree 152/2006 - Decreto Legislativo “Norme in
materia ambientale“ as modified by Decree 4/2008 and Decree 128/2010) in effect lists all the
activities subject to an ESIA procedure and requires the developer to prepare a formal
Environmental Impact Assessment Report to be submitted to the Italian Ministry of Environment
(MoE) and to the relevant Region(s), Province(s) and Municipality(ies). The ESIA Report must be
prepared according to Annex VII of Decree 152/2006, as modified by Decree 4/2008 and Decree
128/2010.
In order to comply with EBRD guidelines, the TAP Project EIA also includes a specific Social
Assessment and a Stakeholders Engagement.

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4 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
4.1 Introduction
The pipeline system in Italy consists of an approximately 45-km offshore pipeline, an
approximately 5-km onshore pipeline, and a Pipeline Receiving Terminal (also referred to as
PRT) mostly located in the municipality of Melendugno and in a small part in the municipality of
Vernole, in the province of Lecce. The pipeline system has an initial capacity of 10 billion cubic
metres (bcm) of natural gas per year (around 1,190,000 standard cubic metres per hour) which
could be extended to 20 bcm (around 2,380,000 standard cubic metres per hour).
The pipeline landfall will be on the coast between San Foca and Torre Specchia Ruggeri in the
municipality of Melendugno.
The pipeline will connect with the Italian gas network (Snam Rete Gas) immediately after the
PRT.
Map 1 shows the TAP route and the location of associated facilities.
4.2 Project Overview
4.2.1 Project Components
The pipeline system in Italy will basically be composed of the following main installations, listed
from the Adriatic Sea median line to the PRT:
• A sub-sea 36” pipeline from the Adriatic Sea median line to the Italian landfall, approximately
45 km long;
• A landfall microtunnel, approximately 1,335 m long (estimated, kp 0.000);
• A buried cross-country 36” pipeline from the landfall to the Pipeline Receiving Terminal
(PRT), approximately 4,910 km long;
• A preliminary proposed onshore microtunnel, approximately 320 m long (kp 0.350);
• A landfall block valve station (BVS at kp 0.840);
• The Pipeline Receiving Terminal (PRT) (kp 4.910 from landfall); and
• Associated facilities required during construction (access roads, construction, pipe yards,
etc.).

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Box 4-1
The Kilometre Point
For easy identification of the onshore pipeline components, their location is defined in this ESIA by the
kilometre point (kp), where kp 0 is the tie-in from the onshore and the offshore pipeline at the starting
point of the onshore microtunnel. So kp represents the pipeline length in kilometres from the onshore
microtunnel starting point.
4.2.1.1 Offshore Pipeline
The offshore pipeline crosses the Adriatic Sea and travels from the Albanian coast to the shore
approach in Italy. It will have a diameter of 36” and a 145 barg design pressure. The pipeline
enters Italian territory in the middle of the Strait of Otranto at a maximum water depth of 820
metres.
At about 95 m below the surface, the almost direct route across the deepest part of the Adriatic
Sea is diverted slightly westward in order to approach the Italian coast with a straight line
alignment perpendicular to the shoreline.
The section of the route closest to the shore, approximately 2,500 m long, runs on a gentle and
regular upward slope (< 3%) to reach a narrow calcarenite beach located in an area north of San
Foca village (Municipality of Melendugno).
4.2.1.2 Landfall
The landfall will be constructed using microtunnelling technology to minimise interference with the
coastline. Microtunnelling is a process that uses a remotely controlled Microtunnel Boring
Machine (MTBM) combined with the pipe jacking technique to install concrete jacking pipes
directly.
The rectilinear section in the proximity of the coast, as in this site, is needed in order to install the
pipeline inside the landfall microtunnel by means of a pull-in from barge method.
The preliminary microtunnel design is approximately 1,335 m long, circular with an external
diameter of 2.5 m.
The landfall microtunnel also allows crossing of the only important road intersected by the
planned pipeline route, Provincial Road SP n. 366.

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4.2.1.3 Onshore Pipeline
The onshore pipeline (approximately 4.9 km long from the landfall to the Pipeline Receiving
Terminal) runs east to west in the Salento Peninsula, in the sector to the southeast of Lecce,
entirely within the Municipality of Melendugno (Province of Lecce).
The location of the buried onshore gas pipeline is shown in Map 1.
The minimum cover depth for the pipeline will be 1.5 m in regular sections. A wooded area (pine
forest) approximately 350 metres downstream from the landfall is planned to be crossed by
digging a microtunnel with a circular section, approximately 320 m long and with an internal
diameter of 1.6-2 m.
4.2.1.4 Block valve station
A Block Valve Station (BVS) will be installed close to the pipeline landfall. The purpose of the
BVS is to enable the isolation of the offshore pipeline from the onshore pipeline for maintenance
and safety purposes.
The block valve is unmanned and contains a small cabinet with a fence to avoid any interference.
The BVS will be remotely operated from a control centre in the PRT through a fibre-optic cable
communication system and will be connected to the local power grid.
4.2.1.5 Pipeline Receiving Terminal
The Pipeline Receiving Terminal (PRT) will be the end point of the TAP pipeline and will
constitute the connection with the Italian national grid owned and operated by Snam Rete Gas
S.p.A (SRG). The main functions of the PRT will be to:
• Receive the gas and inline maintenance equipment (PIGS);
• Control pressure and temperature to meet grid requirements;
• Measure the flow for fiscal requirements;
• Transfer custody of the gas to SRG;
• Meet safe venting requirements during maintenance and emergencies; and
• Control the operation of the entire pipeline, isolation valves, compressor stations and the
functions at the PRT.
The PRT will consist of three identical processing trains; each train will provide coarse filtration
and heating and will control gas pressure and a final filtration step.

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After the processing trains, the gas will then be sent to the fiscal metering and delivered into SRG
network.
In the initial phase (10 bmc/y), two processing trains will be in operation while a third one will be
used as a common spare. In case TAP capacity is expanded to 20 bmc/y in future, two additional
trains will be provided, and a single train will be used as a common spare for the entire system.
Each process train will have a design capacity of 5 bcm/year.
The PRT will be equipped with a depressurisation system for emergency venting. The vent
system will be composed of a cold vent stack, as the gas is lighter than air and will disperse
quickly. The gas will be free of odour, and its dispersion will not have an impact on the
surrounding environment.
4.3 Construction Phase
4.3.1 Landfall (Offshore Microtunnel)
A temporary worksite is needed for the construction of the offshore microtunnel and will have an
area of 10,000 m 2 . The temporary worksite will also be used for the pre-commissioning of the
offshore pipeline.
Microtunnelling is a process that uses a remotely controlled Microtunnel Boring Machine (MTBM)
combined with the pipe jacking technique to directly install concrete jacking pipes in order to
install an underground microtunnel and the pipeline inside, as shown in Figure 4-1.

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Figure 4-1 Offshore Microtunnel
Source: ERM SpA (January 2012)
The landfall microtunnel will be the first of the construction activities to be carried out.
The microtunnelling activities will consist of the following phases:
• Launch shaft excavation: required to ensure correct alignment of the microtunnel; heavy
equipment, such as excavators and trucks, will be used for this task;
• Microtunnel Excavation: typical Microtunnel equipment spread consists mainly of a hydraulic
jacking system to jack the pipe, a closed loop slurry system to remove the excavated tunnel
debris, a slurry cleaning system to remove the debris from the slurry water, a crane to load
and unload the concrete casing, and an electrical supply to power all of the above equipment.
The microtunnel will be 1,335 m in length;
• Pre-dredging and MTBM recovery: the recovery of the drilling head at the exit points requires
dredging work. The trench work will be approximately 120 m in length.

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4.3.2 Offshore Pipeline
The offshore pipe laying is a sequential pipe construction and installation process on the pipe
laying vessel or barge. Pipe joints (approximately 12.2-m pipe sections) are typically transported
by supply vessels from the support port to the pipe laying barge/vessel. Following alignment on
the laying barge, the pipe joints are welded together into one long pipe string and then safely
installed under tension to the seabed.
The pipeline installation will be carried out after the landfall microtunnel is completed. The
pipeline installation in the microtunnel will be performed by means of a direct pull-in from an
offshore pipe laying barge or vessel positioned outside the landfall microtunnel.
The offshore pipe laying operation is typically carried out at a rate of 2/3 km of pipe laid per day.
A safety zone of about 2 - 3 km radius will be adopted to avoid incident with marine traffic. The
delivery of pipes, supply and water and the crew change are assigned to specific vessels.
4.3.3 Onshore Pipeline
4.3.3.1 Layout and Configuration
Trench digging operations and pipeline assembly require opening the Working Strip.
The overall width of the normal Working Strip will be 26 m, one Working Strip side approximately
11 m wide for stockpiling of material excavated from the trench and a strip approximately 15 m
wide to allow pipeline assembly and transit of vehicles/machinery required for pipeline
construction on the other side.
A reduced Working Strip, 22 m wide, will be applied where requested in the pipeline design due
to special environmental conditions, such as olive tree constraints.
A typical cross section of the construction working width and a reduced Working Strip is shown in
Figure 4-2 and Figure 4-3.

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Figure 4-2
Standard Working Strip
26 m
Excavated
Material
Topsoil
Source: Saipem SpA (October 2011)
Figure 4-3
Reduced Working Strip
22 m
Excavated
Material
Topsoil
Source: Saipem SpA (October 2011)
Onshore pipeline construction is a sequential process and comprises a number of distinct
operations, typically broken down into manageable lengths called “spreads,” and utilises highly
specialised and qualified workgroups. Each spread is composed of various crews, each
specialising in one activity. As one crew completes its activity at a position, the next crew moves
in to complete its function.
Main onshore pipeline construction activities anticipated for this Project are:
• Preparation of the Working Strip, Topsoil Stripping and Grading: topographic and
photographic records will be made of the existing condition of the pipeline route and access
roads. These records will be used as the standards against which the quality of the
restoration work will be judged when construction work is completed. Monumental olive trees
will be prepared for transplanting in this phase if necessary;

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• Pipe stringing and Pipe bending along the working corridor: the pipeline will be constructed
from approximately 12- to 18-m long sections of steel pipe. The individual sections will be
transported to the Working Strip from the pipe storage yard at the construction site;
• Pipe welding: the individual sections of pipe will be welded together to form the pipeline;
• Joint coating: completed after the welds have been checked, tested and approved;
• Trench digging: the onshore pipeline will be laid in a trench generally around 2 m deep. The
trench will be approximately 1.6 -1.8 m wide at the base and will be excavated to the requisite
depth by an excavator;
• Pipe laying and Backfilling: the welded pipeline will be lowered into the trench. All rock will be
removed from the trench prior to the lowering-in operation. In areas of rocky terrain, sand or
sieved backfill material will be placed in the bottom of the trench and on both sides of the pipe
for protection purposes. Backfill will normally be placed over the pipeline immediately after
the pipe section has been lowered into the trench;
• Reinstatement: after completion of backfill, the restoration operation will begin. The removed
top soil will be placed back on the working corridor. The original contours of the land will be
restored as closely as possible. As part of the restoration process, all equipment access
crossings will be removed. Dry stone wall will be reinstated. The Monumental Olive trees will
be re-planted if removed during preparation of the Working Strip.
4.3.4 Onshore Microtunnel
The method is the same as for the offshore microtunnel, but the work requires a receiving shaft at
both ends of the microtunnelling section.
4.3.5 PRT
The PRT will be constructed following the standard practise for civil works:
• Preparation of temporary facilities, such as storage areas, offices and accommodation
facilities;
• Preparation of the construction site;
• Earthworks;
• Preparation of foundations;
• Erection of equipment and buildings;
• Laying of cables and electrical works;
• Piping and mechanical works;

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• Construction of internal roads;
• Installation of operational and instrumentation systems.
4.3.6 Pre-commissioning Phase
The purpose of offshore hydrostatic testing is to confirm the integrity of the offshore pipeline laid
from Italy and Albania.
The pipeline offshore will be flooded 2 times by injecting seawater, non-chemically treated and
cleaned, and both times the water will be discharged in Albania. The first time will be to clean the
pipeline, the second for hydrotesting. After cleaning, a pressurization (pumps) spread will be fed
with seawater and used to raise the pressure in the pipeline to the specified test pressure. Upon
completion of the hydrotest operation, the pipeline will be dewatered and the pipeline drying
operation will commence with the use of compressors.
Onshore hydrostatic testing will be done the same as the offshore hydrotesting, but freshwater
will be used instead of seawater.
4.4 Operational Phase
4.4.1 Pipeline Control
The pipeline system will be operated by TAP AG, responsible for the transportation of natural gas
from receipt in Greece to delivery in Italy. A Central Control Centre (CCC) will be designated to
act as the main control centre and will be placed in the PRT.
The TAP control system shall permit full operational monitoring and control from the PRT.
Corrosion protection will be provided by passive protection to be installed on the pipeline as a
coating. Additionally, there will be active cathodic protection.
The pipeline will be monitored by a leak detection system (LDS) that operates on the basis of
flow, pressure and temperature monitoring, thereby detecting losses automatically. The leak
detection systems allow immediate notification and action in an emergency.
4.4.1.1 Pipeline Maintenance
The Pipeline Receiving Terminal PRT will be provided for inspection of the pipeline
(determination of possible corrosion rate, wall thickness and inner surface diagnostics).

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Furthermore, a Pipeline Integrity Management System (PIMS) will be developed to control
ongoing monitoring / maintenance during system operation, with special focus on corrosion
control.
4.4.2 PRT Metering Stations
A metering system will be installed in the PRT to measure the pipeline flow rate for the purpose
of operational control and as a basis for the main pipeline leak detection system.
The PRT will be equipped with a Telecommunication System (TCS).
4.5 Overall Duration and Timing
The whole project will be constructed within approximately three years. The first activity to begin
will be the landfall microtunnel construction. The pipeline installation construction is anticipated to
be started 10 to 12 months later.
4.6 Decommissioning
At the end of its useful life (50 years), the pipeline and associated facilities will be
decommissioned safely and with due regard for the environment, with the aim of creating the
conditions to allow restoration of conditions prior to the installation work, within a reasonable
time.
It is thought that all buildings will be taken down at this stage, and the sites restored. Materials
like steel will be recycled where possible.
Both the onshore and offshore sections of the pipeline will be pigged, purged, filled with a
suitable substance and left in situ.
The decommissioning operation will be completed with equipment similar to the ones used in
construction activities. All waste will be properly treated in compliance with Italian law.

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5 ESIA APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY
ESIA is the systematic process of identifying and assessing the potential effects on the
biophysical. socioeconomic and cultural environment as a consequence of a project or
development. As a planning tool, the ESIA aims to ensure that environmental, social and cultural
issues throughout the entire project lifecycle are anticipated and considered for the TAP Project.
It also serves as a framework for establishing Project controls to reduce or prevent adverse
environmental or social impacts.
The approach adopted in this ESIA follows international best practice per EBRD standards and at
the same time meets Italian EIA requirements. This ESIA therefore follows a systematic process
that predicts and evaluates the impacts the proposed Project is expected to have on aspects of
the physical, biological, and socioeconomic environment. The ESIA also identifies measures that
the Project will take to avoid, reduce, remedy, offset or compensate for adverse impacts, and to
provide benefits, as far as is technically and financially feasible.
The overall approach followed for the ESIA is shown schematically in Figure 5-1.
Figure 5-1 shows that the ESIA to date also proceeded in parallel, and interacted, with the other
processes of stakeholder consultation and project decision-making and design, with baseline
information being collected and feeding into the process as required.

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Figure 5-1 Schematics of the ESIA Process
Source: ERM (2011)
5.1 Impact Assessment Methodology
The ESIA describes what will happen by predicting the magnitude of impacts (and quantifying
these to the extent practicable, which varies depending on the topic being assessed). The term
‘magnitude’ is used as shorthand to encompass all the dimensions of the predicted impact
including:
• The nature of the change (what is affected and how);
• Its size, scale or intensity;
• Its geographical extent and distribution;
• Its duration, frequency, reversibility;
• Where relevant, the probability of the impact occurring as a result of accidental or unplanned
events.

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Magnitude and quality/importance or sensitivity have been looked at in combination to evaluate
whether an impact is significant and if so its degree of significance.
The criteria for assessing the significance is schematically reported in the following Figure 5-2.
Figure 5-2
Evaluation of Significance
Source: ERM (2011)

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6 ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL BASELINE
6.1 Introduction
The environmental, social and cultural baseline provides an overview of the current state of the
existing natural, social and cultural environment which may potentially be affected by the TAP
Project in Italy, both offshore and onshore. It is based on desktop analysis of up-to-date literature,
governmental and publicly available data and specific field surveys.
The following aspects of the study area were considered:
• Physical Environment;
• Biological Environment;
• Socioeconomic Environment;
• Cultural Heritage Environment.
6.2 Offshore Physical Environment
The data presented in this section come from a combination of literature sources and survey data
from the 2011 environmental and geophysical survey undertaken in the nearshore area of the
Project. The 2011 environmental and geophysical survey of the physical environment included
identification of water and sediment physicochemical properties through field sampling and
laboratory analysis and morphological analysis conducted through a preliminary assessment
using side scan sonar followed by multi-beam echo sounding to provide precise
geomorphological data.
The study area is located in coastal Italian waters, approximately 15 km north of the transition
between the Ionian Sea and the Adriatic Sea. On the Italian continental shelf, the prevailing
current flow is towards the south and is significantly stronger on the surface than in deeper
waters.

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Figure 6-1
Marine Water Circulation in the Adriatic Sea
Source: Poulain, 2001
Sediment dispersal in the Adriatic is driven primarily by cyclonic circulation that forces sediment
to accumulate parallel to the Italian coast. Similarly to the rest of the south of the Adriatic, mud
spreads extensively over the entire sea in the study area. In terms of seabed morphology, the
seabed shoals fair gently in the nearshore. The average slope is about 1.5° down to the 20 m
isobath, with rocky outcrops in the coastal area and sand offshore; it then follows a steep slope
down to the 50 m isobath, which later flattens or gently slopes below the 50 m isobath until it
reaches the edge of the continental shelf around the 150 m isobath.

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Figure 6-2
Bathymetry of the Project Area
Source: Multi Beam Echo Sounder (MBES)
This part of the coast is now eroding, with a withdrawing escarpment. These phenomena are also
related to the wide karst features of the mainland that result in erosion by the sea.
Significant differences in temperature can be found exclusively during summer when the water
column is stratified between the surface and 20 m.

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Figure 6-3
Monthly Sea Temperatures at Surface and -20 m depth
Source: MyOcean (http://www.myocean.org/), coordinates LON 18.500°, LAT 40.375° period 01/01/2006-01/11/2011
In terms of water quality, historical analyses carried out during the 2007-2011 period define an
uncontaminated situation and a general pattern of good/excellent trophic status of marine and
coastal waters in the Project area.
Table 6-1
Bacteriological Quality of Bathing Water in the Apuglia Region
Province BQI Quality class Classification
Foggia 105 2 Sufficient
Bari 60 3 Poor
Taranto 120 1 Uncontaminated
Brindisi 120 1 Uncontaminated
Lecce 125 1 Uncontaminated
The specific survey carried out in the coastal Project area shows similar results. Turbidity values
correlate well with the high transparency of the sea water, and other parameters, such as metals
or hydrocarbons, also exhibit expected background levels in clean coastal waters.

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6.3 Offshore Biological Environment
The data presented in this section come from a combination of literature sources and survey data
from the 2011 environmental and geophysical survey undertaken in the nearshore area of the
Project. The 2011 environmental and geophysical survey relating to the biological environment
included sampling of benthic fauna at 17 sample stations, each of which was preceded by a drop
down video survey to provide field notes of the area to confirm the station as suitable for
sampling, i.e. rock or soft substrate, followed by analyses and treatment of data. Subsequently, a
more extensive video survey was done for characterisation and extent mapping of sensitive
habitats.
There are two Sites of Community Importance (SCI) in the study area. The closest SCI, called Le
Cesine, is located about 2 km north of the landfall and shore approach. The SCI consists of an
onshore and offshore section, the latter designed to protect priority habitat Posidonia oceanica
seagrass meadows. Further south, is the SCI Alimini, approximately 5 km south of the landfall,
which is also protected for Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows. The nearest Marine
Protected Area is Torre Guaceto Marine Reserve, about 50 km north of the Project area in
Brindisi.

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Figure 6-4
Location of Pipeline Route in Relation to Le Cesine SCI
Source: ERM (2011)
In addition to the designated sites, the Project area contains a number of littoral sensitive and
protected habitats, namely the Posidonia oceanica seagrass, which appears more as patches
than proper continuous meadows in the pipeline shore approach, and in two depth corridors,
between 4 and 14 m depth and also at around 19 m. Another, smaller seagrass species,
Cymodocea nodosa, was found to occur in an almost continuous band parallel to the shore,
between 5 and 25 m depth; however the width of this band varied considerably across the survey
area. Some shallow coralligenous algae formations on hard substrates are also found at
approximately 25 m depth.

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Figure 6-5
Composite Map of the Project Area with Posidonia and Cymodocea
Notes: Grey circles indicate waypoints along transects or spot drops where seabed features were noted
Source: ERM (2011)

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Benthic macrofauna sampled in the coastal area showed that no rare or protected species were
found, and Polychaeta were the most abundant taxon in all the stations.
In terms of deep sea habitats, the most notable are the white coral biocoenosis in the area of the
Ionian Sea/Adriatic Sea interphase, consisting of living corals mainly represented by the
framework builders Lophelia pertusa and Madrepora oculata. Some of these offshore deepwater
coral sites have been found in recent years on the Italian continental slope. The nearest known to
the pipeline route are a colony off Apuglia, now known as the Santa Maria di Leuca reef province,
approximately 60 km south of the pipeline route, and the Bari-Gondola-Dauno area,
approximately 150 km north. Both appear at approximately 700 m depth.
Species of commercial interest include fishes, like hake, red mullet, anchovy, sardines, sprat,
swordfish, albacore, and crustaceans, like rose shrimp, Norway lobster, and cephalopods, such
as octopus and squid, amongst others. Some of these, such as hake, spawn in the coastal
waters off Puglia.
The only sea reptiles in the Adriatic Sea are sea turtles. Loggerhead and green turtles nest within
the Mediterranean basin; loggerhead is migrant in the Project area, and the nearest reported
nesting beach is tens of kilometres south.
Only a number of the approximately 21 cetacean species recorded in the Mediterranean and
Black Sea have been cited in the literature as potentially present in the Adriatic and Ionian seas.
The bottlenose and striped dolphins, and possibly Cuvier’s beaked whale, are considered regular
inhabitants of the Adriatic Sea and the Strait of Otranto.
The seabird population in the study area is not very abundant. Apart from the typical seagulls
prevalent in any Mediterranean coastal area, mainly black headed, Mediterranean and yellow
legged gulls, the only species that have any degree of threat or protection are the wintering little
and sandwich terns, both of low concern but included in Annex I of Directive 79/409/EEC. The
great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) is also present in winter in small numbers in Le
Cesine coastal lagoon.
6.4 Offshore Socioeconomic and Cultural Heritage Environment
6.4.1 Harbours, Marine Traffic and Fishery
In 2009, Apulia was at the 2 nd position for catch and income, after Sicily, reaching a value of
approximately 16% of the total Italian catches and 17% of the total Italian income. The smallscale
fishery fleet predominates in the Apulia Region (53.6%) and is followed by trawl nets
(35.4%).

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The Brindisi harbour is located around 60 km north of the corridor and is an important tourist,
commercial and industrial harbour. This Harbour represents one of the main transporting
corridors connecting Italy to a variety of destinations in the East Mediterranean Sea, such as
Albania, Greece and Turkey.
The Port of Otranto and the Port of San Foca (Melendugno) are the landing ports used by
fishermen working in the Study Area:
• The San Foca Marina is located about 2 km south of the pipeline route. Boats longer than 25
metres are not permitted at this marina. The Port of San Foca is an important centre for
small-scale fishermen. These fishermen typically venture distances of 3 miles off the coast to
fish. Two fishermen’s organisations (cooperatives) which represent professional small-scale
fishermen of Melendugno are also based in the Port of San Foca. These cooperatives
provide important support to members as they serve to assist with administrative duties and
protect fishing rights.
• Otranto Port is located about 20 km south of the pipeline route. Today only private boats and
small commercial and fishing fleets dock there. There are more large-scale fishing vessels in
the Port of Otranto. These fishermen practice bottom trawling and typically travel anywhere
from 3 miles to 12 miles off the coast to fish.
Fishing activities can be practiced up to 11 months per year. The non-fishing month changes
every year according to a decision by relevant authorities.
6.4.2 Archaeology
Based on both official data presented in the “Register of underwater archaeological sites in the
Southern Italian regions of Campania, Basilicata, Puglia and Calabria” of the Ministry of Cultural
Heritage and published papers, there is a limited amount of evidence (mainly shipwrecks and
amphorae) near the Project area. Shipwrecks are located more than 5 km north of the landfall
while amphorae have been reported about 2 km south of the landfall.
6.5 Onshore Physical Environment
The following environmental aspects of the study area have been considered:
• Climate and ambient air quality;
• Acoustic Environment;

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• Surface water;
• Groundwater;
• Geology and Geomorphology;
• Soil Quality; and
• Landscape and Visual Amenity.
6.5.1 Climate and Ambient air quality
6.5.1.1 Climate
Meteorological data presented in the ESIA have been collected from the Air Force Meteorological
Service observation station of Lecce-Galatina which is located 20 to 25 km from the pipeline
route. This data, publicly available from the Italian Air Force Climate Atlas, refer to the reference
period 1971-2000.
The following Table 6-1 presents monthly average temperature (T), total average monthly
precipitation (Rtot), maximum monthly relative humidity (U max) and minimum relative humidity
(U min) values for the station of Lecce–Galatina. The main winds in the province of Lecce blow
from N - NW and from the S – SW, and the annual percentage of wind calm is approximately
31,7 %.
Table 6-2 Lecce-Galatina – Monthly Values of Meteorological Variables Observed over the
Reference Period 1971-2000
T
[°C]
Rtot
[mm]
U max
[%]
U min
[%]
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec AnnualAvg
8.6 8.8 10.6 13.4 18.3 22.5 25.1 25.2 21.8 17.5 12.8 9.7 16.19
60.3 61.3 62.4 45.5 27.6 20.4 16.2 36 54.3 91 95.1 68.9 53.25
97 97 96 97 96 95 95 95 96 97 97 97 96.25
65 57 54 51 44 39 37 41 49 57 65 67 52.17
6.5.1.2 Air Quality
Air quality conditions over the Project area have been characterised by means of a desktop
analysis and a dedicated air quality field survey. Data on atmospheric pollutant concentrations
have been compared against normative thresholds set at international, European and national
levels by IFC guidelines, Directive 2008/50/EC and Italian Decree 155/2010, respectively.

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The desktop analysis was based on the latest regional state of the environment report,
published by the Apulia environmental protection agency (ARPA), for the year 2009 along with
2010 data from stations at Galatina and Maglie belonging to the ARPA network monitoring.
These stations are located in the vicinity of the Project area and thus are representative of its air
quality conditions. PM10, NO 2 and O 3 data for the years 2009 and 2010 meet regulatory limits
with the exception of O 3 concentration value for both years analysed.
The air quality desktop analysis has been complemented with a specific air quality field survey.
The survey focused on monitoring NO 2 , which is a ubiquitous air pollutant and one of the most
prominent. The survey was carried out using NO 2 diffusion samplers which were placed at 6
suitable locations corresponding to relevant receptors along a 2-km wide corridor centred on the
pipeline, including the PRT site. The air quality survey was performed in autumn 2011 and lasted
four weeks.
Observed concentration values were always significantly below the regulatory concentration limit
of NO 2 annual concentration of 40 µg/m 3 set by the D.Lgs 155/2010.
6.5.2 Acoustic Environment
Background noise levels in the Project area were characterised by means of a dedicated field
survey. A desktop analysis of local cartography, preparatory to the noise field survey, highlighted
that the Project area belongs to the noise zone defined as “All national territory” (DPCM
14/11/97) and identified 9 sensitive receptors along a 2-km wide corridor centred on the pipeline,
mainly residential buildings.
The noise field survey was carried out in relation to identified receptors in October and November
2011. The noise levels monitored at receptors are influenced by the characteristics and the land
use of the analyzed area:
• in rural zones where noise sources are not intense, the noise levels are generally below 45
dB(A) and mainly related to agricultural activities;
• higher noise levels have been monitored in proximity of roads, where noise levels reach also
60 dB(A), as for receptors located near Strada Comunale Torre Specchia.

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Monitored background noise levels comply with Italian noise legislation for both day and night
time (noise limit equal to 70 dB(A) for day time and 60 dB(A) for night time). Considering the
more stringent noise limits established by IFC (55 dB(A) for day time and 45 dB(A) for night time),
the monitored background noise levels for day time were higher than these limits at some
receptors.
6.5.3 Surface Water and Groundwater
The desktop analysis carried out in order to characterise surface water conditions over the
Project area highlighted that the planned route does not cross any major rivers. The only
watercourse crossed along the planned route is at kp 0.2. A specific field survey undertaken in
October 2011 highlighted that the water crossed is a semi dry channel, and its water flows slowly.
The water is semi stagnant at any point of the bed. The stream bed consists of clay and loam,
and part of it was covered with reeds. Water samples were collected across an examined
section, 15 to 20 m long, 1.5 to 2 m wide and about 30 cm deep. In the water sampled, classified
as inland water, no parameter was detected above regulatory limits.
The desktop analysis carried out in order to characterise groundwater conditions highlighted that
the Salento sub region contains two aquifers: the first, the closest to the surface, is the multilevel
shallow aquifers, the second is a deep groundwater confined into the limestone.
The route crosses the morphologically depressed areas where a multilevel shallow aquifer can
be found. The water table in the area near the coast is found at depths of approximately 4
metres, gradually increasing from the coast inland. Indeed, proceeding inland, the water table
deepens further. This does not exclude the presence of perched aquifer, shallow and
discontinuous.
In order to complement the desktop analysis information, a groundwater field survey was carried
out in October 2011. Four privately-owned wells were sampled that were selected from existing
wells (for agricultural use) within 500 m of the pipeline route.
The following conclusions can be drawn from the groundwater sampling results:
• In all the wells that intercept the partially-confined aquifer all the parameters analysed were
below the legislative limits;
• Sulphates and total iron were detected at concentrations higher than the respective limits in
the shallow aquifer; and
• High concentrations of chlorides, likely due to saltwater intrusion or to the presence of clayey
strata, were detected in the shallow aquifer.

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6.5.4 Geology, Geomorphology and Soil Quality
A detailed geological and geotechnical survey of the proposed route will be performed in 2012,
thus the information reported in the ESIA on geology and geomorphology across the Project
area has been defined mainly from a desktop analysis.
Phenomena connected with karstic processes appear on the surface in the Project area.
Moreover, other morphological features observed are widespread depressions and hollows which
can create areas of flooding causing temporary pools of stagnant water during the heaviest rain
falls.
The coastal stretch affected by the Project is characterised by geological erosion, alternating
sandy coves with small rocky points associated with an average environmental sensitivity and a
low criticality level (Regional Coastal Plan).
The landfall is classified as a very high geo-morphological risk area by Hydrogeologic Planning
(PAI). In this respect, the Autorità di Bacino (AdB) requires, in order to assess the risk associated
with the project, the preparation of a geological and geotechnical compatibility study to review in
detail the effects on stability in the affected area. In consideration of that, a detailed geological
and geotechnical survey of the proposed route will be performed within 2012.
The planned route crosses an area characterised by a very low seismogenic index, both in terms
of frequency of events and their magnitude.
In order to detect existing soil contamination levels, a soil survey was undertaken along the route
(including landfall and PRT) in autumn 2011. Results from the soil sample analysis were
compared against the Italian and Dutch soil quality standard for residential land use. The soil
contaminant concentration obtained did not exceed current regulatory limits.
6.5.5 Landscape and Visual Amenity
The landscape and visual amenity conditions existing in the study area have been characterised
by mean of a desktop analysis of current literature and local cartography, and by mean of a visual
survey undertaken in autumn 2011. The landscape sensitivity for the different landscape
components considered is presented in the following Table 6-3.

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Table 6-3 Study Area Landscape Sensitivity Assessment
Landscape
features
Description
Morphological and Structural Component
Value
Morphology
Natural features
Protection
The morphology of the area is characterised by the presence of a wide flat
area called Pianura Salentina, between the karst plateau of Murge to the
north and the hills of Serre Salentine to the south. Only the presence of
elements such as olive trees and pinewoods give the landscape a
perceivable vertical component.
The study area is characterised by vegetation typical of agricultural areas.
Valuable elements are Mediterranean scrub, pinewood and stands of
reeds (marsh vegetation).
The site is not included in protected areas; however the Study Area is next
to area SCI/SPA/IBA Le Cesine (760 m). The coastal area (to 1.5 km from
the shore line) is constrained by Decree 42/2004 due to its environmental
and landscape value.
2 – low
3 – medium
3 – medium
Synthetic evaluation
3 – medium
Visual Component
Scenic viewpoints
Landscape
peculiarity
Negative effects
caused by human
activities
The study area has no scenic viewpoints, and its lack of elevated points
limits the possibilities for landscape fruition. The potential users of the
aesthetic qualities of the Melendugno coast could be the tourists of the
sea lidos. Also the cycle path fruiters could enjoy the landscape views.
Distinctive elements of the landscape in the study area are the barns
(pagliare) and dry stone walls which border roads and agricultural
properties.
The main negative effects caused by human activities in the study area
are the tourist facilities on the beach (only during the summer period) and
the structures connected to the agricultural environment.
3 – medium
3 – medium
2 - low (*)
Synthetic evaluation
3 – medium
Symbolic Component
Land use
Historical and
cultural values
72.3% of the entire Study Area is planted with olive groves, some of which
include monumental olive trees which are protected under Italian law.
Urban land use is limited to 2% and industrial, commercial and transport
land use amounts to 1% of land in the area.
The site is characterized by the presence (above all near the PRT site) of
historical and archaeological evidence relating to ancient settlement of
Salento. There are also numerous Barns (Pagliare), typical rural buildings
which could be considered monuments of rural society.
3 – medium
4 – high
Synthetic evaluation
Final evaluation
4 – high
3 - medium
Note: (*) the score of anthropic detractors must be subtracted from the overall landscape value

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6.6 Onshore Biological Environment
6.6.1 Flora and vegetation
In the past, the natural habitats of Salento were affected by severe reduction and fragmentation,
resulting in loss or alteration of biodiversity on large areas of its territory. The biological originality
of Salento, which is derived from climatic and biogeographical characteristics, is still
recognizable, even today. Many native species of plants with a high conservation value can be
identified and many types of natural or semi-natural vegetation are characteristic of Salento.
However, there is a general deficiency of natural habitats in the study area, mainly due to the
vast crop development. Indeed the olive plantations are not strictly an element of value from a
floristic-vegetational point of view, although they act as an important landscape element. The
greatest plant diversity, namely the flora and the communities of conservation interest, mostly
extend from the Palude di Cassano to the coast, where endemics, rare plant species and peculiar
types of plant communities occur widespread.
6.6.2 Fauna and Ecosystems
The overall situation of terrestrial vertebrates present or potentially present in the area under
consideration is undoubtedly defined by the pressure that the animal has suffered in the past,
mainly due to the progressive removal of natural habitats for land reclamation.
The area under consideration is characterized by extensive farming lands (especially olive
plantations), interspersed with relic habitats consisting of tree-shrub vegetation. These natural
habitats, especially when developed in parallel to the hydrographic system (ditches, ponds,
coastal lagoons, etc.), support the most interesting wildlife; for example, they are a potential
nesting place and food supply for migratory birds.
6.6.3 The System of Protected Areas
The places affected by project works do not fall into any protected areas, such as National Parks,
Regional Parks, Marine Protected Areas, State Reserves, Regional Reserves and sites of Natura
2000 Network, all of them occur widely in the Salento.
The Natura 2000 site more closed to the workplaces are three SCI (IT9150032 “Le Cesine”,
IT9150022 “Palude dei Tamari” and IT9150004 “Torre dell'Orso”) and one SPA (IT9150014 "Le
Cesine"). "Le Cesine", which also enjoys the status of State Reserve, is the most closed
protected area (about 2 km from the workplaces).

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“Le Cesine” is a wetland of international interest and strategic importance for the protection of
wild ornithofauna. It is characterized by two brackish coastal lagoons; behind the two lagoons
there is a wide artificial pinewood. Large fresh-water marshes occur inland.
The coastal wetland depression called "Palude dei Tamari” takes its name from a small tamarisk
woodland. The remainder of the habitat is characterized by marshy vegetation, mainly of
Common Reed. The SCI is important mainly for bird communities.
“Torre dell'Orso” has great landscape value. It consists of an artificial coastal pinewood,
separated from the beach by a dune bank with juniper vegetation. Part of the coast is rocky, with
interesting pioneer vegetation on cliffs. Wildlife species of conservation interest are poorly
represented.
6.7 Socioeconomic Environment
Information at a national and regional level was gathered from secondary sources using publicly
available information and is presented in the ESIA Report. Data on the study area has been
gathered from publicly available secondary sources along with primary data gathered during field
visits to the Project area during January, July, September and October 2011.
The socioeconomic baseline was prepared in order to fulfil the following objectives:
• To understand the socioeconomic context of the study area including social, historical,
political and economic conditions;
• To provide data that informs the impact assessment in order to predict and explain potential
Project impacts as well as establish mitigation measures; and
• To understand the expectations and concerns of potentially affected communities with regard
to the Project.
6.7.1 Summary of Findings
The study area is in the Province of Lecce, which has 97 municipalities, 2 of which, Melendugno
and Vernole, are partially within the 2- to 3-km pipeline corridor, which were utilised to identify
settlements that are likely to be affected or interested in the Project outcome. The only settlement
within the Study Area is Torre Specchia Ruggeri, which is located in the Municipality of
Melendugno. The southern portion of the settlement is within the 2-km pipeline corridor. The
settlements of San Foca (Melendugno) and Acquarica (Vernole) are partially within the 3-km
corridor and are likely to be interested in the Project outcome.

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The Province of Lecce is the second most populous province in the Apulia Region (after the
Province of Bari) with a population of about 815,600 people, 95,500 of which live in the provincial
capital city of Lecce. Melendugno and Vernole have a population of about 9,838 and 7,404,
respectively. The unemployment rate in the Province of Lecce has increased during the 2004-
2010 period from 14.7% to 17.7%. The unemployment rate in Melendugno and Vernole is high
with a notable gap between males and females. Illiteracy rates in Melendugno and Vernole are
4.3% and 3.8%, respectively.
The Province of Lecce has a lower number of olive producers and processors designated as
Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) compared to other provinces in Apulia.
The main economic activities in the study area are similar to those represented at the provincial
level, which are agricultural, fishing, trade (wholesale and retail), maintenance and construction
activities. These economic activities make up 72% of economic activities across both
Municipalities of Vernole and Melendugno combined.
In Vernole, there are slightly more businesses involved in agriculture, sylviculture (forestry) and
fishing than in Melendugno, while Melendugno has more than twice the number of businesses
involved in trade and maintenance activities. In Melendugno, there are also significantly more
registered businesses engaged in service and tourism related activities.
There is no heavy industry in the study area.
The Municipalities of Melendugno and Vernole are areas for olive production. In the study area
within the 2-km corridor along the pipeline alignment, approximately 857 ha (72% of total land)
are utilised for olive farming. Olives are the most important crop in the area with 81.1% of land in
Melendugno and 67.5% of land in Vernole used to cultivate olives for olive oil production. A small
percentage of land is also used to grow arable crops and raise livestock. Many farmers have
experienced a drop in incomes from the price drops that have occurred in the olive oil market due
to price competition of other Mediterranean producers (namely Spain and Tunisia).
Tourism represents another main economic activity in the study area. According to data from the
Local Tourism Authority (APT Lecce), it is growing considerably every year. Primary data
gathered by ERM in its field work indicates that tourism and associated activities represent an
employment sector where a consistent number of inhabitants are employed or would like to be
employed. Within the 2-km pipeline corridor there are 7 tourism businesses which may be directly
affected by the Project.

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Most of the land in the study area is privately owned agricultural land. Each individually owned
parcel is typically characterised by the presence of rural complexes that, in the Apulia Region,
are called Masserias. Within the 2-km pipeline corridor there are 7 agricultural complexes
(Masserias). Only one Masseria was detected within the 250-m buffer. Notably, this Masseria has
been identified as currently under construction. Other Masserias were located at a distance of
450 m to 900 m from the pipeline corridor. Three of them are inhabited, and the others are
uninhabited. People working on the agricultural lands around the inhabited Masserias do not live
on the property but instead reside in nearby villages.
Minor communal roads within the Study Area are mostly two-lane paved roads, and some
country roads are quite narrow and frequently bounded by stone walls.
Most farmers in the study area use their own wells for irrigation.
6.8 Onshore Cultural Heritage
In order to characterise the cultural heritage component of the local environment potentially
affected by the Project and its activities, a detailed cultural heritage survey was performed.
The survey aimed at defining a comprehensive description of cultural heritage sites and evidence
in the study area by:
• Desk based research carried out to identify cultural heritage sites both within and near the
base case corridor. The desk study involved the collection and analysis of relevant data from
government agencies, databases, archaeological and historical literature, historic and
topographic maps as well as consultation with experts and other knowledgeable individuals in
Italy. This activity lead to the creation of a catalogue containing information on the placenames
of known sites, the topographical extent of sites, the types of archaeological evidence
(i.e. area with pottery shards, settlement, burial mounds, etc.), the chronology and possible
function of the sites, and the current preservation status of the sites. A total of 21 previously
known sites of historical and archaeological relevance have been catalogued;
• Direct field survey through the analysis of aerial photographs (recent and historical aerial and
satellite images) and inspection within the intervention area in a radius (buffer) between 50 m
and 100 m along the 4.9-km pipeline alignment, the instalment location for PRT, dividing the
analysis into two different sectors: Sector 1 and Sector 2. Sector 1 lies between kp 0.0 and
4.0, while Sector 2 lies between kp 4.0 and the location of the PRT. The primary purpose was
to define, classify and map possible new discoveries arising from the direct analysis of the
area.

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6.8.1 Summary of Findings
Based on the methodology described, the following results have been identified for the two
sectors investigated:
• Sector 1 (kp 0 - 4) - The investigation revealed evidence of quarrying of buried geological
deposits revealed as medium and small stones on the surface. Evidence is mainly related to
a Roman period manufacturing plant located on the promontory of S. Foca, to the fortified
farm Masseria S. Basilio (XVI th -XVII th century) and finally to an area of pottery fragments
located 0.5 km from the offshore pipeline landfall. However, these sites are located at a
considerable distance from the pipeline route and therefore do not represent any risk factor.
The evidence recorded during the field survey mainly includes rural stone farm houses and
buildings associated with agricultural activities;
• Sector 2 (kp 4 – PRT) – desk-based research and field activities revealed the presence of
more significant evidence, mainly related to different phases of the ancient population in the
territory, and can be dated in a broad chronological period ranging from the Bronze Age
through the first century A.D.: rock quarrying, burial mounds, fortified settlement and farm,
Grotticella graves, evidence of archaeological traces mainly related to rural activities. Most of
this evidence falls within the Eco-Museum of Stone Landscapes of Acquarica di Lecce
(located west of the PRT site) that covers about 150 hectares and is an open structure,
whose territory, although not subject to any legislative constraint, is perceived as a unique
area by the inhabitants.
Overall analysis of all the historical and archaeological evidence shows that the TAP Project
crosses an area characterized primarily by rural buildings along country roads.
This system of territorial occupation is datable to post-medieval and modern age (XVI th - XX th
century) when agricultural activities of farms and urban centres throughout the area were the
main source of subsistence.

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7 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND PROJECT RESPONSE
Stakeholder engagement is a key element of the ESIA process. The purpose of stakeholder
engagement is to allow for stakeholders (those people or groups who may be directly or indirectly
affected by the Project, as well as those who may have an interest in or influence over the
Project) to interact with the decision-making process, express their views and influence mitigation
and technical solutions. Consultation is also invaluable in identifying useful information on the
baseline situation and on vulnerable resources and receptors in the area affected by the Project.
TAP has been engaging with stakeholders in Italy since 2006 when the TAP Project was
announced at the national and regional level. Engagement has continued in alignment with the
following national and international requirements:
• Legislative Decree 152/06, as modified by Legislative Decree 4/08 and Legislative Decree
128/10;
• Performance Requirements (PR) of EBRD;
• Article 6 of the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Aarhus Convention: Access
to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in
Environmental Matters;
• UN Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in a Transboundary Context –
the Espoo Convention; and
• TAP’s corporate standards, including their Code of Conduct.
Stakeholder identification has been an ongoing process which has evolved as the route has been
refined and settlements identified. Various types of engagement were conducted to ensure that
information regarding the Project was disseminated to all stakeholders, including vulnerable
groups. These were as follows:
• Meetings to provide information about the Project, to discuss impacts and mitigation
measures and answer questions and understand concerns of affected and interested
stakeholders.
• Focus group discussions and key informant interviews primarily to collect baseline data but
also to act as a forum for these groups to communicate their opinions and concerns regarding
the TAP Project.

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Discussions with stakeholders took place throughout the ESIA process. It included consultations
with local communities, with local and regional authorities, business and economic associations
and Italian nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). This ESIA report was prepared taking into
account the results of the consultations.

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8 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
8.1 Introduction
The identification and assessment of the Project’s environmental and social impacts took into
account the different phases of the Project: construction, operation and decommissioning.
Impacts on the following environmental components potentially impacted by the various types of
activity, together with their associated emissions and discharges, were analysed:
• Physical Environment;
• Biological Environment;
• Socioeconomic Environment;
• Cultural Heritage Environment;
The assessment of impact considers a set of general mitigation measures and componentspecific
measures to minimise the impacts associated with the TAP Project.
8.2 Offshore Physical Environment
8.2.1 Oceanography and water quality
Potential impacts on oceanography and water quality are likely to arise from the construction and
operations phases of the Project, as for pipeline decommissioning, the pipes will remain
underground/on the sea bed, thus no impacts are expected from the Project decommissioning
phase.
8.2.1.1 Construction and Pre-commissioning Phase
The following sources of impact have been identified for the construction and pre-commissioning
phase of the Project which could potentially cause impacts on water quality.
• Temporary disturbance and subsequent re-suspension of sediments together with the
associated compounds such as nutrients (water column) from construction works on the sea
bed;
• Potential temporary decrease in seawater quality from liquid effluents. Routine and
occasional discharge from support and installation vessels/barges to the marine environment.

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Construction works on the seabed will result in the disturbance and subsequent re-suspension of
sediments together with the associated compounds such as nutrients which may be present.
Activities that are expected to disturb the seabed include pipe-laying, anchor handling and
seabed intervention works. Seabed intervention works that include trenching, backfilling and
potentially rock dumping are expected to generate the most re-suspended sediment while pipe
laying and anchor handling are expected to contribute very little.
The amount of sediment disrupted is highly dependent on the methods and equipment used
during the pipeline installation phase as well as the extent of the construction works. Modelling of
the spread and sedimentation of sediments during works on the seabed in the Italian offshore
environment will be carried out by using a model for locations along the pipeline route where
trenching and post-lay rock dumping may take place. From the size of the trenching section (120
metre length) before the specific model outputs are available, it can be expected that the
sediment clouds above background conditions will be of limited extent and duration, as well as
the expected sedimentation rates.
Due to the limited extent and duration of intervention works and the fact that they will only occur
at specific points on the pipeline route, the low background levels of sediment contaminant
concentration, the low amount of nutrients expected to be released during construction, and the
distance between work areas an sensitive habitats (i.e Posidonia patches) the impact
significance is expected to be minor. Impacts will be reversible within a few days as sediment
settles to the seabed.
Hydrocarbons could originate from support and installation vessels/barges during the
construction phase due to occasional discharges, such as treated sewage, grey water and
kitchen waste and open drainage system and bilge water that could contain hydrocarbon traces.
All discharges will be carried out in accordance with relevant legislation (relevant MARPOL
requirements and provisions specified in its Annex IV – Sewage and Annex V – Garbage).
Treated sewage will be discharged into the water or taken onshore for treatment depending on
distance to coast. Macerated food wastes will also be disposed overboard beyond 12 miles from
the coast or taken onshore for treatment. These streams will introduce small quantities of
nutrients and organic material to well-mixed, well-oxygenated open surface waters. Grey water
(water from showers, baths, washbasins and the galley) is disinfected prior to disposal
overboard.
The drainage systems will collect water generated from washing and the storage areas which will
enter a drainage system with bilge water where the effluent will be treated to be discharged with
less than 15 ppm oil in water (in accordance with MARPOL Annex I).

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Due to the limited magnitude and duration of potential increased contaminant concentration
levels in the offshore environment from the treated discharges, it is expected that impact
significance will be not significant. Impacts will be reversible within a few days.
8.2.1.2 Operations and Maintenance Phase
Impacts to the water column during the operation phase are limited to the release of pollutants
from anti-corrosion anodes in place on the pipeline.
Comparable data from pipelines in operation show that the expected release of metal ions from
the anode material during the lifetime of pipelines and their effect on the water column are
insignificant compared with other sources of metals in the sea.
Thus, the impacts on the water column from these sources are deemed to be not significant.
8.2.2 Climate and Air Quality
Potential impacts on climate and air quality are likely to arise from the construction and
operations phases of the Project, as the sources are all exhaust gases from the vessels and
equipment involved in these phases. For pipeline decommissioning, the pipes will remain
underground/on the sea bed, thus no impacts are expected from the Project decommissioning
phase.
8.2.2.1 Construction and Pre-commissioning Phase
The release of CO 2 , some hydrocarbons and other pollutants from burning fossil fuels due to
marine vessels and equipment engines emissions can contribute to the greenhouse effect and
have impacts on local air quality. In terms of local air quality the highly dispersive nature of the
marine environment and the absence of local receptors determine the insignificance of the
impact.
In quantitative terms, the pollutant emissions predicted are not significant if compared with the
general emissions from maritime traffic in this area; approximately 2% of vessel emissions on the
Brindisi province.
Therefore, impacts on the atmosphere from construction activities in the Italian offshore
environment are expected to be not significant.

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8.2.2.2 Operations and Maintenance Phase
During the operational phase in the Italian offshore environment, external inspections and routine
maintenance works will have associated pollutant emissions, similar to those during construction
(emissions from vessels and equipment). Emissions associated with routine inspections and
maintenance operations will be much lower than for the construction phase. Impacts on the
atmosphere from operation activities in the Italian offshore environment are expected to be not
significant.
8.2.3 Seabed Geology and Morphology
Potential impacts on seabed geology and morphology are likely to arise from the construction
and operations phases of the Project. For pipeline decommissioning, the pipes will remain
underground/on the sea bed, thus no impacts are expected from the Project decommissioning
phase.
8.2.3.1 Construction and Pre-commissioning Phase
Project actions which can originate impacts on the seabed are seabed intervention works that
include trenching, backfilling, pipe laying and anchor handling and seabed intervention works.
The effects on the seabed from these actions can be direct physical alteration of the seabed and
by the spreading of re-suspended sediment.
Direct physical alteration of the seabed in the Italian offshore section of the Project area is likely
to result from trenching and anchor handling activities due to the creation of depressions and
mounds of sediment (trenching) and seabed depressions (anchor handling). The formation of
trenches will not in itself represent a significant impact on the seabed, since the impact is low
magnitude; any effects will also be temporary and highly localised due to the gradual effects of
underwater currents and gravity refilling of any trenches with sediment and reducing trench depth
and mound heights, over time, to restore a more even seabed surface. Spreading of sediments is
also likely to occur due to construction activities on the seabed. Data from similar sized projects
show that most deposition takes place in close proximity to the disturbance point.
Impacts on the seabed from trenching and anchor handling are therefore deemed to be not
significant.

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8.2.3.2 Operations and Maintenance Phase
Impacts on the seabed from the operational phase in the Italian offshore project area are limited
to sediment accumulation and/or scouring/erosion resulting from the presence of the pipelines.
These effects are possible since their presence will change the flow conditions of sea currents in
the pipeline vicinity and will potentially alter the erosion/accumulation zones of fine seabed
material around the pipeline.
Given that the pipeline route will avoid major rocky outcrops, where these effects could be more
noticeable, and from a review of data on similar projects, these effects are unlikely to happen in a
significant way along the pipeline through the Project area. For this reason, impacts due to
sediment accumulation are predicted to be not significant.
8.3 Offshore Biological Environment
In general, and as for the physical environment, potential impacts on the biological environment
offshore are likely to arise from the construction and operations phases of the Project. For
pipeline decommissioning, the pipes will remain underground/on the sea bed, thus no impacts
are expected from the Project decommissioning phase.
8.3.1 Designated Sites and Sensitive Habitats
The Italian Offshore Environment hosts a number of sensitive habitats and nature conservation
areas that have been designated to protect sensitive habitats and species of importance under
national and international legislation. The current proposed pipeline route is located
approximately 2 km southeast of the nearest Site of Community Importance (Le Cesine). In
addition there are sensitive habitats in the vicinity of the proposed pipeline route, such as
Posidonia patches, coralligenous outcrops, and potentially deep water corals.
8.3.1.1 Construction and Pre-commissioning Phase
The intervention activities mentioned (mainly trenching and anchor handling) and general vessel
activities could have effects on sensitive sites and habitats through re-suspension and spreading
of sediments, direct physical interaction and noise and vibration.

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In terms of noise and vibration, sources are general shipping activity and intervention works, as
well as pipeline flooding during the pre-commissioning phase. The average noise output of the
construction fleet is expected to be similar to small to medium size existing traffic, and similar to
the known outputs of submarine intervention works. The distance between the source of the
impact (originating from within the vicinity of the pipelines) and the conservation areas
themselves makes the impact to be not significant
Direct physical activity and sedimentation of the re-suspended sediments on both Posidonia
oceanica and Cymodocea patches and coralligenous algae may have a deleterious effect within
a relatively localised area surrounding the pipeline, within the areas which will be identified from
sedimentation modelling. Posidonia is known to be resistant to a certain level of burial by
sedimentation, as it happens naturally during storm events. Before specific results of such
modelling are available the following facts qualify the impact significance:
• no direct impact on Posidonia or Cymodocea patches or coralligenous algae formations since
a microtunnel will be bored below these;
• the very limited length of trenching (120 m) implies a relatively small amount of re-suspended
sediments, and the predominant current direction (long shore) determines spreading of
sediments mostly along the coast, avoiding shallower habitats. Distance to nearest SCI
prevents effects.
Physical alteration of the seabed due to anchor handling can directly impact seagrass habitats.
However, the expected layout of the pipeline anchor spread does not reach the nearest SCI (Le
Cesine). The anchor spread will be managed to minimise effects on seagrass habitats outside
this area.
The impact on deepwater coral formations would be associated with direct physical destruction
due to pipe laying, which has a very small footprint. In any case, after a detailed survey to take
place in late 2012, these habitats, if found, will be avoided by re-routing.
In summary, the impacts from the construction and pre-commissioning phase on protected areas
and sensitive habitats is considered to be minor. Specific mitigation measures such as design of
anchor spread and handling, offshore benthic survey and monitoring of impacts will be
implemented to minimize the impact.
8.3.1.2 Operations and Maintenance Phase
Impacts during the operation phase are limited to the release of pollutants from anti-corrosion
anodes in place on the pipeline and noise and vibration from vessels.

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Similarly to pre-commissioning, noise and vibration generated by natural gas movement in the
pipelines and routine inspections are expected to be minimal. Operational impacts will have a
minor significance.
8.3.2 Nutrients and Plankton
In the case of nutrients and plankton, no operational impacts are expected. They could occur only
from the construction and pre-commissioning phase.
Laying the pipeline and seabed intervention associated with construction have the potential to
cause a result in the re-suspension of nutrients and contaminants from sediments into the water
column and increase in turbidity. A release of nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus into
the photic zone could increase the risk of eutrophication in the Italian offshore region, thereby
stimulating phytoplankton primary production. Whilst possible, the release of nutrients is
expected not to rise above background levels or increase due to natural phenomena such as
storms.
The impacts of seawater abstraction in the Project area is expected not to have a detectable
effect on plankton communities due to the expected depth of intake (lower than 25 m) and the
very low density of plankton at these depths.
For these reasons, the impacts of the construction and pre-commissioning phase on
phytoplankton and zooplankton communities will be not significant.
8.3.3 Marine Benthos
This has already been assessed partially in the Designated Sites and Sensitive Habitats section;
therefore, only habitats not assessed in that section will be described in this Section.
8.3.3.1 Construction and Pre-commissioning Phase
Impacts to marine benthos include physical loss of habitat, burial and smothering from increases
in sedimentation and turbidity, and to a lesser extent noise, could arise from sea bed intervention
and laying of the pipeline and anchor operations.
The area of seabed that will be lost for marine benthos due to construction activities is a small
area restricted to the pipeline corridor, and in the case of anchors, to the anchor corridor,
resulting in a temporary loss of habitat and destruction of the benthos themselves. Impact from
anchor activities is expected to involve an area no larger than 240 m 2 at any one time. The
impact is short-term as re-colonisation of the area is expected once construction is complete.

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As described previously, the sediment plume is not expected to travel far, and the areas buried
by sediments will be small with small burial depths. The duration will be short-term, reversible
with time.
The overall impact significance from the construction and pre-commissioning phase on marine
benthos is expected to be minor.
8.3.3.2 Operations and Maintenance Phase
The physical presence of the pipelines and various support structures may alter the composition
and abundance of the benthic community. Solid surfaces that are placed in marine environments
often become colonised by marine organisms. In addition the hard substrates that are introduced
by rock dumping operations and installation of support structures will further increase habitat
diversity in the areas of such interventions. An overall increase in localised biodiversity and
abundance may result.
The pipeline will require infrequent routine inspections that will be restricted to the pipeline itself,
causing only low levels of disturbance to the seabed.
The resulting significance to marine benthos from the operational phase is thus of minor
significance, and partially positive.
8.3.4 Fish and Other Free-Swimming Organisms
8.3.4.1 Construction and Pre-commissioning Phase
The Project has the potential to impact fish and other free-swimming organisms in the Italian
offshore environment during construction through impacts to water quality, changes to seabed
habitats, underwater noise and disturbance caused by the presence of vessels involved in
construction and intake of pressure-test water during pre-commissioning.
Vessels associated with commercial shipping and fishing regularly pass through the Project area,
and the presence and passage of a few additional construction and support vessels over the
construction period will not represent a significant increase in disturbance to pelagic species. The
fish and other nektonic species feeding in the vicinity of the pipeline construction activities will
temporarily move away from any area of excessive noise and vibration created during the
construction phase and return once it is completed.
Effects on fishes from re-suspension of sediments and consequent increases in turbidity are
expected to be non distinguishable from natural variations, as described in previous sections.
As a result, the impacts to nektonic organisms has been considered to be not significant.

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8.3.4.2 Operations and Maintenance Phase
Impacts that will arise throughout the operational phase are anticipated to result from increased
noise and vibration. As mentioned before, noise and vibration will be negligible. Therefore
impacts on nektonic species from the operational phase are expected to be not significant.
8.3.5 Marine Mammals and Reptiles
8.3.5.1 Construction and Pre-commissioning Phase
The main potential impacts to marine mammals and turtles during the construction and precommissioning
phase of the Project are direct physical disturbance to nesting grounds, indirect
disturbance from noise or vessel presence, increase in turbidity.
There are no turtle nesting records in the landfall area, and it is unlikely that could take place due
to the hard substrate of the coast in the area.
Noise will be generated during construction as a result of pipe-laying, seabed intervention work
and vessel movement. Noise and vibration are the most evident impact on marine mammals. In
general terms, the average noise output of the construction fleet is expected to be similar to small
to medium size existing traffic. Dredging and trenching generate similar noise levels. Thus both
sources would be indiscernible from general traffic existing in the area beyond the immediate
vicinity of the source. In a very conservative scenario, and according to experiences in similar
projects, in most cases cetaceans and turtles would vacate the construction area at the first
instance from a distance which would be minimal compared with their normal activity range.
As mentioned for the impacts on the water column and fishes, it is expected that turbidity levels
will be not be increased significantly above background levels.
Impact significance on marine mammals and turtles during construction and pre-commissioning
is expected to be minor.
8.3.5.2 Operations and Maintenance Phase
Impacts that will arise throughout the operational phase are anticipated to result from increased
noise and vibration. The level of vessel traffic is expected to be much lower than in the
construction phase, and as mentioned before, noise increase will also be negligible. Therefore
impacts on marine mammals and turtles from the operational phase are expected to be not
significant.

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8.3.6 Seabirds
The pipeline does not pass through any national or international sites designated for birds, and
there will therefore be no direct loss of habitat or other effects on birds within designated sites in
the Adriatic Sea.
Potential visual, noise and physical disturbance to birds from vessels involved in the Project
would affect migrating birds aggregating and birds feeding on open water. The Project
construction activities are not located close to the shallow waters that are regularly inhabited and
used by seabirds in the Adriatic Sea along most of their migration routes. On the other hand, the
risk of disturbing sitting birds is very low due to the speed of the construction fleet.
Activities on the operation and maintenance phase are expected to be much lower than in the
construction phase. Thus impacts for the construction phase and operational phases on seabirds
are considered to be not significant.
8.4 Offshore Socioeconomic and Cultural Heritage Environment
8.4.1 Marine Traffic
Potential impacts to marine traffic in the Project Area during construction and pre-commissioning
are expected to be not significant, short-term and reversible. Special attention will be given to
areas where shipping lanes and other heavy traffic areas are crossed. To minimise the risk of
accidents, all activities will be announced to mariners/users of the sea well in advance of the
activity taking place, and standby vessels will perform watch duties and alert vessels on
intersecting course. After the pipeline is installed there will be no restrictions on marine vessel
movements in the area.
8.4.2 Fishery
Potential impacts to fishing activities in the Project Area during construction and precommissioning
are expected to be not significant, short-term and reversible. Within the area
most frequently used by fishermen, fishing restrictions will be temporary and short-term and only
apply in the safety zone (2 - 3 km). Offshore construction activities will be implemented during
winter time and outside the main biological production period to minimise impact on fishing stock,
which may indirectly affect fishing activities. No restrictions on the operation of fishing equipment,
including demersal trawling, will apply during operation.

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8.4.3 Archaeology
Based on the results of the baseline analysis, the potential risk associated with archaeological
component is low. However, potential for unknown sites is considered in the impact assessment.
The potential sources of impact on cultural heritage will result from ground-disturbing activities
during the construction phase. Considering the mitigation measures that will be adopted during
the project activities (Chance Finds Protocol implementation and inclusion of guidelines in the
workers’ Code of Conduct), the related impact is considered minor.
8.5 Onshore Physical Environment
8.5.1 Air quality
Potential impacts on local air quality are likely to arise from the Project construction and
decommissioning phases as only not significant emission are expected from the Project
operation phase. Thus the operation phase is not analysed in this section.
8.5.1.1 Construction and Pre-commissioning Phase
The following atmospheric emissions will take place during the Project construction phase:
• Temporary dust emissions from earth movement, excavation, vehicle movement, stockpiles,
unpaved surfaces, etc. along the working strip, access roads and work sites;
• Temporary emissions of exhaust gases into the atmosphere from vehicles; and
• Temporary emissions of exhaust gases into the atmosphere from the compressors used
during hydrotesting.
The contribution of these emission sources in terms of pollutant emission load has been
numerically estimated; subsequently, the induced ground level concentrations (GLCs) were
obtained by means of dispersion modelling studies carried out with the CALMET-CALPUFF
modelling system, for dust and hydrotesting emissions and with the CALINE model for vehicle
emissions.
8.5.1.1.1 Dust Emission Impacts
Modelled GLCs induced by dust production during the Project construction phase are
summarised inTable 8-1 below.
Dust producing activities along the working strip will last only 3 months, thus long term dust
concentrations have been simulated only for the PRT site construction, which will last 18 months.

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As shown in Table 8-1, modelled PM10 concentrations comply with international, European and
national air quality standards, and the significance of their impact has been classified as Minor,
with the conservative assumption of the highest sensitivity at receptors.
Table 8-1
Maximum Ground Concentrations in the Simulation Domain
Source
Parameter
Estimated
concentrations
[µg/m³]
IFC
Standard
[µg/m 3 ]
2008/50/EC
and D.Lgs
155/2010
Limit
[µg/m³]
PRT Construction PM10 90.4° Percentile of the daily average
(2) 11.48 50(1)
site +
concentration
Working strip PM10 Maximum daily average concentration 21.80 50
PRT Construction PM10 Maximum Annual Average Concentration 5.81 40
(1) Limit on the maximum daily average concentration not to be exceeded more than 35 times during the calendar year
(2)
Corresponds to the daily limit value for the protection of human health not to be exceeded more than 35 times a
calendar year
8.5.1.1.2 Vehicle Exhaust Emissions Impacts
Modelled GLCs induced by vehicles involved in the onshore pipeline construction during the
Project construction phase under the worst meteorological conditions are summarised in Table
8-2; the latter focused on GLCs simulated at the smallest analysed distance from the street
outline (5 km).
Table 8-2
CALINE4 Results: CO NOX and TSP Maximum Hourly Concentration at
Closest Receptors to the Street Outline
Distance from road outline [km]
CO NOx
TSP
[µg/m 3 ] [µg/m 3 ] [µg/m 3 ]
5 2.2 7.9 0.5
2008/50/EC and D.Lgs 155/2010 Limit [µg/m³] 10000 (1) 200 (2) 50 (3)
(1) CO daily maximum of the 8 hours average
(2 )NO x maximum hourly concentration not to be exceeded more than 18 times per year
(3) PM10 Maximum daily concentration not to be exceeded more than 35 times per year
(4) refers to PM10
It is clearly apparent from Table 8-2 that pollutant concentrations modelled are considerably
lower than regulatory limits even at the nearest receptors, located 5 m from the road’s outline,
thus the significance of their impact has been classified as Not Significant.

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8.5.1.1.3 Hydrotesting (Engine-driven machinery emissions impacts)
Modelled GLCs induced by the compressors activity during hydrotesting are summarised in the
Table 8-3 below.
Table 8-3
Maximum Ground Concentrations in the Simulation Domain
Parameter
Modelled
concentrations
[µg/m³]
IFC
Limit
[µg/m 3 ]
2008/50/EC
and D.Lgs
155/2010
Limit
[µg/m³]
NO x 99,8° Percentile of Hourly Average Concentration
(1) (3)
(1) 54.47 200
NOx Maximum hourly concentration 89.50 200
CO Maximum Daily 8 Hours Mean Concentration (2) 86.42 10000
PM10 90.4° Percentile of the daily average
(4) 0.16 50
concentration
PM10 Maximum daily average concentration 0.43 50
(1) Corresponds to the hourly limit value for the protection of human health not to be exceeded more than 18 times a
calendar year
(2) The maximum daily eight-hour mean concentration will be selected by examining eight-hour running averages,
calculated from hourly data and updated each hour. Each eight-hour average calculated will be assigned to the day on
which it ends, i.e. the first calculation period for any one day will be the period from 17:00 on the previous day to 01:00
on that day; the last calculation period for any one day will be the period from 16:00 to 24:00 on that day.
(3) Limits foreseen for NO 2
(4)
Corresponds to the daily limit value for the protection of human health not to be exceeded more than 35 times a
calendar year
It is clearly apparent in Table 8-3 that pollutant concentrations modelled comply with
international, European and national air quality standards.
In particular for CO and PM10, modelled air quality parameters are 3 orders of magnitude lower
than regulatory threshold concentration values.
In a comparison with regulatory standards, NO x hourly concentrations modelled are the highest
among the pollutants modelled, although lower than regulatory limits. Thus the significance of the
impact of CO and PM10 emissions has been classified as Not Significant, whereas the
significance of NOx emissions has been classified as Minor.
8.5.1.1.4 Decommissioning Phase
Atmospheric emissions during this phase consist of dust emissions from material handled and
exhaust gases from vehicle activity.
Dust emissions during the decommissioning phase will arise only from material handled during
the PRT decommissioning, thus the significance of their impacts has been classified as Not
Significant.

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A similar number and type of vehicles operating during the construction phase will be required for
decommissioning operations; subsequently the same Not Significant significance of impacts
assessed for the vehicle emission during the construction phase is anticipated for the
decommissioning phase.
8.5.2 Acoustic Environment
Potential impacts are likely to arise during Project construction, operation and decommissioning.
The activity of equipment during the hydrotesting phase is anticipated to be the most significant in
terms of noise emissions at receptors. For each of the previous phase, a quantitative analysis of
the foreseen noise emissions were carried out, in particular for the hydrotesting phase the noise
dispersion study was carried out with SoundPlan 7.0 noise propagation software. The noise
levels estimated during each phase have been compared with the background noise levels at
sensitive receptors identified during the noise survey and with the legislative limits.
8.5.2.1 Construction and Pre-commissioning Phase
Noise emissions during the construction phase will arise mainly from vehicles and equipment
involved in soil movement and material handling. For the assessment of the noise impact
generated in this Project phase, the following activities have been analysed:
• onshore pipeline construction;
• microtunnel construction;
• PRT construction;
• Hydrotesting.
Low noise levels have been estimated at receptors during pipeline, microtunnel and PRT
construction. Considering that the activities foreseen for these phases are temporary and mainly
carried out during day time, they will generate a minor increase on the background noise level of
the area and the related noise impact can be considered not significant at the receptors. During
the hydrotesting phase the noise impact will be major in proximity of the nearest receptors. In
order to minimize the impact on population, that in any case will be temporary as the hydrotesting
will last only 21 days, all the necessary mitigation measures (noise barriers) and compensation
will be applied in agreement with the local Authorities.

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8.5.2.2 Operation and Maintenance Phase
Noise emissions during the operation phase will only arise from the PRT activity. The foreseen
noise levels at the nearest receptors, located at about 350 m from the PRT area, are in
compliance with the noise legislation and well below the background noise levels. The estimated
noise emission levels at receptors, in fact, range from 25 dB(A) and 30 dB(A) and they will not be
perceptible compared to the background.
8.5.2.3 Decommissioning Phase
During the decommissioning phase, noise emissions will arise mainly from vehicles and
equipment involved in soil movement and material handling during the decommissioning of the
PRT and demolition of related facilities. These activities will occur at day time, inducing a similar
not significant noise impact at receptors anticipated for the PRT construction.
8.5.3 Surface and Groundwater
The potential impacts on surface water and groundwater will largely be confined to the area of
the pipeline corridor and associated access road and are likely to arise from the construction and
decommissioning phases of the Project.
8.5.3.1 Construction and Pre-commissioning Phase
Potential Contamination of Water Resources
Freshwater resource may potentially be polluted by accidental spills from vehicles, storage tanks
and chemical stores, metalworking and welding residues, and process waste and effluent. In
particular the liquid wastes generated during construction will include hydrotesting water from the
onshore pipelines, slurry and cuttings from micro-tunnel drilling and sanitary sewer coming from
sanitary installations within the worksites. None of the waste water produced during the Project’s
construction phase will be discharged into water receptors but will be stored and transported
separately in appropriate and approved bins and containers to appropriate approved disposal
sites.
A wastewater management plan and a spill response plan will be designed with the aim to
minimise the likely of accidental spills. Considering all the procedures planned for the safe
handling, transport, storage and disposal of fuels and oils, the potential impact is considered not
significant for surface water and minor for groundwater.

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8.5.3.1.1 Modification of River Morphology
The planned route only crosses a small ditch at kp 0.2. Considering the temporary and reversible
nature of the impact, the low water flow and limited extension of the water course, the related
impact is considered not significant.
8.5.3.1.2 Consumption of Water Resources
All water used during the construction and pre-commissioning phase will be provided by tanks;
thus the significance of this impact is considered not significant.
8.5.3.2 Operation and Maintenance Phase
8.5.3.2.1 Potential Contamination of Water Resources
During the operational phase only limited amounts of waste are envisaged, due mainly to
maintenance activities. The waste production is localised at the PRT area. Considering that the
wastewater treatment and disposal plan will designed for this area at the scope to guarantee the
compliance of effluents with European and Italian standards and requirements and in particular
that the oily water will be treated in a specific treatment plant, the potential impact is considered
not significant for surface water and minor for groundwater.
8.5.3.2.2 Consumption of Water Resources
The only water consumption will be related to the PRT operation. It will be small and connected
to domestic use, maintenance and irrigation. Thus the significance of this impact is classified as
not significant.
8.5.3.3 Decommissioning Phase
The potential impacts for this phase coincide with those anticipated for the construction and precommissioning
phase for the decommissioning of the PRT area; whereas the potential impacts
on water resource arising from the Project decommissioning are considered not significant.

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8.5.4 Geology, Geomorphology and Soil
8.5.4.1 Construction and Pre-commissioning Phase
Potential Contamination of Soil
Soil may potentially be polluted by accidental spills from vehicles, storage tanks and chemical
stores, metalworking and welding residues, and process waste and effluent. Considering that the
wastewater treatment and disposal plan will designed and all the procedures foreseen for the
safe handling, transport, storage and disposal of fuels and oils, this potential impact is considered
not significant.
8.5.4.1.1 Potential Disturbance and Degradation
Soil properties might be affected during displacement operations and other activity taking place
during Project construction. However, this impact will be confined to the working strip vicinity, and
mitigation measures will be taken to avoid physical degradation of soil, and the original contours
of the land will be restored as closely as possible. Thus the related impact is considered minor.
8.5.4.1.2 Land take
During construction, a total of about 30 hectares (ha) will be required by the Project. In particular,
about 12 ha for the pipeline working strip (4.9 km length, 22 - 26 m wide) and 18 ha for the
worksites (including PRT) will be needed.
Considering that the working strip will be restored to their original condition the significance of this
impact is classified as minor.
8.5.4.2 Operation and Maintenance Phase
Potential Soil Contamination
Only limited amounts of waste will be produced mainly due to maintenance activities. Moreover, a
specific drainage and effluent treatment will be in place at the PRT. The potential soil
contamination in this phase may be associated with waste handling/disposal practices. However,
with the waste management plan and the mitigation measures, the impact could be controlled
and/or minimised. The related potential is considered not significant.

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8.5.4.2.1 Land take
Land take during the operation phase will be related to the PRT, the BVS and the road
connecting the existing road to BVS. A safety zone along the pipeline route will be established.
No construction will be allowed in this corridor (30 meters per side). In addition, no construction of
clusters of houses will be allowed in a strip of 100 meters per side. The value of impact
significance is considered to be minor.
8.5.4.3 Decommissioning Phase
Residual impacts for this phase coincide with those anticipated for the construction and precommissioning
phase for the decommissioning of the PRT area; therefore the related impact is
considered not significant.
8.5.5 Landscape and Visual Amenity
The Project elements likely to cause impacts on landscape and visual amenities exclusively
related to the Project operation phase are the onshore pipeline, the BVS and the PRT.
The onshore pipeline will be buried and thus will not produce significant changes in the
landscape. Moreover, the land cover and, particularly, monumental olive trees will be reinstated,
where feasible. Thus, the impacts of the pipeline on the landscape are Not Significant.
The Block Valve Station (BVS) is a small cabinet with a fence covering a limited area of
approximately 13 m x 23 m; it will be constructed on an uncultivated area; mitigation planting will
be used as mitigation measures, if necessary. The BVS impacts on landscape are Minor.
The Pipeline Receiving Terminal (PRT), due to its dimensions, is the Project element likely to
have the biggest impact on landscape and visual amenities. Therefore, the PRT impacts have
been analysed for each landscape component as presented in the following part of this section.
• Morphology
• The landscape of the Study Area is characterized by a flat morphology and vegetation typical
of agricultural areas, with more than 70% of the area covered by olive trees. The new
structures of the PRT will be located in an area without other similar facilities; therefore they
could modify the morphology of the area and relationships between natural elements. This
change, however, will be localized and moderate, and its presence could only partially affect

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the overall perception of the naturalness of the area. Thus, the PRT impact on local
morphology is Medium.
• Visual component.
• The PRT impact has been assessed by means of a visual impact modelling study. Several
viewpoints were identified from which to verify the potential visual impact from the PRT, and a
photomontage was prepared for each viewpoint. It was concluded that the presence of the
PRT will constitute a visual obstruction only for the nearest viewpoints (nearer than 700
m).Therefore, the overall visual impact is classified as Medium. The same conclusion can be
drawn for nocturnal impacts arising from PRT lighting. Planting may be used as mitigation
measures if necessary.
• Symbolic component.
• The area influenced by the Project is characterised by the presence of historical and
archaeological evidence. However, the Project does not interfere directly with these historical
and archaeological sites and the volumes of the PRT will be only marginally visible from
these areas. Thus, the PRT impact on the symbolic component is classified as Medium.
In conclusion, considering the medium landscape sensitivity (see previous Table 6-3) the PRT
impacts on landscape is considered Moderate.
8.6 Onshore Biological Environment
8.6.1 Flora and Vegetation
In the construction phase, temporary or permanent occupation of the habitats will result in the
complete removal of vegetation and then of plant species that grow mainly on olive plantations
and arable fields. However, the natural habitats will be poorly affected (about 1 hectare) and the
land occupation will be mainly restricted to the pine shrubland. The dispersion of invasive alien
plants is considered a possible indirect source of impact. Specific mitigation commitments (in
particular a Biodiversity Action Plan and afforestation with native species) are proposed to reduce
the impact on flora and vegetation. The degradation of abiotic components in ecosystems (soil,
air and water) and habitat fragmentation is considered a minor impact.
In the operation phase and in the decommissioning phase, the potential impacts are evaluated
not significant.

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8.6.2 Fauna
The impacts are strictly restricted to the TAP work sites and the areas immediately surrounding
them, where the impacts will be mostly limited to just the construction phase. Degradation of
abiotic components in ecosystems will be mostly due to air emissions and noise, although they
will be depleted near the work areas of TAP Project (about 500 m from the sites) and their levels
will be largely unaltered biological components. Light pollution will be unaffected wildlife, and also
modification in the ecological network and increasing collision rate with wildlife from traffic will be
not significant.
In order to minimize impacts on wildlife, and particularly on species of conservation interest, the
definition of an environmental restoration program in which compensations are the main action is
necessary (afforestation and hedges, construction of dry stone walls, etc.).
8.6.3 Protected Areas
In accordance with the requirements of Article 6(3) of the EU Habitats Directive (Directive
92/43/EEC), a screening process was carry out for the three SCI (IT9150032 “Le Cesine”,
IT9150022 “Palude dei Tamari” and IT9150004 “Torre dell'Orso”) and the SPA (IT9150014 "Le
Cesine"). The screening phase finds that no significant impact on any Natura 2000 site will
result from the TAP Project, mostly because the long distance from the work areas. A deeper
assessment of impacts is therefore not regarded as necessary.
8.7 Onshore Socioeconomic Environment
In general, the TAP Project will cause only temporary and localised not significant or minor
socioeconomic impacts during construction, not significant during operation and will offer not
significant or minor positive economic impacts during construction and operation.
The Project is expected to create 200 to 400 temporary construction jobs, a percentage of which
will be for residents. The non-resident workforce will be housed within nearby settlements and
towns. The capacity of the nearby communities and the volume and quality of the housing stock
is expected to be sufficient. Local and non-local workers are likely to spend part of their income
on local accommodation, goods, services and facilities in general, and positive economic impacts
are expected to result from this spending. Payments of taxes by employees and contractors to
the Government of Italy and economic opportunities for individuals and companies through direct,
indirect and induced employment associated with Project activities are likely to have small but
positive impacts on economy and employment.

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During the Project operation phase, revenues generated by the Project are likely to have a
positive impact on the economy. The employment opportunities created by the Project during
operation (approximately 8 to 24 workers) will have a small positive impact on employment.
During construction, a total of ~30 hectares (ha) will be required by the Project. Following
construction, land will be reinstated and returned to its original owner and use, where possible.
Land required for operations and aboveground installations (~17 ha) is significantly less than the
area needed during construction and will be purchased by TAP after an extensive consultation
with landowners.
During construction, direct impacts on agricultural activity will be temporary in nature and mostly
due to land clearing and land use activities. The Project will restore (or preferably improve) any
impacted livelihoods, in line with the EBRD Performance Requirement (PR 5).
Potential impacts on land value and use during operation will be limited to restrictions in land
development (i.e. no new houses will be allowed within a corridor of 30 meters per side). The risk
of soil degradation is foreseen as not significant, as the original contours of the land will be
restored, and appropriate mitigation measures will be utilised by the Project. In the event that any
dry stone walls need to be temporally removed for construction, the Project is responsible for
engaging with relevant stakeholders and rebuilding these walls to stakeholder satisfaction. Thus,
no long-term and significant impact is foreseen on agriculture and livelihoods of affected
landowners and land users during operation.
Not significant impact on tourism is expected during construction and operation. The
construction schedule will avoid the peak tourism season, particularly on the coastline, to
minimise the risk of possible decreases in tourists visiting the area and minimising potential
Project impacts on tourism businesses operating in the area affected by the Project. Additionally,
a microtunnelling technology will be used to construct the landfall. Therefore, no visual and long
term interference with the coastline during operation is expected.
Brindisi Harbour is likely to be chosen as the location of the lay down yard for piping and other
materials and supplies needed for offshore construction. Brindisi has developed its port areas,
creating new docks and new space designated for industrial activities. Thus, no capacity
problems related to the Project’s use of this harbour are foreseen. Additionally, the Project is
likely to have a not significant impact on infrastructure and utilities during construction and
operation.

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Potential impacts on Community and Workers Health, Safety & Security are expected to be
limited due to the average number of Project workers foreseen during the overall construction
phase, the number of Project vehicles and the number of trips foreseen per day on public roads
(less that 1) and the Project health and safety measures that will be in place during the
construction and operation phase (i.e. Code of Conduct, Emergency Response Plan, Leak
Detection System, Controlled Emergency Operation Shut Down).
8.8 Onshore Cultural Heritage
8.8.1 Construction and Pre-commissioning Phase
8.8.1.1 Loss of the Scientific, Cultural, or Historical Value of Cultural Heritage Sites due
to Direct Physical Disturbance or Damage to the Sites
The key sources of impact on cultural heritage will result from ground-disturbing activities.
Considering the mitigation measures that will be adopted during the Project activities (known
sites avoidance, site areas marking, Chance Finds Protocol implementation, Inclusion of
guidelines in the workers’ Code of Conduct), the impact related to construction and precommissioning
phase is considered moderate.
8.8.1.2 Degradation or Damage to Aboveground Structures Due to Pollution or Vibration
Aboveground portions of archaeological sites and monuments are subject to impact from air
pollutants and vibration from construction and vehicles. This type of impact may occur near roads
that will receive increased heavy vehicle traffic and areas near the Project corridor where heavy
machinery operates. The value of impact significance is considered minor, due to the mitigation
procedures that will be adopted and included in the Environmental and Social Management and
Monitoring Plan.
8.8.1.3 Negative Effects on the Setting or Ambience of Cultural Heritage Sites
The atmosphere of a cultural heritage site often has bearing on its cultural value. Impacts on the
setting or ambience of a cultural heritage site can affect its value to visitors. Those sites most at
risk for this kind of impact would be located in areas near the PRT. Adopting specific measures in
the Environmental and Social Management and Monitoring Plan, the value of impact significance
is considered to be moderate.

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8.8.2 Operations and Maintenance Phase
8.8.2.1 Degradation or Damage to Cultural Heritage Sites Due to Pollution or Vibration
This type of impact during the operations phase may come from the operation of machinery and
maintenance of PRT and block valve systems, the pipeline, or other associated operations. By
monitoring of sites at risk, reducing the working strip when maintenance and repairs are in close
proximity to sensitive areas, and adopting specific measures in the Environmental and Social
Management and Monitoring Plan, the value of impact significance is considered to be Minor.
8.8.2.2 Negative Effects on the Setting or Ambience of Cultural Heritage Sites
Impacts on the setting and ambience of sites are likely to occur in places within the Project area,
for PRT presence and maintenance and repairs activities. Since the pipeline will be underground,
most sites in the Project area are not at risk for permanent impacts. Adopting specific measures
in the Environmental and Social Management and Monitoring Plan, the value of impact
significance is considered to be minor.
8.8.3 Decommissioning Phase
8.8.3.1 Disturbance or Damage to Cultural Heritage Sites Due to Demolition of
Structures
The disturbance or damage of cultural heritage sites may occur from the demolition of structures,
leading to loss of value. Considering a series of mitigation measures to be included in the
Environmental and Social Management and Monitoring Plan (avoidance, recording of existing
conditions, protective measures, restoration and guidelines for workers), the value of impact
significance is considered to be minor.
8.9 Cumulative Impacts
Based on the available information, no other activity that can generate cumulative environmental
and social impacts when the proposed Project is operating or reasonably foreseeable, at present,
in the area near the site where the TAP Project will be built.
Therefore no cumulative impacts in the Project area are anticipated.

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8.10 Transboundary Impacts
Transboundary impact of the Project will be discussed with the Italian, Albanian and Greek
Ministries of Environment. Notification Forms will be submitted in line with the ESPOO
Convention to the Ministry of Environment of each of the three countries.
Transboundary impacts between Italy and Albania could potentially occur during the construction
phase, mainly due to hydrotesting activities and vessel traffic. No transboundary impact is
foreseen during the operation phase.
Hydrotesting activities will fill the offshore pipeline with sea water from the Italian hydrotesting
work site once it is completely built.
The pipeline will be filled with sea water twice: once for “pipeline washing” and once for
hydrotesting.
Discharge of water is foreseen in Albania. The total amount of discharged water is about 130,000
m 3 .
It is expected that the water discharged in Albania will only contain small amounts of corrosion
products from the pipeline. Some discoloration of the discharge water is still to be expected.
Transboundary Vessel Traffic and associated effects are expected to be generated in Italian
territory during the construction phase of the Albanian section of the TAP Project, since the
installation of the offshore pipeline on the Albanian side of the Adriatic will be serviced from an
Italian port (possibly Brindisi). This impact would be similar in nature and significance (minor) to
the one discussed in this ESIA and related to the construction phase of the Italian section of the
TAP Project.

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9 ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING
In order to deal with project environmental and social performance management and assessment
during all Project phases, an Environmental and Social Management and Monitoring Plan
(ESMMP) will be developed.
The ESMMP will contain the following:
• Mitigation Commitments: a Commitment Register will be prepared and included in the
ESMMP, embedding comments and requirements identified by regulators or other
stakeholders. This section will identify all significant impacts associated with the Project and
the mitigation and management measures proposed to reduce residual impacts to an
acceptable level;
• Specific Management Plans: certain issues of specific management plans will be embedded
in the Project ESMMP, which will seek to address key areas of potential environmental or
social impact. A preliminary list of these plans is: Waste Management Plan, Traffic
Management Plan, Pollution Prevention Plan, Chemical Management Plan, Health and
Safety Management Plan, Vessel Management Plan, Stakeholder Engagement Plan,
Biodiversity Action Plan.
• Monitoring Actions: a monitoring programme will be carried out by the means of
measurements, observations and qualitative characteristics of environmental components
aiming at:
o real-time identification and prevention of adverse impacts;
o Determining the effectiveness of the mitigation measures undertaken; and
o Presenting the results/information collected.
• The approach designed by the ESMMP document will be fully implemented at all levels (TAP,
subcontractors, etc) and for each type of activity during construction, operation and
decommissioning phase. Any activity will be fully monitored, and all the levels of the
application of these procedures will be audited, to prevent or minimise any potential risk for
the human and environmental component.

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Annex 1
Map

ORIGINAL SIZE A3
LEGEND
PROJECT COMPONENTS
BASE CASE ROUTE
CONSTRUCTION SITE
PIPELINE RECEIVING TERMINAL (preliminary layout)
BLOCKVALVE
TEMPORARY WORK SITE
MICROTUNNEL
ACCESS ROAD (to PRT)
IMPROVEMENT OF EXISTING ROAD
STUDY AREA
2 km CORRIDOR
ADMINISTRATIVE BOUNDARY
MUNICIPALITY
HYDROLOGY
RIVER (SEASONAL DRY); STRADA; FERROVIA
BATHYMETRY
BATHYMETRIC LINE (5 m)
Surbo
0 1 2 km °
Arnesano
Monteroni
di Lecce
Vernole
Sheet km km
1 0+000 2+520
2 1+670 4+910
San Pietro
in Lama
Lequile
San Cesario
di Lecce
San
Donato di Lecce
Cavallino
Lizzanello
Castri
di Lecce
2
Melendugno
1
SHEET
BASE CASE ROUTE
ORDERING COMPANY
TRANS ADRIATIC PIPELINE
DOCUMENT TITLE
Map 1 - Onshore Pipeline
00
REV.
NO.
03-12-2012
DATE
ISSUED FOR IMPLEMENTATION
DESCRIPTION
PREPARED CHECKED APPROVED DATE ACCEPTED
Trans Adriatic Pipeline
PROJECT TITLE
OWNER
RUM POS BEL 03-09-2012 ACCEPTED
Statoil ASA
TRANS ADRIATIC PIPELINE
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
Company Representative
Company Reference
Engineer Representative
Document Originator
Turid Thormodsen
C200
Svein Erik Falkeid
Simone Poli
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5.0
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276202 277202 4466849
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Coordinate System: WGS 1984 UTM Zone 34N
Source Reference Map: © ESRI Basemaps + Topomap 1:50000
±
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Environmental Resources Management
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273182 4466430
274182 275182 276182
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4464430
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ORDERING COMPANY
DOCUMENT TITLE
Map 1 - Onshore Pipeline
Vernole
Melendugno
±
0 0,25
0,5 1
km
Coordinate System: WGS 1984 UTM Zone 34N
Source Reference Map: © ESRI Basemaps + Topomap 1:50000
±
PROJECT TITLE
OWNER
TRANS ADRIATIC PIPELINE
Environmental Resources Management
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