Fresh photographs taken by Sakhalin Environment Watch from June 21-July 3, 2006 show continued severe erosion problems on Shell’s problem-plagued Sakhalin II oil and gas project on Russia’s Sakhalin Island. A photo report with written description can be found at:
The photos bear witness to severe erosion problems ongoing on the pipeline route and the grossly insufficient response by the Shell-run Sakhalin Energy Investment Company (SEIC). The photos show deep erosion gullies and runoff carrying mud into wild salmon rivers and tributaries, washed out pipeline corridors, failed erosion control measures, and in some cases, no erosion control measures. Severe erosion could eventually undercut sections of the pipeline, potentially leading to the breakage of the pipeline and an oil spill. Both severe erosion and a potential oil spill has a very negative impact on wild salmon, which depend on clean, clear water for survival. In turn, the harm to wild salmon can negatively affect the Sakhalin Island economy, which is heavily tied to fishing.
‘These photos confirm that Shell is failing to take erosion control seriously even when international attention is increasing. Shell continues to prove itself incapable of taking its environmental responsibility seriously,’ said Dmitry Lisitsyn, Chairman of Sakhalin Watch.
The release of the photos come at a time when the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and other public and private banks are said to be finalizing their consideration of billions of Euros in loans to the troubled project.
‘EBRD and Shell will likely respond by saying they are conducting renewed erosion control measures over the summer. However, adequate erosion control is most essential during the heavy spring rains and snow melt. Shell failed to do that.’ said Lisitsyn.
