The Bulgarian Ministry of Environment and Waters has approved the environmental impact assessment for the sea segment of the South Stream gas pipeline.

The conclusion of the report is that the Russian-sponsored project would not affect significantly the environment.

The news was announced by the company South Stream Transport, which hopes to obtain all needed permits and start construction in mid-2014.

There are 200 planned measures to guarantee nature, cultural heritage and social and economic preservation, according to the announcement.

A cited example is the decision to not carry out excavation works on the "Pasha Dere" beach on the northern Bulgarian Black Sea coast in order to lay the pipes, but to use micro-tunnels at a depth of 20 meters underground, which will prevent construction on the beach and will provide uninterrupted access to beachgoers.

The document has been approved by the Minister of Environment and Waters, Iskra Mihaylova.

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