Albania gets TAP environmental review

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BAAR, Switzerland, Jan. 24 (UPI) -- A group managing the planned Trans Adriatic Pipeline said it submitted an environmental assessment of the project to the Albanian government for review.

TAP said it developed a comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessment with Albanian and international experts for review by license authorities. It was developed under terms set by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

The Albanian government earlier this week initialed a host agreement that paves the way to formal ratification for the natural gas pipeline. The planned 320-mile pipeline is meant to carry as much as 353 billion cubic feet of natural gas per year from Azeri areas of the Caspian Sea to European consumers.

TAP would cross about 167 miles of Albanian territory. Albert Haak, country director for the project, said the ESIA was vetted by members of the Albanian public.

"So far, the feedback has been very constructive and the project enjoys wide support," he said in a statement.

TAP is up against pipeline Nabucco West to secure natural gas from Azerbaijan. A decision from the BP-led consortium managing Azeri reserves is expected by June.