Review of the environmental impact assessment of the Kulevi oil terminal and railway access line

Project description and benefits

The project was undertaken with the aim of reviewing the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for a marine access channel and railway access line to the Kulevi oil terminal in Georgia. The objective was to determine the comprehensiveness of the previously conducted studies and the measures proposed to mitigate environmental impacts. A private consortium had sought planning permission to construct an oil terminal and railway access line and some of these proposed activities would take place in the Kolkheti National Park. This necessitated a vigorous approach to the EIA.

Services provided by Cefas

Site visits were conducted to ascertain the key environmental issues associated with the development. The EIAs were reviewed in accordance with Georgian legislation governing the EIA procedure. Comprehensiveness of data collection, public consultation and proposed mitigation measures were examined against the likely perceived environmental impacts; as judged from the site visits, a review of the literature and information on natural resources and past experiences of such developments.