Watchdog clear first Rail Baltica environmental impact assessment 

Rail Baltica’s environmental impact assessment (EIA) of the Ülemiste-Kangru section was deemed in accordance with the requirements by Estonia’s Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority recently, Rail Baltica announced on Thursday.

The EIA being compliant means construction of this first 15,8-kilometre-long section of the Rail Baltica line can soon begin. The Ülemiste-Kangru section largely runs through a built up area.

“When it comes to various measures, for example, in order to reduce railway noise, various noise barrier solutions will be built on the section for nearly three kilometers – wooden or metal noise barrier walls and earth embankments”, Rail Baltic Estonia’s environmental manager Roland Müür said.

“In order to ensure the movement of fauna, one eco-duct is planned for the section, as well as an underpass suitable for big game, sixteen culverts and tunnels for small animals. In addition, green strips will be built on the edge of three viaducts crossing the railway,”

Rail Baltic Estonia will prepare environmental management plans for each of the sections that will be assessed. They include mandatory measures from time time the permit was granted as well as voluntary measures on the part of the developers. These management plans will be evaluated and updated at least once every year. Rail Baltica aims to pay particular attention to the environmental impact of the project on forests and bird life.

Further reading:

• Rail Baltica marks start of construction effort for bridge over the Neris River
• Construction of Rail Baltica from Lithuania to Latvian border begins
• Rail Baltica’s longest railway bridge to be built by Italian company
• ‘Rail Baltica is at least three times more expensive for Estonia than HS2 for the UK’
• Slight growth in support for Rail Baltica, Estonia remains most skeptical