Sakhalin Project Gets Environmental OK

International consultants gave environmental approval to the Sakhalin II oil and gas project off Russia’s Pacific Coast, Russian gas giant Gazprom said.

Gazprom said AEA Technology, an independent consultant for potential lenders to the project, reported on the commitments of project operator Sakhalin Energy, and said the project was in line with national and international environment laws, Novosti reported Tuesday.

The project was the subject of pressure last year from Russian authorities who accused it of inflicting major environmental damage on Sakhalin Island, the news agency said.

Gazprom, Russian natural gas monopoly, acquired a controlling stake in the Sakhalin II project last December. The minority partners Royal Dutch Shell, Mitsui and Mitsubishi, hold stakes of 27.5 percent, 12.5 percent and 10 percent in the project, respectively.