Communities and farmers near the pipeline’s route have appealed against South Africa’s Department of Environmental Affairs’ decision to issue an environmental impact assessment record of decision that would have allowed Petroline to begin construction.
The pipeline was initially due for commissioning in 2010, however last year Petroline said that the pipeline would come online in early 2011.
Petroline project co-ordinator Peet de Pontes said that the early 2011 date may also be pushed back after environmental concerns again delayed construction.
The impact assessment is for the pipeline from the Mozambique border to Kendal, Mpumalanga. From Kendal the pipeline would connect into the Transnet pipeline network.
Article continues below…The appeal is in progress and is now subject to a decision by the South African Minister of Environmental Affairs.
Mr de Pontes said Petroline and South African energy regulator Nersa had agreed the pipeline should be operational 30 months after the issuing of the environmental impact assessment record of decision and that the appeals could be finalised by the end of August 2010.
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