Compliance Advisor Ombudsman

Complaint

The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) oil and gas pipeline is a 1,768 km long crude oil pipeline stretching from the Caspian Sea to the Mediterranean Sea. It is the second longest oil pipeline in the world and passes through Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey. IFC has invested $250 million since 2003 and the total project cost is approximately $3.6 billion. The project is operated by BTC Co., which comprises a consortium of 11 partners. To date, CAO has received 33 complaints in relation to the project ranging from individuals to communities to local organizations. On March 15, 2004, the CAO received a complaint from residents of the 18th and 19th sub-districts in Rustavi claiming they had not been informed that the pipeline would pass within 250 meters of their homes prior to pipeline construction, as required. The complainants also raised concerns about pipeline safety and the effects of construction vibrations on their homes.

CAO Action

The complaint was accepted in April 2004, and an assessment report was released in July 2004.

Status

The complaint was closed on May 2, 2005, in response to increased engagement on the part of BTC Co. with the community and resolution of some of the complainants’ concerns.