A Study of Nature Conservation Issues Related to the Construction of the Polish Sector of the Russia-Europe Gas Pipeline. was performed within the framework of the EU Phare III programme. The project was co-ordinated by the Foreign Co-operation Department of the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management in Warsaw. The Study was developed by three independent companies: Eko-Konsult (Poland) and two German companies: CES CES Consulting Engineers Salzgitter GmbH and Ingenieurbüro NICKEL GmbH.. The document sets out practical recommendations regarding preventative and conservation measures which should be adopted in order to minimise any harmful impact the pipeline construction or operation may have on the environment. For example, the document states that: "[...] it has been found that the basic safety precautions employed eliminate any major probability of gas leakage or pipeline failure. Given that all environmental and technical standards as well as the quality assurance system as observed to be followed on the site are in line with European standards, it is suggested that the construction and operation of the Yamal gas pipeline does not pose any environmental hazard [...]"

Experts point out that ultimately the gas pipeline more than compensates for any damage to the natural environment. Indeed, it contributes to the reduction of air emissions of pollutants. Natural gas pumped through the "big pipe" is an environmentally friendly fuel and it can offer an alternative to other combustible fuels characterised by far worse parameters. According to the Environmental Protection Institute of the Wrocław University of Technology, the annual emissions of SO₂, NO_x, CO_x and dust are bound to fall dramatically.