The Shah Deniz or South Caucasus Pipeline, much like the BTC Pipeline, carries environmental and social risks. The construction of the pipeline crossed ecologically sensitive areas, such as the Gobustan desert area. The habitat will require an estimated 10 to 12 years to recover fully. Furthermore, the social effects of the pipeline are also notable: Local populations have been displaced, and, though the SCP and BTC Projects promise resettlement action plans, it is not clear whether they are being carried out properly.