Civil society groups are concerned about potential adverse environmental and social problems associated with the Bautino projects. Activities such as dredging, wharf construction, and sea reclamation can lead to potentially dangerous changes in the marine environment. EBRD’s Environmental and Social Impact Assessment also noted air pollution, a declining fishing industry, inadequately controlled waste facilities, and risks for fuel spills and fires, as well as social consequences in terms of rising prices and inequality. During a fact-finding mission in 2007, civil society representatives documented complaints of nose bleeds, headaches, anemia, skin diseases, and diarrhea amongst residents in areas around the Bautino port and Koshanai facility. Environmentalists are concerned that these health problems may stem from declining water quality and air pollution from toxic emissions.
Besides the impacts from the base itself, civil society organizations (CSOs) are particularly concerned about Bautino’s connection to Kashagan and other oil development projects. EBRD declines responsibility for the negative consequences of such developments, but CSOs believe the Bank shares responsibility, given the fact that the Bautino Atash Marine and Supply Base is essentially a support facility for off-shore oil extraction.