"We noted at that time our deep concern about the negative environmental -- the potential negative environmental impact of this project -- and we urged the government of Ukraine to conduct an impact assessment and select a route that would minimize the destructive impact on the environment," deputy State Department spokesman Adam Ereli said.

Ereli said that Romania, Germany, the European Union and environmental groups such as the World Conservation Union were also concerned. The Danube delta is divided by the border between Romania and Ukraine.

"We remain deeply concerned about the environmental impact of this construction project and by the lack of action by the government of Ukraine to be responsive to its treaty obligations and to the position stated by other countries and the international organizations.

"And we urge it -- continue to urge it -- to ensure that this very important wetland area and ecologically sensitive resource be fully protected and preserved," he said.

UNESCO entered the Danube delta nature reserve on its World Heritage List in 1991. It is home to 300 species of birds and 90 fishes, many of which are rare or endangered.

Romania's foreign affairs ministry on Monday asked the United Nations to name an international commission to investigate the environmental impact of the construction of the canal.

TERRA.WIRE