Law on state ecological expertise (No. 426-IS).

This Law stipulates that the purpose of state ecological expertise shall be to control the conservation of the ecological balance of the environment based on the principles of environmental requirements, rational utilization of natural resources and sustainable development. The opinion of state ecological expertise shall be a factor in deciding whether to grant an environmental permit to carry out any activity. State evaluations shall consider: (a) potential ecological risk assessment arising from certain activities; (b) all-round assessment of the activity’s possible impact on the environment prior to its commencement; (c) environmental requirements and standards; (d) independence of experts to freely perform their duties; (d) reasoning and legality of the evaluation’s conclusion; and (e) public participation. Activities subject to compulsory state ecological expertise shall include: (a) land use planning; (b) harbour management; (c) urban land planning; (d) industrial activities; (e) soil rehabilitation for territories in which an ecological catastrophe or epidemic has taken place; and (f) plans for the protection, use or utilization of water, forests, woods, soil, mineral wealth and other natural resources. State ecological evaluation opinions may be positive or negative. Positive opinions shall be issued in cases when: (a) the evidential documentation is in compliance with the legislation and environmental norms and standards of Georgia; (b) the implementation of the activity outlined will not cause irreversible qualitative or quantitative changes to the state of the environment or natural resources; and (c) the plan provides for measures to reduce or prevent environmental impacts, including mitigation of possible effects of any emergency situation. The environmental impact assessment result shall be supported by an environmental impact assessment report.