Regulation No. 1517 on pollution and waste in Svalbard.

This Regulation establishes a comprehensive legal framework to prevent and reduce environmental damage caused by pollution and waste across Svalbard’s land and territorial waters. It regulates activities such as ground disturbance in contaminated soil, sea dumping, storage of hazardous substances, and wastewater discharge. The regulation includes strict permitting requirements for handling waste and chemicals, operating tanks, conducting dredging or landfilling at sea, and discharging wastewater from buildings and vehicles. It also defines responsibilities for households, businesses, and waste facilities, emphasizing proper disposal, documentation, and risk assessments, especially in planning areas.
The regulation further addresses household and commercial waste management, setting rules for collection, handling, and delivery to approved facilities. It imposes obligations on plan authorities to provide adequate waste services and to prepare waste management plans. Special provisions govern waste from ships, including mandatory reception facilities, delivery requirements, and associated fees. Internally, businesses must implement environmental management systems (internal control), and violations can lead to fines, coercive measures, or criminal penalties. The Governor of Svalbard and the Norwegian Environment Agency are responsible for enforcement and supervision.