Resolution 107/2023 issuing the Regulation Governing Environmental Permits.

This Resolution, comprising 28 articles, regulates environmental permitting and establishes, as a general rule, that: (i) project owners must obtain an environmental permit to establish, modify, suspend, abandon, or otherwise dispose of any source or work area; (ii) projects are classified into three categories - Category A, Category B, and Category C - based on their environmental impact; (iii) the President of the Environment Authority determines the classification of projects; (iv) the Authority sets safety zone distances for all projects, with the possibility of granting exceptions where justified; (v) authorized environmental inspectors may conduct inspections at all stages of a project to ensure compliance with the law, regulations, and applicable environmental standards.
Chapter 2 outlines the procedures for obtaining and maintaining an environmental permit. Applications must be submitted with required documentation, including an environmental impact assessment where applicable, and the Authority must decide within 30 working days. Permits are valid for up to three years and are renewable. Project owners must comply with all permit conditions before starting operations. For mining and construction projects, a financial guarantee is required to ensure compliance and environmental restoration. The Authority may also require environmental audits and corrective measures in specified cases. Chapter 3 sets out requirements for environmental record-keeping and monitoring. Project owners must maintain an environmental register, submit monitoring reports, ensure data accuracy, and provide inspectors with access. The Authority may conduct inspections and require corrective actions. Environmental data is confidential, and in case of an incident, the project owner must promptly notify the Authority and bear the associated costs. Chapter 4 sets out the obligations of the project owner, including: (i) adopting best available environmental practices and technologies to minimize pollution and emissions; (ii) complying with all permit conditions; (iii) obtaining prior approval from the Authority for any additional activities or project expansions; (iv) coordinating with the Authority when handling materials containing radioactive substances; (v) submitting a comprehensive waste management plan; and (vi) providing a detailed site closure plan upon project completion. Chapter 5 addresses the fees for environmental permits and their renewal.