Regulation on environmental impact assessment.

This Regulation sets forth the administrative and technical procedures and principles governing Environmental Impact Assessment. The Ministry of Environment and Forestry is authorized to decide whether the Environmental Impact Assessment is positive, negative, required or not required for the projects subject to this Regulation (those listed in Annex I). Such projects may not be initiated without a definite decision by the Ministry or the competent Governor. A committee shall be instituted, including representatives from related state institutions and agencies, from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, and project owner or representatives. When necessary, representatives from universities, research agencies, vocational chambers, unions and other civil society organizations will be invited to the committee. A local community meeting will be organized to debate the project. Committee findings will be submitted to the Ministry for final decision. Project owners shall be asked to modify the project for minor points to avoid complete rejection. Projects fully rejected after assessment may be reconsidered if conditions causing the rejection are changed. Projects endorsed after Environmental Impact Assessment may commence within seven years, otherwise the assessment shall be considered as null and void.