Environmental Remediation is a complex legal and technical process aimed at restoring a contaminated environment (soil, water, air) to its original state. In Georgia, where numerous contaminated sites (Brownfields) remain as a Soviet legacy, and modern industrial activities create new challenges, this service is critically important. Legislation establishes the "polluter pays" principle, meaning companies are obliged not only to compensate for damages but also to physically restore the environment. This process involves developing a remediation plan, coordinating with the Ministry, and monitoring implementation. Environmental remediation is also relevant during the commercial development of land plots, where an investor must clean up the territory before starting construction.
Environmental law experts represented on the Legal.ge platform offer full legal support in the remediation process. Services include:
- Legal Audit: Studying the status of potentially contaminated territory and determining legal liability for historical pollution (who is responsible: the state or the private owner).
- Remediation Plan Approval: Submitting the restoration work plan to the Ministry of Environmental Protection and managing the approval process.
- Contractor Agreements: Signing contracts with specialized companies conducting cleanup works, outlining responsibility for work quality.
- Monitoring and Reporting: Preparing mandatory reports for the regulator on the progress of the remediation process.
- Dispute Resolution: Defending company interests if the state refuses to accept the performed works or demands additional measures.
Environmental remediation services are necessary in the following scenarios:
- A developer purchased a former factory site to build residential buildings. Soil analysis showed heavy metal contamination. Soil remediation is needed before obtaining a construction permit.
- An oil company experienced a pipeline leak contaminating agricultural lands. Besides compensation, the company is obliged to restore soil fertility.
- A mining company is finishing its license term and is obliged to carry out quarry recultivation. A lawyer prepares the recultivation project and hands it over to the state.
- A municipality is closing an old landfill and needs legal consultation on conservation procedures.
The field is regulated by the Law on Environmental Liability, which details damage remediation measures (primary, complementary, and compensatory remediation). The Law on Soil Protection and technical regulations on pollution limits also apply.
Collaborating with a Legal.ge specialist helps you avoid unforeseen costs. Environmental remediation is an expensive process, and an incorrectly drafted plan can lead to the necessity of redoing the work. Our lawyers ensure that your remediation plan is legally sound and recognized by the regulator.
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