Pollution Control Permits represent an integrated approach to environmental regulation, aimed at the joint protection of all environmental components (air, water, soil). Within the framework of the Association Agreement with the EU, Georgia is implementing the "Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control" (IPPC) system. This means that large industrial facilities will require a unified environmental permit rather than separate ones, based on Best Available Techniques (BAT). This service covers all types of permits necessary for the legal operation of an enterprise: permits for water discharge, waste management, and emissions. Pollution control also implies continuous monitoring, readiness for inspections, and the implementation of environmental management systems.
What Does Pollution Control Service Cover?
Our service includes the full cycle of environmental permitting and compliance management:
- Integrated Environmental Permit: Obtaining a permit based on IPPC principles (where mandatory) and preparing relevant technical documentation.
- Wastewater Discharge Permit: Preparing and approving the project for Maximum Permissible Discharges (MPD) into surface water bodies.
- Waste Management: Developing a waste management plan and obtaining permits required for hazardous waste activities.
- Noise Regulations: Modeling noise propagation and justifying compliance with permissible norms.
- Environmental Audit: Checking the compliance of an existing enterprise with current legislation and developing a remediation plan.
- Representation During Inspections: Legal support during inspections by the Department of Environmental Supervision.
Common Scenarios and Needs
Enterprises often face problems when their activities expand, but their environmental permits remain outdated. For example, adding a new workshop requires updating the entire permit. Another common issue is discharging wastewater into the sewage system or a river without preliminary treatment, leading to high fines. Also, under new regulations, many companies have to replace old technologies with "Best Available Techniques" (BAT) to obtain the right to operate. Lawyer involvement is essential to maintain business continuity during the transition period.
Georgian Legislation and Regulations
Pollution control is regulated by the "Environmental Assessment Code", which defines the rules for issuing environmental decisions. The integrated permit system is being gradually introduced based on the "Law on Industrial Emissions" (draft or enacted). Water pollution is regulated by the "Law of Georgia on Water Resources Management", and waste by the "Waste Management Code". The Code of Administrative Offences imposes strict sanctions for failure to implement pollution control measures.
The Process: How a Specialist Works
The specialist conducts a complex diagnosis of the enterprise to identify all types of environmental impact. A strategy for obtaining permits is then planned. The lawyer coordinates the work of engineers and ecologists to prepare MPE (air), MPD (water), and waste plans. All documents are submitted to the Ministry as a unified package or separately. After receiving the permit, the lawyer assists the company in appointing an environmental manager and setting up an internal reporting system.
Why Legal.ge?
Pollution control requires a multidisciplinary approach where jurisprudence intersects with engineering. Legal.ge gives you access to teams capable of solving this complex task. Specialists on our platform will help you avoid environmental fines, obtain necessary permits on time, and ensure the sustainable development of your business in accordance with European standards.
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