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Environmental Permits

What is an EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment)?

EIA is a study required for major projects (Category I) to assess potential environmental risks and define mitigation measures before the project starts. It is mandatory for obtaining an Environmental Decision.

Do small businesses need environmental permits?

Most small businesses (offices, shops) do not. However, small manufacturing units might fall under Category II and require a screening procedure to confirm if they need full assessment.

How long does the environmental permit process take?

The statutory timeline is around 51-55 working days after submitting the final EIA report, but the entire process including scoping and report preparation usually takes 6-12 months.

Can the public stop my project?

Public hearings are mandatory. While the public cannot simply veto a project, valid concerns raised during hearings must be addressed. Significant opposition can delay the process or lead to stricter permit conditions.

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Environmental Permits and Assessment: Ecological Compliance for Business in Georgia

Environmental permits and obtaining an Environmental Decision represent one of the most complex stages in implementing any large investment or infrastructure project in Georgia. Modern Georgian legislation, harmonized with EU directives, imposes strict requirements on activities that may have a significant impact on the environment. Starting activities without an Environmental Decision is considered illegal, leading to substantial financial fines (often reaching tens of thousands of GEL) and the forced suspension of operations. Furthermore, the process involves not only technical documentation but also public hearings and communication with the local population. The involvement of a qualified lawyer and environmental consultant is essential to avoid delays and ensure a successful project launch.

What Does This Service Cover?

Environmental law specialists registered on Legal.ge offer full legal support at all stages of obtaining permits:

  • Screening Procedure: Preparing the initial application to the National Environmental Agency to determine whether your activity is subject to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
  • Scoping Report: Legal support for the scoping stage, which involves defining the scope of issues to be studied and organizing public hearings.
  • EIA Coordination: Working with experts during the preparation of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report and checking the document's legal soundness.
  • Representation in Public Hearings: Organizing meetings with the population and stakeholders, keeping minutes, and managing conflict situations.
  • Obtaining Environmental Decision: Communicating with the Ministry and managing the final permit issuance process.
  • Ecological Audit: Conducting compliance audits for existing enterprises and issuing recommendations to avoid fines.

Common Situations When You Need a Lawyer

Environmental regulations affect far more businesses than it might seem at first glance. Legal assistance is critical in the following cases:

  • New Factory Construction: You plan to open a metallurgical, chemical, or building materials plant, which automatically requires an EIA.
  • Infrastructure Projects: You are building a road, a hydropower plant (HPP), a high-voltage transmission line, or a waste management facility.
  • Business Expansion: You already have a permit, but you plan to increase production volume or change technology, which requires new screening or permit renewal.
  • Fines and Disputes: The Department of Environmental Supervision fined you for air pollution or improper waste management, and you want to appeal.
  • Public Protest: The local population opposes the project, and you need mediation and legal argumentation to prove the project's safety.

Georgian Legal Framework

The fundamental document of the field is the Environmental Assessment Code of Georgia, which regulates EIA and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) procedures. Also important are the Law of Georgia on Environmental Protection and the Law of Georgia on Licenses and Permits. Regarding waste management, the Waste Management Code of Georgia applies, while air protection issues are regulated by the Law on Protection of Ambient Air. Violation of these laws leads to both administrative and criminal liability.

Process: How Collaboration with a Specialist Works

The process of obtaining an environmental permit is quite lengthy and involves several stages:

  1. Identification: The lawyer determines whether your activity belongs to Category I (mandatory EIA) or Category II (subject to screening).
  2. Screening/Scoping: An application is prepared and sent to the Ministry. The research area is defined.
  3. Research and Report: Specialists prepare the EIA report, evaluating all risks and mitigation measures.
  4. Public Hearing: Meetings are held in the municipality where the population can ask questions.
  5. Decision: The Ministry issues an Environmental Decision, which is a prerequisite for obtaining a construction permit.

Why Choose Legal.ge?

Environmental law is a narrow and specific field where the cost of a mistake is very high. Legal.ge gives you access to experts who have practical experience dealing with the National Environmental Agency and obtaining permits for complex projects (HPPs, factories). Our specialists will help you not only obtain the permit but also develop a long-term environmental strategy. Find a reliable partner on Legal.ge.

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