This Model Law establishes a unified legal framework for environmental impact assessment (EIA). Its main objective is to harmonize national systems with international standards and to regulate the procedures for assessing the environmental consequences of planned economic activities. The Law defines key concepts such as “environmental impact,” “project,” and “competent authority,” and sets out guiding principles, including the presumption of environmental risk, the mandatory nature of assessment prior to decision-making, scientific validity, transparency, and public participation. The Law applies to all planned activities that may have direct or indirect negative environmental effects, including transboundary impacts, while excluding activities related to national security or emergency protection. It assigns responsibilities to state authorities, local governments, project initiators, and contractors, and establishes a structured EIA process consisting of several stages: initial site assessment, preliminary evaluation, detailed impact analysis with mitigation measures, and post-project monitoring. Projects are categorized into four groups (“A,” “B,” “C,” and “D,”) depending on their environmental significance, with corresponding levels of assessment complexity and requirements for state ecological review. The Law also specifies the content of EIA documentation, including environmental baseline data, analysis of alternatives, risk assessments, and mitigation strategies, and requires public access to information and participation through consultations and hearings. It outlines rights of individuals and organizations to obtain environmental information and challenge decisions, as well as obligations for authorities to ensure transparency. Finally, it defines violations and liabilities for non-compliance, emphasizes international cooperation (especially for transboundary impacts), and provides detailed annexes listing categories of activities and criteria for determining their environmental significance.
2010-10-28