Investors looking to establish industrial facilities in Serbia must prepare a range of environmental and technical studies to comply with national regulations. These studies are essential for obtaining necessary permits and ensuring alignment with Serbia’s environmental protection and industrial safety standards. Below is an overview of the key studies required:
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Overview: The EIA is mandatory for projects likely to significantly impact the environment. It identifies potential environmental effects and recommends mitigation measures. Public participation is integral, allowing stakeholders and local communities to provide input.
Scope: Required for large-scale industrial plants, mining operations, energy facilities, and waste treatment plants, covering air quality, water quality, soil contamination, biodiversity and noise pollution.
Regulation: Governed by the Law on Environmental Impact Assessment, in accordance with EU Directive 2011/92/EU and its amendments. - Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)
Overview: The SEA is necessary for plans and programs that set frameworks for future projects, especially in energy, industry and waste management sectors. It assesses cumulative environmental impacts.
Scope: Focuses on long-term plans affecting land use and resource management, evaluating potential impacts on ecosystems and socio-economic conditions. - Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) study
Overview: This study is mandatory for industrial facilities with significant environmental impacts, ensuring the adoption of best available techniques (BAT) for pollution prevention.
Scope: Covers air emissions, wastewater treatment, waste management, and soil protection, including operational procedures and emergency response plans.
Regulation: Must comply with the Law on Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control and the EU IPPC Directive 2008/1/EC. - Waste management plan
Overview: Required for all facilities generating or handling waste, this plan outlines waste collection, treatment, and disposal methods.
Scope: Must address both non-hazardous and hazardous waste, detailing treatment processes and measures for reducing waste generation.
Regulation: Complies with the Law on Waste Management and EU Directive 2008/98/EC. - Risk assessment study for hazardous facilities
Overview: This study evaluates risks for facilities handling hazardous materials, proposing safety measures and emergency response strategies.
Scope: Assesses risks such as chemical spills and fire hazards, and includes a detailed emergency response plan.
Regulation: Governed by the Law on Environmental Protection and related safety standards. - Energy efficiency and environmental protection study
Overview: Required for large energy projects, this study promotes energy efficiency and reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Scope: Evaluates energy consumption, identifies savings opportunities, and recommends solutions to improve efficiency.
Regulation: Must adhere to the Law on Energy Efficiency and the Law on Environmental Protection. - Hydrogeological and geotechnical studies
Overview: Necessary for projects affecting groundwater or soil stability, these studies assess groundwater conditions and soil composition.
Scope: Helps in designing foundations, drainage systems, and water protection measures.
Regulation: Must comply with the Law on Planning and Construction and the relevant technical standards.
Permit and approval process
Submission of Studies and Reports: Investors must submit all relevant studies, including EIA, SEA, and IPPC, to the Ministry of Environmental Protection for review, along with detailed project documentation.
Technical and Environmental Review: The Ministry, with relevant authorities, reviews studies for compliance with national and EU standards, involving technical evaluations and stakeholder consultations.
Public Consultation: For projects with significant impacts, a public consultation process allows the community to provide feedback, which must be considered in decision-making.
Issuance of Permits and Licenses: Upon successful review, the Ministry issues necessary permits, including Waste Management Permits and Environmental Permits, with specific environmental protection conditions.
Investors must ensure their studies are comprehensive and meet Serbian legislation and EU directives to facilitate project approval and implementation. An Owner’s Engineer can effectively lead and navigate this process.