Energy and water projects, from power plants and solar projects to desalination plants, wastewater treatment plants and their networks, are large infrastructure projects whose environmental effects extend over wide areas and long periods. They are therefore monitored environmentally at every stage: classification and the construction permit, operation and monitoring, renewal and audits, and site rehabilitation. This page summarizes the environmental framework for the sector.

The start: classification and the construction permit

The Implementing Regulation for Environmental Permits applies to every project expected to have an environmental impact. Large energy and water projects often need an EIA study, and their classification criteria include energy used, consumption of natural resources, land use and sensitive receptors. Projects within, or 500 meters or less from, sensitive areas such as beaches, water catchments and aquifers need a detailed study. For large projects, the construction permit may be extended by two years if the extension request is included in the EIA study. Projects involving reclamation or dredging within 400 meters of the shoreline need approval from the Permanent Committee for the Protection of the Coastal Environment.

Power plants: emissions and monitoring

Power plants are stationary emission sources. The Air Quality Regulation requires sources listed in its annex to install continuous emission monitoring approved by the National Center for Environmental Compliance (NCEC), submit operating procedures within 90 days of installation, and have systems audited periodically by a licensed provider. Sources not under continuous monitoring measure their stacks annually. Operation, malfunction and calibration records are kept for at least five years, and NCEC is notified immediately of emergencies that may exceed the standards.

Desalination and wastewater plants: water

The Implementing Regulation for Protecting Water Media from Pollution defines wastewater as including cooling water and brine from desalination plants, and includes standards for treated wastewater before discharge to coastal and marine waters and mixing zone calculations. It applies to territorial waters and the exclusive economic zone. For wastewater treatment plants, dumping untreated wastewater into any environmental medium is among the violations heard by the competent court, and sludge is handed to carriers licensed by the National Center for Waste Management (MWAN).

Solar projects and open sites

Solar projects cover large areas, and their environmental impact centers on land use, vegetation and access routes during construction, then managing panels and equipment at end of life. The Rehabilitation Regulation requires a rehabilitation plan for some activities as part of the permit requirements and its update at the environmental audit. Replaced panels and equipment are managed under the Waste Management Law, which puts recycling and resource recovery before disposal.

Noise and construction sites

Pumping stations, power units and compressors are noise sources; the Noise Regulation sets 70 dB by day and 65 at night at the boundary for industrial areas, and much lower limits near residential areas. Project construction sites follow construction hours (7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for works exceeding the limits) and the Air Quality Regulation's dust requirements.

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How Abak Green helps energy and water projects

Within our license scope we prepare environmental management plans, compliance reports, coordination of measurements and rehabilitation plans for energy and water projects and treatment plants, and we manage EIA study files through approval. Contact us about your project.