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Most delays come from incomplete classification forms, studies that split one project into parts, sites near sensitive areas without a detailed EIA, studies or measurements by unlicensed providers, permits that expire before work starts, changes made without approval and unpaid annual dues.
Key terms used in this guide 11 terms
- Category 1 activities
- Activities expected to produce low environmental impact that does not exceed the perimeter of the activity's site. Arabic: أنشطة الفئة الأولى (meaning “activities of the first category”) Permits reg. Art. 4(4), First
- Detailed environmental impact assessment study
- A study explaining the environmental impacts resulting from the activity and including the basic elements of an EIA (translated from the Arabic guide). Activities within environmentally sensitive areas, or within 500 meters of them or of receptors, must conduct one. Arabic: دراسة مفصلة لتقييم الأثر البيئي (meaning “a detailed study for assessing the environmental impact”) Permits reg. Art. 6, Second (6) and Permit guide, definitions
- Dewatering
- Lowering groundwater to a safe level to allow excavation below natural groundwater level in dry and stable conditions, and drawing collected water from the surface layer of the soil when this water appears as a result of digging and establishing development projects in coastal cities. Arabic: نزح المياه (meaning “drawing off (pumping out) water”) Aqueous reg. Art. 1
- Environmental classification form
- A form submitted to the Center used to determine the category of the suggested activity in terms of environmental impact. Arabic: استمارة التصنيف البيئي (meaning “the environmental classification form”) Permits reg. Art. 1
- Environmental impact assessment (EIA) study
- Study aimed at determining, estimating and evaluating the environmental impact of any activity classified by the Center as category 2 or 3, with the objective of incorporating environmental considerations into the final design of the activity, along with economic, social and security considerations, and identifying the necessary alternatives and measures to protect the environment. Arabic: دراسة تقييم الأثر البيئي (meaning “study of the assessment of the environmental impact”) Permits reg. Art. 1
- Environmental permit to establish
- Document issued by the Center to a person granting him the permission to initiate the establishment of an activity following the completion of its classification and environmental impact assessment, and the prescription of environmental requirements and conditions to comply with during establishment. Arabic: التصريح البيئي للإنشاء (meaning “the environmental permit for construction (establishment)”) Permits reg. Art. 1
- Environmental permit to operate
- A document issued by the Center to a person granting him the permission to operate the activity. Arabic: التصريح البيئي للتشغيل (meaning “the environmental permit for operation”) Permits reg. Art. 1
- Environmentally sensitive areas
- Areas with environmental significance whose degradation has negative repercussions for the environment. They include protected areas, parks, forests, wetlands, significant bird habitat, mangroves, landscaped sites, watersheds, water catchment and run-off areas, beaches, waterways, aquifers or any other area identified or declared as environmentally sensitive by the State, the Ministry or the national environmental centers. Arabic: المناطق الحساسة بيئياً (meaning “areas sensitive environmentally”) Permits reg. Art. 1
- Financial dues
- An amount of money collected by the competent center from a person for the purpose of issuing or renewing licenses or permits or for providing environmental services. Arabic: المقابل المالي (meaning “the financial consideration”) Fees reg. Art. 1
- Major change
- Any expansion or change in the design, operation, or nature of any existing activity, which is likely to induce a negative impact on the environment. The Arabic text of the permits regulation is not among the sources, so no Arabic term is given. Permits reg. Art. 1
- Service provider
- A person licensed by the competent authority to provide environmental services. The Audit regulation uses the singular مقدم الخدمة (meaning the service provider) for a person licensed by the Center. Arabic: مقدمو الخدمات (meaning “the service providers (those who provide the services)”) SP reg. (1446H) Art. 1 and Audit reg. (1446H) Art. 1
On this page
Incomplete information
If the classification form is incomplete, NCEC asks for corrections and the 10-working-day decision period restarts from the complete form.Permits reg. Art. 5(2)
Splitting one project into parts
NCEC may reject an EIA, or cancel an earlier approval, if a project is segmented in a way that prevents correct classification.Permits reg. Art. 9(2)
Missing the 500 m rule
Sites in, or within 500 m of, sensitive areas and receptors need a detailed EIA, even when the activity would otherwise be Category 1.Permits reg. Art. 6, Second (6)
Studies or data from unlicensed providers
Studies, plans, measurements and laboratory analysis must come from service providers licensed by NCEC for that activity.NCEC guide LO-1-M-005, conditions section
Permits that expire before work starts
If construction does not start before the permit to establish expires, you need a new application and an updated study, and fees already paid are not refunded.Permits reg. Art. 9(4) and (5)
Changes made without approval
NCEC may suspend a permit if major changes are made after it is issued, until the necessary adjustments are made.Permits reg. Art. 9(6)
Discharges without a permit
Discharging water such as dewatering water into the environment needs its own NCEC permit.Aqueous reg. Art. 8, First (1)
Unpaid annual dues
A permit to operate cannot be renewed until the annual financial dues are fully paid.Fees reg. Art. 4(7)
Language of the study
Studies are submitted in Arabic. NCEC may accept all or part in English.Permits reg. Art. 9(8)
We check the site, the category and the documents before anything is submitted to NCEC.
References
Each small number in this guide shows the article or section that point comes from. Hover over or tap a number to see it, or open the full list below.
Show all 9 references and the 4 regulation texts
- Permits reg. Art. 5(2)
- Permits reg. Art. 9(2)
- Permits reg. Art. 6, Second (6)
- NCEC guide LO-1-M-005, conditions section
- Permits reg. Art. 9(4) and (5)
- Permits reg. Art. 9(6)
- Aqueous reg. Art. 8, First (1)
- Fees reg. Art. 4(7)
- Permits reg. Art. 9(8)
How to read these references 4 texts cited
- Art. 7(4)(b) means Article 7, paragraph 4, item (b).
- First, Second and Third are the numbered parts some articles are divided into. The Arabic texts write them أولاً، ثانياً، ثالثاً (meaning first, second, third).
Every text we cite is listed on our regulations page.
Regulation texts this guide is written from
- Executive Regulations for Environmental Permits to Establish and Operate Activities
- NCEC guide LO-1-M-005-V01 for issuing and renewing environmental permits
- Executive Regulations for the Protection of Aqueous Media from Pollution
- Executive Regulation for Controls and Procedures Pertaining to Financial Dues for Environmental Licenses, Permits and Services
This guide is general information written from the regulation texts listed above. It is not legal advice. Regulations change, and the official text always prevails. Spotted something out of date? Request a change.