Integrated Environmental Authorization: Which companies require this regulatory document and how to obtain it

Compliance with environmental legislation is a legal obligation and part of companies' sustainability strategy. One of the most important requirements for economic operators that have a significant impact on the environment is obtaining an Integrated Environmental Authorization (AIM).

By definition, an AIM is an administrative act issued by the competent environmental authorities, which establishes the conditions and requirements that must be met for the operation of an installation or the performance of activities with a significant impact on the environment. This document integrates all relevant aspects of environmental protection: emissions to air, soil, and water, waste management, resource use, and pollution prevention.

Obtaining an AIM involves a complex process, including technical analysis of the installation, public consultation, and assessment of the potential impact on public health and the environment.

Who needs Autorizatie Integrata de Mediu

According to current legislation, all companies operating installations listed in Annex 1 of Law No. 278/2013 on industrial emissions are required to hold an AIM. These include, among others:

• Combustion plants with a thermal capacity exceeding 50 MW;
• Installations for processing ferrous and non-ferrous metals;
• Cement, lime, or plaster production units;
• Pulp, paper, and paperboard factories;
• Slaughterhouses and meat processing plants;
• Intensive livestock farms;
• Treatment and disposal facilities for hazardous and non-hazardous waste.

These activities are considered to have a significant impact on the environment and therefore require rigorous control and specific authorization.

The benefits of obtaining a Autorizatii Integrate de Mediu

Although the process of obtaining an AIM may seem complex, this document brings significant benefits to companies:

• Compliance with legislation and avoidance of sanctions;
• Increasing partner and customer confidence through transparency and accountability;
• Optimization of internal processes by integrating environmental requirements;
• Improving public image and community relations;
• The possibility of accessing funding or projects that impose strict environmental conditions.

How to obtain a Autorizatie Integrata de Mediu

The process of obtaining an AIM is regulated by environmental legislation and involves several stages:

1. Submission of application and documentation: the economic operator submits an application to the local Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) accompanied by detailed technical documentation including information on the installation, technologies used, emissions generated, and environmental protection measures.
2. Documentation evaluation: APM analyzes the information provided and may request additional information or clarifications.
3. Public consultation: this is a mandatory stage in which the population and interested parties can submit comments or objections regarding the proposed activity.
4. Issuing the decision: after analyzing all information and feedback from the public, APM issues AIM, establishing the operating conditions and obligations of the operator.
5. Monitoring and reporting: once the authorization has been obtained, the company is required to comply with the conditions imposed and to submit regular reports to the authorities.

Given the complexity of the process and the high technical requirements, many companies choose to collaborate with firms specializing in environmental consultancyThey offer support in preparing documentation, communicating with authorities, and managing the entire administrative process.

The involvement of experts reduces the risk of delays and non-compliance and increases the chances of obtaining authorization in a shorter time and at optimized costs.

Challenges in obtaining Autorizatiei Integrate de Mediu

Obtaining authorization can be a difficult process for several reasons:

• Lack of complete technical information;
• Lack of effective emission monitoring systems;
• Delays in response from authorities;
• Disagreements with the local community during the public consultation phase.

Aceste obstacole pot fi depasite printr-o pregatire riguroasa, dialog constant cu autoritatile si transparenta fata de toate partile implicate.

AIM represents a commitment to the environment and the community. Companies that hold this document demonstrate that they are aware of their responsibility and want to operate in a sustainable and transparent manner.

By understanding legal requirements, involving environmental consulting specialists, and preparing documentation correctly, obtaining an integrated environmental permit becomes a manageable and beneficial process for all parties involved.