Ministerial decree No. 48/2017 - Regulation for the issuance of environmental permits

The decree outlines the process for environmental permitting and pertaining project categories. Oil and gas undertakings fall under category A. For this category, operators must provide an environmental impact assessment. An environmental consultant must prepare the assessment according to the pertaining regulation of the ministry.

The operator must confirm in writing that all environmental requirements are in place 30 days before the commissioning of the project. 

The maximum period for an environmental permit is 3 years. In case of operation without a valid permit, the operator is subject to a fine of 150 Omani riyals for each month of operation. The decree also presents sanctions for different types of violations, such as performing activities outside the scope of the permit.    

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