On 23 May 2017, Ukrainian parliament adopted the Law of Ukraine "On Environment Impact Assessment."The newly adopted law requires mandatory assessment of effect (both direct and indirect) on the environment of certain industrial objects and activities. These activities include the extraction of mineral resources and the storage and processing of hydrocarbon crude.
The operation of the objects and conduct of the activities listed in the law may not begin until their effect on the environment has been assessed in accordance with the law and until a positive decision is received from the relevant authorities.
As part of the assessment process, the environmental authorities need to be provided with an assessment of the environmental effect and the report will b subject to public discussion. Based on this, environmental authorities provide their opinion on the assessment. A report on the environmental impact assessment, a report for public discussion, and an opinion of environmental authorities forms the basis for local authorities to issue a relevant permit.
The Law will come into force on 18 December 2017.