Authorisations required

An industrial project such as Refineria Balboa requires certain permits for its construction and running. These permits, in compliance with current legislation, are: the Declaration of Environmental Impact (DIA) and the Integrated Environment Authorisation (AAI). The second permit can only be gained once the first has been granted.

Declaration of Environmental Impact

It is the decision of the authorised body of the Ministry for the Environment which, in compliance with that set out in the legal code, determines, with respect to its foreseeable effects on the environment, its sanctioning or no and, in the case of the affirmative, the conditions which must be established for this project or activity, with the aim of an adequate protection of the environment and its natural resources.

With regards to oil refineries, Law 6/2001 establishes that, as a prerequisite for obtaining the DIA, they must undergo an Environmental Impact Evaluation (EvIA). This combination of studies and technical systems estimates the effects that any project, building work or activity will have on the environment.

Integrated Environment Authorisation

For an installation to get the go-ahead it must first obtain the Integrated Environment Authorisation, based on the Best Technologies Available (BATs). The AAI allows the installation to run under the specific conditions it sets out for the protection of the environment and the health of the personal.

In the Autonomous Community of Extremadura, the AAI is granted by the Directorate-General for the Environment and the Agricultural and Environmental Department of the Council of Extremadura. The maximum time limit for the concession of the AAI is ten months and its validity is 8 years.

Everything and everyone implied in the processing of the AAI application is set out below, with deadlines included.

Source: Ministry for the Economy.

Summary of Environmental Authorisations

The environmental procedures for Refineria Balboa will see that the project has been examined and evaluated by at least the following organisms:

• Ministry for the Environment.
• Guadiana Hydrographical Confederation.
• The Agricultural and Environmental Council of the Council of Extremadura.
• Local councils involved.
• Two public information processes:
  • Derivative of the EvIA process.
  • Derivative of the AAI process.

Environmental Management System (SIGMA)

In accordance with the proposals in the Guide to BATs, Refineria Balboa will possess an Environmental Management System (ISO 14000, EMAS) which will assure the continued development, adequate management and integration of all components and systems whose functions have consequences for the environment.

The following graphic displays a summary of the most important SIGMA components that Refineria Balboa will have to install.