Environmental permits

All companies that conduct so-called environmentally hazardous activities or water operations shall have current and valid environmental permits that govern how the operations can and shall be carried out. Environmentally hazardous activities can range from wind farms and engineering industries to food production and quarries. The environmental permit gives the company the right to conduct its business in the manner described in the application process and an obligation to comply with the conditions of the environmental permit. It is thus of key importance for all regulated activities that the permit is well adapted to the actual activities and does not prevent the operator from conducting operations as requested.

The permit process is extensive and formalistic, which means that there are many pitfalls that can be both time consuming and costly. The purpose of the process is to clarify that the activities can be carried out without causing unacceptable disruptions to human health and the environment. Setterwalls assists the company throughout the process with tactical considerations as well as practical advice on applicable legal requirements. All in order for the process to proceed as smoothly as possible and for the final permit to create the right opportunities for the company. Our goal is to ensure that the permit is as optimal as possible for the company. Setterwalls has extensive experience in permit reviews of all kinds, and our experienced environmental lawyers will assist your business in the best possible way.

The permit process

The application

Initial strategy and planning
Preparing documents for consultation
Consultation
Investigations
Review of EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) and underlying reports
Preparing and submitting application

Processing the application

Completion after comments from authorities
The application is announced
Concerned parties (authorities and individuals) submit comments
The applicant responds to the comments
Further communication

Judgment/Decision

Possible main hearing and inspection
Judgment/decision
Possible appeal and further process
Supplementary work with permit

Setterwalls’ environmental law team is made up of specialists with many years’ experience in issues relating to environmental and energy law. We work closely with our clients and depending on the nature of the matter, we put together a team of experts tailoring the legal work according to requirements and needs. We also offer courses in commercial environmental law that increase the understanding of environmental law of companies and organizations. Contact us for more information.