"ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih" (AMKR), the largest mining-metallurgical enterprises of Ukraine, called to resolve the situation with the issuance of conclusions on the assessment of the impact on the environment (EIA) during the quarantine and its gradual mitigation.
"At the moment we have a situation when budget-companies are forced to suspend the implementation of their projects, because for the past two months are not able to obtain relevant conclusions on EIA", - stated in message AMKR.
In connection with the restrictive measures on 17 March 2020 the Ministry of energy and the environmental protection of Ukraine has published information about the cancellation of the previously scheduled public hearings under the procedures of the EIA (the date of which coincided with a period of quarantine). This information is contained explanations that their observations, comments and other suggestions the public may send electronically or by mail. The enterprises were not given any recommendations of an organizational nature. At the same time, annulled the holding of group meetings (public hearings) for a period of quarantine for preventing the spread of the virus.
However on 15 April, Minamaneho issued recommendations opposing character. The business was ordered to re-conduct a public hearing to be held during the quarantine. For this you need to consult with the competent Central authority regarding the time and place of the public hearing. This means risk of infection for the community and professionals by providing the necessary public meetings.
In the business community this is a major concern as of late issued opinions on the EIA can lead to significant delay or even cancellation of projects, in particular in industry and the construction industry. This will lead to a possible loss of jobs and lower tax revenues to state and local budgets.
"ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih" insists on legal settlement of the form of public hearings during the period of quarantine.
"the Company cares about the safety of the public and employees, and respects the right of citizens to participate in public discussion of environmental issues. Therefore, the enterprise is encouraged to conduct such hearings by video-conferences on specialized platforms by making changes to the Procedure for conducting public hearings in the EIA process, which is defined by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine № 989 from December 13, 2017. Thus the public gets the access to environmental information, it is possible to observe the process online. Also provided the ability to record and record of public hearings", - said the press service of AMKR.
