The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has imposed 32 administrative fines to establishments for violating environmental legislation, totalling Dhs328,000.
The largest fine issued to date was Dhs50,000, and was imposed for discharging materials into the marine environment that caused unpleasant odours, unnatural colours, or caused a noticeable change in the temperature and turbulence of the emirate’s waters.
Other violations included submitting incorrect data to EAD, changing data contained in licences, or polluting the soil or water, or air in protected areas.
The agency followed up with the violating establishments to ensure that corrective measures were taken to remove or mitigate the causes.
The decision to impose administrative fines was made to enhance the regulatory and supervisory role of EAD and support mechanisms for addressing activities and actions that negatively affect the environment. The agency is also responsible for limiting harmful practices which are not included in the applicable environmental legislation to boost compliance with environmental legislation in Abu Dhabi.
The decision classified administrative violations and fines into three main categories. These include fishing violations and discharges into the marine environment; violations concerning hunting, biodiversity, and reserves; and violations regarding development and industrial activities.