Abu Dhabi: The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) has imposed 32 administrative fines, amounting to $89309 (AED328,000), on the violation of environmental legislation since the implementation of the decision issued by Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and chairman of the Board of Directors of EAD.
The imposition of administrative fines was introduced to strengthen the regulatory as well as supervisory role of EAD and promote mechanisms for addressing activities that have a negative impact on the environment.
Since its establishment in 1996, as the competent authority in Abu Dhabi responsible for the implementation of environmental laws and regulatory controls in the emirate, we have taken several steps to provide a well-established regulatory framework in line with the directives and the vision set by the Abu Dhabi government to preserve the environment.
Mr. Faisal Al Hammadi, Acting Executive Director at EAD, shared.
The largest fine issued to date was $13614 (AED50,000), which was imposed for discharging materials into the marine environment. Other violations included submitting incorrect data to EAD, changing data contained in licences, polluting the soil, water, or air in protected areas.
The agency further followed up on the violating establishments to ensure that corrective measures were taken to remove or remedy the causes.
Through the issuance of fines, the system of administrative violations and fines stipulated in Law No. 10 of 2020 was activated, amending some provisions of Law No. 16 of 2005 regarding the reorganisation of EAD. The agency was permitted to impose fines for acts violating the provisions of this law, its organisational as well as executive regulations, the systems, policies, decisions, and circulars implementing it.
In addition, the agency is responsible for limiting harmful practises that are not included in the applicable legislation to ensure the protection of the environment.