laws
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Decision No. 7-2023-On the Requirements for Mixing Zones for Discharges
The given document is a decision issued by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi regarding the requirements for mixing zones for discharges into the marine environment in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The decision aims to preserve and sustain the marine environment by specifying the requirements and conditions for mixing zones for point source discharges into the marine environment. The decision applies to all point source discharges into the marine environment in Abu Dhabi, whether existing or future. It defines various terms such as aquatic organisms, point source discharge, nonpoint source discharge, concerned authorities, environmental studies, mixing zone study, marine protected areas, general use areas, marine habitats, hazardous substances, and discharge point. The decision sets out general conditions for mixing zones, including the requirement for a small and limited area to ensure rapid dispersion of pollutants and limit the impact on the marine environment and public health. The quality of the ambient marine waters and sediments on the edge of the mixing zone should conform to the standards determined by the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD). The mixing zone should be free of hazardous substances, substances causing undesirable color and odor, materials floating on the sea surface, substances causing a drop in dissolved oxygen levels, and high levels of nutrients that have an adverse effect on biodiversity. The decision prohibits the location of mixing zones in certain areas such as marine water intake areas, public beaches, residential areas, beaches designated for marine recreational activities, marine protected areas, areas licensed for commercial fishing, and critical marine habitats. In cases of new discharges, EAD has the right to refuse an environmental license if the mixing zones intersect, if the boundaries of the mixing zone are in contact with the coastline or seashore, if the marine waters are considered stagnant, or for any other cases determined by EAD. The decision imposes obligations on the owner of the discharge, including verifying the feasibility of alternatives to releasing discharges into the marine environment, complying with EAD's conditions and requirements, following best environmental practices, and preparing and submitting environmental studies, including a mixing zone study. The owner may be required to implement monitoring programs for the quality of the marine environment in the mixing zone. The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) is responsible for deciding on environmental licensing applications, conducting inspections and audits, implementing monitoring programs, using smart technologies, updating the marine water database, determining requirements for nonpoint source discharges, and developing awareness programs. The decision is to be implemented through assessment, licensing, and enforcement procedures, environmental auditing, and comprehensive environmental monitoring programs. Technical guides will be issued to facilitate implementation. Concerned authorities are required to align their procedures with the decision and coordinate with EAD. Any text or provision that is contrary to or inconsistent with the decision is abrogated. The decision was published in the Official Gazette and came into force on the date of its publication.