Punjab EPA Regulations 2022
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Punjab Environmental Protection Department

Environmental Assessment Procedures Rules 2022

Key Regulations and Compliance Requirements

1. Introduction

These rules establish the procedures and requirements for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) in Punjab province. All projects falling under the prescribed categories must comply with these regulations.

2. Categories of Development

Schedule I - EIA (Full Environmental Impact Assessment)

Projects requiring full EIA assessment:

  • Infrastructure projects with cost exceeding PKR 500 million
  • Thermal power plants and power generation projects
  • Heavy manufacturing and industrial units
  • Dams and large water resource projects
  • Coastal zone development projects
  • Mining and quarrying operations (large scale)
  • Petrochemical and refinery projects
  • Hazardous waste treatment and disposal facilities

Schedule II - IEE (Initial Environmental Examination)

Projects requiring IEE assessment:

  • Infrastructure projects with cost PKR 100-500 million
  • Small to medium manufacturing units
  • Residential and commercial developments
  • Renewable energy projects
  • Agricultural and allied activities
  • Road and transport projects (medium scale)
  • Educational and healthcare facilities
  • Waste management facilities

3. EIA Report Requirements

All EIA reports must contain:

Section Key Content Requirements
Executive Summary Project overview, key environmental concerns, mitigation summary
Project Description Location, design, processes, inputs/outputs, workforce
Environmental Baseline Air, water, soil, noise, biodiversity, socioeconomic data
Impact Assessment Construction & operational phase impacts, mitigation measures
Monitoring Plan Environmental monitoring parameters, frequency, standards
Decommissioning Plan Post-operation site restoration and rehabilitation

4. IEE Report Requirements

IEE reports must include:

  • Project summary and description
  • Environmental baseline conditions (simplified)
  • Potential environmental impacts and mitigation
  • Environmental Management Plan (EMP)
  • Public consultation summary
  • Environmental monitoring arrangements

Note: IEE reports are generally 50-100 pages compared to 200-500 pages for full EIA

5. Environmental Standards and Limits

Air Quality Standards (NEQS)

  • PM10: 150 µg/m³ (24-hour average)
  • PM2.5: 50 µg/m³ (24-hour average)
  • SO₂: 150 µg/m³ (24-hour average)
  • NO₂: 200 µg/m³ (24-hour average)
  • CO: 5 mg/m³ (8-hour average)

Noise Standards (NEQS)

  • Residential: 55 dB(A) day, 45 dB(A) night
  • Commercial: 65 dB(A) day, 55 dB(A) night
  • Industrial: 75 dB(A) day, 70 dB(A) night

Water Quality Standards

  • Discharge to surface water must meet NEQS
  • pH: 6.5-8.5 for most applications
  • BOD: 80 mg/L for industrial discharge (max)
  • COD: 200 mg/L for industrial discharge (max)
  • Total Suspended Solids: 200 mg/L (max)

6. Environmental Management Plan (EMP)

All projects must develop a comprehensive EMP containing:

  • Mitigation measures for identified impacts
  • Responsible parties and implementation schedule
  • Cost estimates for environmental management
  • Monitoring and auditing procedures
  • Capacity building and training programs
  • Grievance redressal mechanism
  • Emergency response procedures
  • Link to environmental standards and regulations

7. Consultant Qualifications

Environmental assessment reports must be prepared by:

  • Licensed/certified environmental consultants
  • Professionals with relevant environmental qualifications
  • Consultants registered with PEPD
  • Firms with previous project experience
  • Personnel with environmental assessment background

Consultant cannot be: Project developer, financial investor, or project operator

8. Public Consultation Requirements

All projects must conduct public consultation including:

  • Two newspaper advertisements (different publications)
  • Public notice display at project site (30 days minimum)
  • At least one public meeting/hearing
  • Document availability for public review (30 days)
  • Documentation of all feedback and responses
  • Incorporation of valid public concerns into final document

9. Application and Review Process

Step Timeline Action
1. Screening 5 days PEPD determines EIA/IEE category
2. Scoping 10 days Consultant prepares scope of study
3. Report Preparation 60-90 days Environmental assessment document
4. Public Consultation 30 days Display, meetings, feedback collection
5. Submission 30 days Final document with consultation records
6. Review 30-60 days PEPD technical review and approval

10. Penalties and Non-Compliance

  • Operating without environmental clearance: 1-10 million PKR fine
  • Submitting false environmental documents: 500K-5M PKR fine
  • Violation of EMP conditions: 100K-1M PKR fine
  • Non-compliance with monitoring requirements: Shutdown authority
  • Repeated violations: Criminal charges under Environmental Protection Act

11. Key Amendments (2022)

  • Streamlined application process with online portal
  • Reduced timeline for small projects (IEE: 120 days total)
  • Enhanced public consultation procedures
  • Stricter climate change impact assessment requirements
  • Mandatory biodiversity surveys for relevant projects
  • Enhanced monitoring and enforcement mechanisms
  • Green building standards integration

12. Contact Information

Punjab Environmental Protection Department
Haroon Park, Ghazni Street
Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan

Website: www.pepd.gov.pk
Email: info@pepd.gov.pk
Helpline: +92-42-XXXX-XXXX

For Regulatory Compliance Support

EcoVision specializes in guiding projects through all stages of environmental assessment under Punjab EPA regulations. Our expertise ensures compliance while optimizing project timelines. Contact us for regulatory consulting.