Under Brazilian law, before installing a project or activity potentially harmful to the environment, environmental licensing must be carried out. The responsible bodies for licensing at the state level are the State Environmental Agencies, and at the federal level, IBAMA, through the Environmental Licensing Directorate, acting mainly in infrastructure projects affecting more than one state, as well as in oil and gas activities and on the continental shelf.
The laws governing licensing are Law 6.938/81, CONAMA Resolutions No. 001/86 and No. 237/97, and Opinion 312, which addresses state and federal jurisdiction for licensing based on the scope of the impact.
Participação Social
Social participation in the licensing process is guaranteed through Public Hearings, during which the content of the environmental impact study and report is presented to communities living in areas that will be affected by the project, clarifying doubts and receiving suggestions. They are held at the request of IBAMA, State Environmental Secretariats, civil entities, the Public Prosecutor's Office, or by a group of at least 50 citizens. The public hearing notice must be published in the Official Gazette and local media, indicating the date, time, and location of the event.
SGW Services Expertise
SGW Services assists in conducting Preliminary Consultations, Implementation Feasibility Analysis, and prepares and monitors Preliminary Environmental Reports (RAP) and Environmental Impact Studies/Environmental Impact Reports (EIA/RIMA) with a multidisciplinary and specialized team.
SGW Services has carried out several environmental licensing processes for new projects, including waste processing plants, industrial area expansions, and commercial and residential condominium developments.