emirates7 - The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has announced the introduction of a new soil quality regulation aimed at promoting sustainable soil management and preserving the essential functions and services of soil to meet current and future needs. This regulation also seeks to mitigate the harmful effects of soil pollution.
Developed under Law No. (16) of 2005 concerning the reorganisation of EAD and its amendments, the regulation grants EAD the authority to issue guidelines and decisions to address pollution and protect the quality of air, water, soil, and natural resources. It ensures these resources are utilized sustainably to safeguard both humans and the environment.
The preparation of the regulation involved collaboration with relevant authorities in Abu Dhabi, adhering to the emirate’s approved legislative drafting methodology.
The provisions of the regulation apply to terrestrial protected areas, unexploited sites, contaminated or potentially contaminated locations, and soils within the geographical scope of environmental licences issued by EAD for various facilities or projects.
It outlines soil quality requirements in protected areas and sets obligations for licensed facilities and projects to implement measures aimed at minimizing environmental harm to human health and ecosystems. Additionally, it enables EAD to collect soil quality data linked to facilities and projects that are subject to environmental impact assessments or require environmental licences, as per the Agency's guidelines.
EAD will conduct periodic monitoring, evaluation, and inspections to ensure compliance with the regulation. These activities will include licensing, auditing, and verification of adherence to the outlined soil quality standards.
Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD, highlighted the regulation's role within an evolving legislative framework designed to protect Abu Dhabi's environmental resources, including soil. The regulation aims to mitigate environmental risks from development, industrial, and tourism activities while supporting broader conservation efforts to sustain the environment for future generations.
She stated, “The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi will enforce the regulation in partnership with strategic collaborators, following systematic and well-organized procedures that will help achieve its objectives effectively.”
Developed under Law No. (16) of 2005 concerning the reorganisation of EAD and its amendments, the regulation grants EAD the authority to issue guidelines and decisions to address pollution and protect the quality of air, water, soil, and natural resources. It ensures these resources are utilized sustainably to safeguard both humans and the environment.
The preparation of the regulation involved collaboration with relevant authorities in Abu Dhabi, adhering to the emirate’s approved legislative drafting methodology.
The provisions of the regulation apply to terrestrial protected areas, unexploited sites, contaminated or potentially contaminated locations, and soils within the geographical scope of environmental licences issued by EAD for various facilities or projects.
It outlines soil quality requirements in protected areas and sets obligations for licensed facilities and projects to implement measures aimed at minimizing environmental harm to human health and ecosystems. Additionally, it enables EAD to collect soil quality data linked to facilities and projects that are subject to environmental impact assessments or require environmental licences, as per the Agency's guidelines.
EAD will conduct periodic monitoring, evaluation, and inspections to ensure compliance with the regulation. These activities will include licensing, auditing, and verification of adherence to the outlined soil quality standards.
Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD, highlighted the regulation's role within an evolving legislative framework designed to protect Abu Dhabi's environmental resources, including soil. The regulation aims to mitigate environmental risks from development, industrial, and tourism activities while supporting broader conservation efforts to sustain the environment for future generations.
She stated, “The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi will enforce the regulation in partnership with strategic collaborators, following systematic and well-organized procedures that will help achieve its objectives effectively.”