Aree

The indicator makes it possible to measure the capacity to minimize the environmental impact of the project subject to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) decision, by imposing binding and mandatory environmental conditions on both the construction and operation of the project. The indicator highlights the trend over the years of the total number and the average number, per decision, of environmental conditions included in EIA decisions.
In order to determine the indicator, all environmental conditions imposed by the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE), the Ministry of Culture (MIC), the Regions and local authorities and included in EIA decisions were analysed, identifying those whose compliance verification falls under the responsibility of the National System for Environmental Protection (SNPA). In the period June 1989–2024, an average of 28 environmental conditions per decision is recorded, with a minimum of 6 in 1989 and a maximum of 72 in 2006.
 

The indicator represents the number of directoral determinations for Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) Screening Procedures (VAV) under national jurisdiction, issued annually by the
Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE). It provides insight into the central Public
Administration's response to decision-making processes related to environmental assessments.
From 2004 to 2024, there were 678 determinations of non-subjection to EIA, while 155
determinations resulted in subjection to EIA. In 80% of cases, the screening procedure concluded
with a directoral determination of non-subjection to EIA.

The indicator represents emissions in the refining sector, taking into account the three environmental components: air, water, and waste, particularly: airborne emissions of major pollutants such as SOx, NOx, CO, and particulates; emissions of polluting substances into water, such as COD (chemical oxygen demand), TSS (total suspended solids), phenols, and total hydrocarbons; the quantity of total waste, including hazardous and non-hazardous waste produced, and the waste recovery rate. Air emissions have decreased significantly over the past 10 years, thanks to the introduction of more restrictive limits in the AIA (Integrated Environmental Authorisation) measures and the implementation of BAT (Best Available Techniques). The largest reduction in polluting emissions in water is observed for the pollutant TSS, which has decreased by 84.8% between 2011 and 2023. The percentage of waste sent for recovery has increased, rising from 26.7% in 2011 to 42.7% in 2023. The improvements achieved in terms of reduction of polluting emissions in water and the percentage of waste sent for recovery can be attributed to the environmental management systems implemented by operators, based on the specific requirements of the Integrated Environmental Authorisations imposed by the MASE (Ministry of Environment and Energy Security), especially since 2018, the period of comprehensive reviews of AIA for refineries, and to the monitoring activities carried out by ISPRA for environmental monitoring, which is conducted during both regular and extraordinary inspection controls.