A draft law presented to the Federal National Council on Tuesday for review and approval would crack down on environmental crimes.

 

The bill, which introduces changes in the UAE Environmental Protection Law of 1999, would penalize offenders found guilty of polluting drinking and underground water with up to one year in prison and a fine of up to Dh2 million.

 

The draft law, in which the government suggests covering businesses in free zones across the country, includes tougher penalties for offenders convicted of failure to abide by air quality regulations. These offenders would face a prison term of at least one year, a minimum fine of Dh1 million or both, according to the draft law.

 

The move follows findings of recent studies by UAE University, which blamed air pollution for breathing problems and certain types of cancers.

 

The bill would hold authorities responsible for regular monitoring of environmental impact of oil and gas exploration and extraction and for suggesting solutions for any threats to the environment.

 

It also provides for stringent measures to prevent marine pollution from oil and other harmful substances as well as effective prosecution of marine polluters.

 

The draft law would establish a liability and compensation regime related to vessel-sourced pollution, remedying harm to living resources and marine life, hazards to human health, hindrance to marine activities, including fishing and other legitimate uses of the sea, impairment of quality for use of seawater and reduction of amenities.

 

Owners of ships would be held liable for oil spills or any hazardous substances and to recover wreckage of a sunken ship within 14 days, which can be extended by the Ministry of Environment and Water. In the event of ship owners’ failure to do so, the authorities would fulfill the mission at the owner’s cost, imposing 25 per cent of the charges as a fine.