Start environmental analysis businesses
On Bonaire, an environmental survey will start on 26 September 2023. The survey identifies the environmental measures that businesses have taken to reduce or eliminate potential negative effects of environmental pollution. Environmental inspectors of regional environmental agencies from Netherlands and of inspectors from the Directorate of Inspection and Enforcement carry out this survey. The survey is an update of previous surveys that have taken place.
Environmental regulations
Business activities can have an impact on the environment. For example waste, waste water, making noise or working with substances that are harmful to the environment. In order to reduce these effects, environmental rules are needed. These environmental rules are set out in the Establishments and Activities Decree BES (IAB BES). The decree is expected to enter into force on 1 January 2024. The environmental rules contain different measures. For example:
- good housekeeping
- a septic tank for waste water if there is no sewage connection
- a drip tray to be able to absorb harmful liquids
- having a grease separator in kitchens to protect the sewage and wastewater treatment from grease deposits
The rules are set out in the draft Minitrial regulation establishments and activities BES and are further elaborated in an Island Ordinance Bonaire.
Environmental survey
The environmental survey identifies the environmental measures that businesses have already taken. This will help to better identify which investments still need to be made in order to comply with the rules of the IAB BES. The study will take about 8 weeks in total.
More information
For questions about environmental regulations, please visit the Environmental Information Point that is set up at the Chamber of Commerce. It is open on working days from 8 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. You can also ask your question on the website of the Environmental Information Point and read the upcoming environmental regulations.