Lithuanian government backs stricter pollution prevention requirements

Lithuania’s Cabinet has approved draft amendments that would tighten pollution prevention rules and strengthen protections for the environment and public health.

The Environment Ministry said the changes would align Lithuanian law with updated European Union requirements covering industrial pollution prevention, water, air and marine protection. Industrial companies would have to introduce environmental management systems, prepare industrial transition plans and use modern technologies to reduce pollution.

The proposals would also clarify procedures for integrated pollution prevention and control permits. They would strengthen the public’s rights to participate in environmental decisions and establish a right for individuals to seek compensation when environmental violations harm their health.

The amendments would increase responsibility for breaching permit conditions and allow authorities to confiscate income obtained through such violations. They would also incorporate new EU requirements on air-quality management, assessment and public information about pollution levels.

Changes to drinking-water and wastewater legislation would seek to expand wastewater collection and improve sanitation access for residents of smaller settlements. Settlements with more than 1,000 residents would be required to have centralized wastewater collection systems. Proposed marine-protection amendments would tighten liability for pollution and establish requirements for ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore oil transfers.