S.L. 549.172 Art. 17Emergency permits.

(1) An application for an emergency permit may be submitted to the Authority in cases requiring immediate action due to:

(a) threat to the environment or national heritage;

(b) circumstances which are likely to endanger life, health or public safety;

(c) circumstances which may increase the environmental risk or environmental impact of other projects, situations, actions or accidents if authorisation is delayed; or

(d) significant national importance as declared by the Minister.

(2) Such applications for emergency permits shall be accompanied by a report prepared by a warranted engineer or architect or other duly qualified expert in the field, as may be relevant. The report shall certify the nature of the emergency that merits such a permit. This provision shall be without prejudice:

(a) to the undertaking of any further studies or investigations that may be mandatory or otherwise essential;

(b) to the Authority’s decision to grant, refuse or partially grant the permit; and

(c) to the specifications, limitations and conditions that the Authority may deem appropriate.

(3) When processing applications for emergency permits, the Authority may deviate from the processing and consultation time-frames as it deems appropriate for effective and timely addressing of the situation. In such instances, regulations 9(3), 13, 15(2) and 32 shall not be applicable.

(4) An emergency permit shall be valid for a period of time as determined by the Authority which shall not exceed six (6) months.