Romanian Senate passes bill tightening rules on illegal mineral extraction disguised as fish ponds
The Senate approved a legislative initiative by Environment Minister Diana Buzoianu to curb illegal sand and gravel extraction hidden behind fish-pond permits.
In a Senate session, members adopted the proposal drafted by Environment Minister Diana Buzoianu, aimed at ending the practice of using fish-pond licences as a cover for illegal ballast and gravel removal. The bill limits project completion to four years, including a two-year permit phase and a single two-year extension, after which non-compliant parties face penalties. Fines are increased and operators losing permits will be barred for five years from obtaining new water-management authorisations, affecting even downstream beneficiaries.
A new crime is defined for the illegal storage of at least 20 m³ of mineral aggregates or the creation of fish ponds without permits, with provisions for confiscating equipment. The legislation also mandates CCTV installation at extraction sites for six months and equips Apele Române and ANRM inspectors with body-cameras for documentation.
Why it matters
It aims to stop widespread illegal mining that has damaged Romania's environment and undermined proper permitting.
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