Overview
Article 56 of the Turkish Constitution guarantees everyone the right to live in a healthy and balanced environment. The Environment Law No. 2872 is complemented by rules on environmental impact assessment (EIA), waste, water and air pollution, noise, forests, coasts and wildlife.
Environmental disputes may involve administrative, criminal and civil law at once. Each case is assessed against the activity, its environmental effects, permits, administrative decisions, technical reports and evidence.
What we handle
Environmental impact assessment
Challenges to “EIA positive” and “EIA not required” decisions, project files and public participation processes.
Environmental permits and licences
Refusals, cancellations and suspensions of environmental permits and licences.
Administrative fines
Reviewing authority, findings, sampling and measurement methods, repetition and calculation.
Suspension and closure
Annulment actions with stay requests against suspension of activities or closure of facilities.
Pollution offences
Defence and victim representation in proceedings for intentional or negligent pollution and noise.
Environmental damage claims
Compensation for damage to health, property or agriculture caused by pollution.
How the process works
Decision and publication date
EIA decision, sanction or inspection report and relevant dates identified.
Technical review
Measurements, samples, lab results, permits and project file reviewed.
Application and lawsuit
Administrative application and annulment action; stay where effects are irreversible.
Criminal and damages aspects
Pollution offences and damages claims handled in parallel.
Before your meeting
Bring originals or legible copies of whichever of the following you have. You don’t need everything — missing items are identified together.
- EIA decision and announcement
- Inspection reports and lab results
- Environmental permits and licences
- Fine or suspension decision
- Photographs, video or satellite images of the damage
Key deadlines
| Matter | Period | Starts from |
|---|---|---|
| Lawsuit against EIA decisions | 60 days | Announcement of the decision |
| Environmental damage claims | 2 years / 10 years at the latest | Knowledge of damage and liable person / date of act |
These are general rules; special provisions or a different starting date may apply in a particular case. It is best to have the deadline assessed on the day you receive a notification.
Frequently asked questions
Who can challenge an “EIA positive” decision?
Those whose interests are affected — local residents, property owners, professional bodies and associations. The period runs from the announcement of the decision.
Our business received an environmental fine. What can we do?
File an annulment action examining authority, findings, sampling, repetition and calculation; request a stay for severe sanctions such as suspension.
The information on this page is general and does not constitute legal advice, a guarantee of outcome or an undertaking in respect of any specific matter. Periods and amounts are subject to change by legislation.
