auma is drafting the basic design and theenvironmental impact assessment for the expansion of a hazardous waste treatment and biofuel production plant in Gran Canaria, commissioned by an industrial waste manager. The assignment combines engineering and environmental permitting in a single package.
Project overview
| Client | Industrial waste manager (confidential) |
| Market | Industry |
| Practice area | Waste and circular economy |
| Location | Gran Canaria (Spain) |
| Services | Basic design · EIA |
| Year | 2026 |
The challenge
Expanding a hazardous waste plant on an island brings singular constraints:
- Insularity: hazardous waste treatment capacity on the islands is limited and strategic; any expansion matters territorially.
- Twofold scope: hazardous waste treatment and biofuel production from waste, each with its own regulatory framework.
- Engineering–environment consistency: the basic design and the EIA must evolve together to avoid redesigns.
The auma solution
An integrated engineering and environmental team develops the basic design and the EIA in parallel:
- Technical definition of the new treatment lines under circular economy criteria: turning waste into an energy resource.
- Impact assessment adapted to the island environment and Canary Islands planning.
- Documentation geared to processing before the regional and island authorities.
The result
- Basic design and EIA delivered in a coordinated, consistent package.
- Technical basis ready for the authorisation of the expanded facility.
- The territory gains waste valorisation capacity that previously had to be shipped off the island.
On islands, every tonne of waste valorised on site avoids a sea shipment: the circular economy makes even more sense there than on the mainland.
Frequently asked questions
What authorisation does a hazardous waste plant need?
Hazardous waste treatment facilities require administrative authorisation as a waste manager under Spain's Law 7/2022 on waste and contaminated soils and, depending on capacity, an integrated environmental permit and environmental impact assessment.
Is an EIA needed to expand a waste management plant?
Yes, when the expansion reaches the thresholds of the annexes of Law 21/2013 on environmental assessment, as is usual for hazardous waste facilities. The EIA analyses alternatives, impacts and corrective measures for the expansion.
Can biofuels be produced from waste?
Yes. Certain waste streams and by-products can be valorised as biofuels, cutting fossil fuel use. The process requires waste manager authorisation and compliance with end-of-waste and fuel quality rules.
Need to expand or legalise a waste management plant?
We combine engineering and environmental permitting in one team, on the mainland and on the islands.
Let's talk about your project