The asphalt concrete production sector in Cyprus is now moving from many years of uncertainty and environmental inertia to a strict, unified framework of control and legality. Bituminous waste, which has always been one of the most complex, timeless and hot environmental issues, is now facing a coordinated effort by the State for full compliance with European and national legislation.
Through targeted interventions and legislative amendments, the control of air emissions now becomes non-negotiable, putting a definitive end to any loopholes of the past.
This approach focused on the full implementation of the environmental assessment framework through the Environmental Impact Assessment Studies (EIA) and the Waste Gas Emission Permit (EWD), as well as on improving compliance through systematic audits and institutional interventions.
In the period 2024-2026, an amendment to the RRC legislation was promoted, in order to address chronic difficulties in licensing installations that had been developed before the tightening of the framework.
This regulation enhances clarity on the characterisation of existing installations, simplifies the mechanism for issuing RRC without discounts on environmental criteria, and ensures the continuation of operation only in installations that meet the basic urban planning requirements.
A total of 8 existing facilities are currently operating in the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, the geographical distribution and legal status of which have been put under the microscope of the Department of Environment.
Based on official data, the map of existing units is formed with three facilities in Vasa Kellakiou (Zemco Constructions Ltd, Araco Construction Cy Ltd, Pepsis Asphalt Ltd), an area where the largest volume of production is concentrated. Another important point of activity is the area of Parekklisia (Skyramont Quarries Ltd, Cyfield Asphalt Co Ltd) with two facilities.
The needs of the Paphos district are covered by the only unit located in Marathounta (Charalambides S. Petros & Brothers). In the Nicosia district there are two facilities in Geri (Nemesis Asphalt Ltd) and Tseri (Promitheas Asphalt Ltd). These two units are at the center of intense legal disputes.
The progress recorded in the last two years in the licensing of the above units is remarkable.
Four of the existing facilities (three in Vasa Kellakiou and Skyramont in Parekklisia) have already secured a Waste Gas Emission Permit (AEAA). At the same time, an additional facility (Marathounta) is in the final stretch, with the process of issuing the AEAA expected to be completed within 2026.
A facility (Cyfield in Parekklisia) is currently in the process of being adapted, with the ultimate goal of its full environmental and urban legalization.
Two facilities are under a temporary closure regime. These are the units in Geri and Tseri, which have been sealed by virtue of a relevant Decree of the Supreme Court since February 10, 2022, in the context of pending court proceedings.
At the same time, supervision was strengthened through on-site inspections and verification of the actual operation of the units, with the aim of ensuring the implementation of the legislation.
Positive opinion with a judicial brake
Six new applications for asphalt concrete production facilities
The pressure to create new bituminous production units remains high, however the evaluation of applications is now done with strict scientific criteria. A total of six new applications were examined, with the Environmental Authority sending clear messages.
A project has received environmental approval and has been licensed (Promitheas Asphalt), however the start of its construction remains frozen due to court proceedings. This is the unit in the community of Mitsero, which was proposed in the context of the much-praised relocation of the factories from the Tseri area.
The unit in the community of Kalavasos (Promitheas Asphalt Ltd), also for the purpose of moving from Tseri, has also secured a positive environmental opinion, with the final licensing process being pending.
Two applications are still at the offices of the Environmental Authority. One concerns the area of Koshi (Iacovou Asphalt Ltd) which is pending for the issuance of an opinion and the other concerns the community of Parekklisia (Cyfield Asphalt Ltd) which is at the stage of environmental assessment.
Two proposed projects were definitively rejected by the Environmental Authority, which issued a negative opinion due to the serious environmental and spatial impact they would cause in the Kalavasos area (Iacovou Asphalt Ltd and Cyfield Asphalt Ltd).
Intensification of controls in 2026
In 2026, a comprehensive cycle of regular and extraordinary on-site inspections has already been planned in all existing units by the Department of Environment. These inspections, which also include on-site pollutant measurements, will strictly focus on strict compliance with environmental conditions, while where violations are detected, immediate corrective measures will be requested or prohibitive decrees will be imposed.
The period of tolerance seems to have passed irreversibly, with the state attempting to balance economic activity with the right of citizens to clean air and quality of life.
Maria Panagiotou: Public health is non-negotiable
The Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Maria Panagiotou, set the tone for the government's policy: "The decisions taken in the period 2024-2026 laid the foundations for a stricter, more transparent and more effective environmental governance system, where environmental protection, public health and legality are non-negotiable priorities. Our goal is to comply with current permits, control emissions and dust, safely store raw materials and fuels, as well as properly dispose of waste. Our goal was and remains for all facilities to operate with the same rules, the same obligations and the same level of environmental accountability."
The Minister clarified at the same time that the introduction of the obligation to have a Waste Gas Emission Permit (AEEA) retroactively covers the existing units that for years operated without it. In order for this permit to be granted or renewed, owners are required to demonstrate that they have the appropriate equipment and apply Best Available Techniques to prevent pollution, ensuring that no air quality limit values are exceeded.
EXISTING FACILITIES
NEW APPLICATIONS
