In compliance with article 15 of the Supreme Decree No. 28592 dated January 17, 2006, Gas TransBoliviano S.A. (GTB) formally began the proceedings to renew the Environmental License for the Bolivia – Brazil Gas Pipeline (Bolivian Section) in August 2006.

As provided in the above-mentioned norm, this process was carried out in two stages; an initial stage before the Authority within the Hydorcarbons Ministry (OSC) and the National Protected Areas Service (SERNAP), and later, the final stage before the Authority within the Environment Ministry (AAC). As a result of the revision of the documentation presented by the company and the social and environmental inspection that was carried out, both the OSC and SERNAP recommended to the AAC that the gas pipeline’s Environmental License be renewed.

Afterwards, the AAC having verified that the company met all the legal requirements that are foreseen in the Environmental Law and its regulations, having opportunely presented all the documentation and clarifications that were requested, on November 6, 2007 issued the Renewed Declaration of Environmental Impact – DIA No. 611 (c)/07 in favor of the Bolivia – Brazil gas pipeline, an environmental license that will be in force for the next 10 years.

From a legal point of view, we consider that this was an important achievement for GTB, taking into consideration that it was the first company in the sector to renew its environmental license under the new regulations. Developing this process was a great challenge not only for the company but also for the authorities involved.