Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 on the environment protection and development.

The purpose of this Law is to protect and develop the environment. It is composed of 9 Sections: (I) provides for the development and protection of environment; environmental impact assessment; environmental monitoring; and emergency plans to respond to environmental disasters; (II) deals with the protection of water environment; environmental protection scope; marine environment protection; pollution caused by marine sources; pollution caused by land sources; and protection of drink water and groundwater; (III) pertains to soil protection; (IV) provides for air protection against pollution; (V) refers to the circulation and handling of hazardous waste materials and sanitary waste; (VI) addresses the natural protected areas; (VII) pertains to liability and compensation for environmental damages; (VIII) contains offences and penalties; and (IX) contains final provisions.