Law on the protection of soil quality.

This publication contains the text of the Law on the protection of soil quality of the Vorarlberg State (Federal State of the Republic of Austria). This text implements the terms and provisions prescribed in the Council Directive 86/278 / EEC of 12 June 1986 on the protection of the environment and in particular of the soil when sewage sludge is used in agriculture. This Law is structured in 4 main Sections and a total of 13 articles. Titles of Sections are as follows: 1. General section; 2. Delivery and application of materials, land management; 3. Control section; 4. Final provisions.
The aim of this Law is: a) to ensure the health of soil, in particular considering the quality of food, feed and water; b) to maintain soil fertility; c) to restore degraded soils in terms of soil health and soil fertility.
Objectives established by this Law can be achieved primarily through measures such as: a) prevention of pollution; b) prevention of soil erosion and soil compaction; c) improvement of humus balance. The achievement of these goals must be pursued in particular through measures aimed at maintaining the regional nutrient cycle. The precautionary principle, which includes ensuring the functionality of soil for various purposes and its availability for future generations with a view to sustainable development, is of particular importance. This Law applies to all types of soil. Application of materials to soils and soil cultivation may only take place in accordance with the provisions here provided (see article 2 for detail indications on scope and out of scope). Sewage and surrender of sewage sludge compost is one of central topics of this Law in terms of necessary requirements and indications (Section 2, article 4). For details on the application of materials (solid, liquid and gaseous substances as well as their mixtures that can have an impact on soil health or soil fertility, such as fertilizers or soil additives in particular) and soil management, application bans, authorization requirements, see articles 5 and 6. Article 7 sets out the list of possible further regulations based on this Law, and responsibility of the State government. Soil surveillance is defined in article 8. The authority within the meaning of this Law is the district authority (article 11). Article 12 prescribes the penalty provisions.