Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Law, 2003 (Law No. 56(Ι)/2003).

The purpose of this Law is the prevention and control of pollution caused by large industrial plants. The Law provides for measures to prevent pollution; when preventing is not possible, the Law aims at reducing emissions to air, water and soil and prescribes waste management measures, as well as the rational use of natural resources and energy to achieve a high level of environmental protection. The Law also provides for the obligation to ensure, regarding certain categories of polluting industrial plants, a waste gas emission permit and authorization for disposal of liquid and solid waste. The competent authorities must ensure full coordination of procedures for issuing the above permits in implementation of the Control of Pollution of Water and Soil Law (No. 106 (I) / 2002) and Control of Atmospheric Pollution Law (No. 187 (I) / 2002). The permits shall be granted only when it is ensured that all appropriate pollution preventive measures have been taken (especially by following the Best Available Techniques) so as to avoid any significant pollution to the environment as a whole (air, water, soil) and that energy and natural resources will be used effectively appropriate measures to prevent accidents will be taken. The Law also provides for the issuance of regulations that would determine the Best Available Techniques for the categories of plants that fall under the provisions of this Law.