Regional Act No. 18 making provision in matter of exploration and use of groundwater.

This Regional Act regulates abstraction of groundwater, groundwater resources use and related research activities, in compliance with the principles established by Act No. 36 of 5 January 1994. Related administrative functions shall be exercised by the regional authority. Title II regards well sinking for researching purposes. Research on groundwater is subject to the issuance of a regional authorization, which is regulated by articles 2 and 3. Title III relates to groundwater use, giving particular regard to the procedure to be followed for the issuance of the regional concession. On the one hand article 5 refers to concession for agricultural use and article 6, on the other hand, regulates the concession procedure for uses other than agricultural. The concession has a validity of five years. It must be suspended, withdrawn or modified in case of pollution or other circumnstances which might affect the surrounding environment. Article 7 concerns the renewal of the concession. Title IV lays down penalties to be applied in case of offence and refers to taxes as well as obligations of well sinking enterprises. In case of hazard for human health, the Major shall provide for well closure.