Federal Environmental Liability Act. Country/Territory Austria Document type Legislation Date 2009 (2018) Source FAO, FAOLEX Long titleFederal Act on environmental liability to prevent and restore environmental damage. Subject Environment gen., Water Keyword Liability/compensation Polluter pays principle Environmental fees/charges Environmental planning Environmental standards Offences/penalties Enforcement/compliance Protection of environment Resource/damage valuation Human rights Public health Policy/planning Standards Sustainable use Water supply Geographical area Alps, Europe, Europe and Central Asia, European Union Countries, Western Europe Abstract With a view to preventing and remedying environmental damage, the present Act lays down provisions relating to environmental liability based on the “polluter pays” principle. The Act applies do damage inflicted on water and on land. The text – consisting of 21 articles – deals with the following matters: sphere of application, exceptions, preventive actions and remedial actions to be taken by operators, costs, competent authorities, transboundary environmental damage, environmental complaints and reclamations, penalties, reports and transitional provisions. Three Annexes are enclosed. In the latest version of the text, provision are mentioned for damage to waters, with significant adverse impact on the ecological, chemical or quantitative status or the ecological potential of the waters with reference to the Water Act 1959. The text further refers to environmental damages with effect on natural and legal person's life, health and ownership and property rights. Full text German Website www.ris.bka.gv.at References - Legislation Implements Water Rights Act 1959. Legislation | Austria | 1959 (2018) Keyword: Framework law, Water rights, Expropriation, Flood, Policy/planning, Water users' associations, Pollution control, Enforcement/compliance, Groundwater, Authorization/permit, Sustainable development, Sustainable use, Freshwater pollution, Water supply, Water conservation zone Source: FAO, FAOLEX Amended by Federal Act issuing a Federal Act on the ban of geological storing of carbon dioxide and amending other Acts. Legislation | Austria | 2011 Keyword: Mining, Minerals, Transport/storage Source: FAO, FAOLEX