As of: November 2010

Federal Immission Control Act

In the version promulgated on 26 September 2002 (BGBl. I p. 3830), as last amended by Article 2 of the Act of 11 August 2009 (BGBl. I p. 2723)

It is the purpose of this Act to protect human beings, animals and plants, soil, water, the atmosphere as well as cultural objects and other material goods against any harmful effects on the environment and to prevent the emergence of any such effects.

In the case of installations subject to licensing, this Act shall also:

• Ensure integrated prevention and control of any harmful effects on the environment caused by emissions to air, water and soil by securing the participation of the waste management sector in order to achieve a high level of protection for the environment as a whole and
• ensure protection and the taking of precautions against any hazards, significant disadvantages and significant nuisances caused in any other way.