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LAW CORNER

The Council Directive 96/61/EC of 24 September 1996 concerning integrated pollution prevention and control was implemented in Italy under Government Bill D.Lgs n. 372 of 4 August 1999. Currently, it is applied specifically to existing plants, as defined under Annex I, Article 41 of Communitarian Law* 2001 (1 March 2002, No. 39), but with the provision for the Government to extend the IPPC to new and modified plants, as well, within a period of 1 year.

*A law ratified by the Government yearly on 31 January, which includes the norms for adopting EU law within the Italian legal system.

The IEA (Integrated Environmental Authorisation) provided for by the above Directive replaces all other certification, permit, opinion or authorisation within the environmental field, provided for by law with the exception of the norms implementing Directive 96/82/EC.

Although its objective is very different, the IPPC Directive highlights the importance of co-ordination between the IEA and Directive Seveso II (96/82/EC) of 9 December 1996 on the control of major-accident hazards. The IPPC Directive also takes into account the environmental commitment of businesses that have adopted eco-management systems like EMAS or ISO 14001. It establishes that: