This Act provides for the conservation and use of environmental media, the control over the sources of pollution and damage, the establishment of permissible emission levels and environmental quality standards, the management of environmental components and environmental factors, environmental impact assessment (EIA) and environmental assessment, the issuance of permits for pollution prevention, reduction and control, the designation and management of areas under a special regime of protection, and the regulation of environmental monitoring and information systems.
The national environmental protection policy shall be implemented by the Minister of Environment and Water, whose functions are described in the text. Competent authorities at national, regional and local level are designated, including executive agencies, regional inspectorates and municipal authorities, with responsibilities for environmental management, monitoring, control and enforcement.
Chapter II establishes provisions on access to information relating to the environment, including categories of information, procedures for access, restrictions, and obligations of authorities and operators to collect and provide information. It also regulates the publication of national and regional environmental reports and the maintenance of public environmental information systems and registers.
Chapter III contains provisions on the conservation and use of environmental components, including water and water bodies; soil protection, sustainable use and restoration; conservation and use of subsoil resources; conservation and use of biological diversity, including wild flora, fauna and natural habitats; protection of ambient air quality; waste management; and prevention of pollution, including from specific substances. It also establishes obligations for prevention, restoration and control of environmental damage.
Chapters IV, V and VI regulate the economic organization of environmental protection activities, including the establishment and operation of an enterprise and financial mechanisms, as well as environmental strategies and programs at national and municipal level, and procedures for environmental assessment and environmental impact assessment of plans, programs and investment proposals. Prevention and limitation of industrial pollution and of major accidents involving dangerous substances are provided for, including classification of installations and related control measures.
The Act establishes the National Environmental Monitoring System covering the territory of Bulgaria and regulates the collection, management and dissemination of environmental data. The remaining provisions concern enforcement, administrative measures and sanctions for violations of environmental requirements.