The text of the Act consists of 40 articles which are divided into 8 Chapters: General Provisions (I); The Permit; The Declaration (II); Survey and Measurements (IIB); Appeal (III); Levies and Contributions (IV); Further provisions (V); Transitory Provisions (VI); Final Provisions (VII).
Article 1 prohibits discharge of waste and noxious substances in surface waters through an installation without a permit and specifies exceptions to this rule. "Surface waters" includes the territorial sea. Pursuant to article 1a limit values for the discharge of substances shall be prescribed by Ministerial Decree. The remaining provisions of Chapter I specify more matters which may be regulated by Ministerial Decree. Article 3 provides for the issue of permits for discharge and of a "Declaration of insufficiency", issued by the Minister to the public body responsible for the waters concerned in the case that water quality is insufficient as a result of pollution (arts. 2 and 3). Surveys and measurements of surface waters shall be carried out by provincial authorities or other public bodies responsible and revised at least every three years (art. 14). The Act refers to various articles of the Environment Protection Act which shall apply to grant or refusal of permits and appeal against such decisions. Provisions of the same Act shall also apply with respect to enforcement, offences and penalties to be carried out or prescribed pursuant to the present Act.