In case of high ozone concentrations, certain measures, such as restrictions on motor traffic or the shut down of plants, can be imposed. A plan has been drawn up providing for the gradual elimination of ozone-promoting substances from solvents which significantly contribute to the formation of surface ozone. The Air Pollution Abatement Act for boiler plants specifies maximum permissible emission values for steam boilers. The promotion of environmentally favourable investments is governed by the Promotion of Ecological Activities Act. Under this law, municipalities and other local authorities may receive subsidies for the construction and improvement of waste of waste water disposal and treatment plants as well as water supply installations.
Industrial enterprises are eligible for subsidies in respect of emission-reducing technologies.
The promotion also extends to such enterprises in neighbouring countries. The Ministers of Environment and Education put forward the idea of forming an Environmental Education Working Group in order to establish public awareness of environmental issues. This body is responsible for awakening an interest in environmental questions among children and young people. Outstanding environmentally compatible products which meet extremely stringent ecological standards are eligible for the Environment badge designed by the artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. In order to secure water quality, the nation-wide standardised registration of immission data for groundwater and running water is required by law.