Pollution Control International Experiences

International Experiences Input to the study ”Water Pollution Control in China” by Laszlo Somlyody and Erik Borset Discussion partners to our Chinese colleagues. As heard in the previous presentation, China is taking significant steps to strengthen and modernise its water pollution policy. Lessons might be learned from other countries, which has been trough this process before.

General message Do not underestimate institutional and “bureaucratic” restrain to changes and transfer of responsibilities. Make gradual changes – in particular if several conditions are changing at the same time. However. China is unique. History shows that China is able to make dramatic changes are take actions unheard-of in other countries. The efficient implementation of the “Close Down Policy” is on example.

Presentation Many relevant issues and themes can be raised (and is included in our contribution to the Study). This presentation comments on: Integrated Water Resources Management Municipal Waste Water Treatment Agricultural Pollution

IWRM General consensus about the rationality of a management structure that: co-ordinates management of water quality and quantity, and manage the river-basin as one unit.

IWRM However, few countries have been able to manage water according to these principles. Main problems are: Water Quantity (Resources) Management is a traditionally strong sector, whereas Water Quality (Environmental) Management is relatively new. River basins do not fit within existing administrative borders.

IWRM Start at a realistic level of IWRM at central level and at river basin level: An advisory body? A coordination body? An authority?

Municipal Waste Water Treatment Three important elements: Ambitious plans for increasing the capacity of MWWT Independent and self financed utilities Invitation of private investors (BOT)

Municipal Waste Water Treatment A flexible approach is needed in technical planning. The development of industrial structure, urbanisation, water price, etc. might have strong impacts of inflow water volume and quality. The inflow volume should determine the size of treatments plants and collector systems. The choice of treatment process should be based on knowledge of the concentration of pollutants in the inflow water.

Municipal Waste Water Treatment The ruling trend is to organise WWTP as independent economic units. Often with municipal or city ownership. However, social concerns, and traditions, often make budget subsidies necessary. The potential for private ownership or operation is in many cases limited due to the low profit margin in this sector. The necessary “paperwork” is often an obstacle for BOT arrangements.

Agriculture Pollution The increasing eutrophication problems in Chinese water bodies, has resulted in a focus on agricultural pollution. Pig and chicken farms are of particular concern and can be managed using the same principles as other pollution point sources. More difficult is the control of nutrients (N and P) from agricultural land.

Agriculture Pollution Countries all over the world are struggling to fine efficient means and actions to control agriculture non-point source pollution There is problems of identifying the “sinners” and to find policy enforcement measures for dealing with many thousands/millions of polluting units. The general conclusion is that agriculture is one of the most difficult sector to control.

Agriculture Pollution First “actions”: Take away subsidies on fertilisers. Launce information campaigns and promote best environmental practise in agriculture. Give restrictions on certain production in certain basins or zones. Establish a monitoring system to document the contribution of the different non-point sources.

Thank you for the attention