The problem of assessing the economic consequences from chemical pollution of surface water

Abstract

Purpose. Analysis of domestic and foreign experience in solving the problem of chemical pollution of surface waters and improving the existing "Methodology for calculating the amount of compensation for damages caused to the state as a result of violations of legislation on protection and rational use of water resources." Methods. Information analysis, theoretical and calculation, systems analysis. Results. In European countries, the assessment of the economic consequences of chemical pollution of surface waters is based on the provisions of Directive 2004/35 / EC "On environmental liability with regard to the prevention and remedying of environmental damage". The implementation of this Directive is carried out by creating a system of environmental liability based on the "polluter pays" principle not only for non-compliance with the limit of discharge of pollutants into water bodies, but also for violation of the properties and nature of aquatic ecosystems and their restoration. It is established that the consequences of not all forms of environmental damage can be eliminated by using the mechanism of environmental responsibility. For this mechanism to be effective, one or more sources of pollution must be identified, the damage must be specific and calculable, and a causal link must be found between the damage and one or more identified sources of pollution. In addition, liability is not an appropriate tool for large-scale, diffuse pollution, when it is impossible to establish a link between negative environmental impacts and the actions or inaction of certain individuals. Based on the analysis of national regulations and methodological approaches to assessing the economic consequences of chemical pollution of surface waters in European and other foreign countries, an algorithm is proposed to take into account the levels of acute lethal toxicity of return waters. Conclusions.. The algorithm for assessing the environmental impact of chemical pollution of surface waters must take into account the provisions of Article 16 of WFD 2000/60 / EC "Strategies against water pollution", in particular in paragraph 1.2.6 of Annex V "Surface water status" emphasizes " obtain data on the acute and chronic effects of chemical pollution of surface waters on the representatives of the "basic set of taxa" - algae, crustaceans and fish.