Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
1.2 The cycled approach to diffuse pollution management
This approach requires integration in terms of the steps and the sequence of
implementation of the activities, which are incorporated in the management process. It
has been emphasized previously that the process of diffuse pollution management should
be based on the preparation and execution of programs, which are orientated to the
solution of specific problems. Such programs could be developed at different levels, with
higher hierarchy programs incorporating lower hierarchy programs at local level, and
being designed on a cycling principal, each cycle covering a specified period of time. At
the end of this period, the program implementation should be revised and evaluated, and
the next cycle designed to incorporate corrections and changed conditions. This approach
requires a sequence of activities, which are mutually interrelated and would logically
conclude at the end of the cycle. The most important steps of the cycle include the
monitoring stage, development and implementation of regulatory instruments, design,
and implementation of abatement measures, evaluation of the implementation activities
and the design of the next cycle. The abatement measures include not only technical
solutions and structural measures, but also management practices, such as institutional
arrangements, formation of governing water bodies, educational and public awareness
programs, etc.
The practice of diffuse pollution management in the region often lacks this sequence
and leaves the loop open. The most common example of a broken cycle is the case of the
non-enforcement of regulatory instruments. Different reasons could be mentioned, such
as: very high requirements, which are not practically achievable; insufficient funds to
back up the planned activities' implementation, or lack of political will to punish
individual polluters.
Another typical example of a broken cycle, which is common in the every-day
practice, is the case when monitoring of water quality is executed on a regular basis, but
the results are not processed properly and used during the management process.
In general, it should be well understood that the cost and efforts involved to manage
diffuse pollution and water quality in general, would be lost for the society and for the
funding agencies, if the integration of the activities to form a closed loop cycle is not
implemented. Consequently, the anticipated objectives would not be achieved. The
reasons behind such an undesirable practice is often related to the lack of awareness for
the problems associated with diffuse pollution and water quality in general, among the
public, and in some cases, among the managing authorities. Thus, relatively low priority
is given to these problems, and very often, they are completely neglected. The following
sections present directions for future improvements.
2 MONITORING DIFFUSE POLLUTION
2.1 Why is it necessary to monitor natural water quality?
This question might sound erroneous but in many cases, even in developed countries, the
costs and efforts involved in the execution of a monitoring program are high, and the
outputs often do not meet the expected goals. Usually, it is due to a wrongly designed
monitoring program and is associated with the lack of understanding of the problems and
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