BVT-Merkblatt zu Abwasser- und Abgasbehandlung

Annexes
14. SWEDEN
1. The Swedish legal situation is laid down in the Environmental Code. Each facility is tried on
its own and the requirements with regard to water and gas treatment are set individually with a
view to the recipient situation etc. In the Code this is formulated as a series of principles:
� the burden of proof principle - the operators must demonstrate that their operations are undertaken
in an environmentally acceptable manner; the burden of proof is always on the operator
� the knowledge requirement - persons who pursue an activity must possess the knowledge
that is necessary in view of the nature and scope of the activity. The purpose of the provision
is to ensure that operators acquire the relevant expertise before starting operations,
thus preventing damage and detriment
� the precautionary principle - the mere risk of damage or detriment involves an obligation to
take the necessary measures to combat or prevent adverse health and environmental effects
� best possible technology - applies to the technology used for the operation itself and for the
construction, operation and decommissioning of the plant. An essential condition is that it
must be feasible in industrial and economic terms in the line of business concerned
� the polluter pays principle - the operation must pay for the preventative or remedial measures
that must be taken
� the resource management and ecocycle principles - an operation must be undertaken in such
a way as to ensure efficient use of raw materials and energy and minimisation of consumption
and waste
� the reasonableness principle - all the rules of are to be applied in the light of benefits and
costs. It is the operator who, in accordance with the burden of proof principle, must demonstrate
that the cost of a protective measure is not justified from an environmental point of
view or that it represents an unreasonable burden.
Hence in the permitting process, the operator will have to demonstrate what treatment techniques
are valid, and suggest one or several of them to treat wastewater and wastegas etc. as
required. Chosen technologies and conditions set will depend on BAT to the extent that it is
available for the chemical industry, the technology is proven in similar production elsewhere,
etc. A range of solutions and conditions are possible, depending on location, process technology,
etc.
2. It more or less follows from this that there is no general reference literature with respect to
permit writing. The technical officer in an environmental authority needs a good command of
the technologies used and available or access to such knowledge, as well as the impact on the
environment and what can be achieved to counter such impact. These officers give statements
to the court on what is acceptable influence on the environment and how this influence should
be controlled.
The actual permit is written by an Environment Court in the case of major process industries.
The ruling is based on the information and advice given from national, regional and local authorities
as well as the operator himself.
15. UNITED KINGDOM
No information supplied.
434 Waste Water and Waste Gas Treatment