REC: Reduction of SO2 and Particulate Emissions: Conclusions (7.2)

7. Conclusions (continued)

7.2. Role for future exchange of experience

	As stated at the beginning of this Report, one of the main objectives of the SILAQ Initiative has been to identify valuable information on local air pollution control strategies and their implementation, and to facilitate the exchange of this information. The data collected for this report has helped to compare the steps taken by the different countries in harmonizing policies, standards and regulations among themselves, and with regard to international practices and approximation to the EU. The information exchanged among the participating countries has been a valuable activity, particularly during the workshop in Bratislava in January 1998 and during discussions on the drafting of this Synthesis Report. It is clear that the parties involved have gained from one anothers' experiences and have benefited from this knowledge in improving local air quality. It can be said that the policy measures and experience of Western partners have had a catalytic effect on the SILAQ countries. The information related to economic instruments, flue gas cleaning systems, and the availability of clean technologies as reported by those experts of the World Bank, the US EPA, Denmark and Germany during the workshop in Bratislava can be seen as guidelines for future activities. It is clear that the use of incentive-based policies can lead to improved community health. A further recommendation might be the establishment of a database that could help in the further development and implementation of national and local strategies for the least-cost reduction of SO₂ and particulate matter. The information could be used to serve both decisionmakers and the public. It is clear that further dissemination of the information collected on the impacts of SO₂ and particulate emissions and the related mitigation measures is required, and participation of the public in this process is encouraged. In summarizing, the actions thus far taken, such as the approximation of legislation, the projects implemented, and the workshops and regular meetings, seem to indicate a good basis for future activities. It can also be said these have firmly contributed to the overall European integration process and the Environment for Europe process. Furthermore, the experience could in turn be used to the benefit of other CEE and NIS countries not yet well advanced in the process.

As stated at the beginning of this Report, one of the main objectives of the SILAQ Initiative has been to identify valuable information on local air pollution control strategies and their implementation, and to facilitate the exchange of this information. The data collected for this report has helped to compare the steps taken by the different countries in harmonizing policies, standards and regulations among themselves, and with regard to international practices and approximation to the EU. The information exchanged among the participating countries has been a valuable activity, particularly during the workshop in Bratislava in January 1998 and during discussions on the drafting of this Synthesis Report. It is clear that the parties involved have gained from one anothers' experiences and have benefited from this knowledge in improving local air quality.

It can be said that the policy measures and experience of Western partners have had a catalytic effect on the SILAQ countries. The information related to economic instruments, flue gas cleaning systems, and the availability of clean technologies as reported by those experts of the World Bank, the US EPA, Denmark and Germany during the workshop in Bratislava can be seen as guidelines for future activities. It is clear that the use of incentive-based policies can lead to improved community health.

A further recommendation might be the establishment of a database that could help in the further development and implementation of national and local strategies for the least-cost reduction of SO₂ and particulate matter. The information could be used to serve both decisionmakers and the public. It is clear that further dissemination of the information collected on the impacts of SO₂ and particulate emissions and the related mitigation measures is required, and participation of the public in this process is encouraged.

In summarizing, the actions thus far taken, such as the approximation of legislation, the projects implemented, and the workshops and regular meetings, seem to indicate a good basis for future activities. It can also be said these have firmly contributed to the overall European integration process and the Environment for Europe process. Furthermore, the experience could in turn be used to the benefit of other CEE and NIS countries not yet well advanced in the process.

REC * PUBLICATIONS * REDUCTION OF SO₂ AND PARTICULATE EMISSIONS * CONCLUSIONS