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Exploring the meaning of disproportionate costs for the practical implementation of the Water Framework Directive

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  • Lago, Manuel
  • Moran, Dominic
  • MacLeod, Michael J.

Abstract

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) is perhaps the most ambitious piece of environmental legislation in the history of the European Union. The Directive consolidates existing water-related legislation and has the stated objective of delivering good status (GS) for Europe’s surface waters and groundwaters. But meeting GS is cost dependent, and in some water bodies pollution abatements costs may be high or judged as disproportionate. The exact definition and assessment of disproportionate costs is central for the justification of time-frame derogations and/or lowering the environmental objectives (standards) for compliance at a water body. Official guidance is somewhat discretionary about the interpretation of disproportionate costs. Building on basic cost-benefit theory, this paper attempts to clarify the meaning of disproportionate cost to non-economists, and to convey a consistent interpretation that should underlie the development of a practical derogation decision making across all member states

Suggested Citation

  • Lago, Manuel & Moran, Dominic & MacLeod, Michael J., 2006. "Exploring the meaning of disproportionate costs for the practical implementation of the Water Framework Directive," Working Papers 46005, Scotland's Rural College (formerly Scottish Agricultural College), Land Economy & Environment Research Group.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:srlewp:46005
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.46005
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Baumol,William J. & Oates,Wallace E., 1988. "The Theory of Environmental Policy," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521322249, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Tobias Holmsgaard Larsen & Thomas Lundhede & Søren Bøye Olsen & Brian H. Jacobsen, 2021. "Incorporating time lags and uncertainty in cost-benefit analysis of water quality improvements – a case study of Limfjorden, Denmark," IFRO Working Paper 2021/01, University of Copenhagen, Department of Food and Resource Economics.
    2. Alexandra Dehnhardt, 2013. "Decision-makers' attitudes towards economic valuation - a case study of German water management authorities," Journal of Environmental Economics and Policy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 2(2), pages 201-221, July.

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