Wastewater Legislation

So legislation hey? Pretty exciting topic…

OK maybe not so exciting but it is important!

What’s the Deal With Legislation?

Legislation is important because it is essentially the framework for how people and other entities like businesses must act. Haha Act.

Health and Safety

Human health is obviously the main driver of legislation. Health and safety are paramount in the developed world where necessities like clean water and food have long been met. Health and safety are number one, and money of course. Any kind of physical harm, psychological harm or financial harm is illegal. We’ve got these areas pretty locked down with mountains of legislation. Hurt someone or a corporation and you will feel the full force of the law.

What About the Environment?

Unfortunately, for them at least, no fish or turtles have sued the corporations and individuals that indirectly inflict harm on them. There are no penguin lawyers filing class action law suits against polluters and defending the environment’s interests, as amazing that would be, and if you were looking for an idea for a great movie script you’re welcome.

While there are some groups that work in this field most of the governance and regulation is done in house with federal or state bodies like environmental protection agencies and such. But when it comes down to it, people’s health or financial health trump the health of the environment every time. Indeed, in a lot of cases human health and economic reasons are the main drivers behind environmental protection.
In the case of wastewater, the effect on the environment is direct and is only going to grow. But as of yet problems like eutrophication and pollution aren’t affecting the majority of people, although health impacts are now beginning to surface.

Money $$$ -The root of just about everything

Financially it makes sense to have loose regulations, especially in developing countries. This is where governments can step in and use preventative legislation to mitigate the problem before it eventuates. Legislation in this way can drive innovative technology like the Bill Gates funded Omniprocessor which not only converts wastewater to drinking water but also produces its own electricity, perfect for the developing world. While this wasn’t driven by legislation but by philanthropy the same or greater forcing on developing new solutions to problems would occur. But making laws like this are bound to be unpopular for business supporters, or other people who think the financial impact of apply this law should be neglected or spent on other areas.

Source: https://www.wired.com/2015/01/omniprocessor/ 

Politics. When should government step in?

But should governments be allowed to use mandatory legislation in this way to protect things like the environment, and what about if people don’t agree with it? Or even more pertinent if there is outcry for certain legislation to protect the environment and the government doesn’t because of financial or corporate pressure what can be done about it?

Legislation could be used to make things mandatory that would be beneficial. For instance, using treated wastewater for drinking water. But mandatory regulations mean people cant do as they please, not that they always should. This could lead to disagreements and potential oppression of minorities that cant be heard or don’t have any influence.

Learn more about the if and buts of legislation in my blog

Some people don’t want to drink treated waste, they think its gross, but realistically it makes sense. Should it be legislated? Maybe. Probably. But it wouldn’t be a popular policy so its doubtful a bill would ever reach the floor before perceptions change.

Legislation can also be used ineffectively by mandating lax regulations. Similarly, legislators could block important environmental bills or create exemptions and allow companies legally to take advantage of this. For example in Sitka, Alaska, a new law was passed that mandated all boats must treat its wastewater before flushing it. Last month Alaskan Governor Bill Walker signed a bill that excepted ferries and cruise liners from this rule. While the implementation of this regulation would have required the installation of some waste treatment facilities on board it would have ensured those boat operators would have met or exceeded best practice in wastewater discharge. A move that some would say is important in a state that is known extensively for its fishing and natural beauty. But instead the exception was met with open arms in the financially struggling state because it could save the department of transport an estimated $5 million. The governor even signed the bill in the harbour that the ferries operate in and was presented with salmon by fishermen. Ironic, as he had just legalised the polluting of their environment. Check out the article. The tabloid tries to spin this positively so its strange to read

Frameworks or guidelines are the next best thing and are mostly made by an industry to abide by their own standards without the need for legislative intervention. This gives freedom back to an industry but can lead to the possibility of exploitation of this freedom.

Trust

Legislation is important. Who introduces all the bills that get turned into laws? Politicians. Legislation requires us to put our trust in politicians. Read that again. Yes, it is as crazy as it sounds. Politicians learn that if you bite the hand that feeds you, your’e set for an early retirement. And the hand that feeds them is typically the hand most full of money.

How do you feel about the way legislation works? Let me know below and have a nice day 🙂