State and Local Relations on Environmental Regulations in the Federal Republic of Germany

Abstract

This chapter examines some of the difficulties confronted in obtaining a sufficient degree of waste and sewage disposal at the local level in the FRG. It focuses on the decision-making processes within the local communities as well as on the relations between state and local administrative agencies in connection with the implementation of these programs.¹ If one were to look at the conditions under which the implementation programs in environmental policy are effectively carried out, one would expect to find the following situations which are in fact realized in the Federal Republic of Germany:

• a) There are clear standards to guide implementation: as specified by the German water resources law (Wasserhaushaltsgesetz, abbreviated WHG), sewage is to undergo at least biological treatment. The standards for solid waste disposal laid down in the waste disposal law (Abfallbeseitigungsgesetz, abbreviated AbfG) prescribe either controlled dumping or composting or incineration to be done in such a manner as to avoid endangering and damaging the soil, landscape, ground water, and health.

• b) . Their activities in this connection are supervised by special technical state agencies (Amter fur Wasser- und Abfallwirt- schaft, abbreviated WWA) as well as by the state district governments (Regierungsprasidien, abbreviated RP), which exercise general administrative and legal supervision over local communities.

• c) The administrative offices in charge are staffed with specialists for waste and sewage disposal.Within the local administrations special departments are responsible for these tasks. They employ engineers and technicians for planning and carrying out the tasks involved.

• d) The communities are able to raise the revenue needed for these environmental protection tasks.According to law (Kommunalabgabengesetze, abbreviated KAG) citizens must utilize the public waste and sewage disposal facilities and must be charged fees that cover the cost of these services.