There are different public laws that provide a range of control mechanisms for regulating the menace of pollution with the task of enforcement assigned to a designated public body. Non-compliance with or violation of pollution control laws may lead to fines and criminal prosecutions.
Provisions on control mechanism falls within the operative part of the pollution control law. Control can be in the form of prohibition of a specified activity posing pollution hazards, backed by criminal sanctions for violation. The law also prescribes minimum mandatory standards for observance for pollution causing products such as vehicle emission norms, concentration of lead in paint etc. Licensing procedures are in place allowing designated public authorities to permit discharges or emissions into the environment from fixed sources of industrial pollution under controlled conditions after treatment.
Provisions concerned with the administration of pollution control mechanisms are a critical part of the pollution control law. These identify the authorities for implementation and enforcement. The procedural steps on a complaint of non-compliance or breach of the law are also given in this part concerning the administration of controls. The steps for considering an application for a licence for permitting industrial discharge or emission into the environment under controlled conditions is another aspect of implementation of the law.
Another important element of the pollution control law is the provisions concerning the overall goals of the controls. Such provisions set out road map with time limits for attainment of specified environmental norms.
Market based solutions are gradually replacing command based control mechanism even in the field of environmental law. There are tax and fiscal incentives for improved environmental standards. Enhanced environmental consciousness of the customers persuades manufacturers to reduce the pollution impact of their products and services.
