Environmental intervention: the monitoring paradigm: II. Regulatory monitoring and the development of a management model

Abstract

Summary In this paper the author examines regulatory monitoring in detail. Four basic types of regulatory monitoring are identified: (1) monitoring performed by a polluter against his own in-house standards; (2) monitoring performed by a polluter against external standards; (3) law-enforcement monitoring performed by some government agency; (4) policy-assessment monitoring performed by government agency or independent body to investigate whether the aims of environmental policy are being achieved. These forms of monitoring may be directed at emissions, ambient levels, or effects of pollutants. The paper examines the relationship between the types of regulatory monitoring, environmental policy, environmental management action, and the pollution abatement practice undertaken by polluters. The paper gives a complete taxonomy of monitoring types (both descriptive and regulatory), and this enables the author to construct a dynamic model showing the key role occupied by monitoring in any management system. The author shows the applicability of the model to environmental management action based on the “best practicable means” approach as well as action based on compliance with environmental standards. Finally the author attempts to show the validity of the model by using it to interpret the events surrounding the passing of the Clean Air Act, 1956. The model is offered as a paradigm for environmental management.