International Requirements for Integrated National Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers

Abstract

The article analyzes the legal framework for the creation of national pollutant release and transfer registers (PRTR). The authors postulate the necessity to follow international PRTR standards, introduced by the provisions of the 2003 Kiev Protocol on PRTR to the 1998 Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters. According to the Kiev Protocol, this register includes 64 activities and 86 substances and categories of substances. The authors emphasize that the need to comply with the provisions of the Kiev Protocol is supported by a specially created international control mechanism—the Compliance Committee, where the public (individuals/NGOs) can file complaints against the States parties to the Kiev Protocol in connection with non-compliance with the provisions of the Protocol. The authors conclude that increased efficiency in the waste management makes it possible to reduce costs and to increase profits in the context of reducing human impact on the environment. Environmental information will help potential investors and consumers in making decisions. As part of a study on the use of information on the environmental impact, the authors set themselves the goal of understanding this international legal instrument and realizing the right to environmental information in the context of using the PRTR.