Economic Instruments
 
The polluter pays principles were introduced after the political changes. Yearly charges have to be paid by the operators of air pollution sources (mobile as well as stationary), depending on the amount and kind of the pollutants. A system of penalties for violation of the legislation and non-compliance with the applicable emission limit values has been introduced as well. These payments are guided to a separate account. There was an intention to use those resources as a base for an Environmental Fund. This fund should be used to finance different environment conservation activities. However, at present this account is an integral part of the state budget. Under existing legislation, expenditure for environmental conservation may be deducted from profit before taxation.

Inspection

Inspection and monitoring of meeting the requirements of the nature protection legislation in the city of Yerevan is implemented by State Inspection for District Nature Protection (SIDNP). SIDNP employees are taking as a basis the RA law ?On Arrangement and Conduction of Inspections in Organizations Acting on the Territory of the Republic of Armenia?, SIDNP Statutes, laws on water resources and soil protection, the law ?On Assessment of Environmental Impact, ratified by the National Assembly (the parliament), also a number of sub-legislative acts. In cases of violation of the nature protection legislation, statements are made in due form and penalties are imposed within the framework of the RA legislation on administrative violations. The compensations calculated for the damage caused by businesses to the nature are paid in the state budget.

A brief information on the inspections conducted in 1998-2000 are presented in the following Table.  

Year

Enterprises Inspected

Environmental violations in

Compensation for the harm

Industrial activities suspended in

 

 

water

air

soil

fauna &  flora

 

 

1998

542

12

93

3

19

18

11

1999

576

4

58

-

4

21

6

2000

535

39

67

25

58

18

22

Ecological Examination

The Republic of Armenia law "On Environmental Impact Examination" is active since October 11, 1995.

The main purpose of environmental examination is prevention of any negative aftermath of industrial activity, compliance of a given activity with the requirements of public environmental safety, and optimal utilization of natural resources.

The function of environmental impact examination is fulfilled by the "State Examination of Environmental Impact" closed-type JSV.