An Economic Study of the Effect of Municipal Sewer Surcharges on Industrial Wastes

摘要

The levying of sewer surcharges on industrial (non-household) water users who discharge large wasteloads into municipal sewer systems is a relatively recent development which is becoming a more common practice. They are levied for the purpose of inducing industrial firms to either decrease their volumes of wastes or pay for larger municipal waste treatment facilities. The study analyzes the industrial response to sewer surcharges in a theoretical framework and by using two empirical estimation procedures. The purpose is to develop and appraise alternative methods of studying the response of specific industries. (Author)