RAMDIREKTIVET OCH »ALLMÄNHETENS MEDVERKAN» – VAD GÄLLER FÖR VATTEN FÖRBUNDEN? / The Framework Directive, ”Public Participation” and Water Management Associations
Since the 1950s, different water management associations characterised by voluntariness are taking part in the Swedish water administration. Certain conditions prevail regarding the co-ordinated recipient monitoring and due to the Act on water associations. The act strictly regulates the purpose with this kind of association; to promote appropriate utilisation of watercourses. Those actors given prior authorisation for environmentally hazardous activities concerning the waters in the area must join in, as well as those operators that affect the waters considerably. Municipalities are free to become members – but public participation from NGOs and users is not provided for. The act needs revision to make the associations operative within the new administrative system that the EC framework directive calls for.