Seasonal water pricing using meteorological data: case study of Belgrade

The paper presents a model of seasonal water pricing (SWP) aimed primarily at diminishing excessive fresh water use in the city of Belgrade. Seasonal prices are determined on meteorological observations of the average monthly temperatures and the total monthly precipitations in the period from 2000 to 2010, and their deviations from the thirty year normal levels. The SWP operation is based on an ex-post price determination, and it conveys a signal to water users on resource scarcity. Not knowing ex ante how high their monthly bill is going to be, but aware of the price-setting rule, consumers will be in a situation to change their pattern of behaviour towards a more sustainable water use. Potential of the SWP model implementation are a) pushing consumers towards rationality, b) valuable resource conservation and c) enabling the water supply company to cover peak-season supply and the related costs. The SWP model has been created for the Belgrade Water and Wastewater Company, but might be easily implemented in all other cities with the same problems

Socio-economic features of commercial fishery in the bordering upper Danube River area of Serbia

The multidisciplinary socio-economic study of fisheries in the bordering part of the Danube River between Serbia and Croatia (at the following sites: Apatin, Baka Palanka, Bako Novo Selo, Bezdan, and Sombor) that was performed in order to investigate various aspects of fish resource utilization (management, policy of protection and exploitation of freshwater fishery resources, present fisheries legislation, catch statistics), was realized during 2004 and 2005. Data were collected via survey with a structured interview. Socio-economic circumstances, together with ecological factors, have had an influence on the fish stock and number of commercial fishermen. Awareness of the occurring problems, both economic and ecological ones, is apparent, regardless of whether it is assessed in the field of commercial or recreational fishing. Fishery sector in Serbia is in a prolonged process of transition, with the enforcement of fishing regulations, but also the lack of control that leaves space for illegal commercial fishing. The statements, consciousness, experience and behavior of commercial fishermen represent a good basis for planning the sustainable development of fishing in this section of the Danube River

Volatile organic compounds (VOC) policy innovation in petrochemicals river barge transportation

The aim of this paper was to emphasise the need for a volatile organic compounds VOC policy review in the field of river barge transportation of petrochemicals. Review of the VOC policy shows that barges neither fall under an integrated pollution prevention and control permit nor any other regulation or incentive related environmental policy. Current situation and trend in this area is presented through a case study of the Danube River, Serbia. The case study shows that evaporative losses have increased c ca 22 times in period 2006-2010 and, that vapour collection system can reduce VOC emissions by up to 3 times. A proposal for improved VOC policy has been developed in detail based on the following elements: a) The appropriate Best Available Techniques reference document (BREF) should include the transport sector; b) Mandatory reporting of VOC emitted during barge transport of crude oil and crude oil derivates should be introduced, and c) A pollution charge should be introduced on all barges without vapour collection system installed "onboard". Three potential scenarios for the VOC charge are presented, which vary according to the charge introducing dynamics. The differences between scenarios are in initial levels of charge, but the final charge is same for all three and it is proposed to be 220 (sic) per capacity ton