Assessment of urban environmental problems in Ecuador

This environmental assessment comprises four reports, which examine potable water supply and sewage management, air pollution, the prevention and regulation of emissions from industrial sources, and solid waste management. The following are among the reports" key findings. (1) The public health gains from improving the financial viability of municipal water systems would be enormous; however, improved cost recovery is only a first step. Attention must also be given to watershed management and to preventing the dumping of untreated sewage into rivers. (2) Urban air pollution has resulted in significant costs to Ecuador in terms of medical expenses, time lost from work, and mortality. Quito"s municipal government responded early in 1995 with stiff fines for owners of diesel-fueled vehicles that spew out especially noxious exhausts. (3) While the toxic intensity of Ecuadorian industry is high, public policy to control industrial pollution has been hit-or-miss. However, reduction of energy and water subsidies has increased the interest of industrial firms in cleaner technologies. USAID and other development agencies have responded to this interest by providing TA for technology transfer; this assistance should be complemented through policies such as emission charges. (4) Responsibility for the collection and disposal of urban garbage has been uncertain; innovative techniques for cheap and environmentally safe collection and disposal of garbage are needed. Includes references.