Large differences in polution levies

In the east of the Netherlands the rates for water pollution levied by the water boards varied between 35 and 59 euro per polluting unit. This is the widest range in the country. Moreover, the highest rates are levied in this part of the country.

The narrowest range between lowest and highest rates due is in the north of the country. The range is wider in the south – the provinces of North Brabant and Limburg – where the rates are also lower on average than in the rest of the country.

Rates of waterboard pollution levies by region (euro per polluting unit)

In the south of the Netherlands the levies have remained at roughly the same level on average in the last few years. In the north of the country on the other hand, they rose by nearly a quarter. In other regions rates have risen by some 10% between 1998 and 2001.

Fred Arkesteijn