INTERRELATEDNESS OF BEST AVAILABLE TECHNIQUES AND BEST ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES: A MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT CASE

Abstract

The concept of Best Available Techniques (BAT) is the basis for granting Integrated Environmental Permits (IEP) to industrial installations. In Russia, BAT is used along with Best Environmental Practices (BEP) concept to promote resource efficiency solutions and to motivate managers to collaborate with local stakeholders in the field of environmentally sound activities. One of the sectors modernised in accordance with the principles of BAT is municipal wastewater treatment (MWWT). In 2020, the Russian Reference Document (BREF) on BAT for MWWT Plants was recommended to the governors of BRICS cities as the basis for the improvement of MWWT performance as well as for the better conservation of fresh water bodies. BAT-Associated Environmental Performance Levels set by the MWWT BREF are used as the reference conditions for modernising existing facilities since 2019. A case of the Podkumok River, flowing through the recreational area of the Caucasus Mineral Waters is considered. The article analyses the Environmental Performance Enhancement Programme (EPEP) worked out by the Pyatigorsk MWWT plant as a starting point for the development of the public dialogue in the field of the restoration of the Podkumok River valley ecosystem services and provides practical recommendations for managers, municipal governments and educational establishments.