Effective Coastal Water Quality Management and Marine Environmental Impact Assessment

This study examined principles and techniques of efficient water quality management as well as total coastal pollutant loads and the relevant examples in the advanced countries from the viewpoints of water quality improvement and pollution control in coastal areas. The problems and improvements in an estimation of the current total pollutant loads were also pointed out. In addition, discussion was made on the relationship between total pollutant loads and environmental capacity as well as particulars requiring extensive examination on access to and study on water quality model used as prediction tool for marine environment. Furthermore, this study proposed details of and improvement plans for water quality control to be reflected and absorbed into systems and policies related to coastal water quality. In coastal areas, which are subject to total coastal pollutant loads, it is necessary to calculate pollutant loads reduction and allocation, to propose them in detail in statement in relations to new pollution sources for the corresponding projects or plans in environmental impact assessment and prior environmental review system. Also, in relations to regional plans for coastal management, the local government concerned must focus more on environmental management plan to implement data on pollution sources and pollutant loads flown into sea areas under basic jurisdiction, therefore it is required to actively respond to expansion and introduction of total coastal pollutant loads system in the future. Total coastal pollutant loads system must be expanded and executed by considering characteristics of sea area and changes in the environment of land. For pollution sources in land, the competent authorities in charge of coastal environment will need to initiatively administer supervision, monitoring activities and achieve integration and operation of the related laws by preparing legal bases for management system or adjusting the related laws.