ABSTRACT
Salination of surface waters by saline mine waters is one of the most serious environmental problems in Poland. This chapter examines the history and effectiveness of Polish environmental policy designed to ameliorate the saline water problem in the region. It explains the background to the problem by identifying the strategic importance of Upper Silesia both as the major industrial region and as a source of water supply. Upper Silesia is the industrial heartland of Poland, with iron and steel, non-ferrous smelting, chemicals as well as coke and coal production. The chapter describes some of the main problems to finding technical solutions and provides an analysis of environmental policy in Poland as it affects finding a solution to the salt water problem. Fees and fines for making economic use of the environment and using water are the main sources for financing environmental improvement projects in Poland.
