ABSTRACT
The direct and indirect dischargers into the Ruhr River system are required to make annual contributions to cover most of the expenses of the association, such as operating its treatment plants, paying salaries and administrative costs, and paying the interest on capital borrowed for investment in new treatment plants and related facilities. The first step is the derivation of the "physical damage" associated with the discharge of each member. There are three basic groups of contributing members in the Ruhrverband (RV): the Ruhrtalsperrenverein; groups of commercial and industrial activities; and municipalities. The RTV is legally obliged to pay 45% of the total fiscal contributions to the RV's budget. The largest expenditure item, operation, maintenance, and sludge removal is about 28% of the total expenditures. The basic charge does not vary with the location of firms; it is not a charge directly on pollution but is based rather on output or employees.
