BALTIC SEAENVIRONMENT PROCEEDINGS No. 59 - Helcom

If permit conditions are violated, if the negotiation
partners cannot agree upon the legality of the situation or
if they cannot agree uponthetechnicaleconomicalpossibili-
ties that the enterprise has or should have to abate the
pollution or to monitor effluents, emissions or the quality
of the environment, then the negotiations might turn to a
battle. Such a situation demands for much time and effort
from both sides and it should be avoided at least as resul-
ting from personal antipathy and impertinent means. Such
situations should also in time be brought up to a sufficient-
ly high level, ultimately to the court. Another good rule
in this context is: never show aggressions. Promise rather
to do what you can, although, at the moment, you do not think
you can do anything. As soon as a conflict such as referred
to above is overcome the situation should be followed up
and the contact continued on an equal and respectful basis.
In Finland as well as in most other countries bribery is
not allowed. Neither must an official neglect his duty. Both
are crimes which can be punished with a fine or up to one
or two (in grave cases of bribery even four) years of
prison. The rules for secrecy are also important for the
psychology of negotiations. Documents under preparation
are not public. Neither is it allowed to diclose so called
business secrets orothereconomic facts givenwithconfiden-
ce to the authorities.
The authority should not be used as a consultant, he can
never be responsible for a failure. Although he might be
keen on knowing the best pollution control techniques he
is never a specialist on the circumstances at the enterprise
which will affect costs and applications.
Be long-sighted. The enterprise as well as the society
will profit from people who understand that business and
environmental objectives are not antagonistic.
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