Suppose we established a $10,000 fine for water pollution. Would some companies still find that polluting was economical?

Answer 1

Judging from these articles, the answer is probably "yes."

http://www.google.com/webhp?source=search_app#fp=54b78a9b0d3b5366&q=water+pollution+fines

Answer 2

Under what conditions?

Answer 3

Polluting is cheaper than properly disposing of the polluting materials.