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A Benefit‐Cost Analysis of Total Maximum Daily Load Implementation1 |
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| Authors: | Tatiana Borisova Alan Collins Gerard D’Souza Matthew Benson Mary Leigh Wolfe Brian Benham |
| Affiliation: | 1. Respectively, Assistant Professor, Food and Resource Economics Department, University of Florida, P.O. Box 110240 IFAS, Gainesville, Florida 32611;2. Professor, and Professor, Division of Resource Management, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia;3. Extension Specialist, Northern District, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Saluda, Virginia;4. Professor, Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia;5. Extension Specialist and Assistant Professor, Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia. |
| Abstract: | Abstract: Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) implementation generates benefits and costs from water quality improvements, which are rarely quantified. This analysis examines a TMDL written to address bacteria and aquatic‐life‐use impairments on Abrams and Opequon Creeks in Virginia. Benefits were estimated using a contingent valuation survey of local residents. Costs were based on the number and type of best management practices (BMPs) necessary to achieve TMDL pollution reduction goals. BMPs were quantified using watershed‐scale water quality simulation models (Generalized Watershed Loading Function and Hydrological Simulation Program‐FORTRAN). Based on our projections, the costs to achieve TMDL induced pollution reduction goals outweigh the estimated benefits. Benefit‐cost ratios ranged between 0.1 and 0.3. |
| Keywords: | water quality economics watershed management best management practices water policy nonpoint source pollution contingent valuation |