The Economics of Groundwater Remediation and Protection

The Economics of Groundwater Remediation and Protection
Author: Paul E. Hardisty
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 368
Release: 2004-12-20
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0203495810

Economic literature is often too theoretical for engineers and policymakers to put into practical use, while scientific literature on the remediation of contaminated aquifers rarely considers costs and benefits. Written by a hydrogeologist and an economist, The Economics of Groundwater Remediation and Protection integrates economics and cost-benefit analysis tools with optimal protection and remediation strategies for groundwater resources. The book provides a thorough introduction of the concepts of groundwater flow and contaminant transport, and the basics of economic decision making techniques. It illustrates the types of risks and impacts caused by groundwater contamination, and the economic benefits of its remediation. The volume reviews a wide range of issues such as cost, implementation, and expectations of success for the latest remediation trends and techniques. The book shows how economic analysis can be used to determine how much we should pay for groundwater clean-up, and when spending too much - or too little - actually makes us all worse-off. The authors' step-by-step methodology for decision-making focuses on determining optimal remedial objectives, from containment to extensive cleanup, and the selection of least-cost alternatives. They use examples from their personal experience to illustrate the methodologies in action and put the issues into perspective. Combining the theoretical and practical aspects of science, policy, and economics, this book places the importance of groundwater remediation in the context of environmental economics, protection, and preservation. The Economics of Groundwater Remediation and Protection is also an excellent introduction to innovative solutions for funding remediation projects, education, and incentive programs, such as mitigation banking, land pollution credit schemes, and conservation credit alternatives.

Valuing Ground Water

Valuing Ground Water
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 203
Release: 1997-07-10
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0309175003

Because water in the United State has not been traded in markets, there is no meaningful estimate of what it would cost if it were traded. But failing to establish ground water's valueâ€"for in situ uses such as sustaining wetlands as well as for extractive uses such as agricultureâ€"will lead to continued overuse and degradation of the nation's aquifers. In Valuing Ground Water an interdisciplinary committee integrates the latest economic, legal, and physical knowledge about ground water and methods for valuing this resource, making it comprehensible to decision-makers involved in Superfund cleanup efforts, local wellhead protection programs, water allocation, and other water-related management issues. Using the concept of total economic value, this volume provides a framework for calculating the economic value of ground water and evaluating tradeoffs between competing uses of it. Included are seven case studies where ground-water valuation has been or could be used in decisionmaking. The committee examines trends in ground-water management, factors that contribute to its value, and issues surrounding ground-water allocation and legal rights to its use. The book discusses economic valuation of natural resources and reviews several valuation methods. Presenting conclusions, recommendations, and research priorities, Valuing Ground Water will be of interest to those concerned about ground-water issues: policymakers, regulators, economists, attorneys, researchers, resource managers, and environmental advocates.

Groundwater Economics

Groundwater Economics
Author: Charles A. Job
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 690
Release: 2009-12-21
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 1439809011

From the western United States to the Indian subcontinent, water issues have always been economic issues. Considered ubiquitous under the continents, groundwater varies considerably in depth, quality, accessibility, and availability. A unified discussion of groundwater and its economic importance, Groundwater Economics explores the application of e

The Wealth of Waste

The Wealth of Waste
Author: J. T. Winpenny
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO)
Total Pages: 152
Release: 2010
Genre: Nature
ISBN:

In recent times, the coalescence of different pressure has put a major strain on water supply globally. The level of water abstraction is reaching its natural limits, and this calls for a dramatic shift in water utilization concepts. This publication addresses the economic and financial issues and the methodology and procedures involved in the analysis of water recycling projects as part of a comprehensive water planning process. The issue is dealt within the wider context of water resources and covers human health, water quality, acceptability, institutional constraints, and other factors, all of which have economic implications and affect the feasibility of reuse schemes. The recycling of urban wastewater is a key link in Integrated Water Resource Management that can fulfill several different, but interrelated objectives. These are expressed as win-win propositions, delivering simultaneous benefits to farmers, cities and natural environmental systems, part of solutions to the urgent global problems of food, clean water, the safe disposal of waters and the protection of the vital aquatic ecosystems.

Groundwater Contamination

Groundwater Contamination
Author: Chester D. Rail
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 198
Release: 2000-05-02
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 9781566768979

Fully updated and expanded into two volumes, the new edition of Groundwater Contamination explains in a comprehensive way the sources for groundwater contamination, the regulations governing it, and the technologies for abating it. This volume discusses aquifer management and strategies for stormwater control and groundwater restoration. A number of case histories on site analysis and remediation based on DOE and state documents are included. Among the many new features of this edition are a full discussion of risk assessment, the preparation of groundwater protection plans, and references linking the text to over 2,300 water-related Web sites.