1st Edition

The Economics of Groundwater Remediation and Protection

By Paul E. Hardisty, Ece Ozdemiroglu Copyright 2004
    362 Pages 73 B/W Illustrations
    by CRC Press

    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.

    INTRODUCTION
    The Case for Rational Environmental Decisions
    Contaminated Groundwater - A Global Issue
    Groundwater Contamination, Risk, and Remediation
    Economic Value of Groundwater - An Introduction

    APPLYING ECONOMICS TO GROUNDWATER
    Overview of Economic Analysis
    Groundwater in an Economic Context
    Economic Theory for Groundwater Remediation
    Remedial Costs
    Remedial Benefits

    REMEDIAL DECISION MAKING
    Context
    Setting an Optimal Remedial Objective
    Reaching the Objective

    CASE STUDIES
    Remediation of a Manufactured Gas Plant Site in the United Kingdom
    MtBE-Contaminated Aquifer in the United States
    Tritium-Contaminated Groundwater
    Example Problem and Solution

    SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

    Glossary of Economic Terms
    Index

    Biography

    Hardisty\, Paul E.; Ozdemiroglu\, Ece

    "This book is an innovative approach to the topic of contaminated land and groundwater. It will be of interest to environmental engineers, hydrologists, remediation engineers, environmental economists, and policy and decision makers."
    -Journal of Hazardous Materials, Vol. 124, 2005