1st Edition
The Economics of Groundwater Remediation and Protection
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.
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