scholarly journals Assessing the Impacts of Best Management Practices on Nonpoint Source Pollution Considering Cost-Effectiveness in the Source Area of the Liao River, China

Water ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Wang ◽  
Jianmin Bian ◽  
Wangmei Lao ◽  
Yongsheng Zhao ◽  
Zeyu Hou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Nonpoint Source Pollution ◽  
Best Management Practices ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Source Area ◽  
Nonpoint Source ◽  
Forest Land ◽  
Best Management ◽  
The Cost

Agricultural nonpoint source pollution has been a major influential factor on the deterioration of water quality in the Liao River source area. Best management practices (BMPs), as a comprehensive pollution prevention system designed to reduce the impacts of agricultural activities and improve water quality, has been considered one of the most effective solutions for nonpoint source pollution control. However, economic cost has been an important element for screening the implementation of BMPs. Both pollution reduction and capital expenditure need to be resolved with the actual situation. A water quality model such as the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) and empirical cost algorithm are important tools to assess the cost-effectiveness of the effects of BMPs on nonpoint source pollution. In this study, BMP scenarios including buffer strips (BSs), fertilizer reduction (FR), forest land increase (FLI), grassland increase (GLI), and their combination were implemented using the SWAT model; furthermore, the efficiency of their pollutants reduction and costs benefit were estimated in the watershed. The results showed that combined BMPs have better control effects than a single BMP, with “BS20 (widths 20 m) + FR15 (fertilization reduction 15%) + FLI (forest land increase)” arriving at the greatest loads reduction in the critical periods. From environmental and economic perspectives, the cost-effectiveness of interception measures is higher than that of the source control measures. The results indicated that BS was the most environmentally friendly practice, and FR was the most economically efficient out of all the BMPs. Regarding land-use changes, FLI was more environmentally friendly, and GLI was more economically efficient. The most economical and effective BMPs can be designated as follows: BS1.5 (widths 1.5 m) and FR15 (fertilization reduction 15%). Therefore, due to possible differences in government policies, it is important to consider an integrated approach for all the relevant actors and seek sustainable environmental and economic development.

Preliminary Evaluation of Effects of Best Management Practices in the Black Earth Creek, Wisconsin, Priority Watershed

1993 ◽  
Vol 28 (3-5) ◽  
pp. 539-548 ◽  
Author(s):  
John F. Walker ◽  
David J. Graczyk
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Mass Transport ◽  
Best Management Practices ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Nonpoint Source ◽  
Transitional Period ◽  
Preliminary Evaluation ◽  
Best Management ◽  
Creek Watershed ◽  
Basin Scale

Nonpoint-source contamination accounts for a substantial part of the water quality problems in many watersheds. The Wisconsin Nonpoint Source Water Pollution Abatement Program provides matching money for voluntary implementation of various best management practices (BMPs). The effectiveness of BMPs on a drainage-basin scale has not been adequately assessed in Wisconsin by use of data collected before and after BMP implementation. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, monitored water quality in the Black Earth Creek watershed in southern Wisconsin from October 1984 through September 1986 (pre-BMP conditions). BMP implementation began during the summer of 1989 and is planned to continue through 1993. Data collection resumed in fall 1989 and is intended to provide information during the transitional period of BMP implementation (1990-93) and 2 years of post-BMP conditions (1994-95). Preliminary results presented for two subbasins in the Black Earth Creek watershed (Brewery and Garfoot Creeks) are based on data collected during pre-BMP conditions and the first 3 years of the transitional period. The analysis includes the use of regressions to control for natural variability in the data and, hence, enhance the ability to detect changes. Data collected to date (1992) indicate statistically significant differences in storm mass transport of suspended sediment and ammonia nitrogen at Brewery Creek. The central tendency of the regression residuals has decreased with the implementation of BMPs; hence, the improvement in water quality in the Brewery Creek watershed is likely a result of BMP implementation. Differences in storm mass transport at Garfoot Creek were not detected, primarily because of an insufficient number of storms in the transitional period. As practice implementation continues, the additional data will be used to determine the level of management which results in significant improvements in water quality in the two watersheds. Future research will address techniques for including snowmelt runoff and early spring storms.

Costs of Protecting Water Quality During Harvesting on Private Forestlands in the Southeast

1992 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Lickwar ◽  
Clifford Hickman ◽  
Frederick W. Cubbage
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Best Management Practices ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Management Zones ◽  
Total Cost ◽  
Marginal Costs ◽  
Best Management ◽  
Streamside Management Zones ◽  
Timber Sale ◽  
The Cost

Abstract Data on harvest volumes, topography, and other site and area characteristics were obtained from 22 timber harvests in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. An economic analysis was then used to estimate the marginal costs of implementing each state's recommended Best Management Practices (BMPs), as well as a set of enhanced BMPs on these sites. Considering all of the areas combined, the costs of using the recommended BMPs averaged 2.9% of gross timber sale revenue, $2.34 per thousand board feet (mbf) of timber harvested, or $12.45/ac. The cost of implementing the enhanced BMPs averaged 5.1% of gross stumpage value, $4.13/mbf, or $21.94/ac. Seed, fertilizer, and mulch, broad based dips, and water bars were the most expensive practices on a total cost basis. Culvert installation, streamside management zones, and road relocation costs were less expensive for most tracts. South. J. Appl. For. 16(1):13-20.

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