Journal article
Evaluating Nonpoint Pollution Policy Using a Tightly Coupled Spatial Decision Support System
Environmental management, Vol.27(6), pp.825-836
2001
DOI: 10.1007/s002670010191
Abstract
Policy makers often must rely on the cumulative impact of independent actions taken by local landowners to achieve environmental goals. The connection between policy, regulation, and local action, however, is often not well understood and, thus, the impact of proposed policies may be difficult to predict. In this study we evaluate the effectiveness of alternative policy scenarios for agricultural set aside programs (e.g., the conservation reserve program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture) in reducing nonpoint pollution. Two alternative policy scenarios are developed and analyzed; one based on the erodibility index (detachment), the other sediment yield (transport). An estimate of the cumulative impact of associated land use change on nonpoint pollution is made using the AGNPS distributed parameter watershed model. This work is completed within the Cypress Creek watershed in southern Illinois. An analysis of the resulting data suggests that the most efficacious regulatory strategy for achieving nonpoint water pollution goals depends, in part, on place-specific land use patterns. This conclusion provides a solid argument for place-based regulatory strategies.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Evaluating Nonpoint Pollution Policy Using a Tightly Coupled Spatial Decision Support System
- Creators
- David A. Bennett - University of IowaAndrew J. Vitale
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Environmental management, Vol.27(6), pp.825-836
- DOI
- 10.1007/s002670010191
- ISSN
- 0364-152X
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 2001
- Academic Unit
- Geographical and Sustainability Sciences
- Record Identifier
- 9983557274102771
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