Case Study

This case study demonstrates how load allocations and compliance costs vary across three allocation objectives or scenarios. The three scenarios are:

Minimize total abatement costs,
Equate percent load reductions across stakeholders, and
Equate loads across stakeholders.

The watershed consists of 10,000 acres of primarily rural and agricultural land surrounding a stream reach of approximately 6 miles. The stream is currently impaired by fecal coliform bacteria. The physical characteristics and land uses of this area are similar to that of the Upper Cottonwood Creek, a subwatershed of the Cottonwood Creek in Idaho.

This demonstration relies on a stochastic optimization modeling framework, and the modeling results underscore the importance of considering all available options when making allocation decisions. Final allocation decisions should reflect acceptable tradeoffs between desirable outcomes such as cost-effectiveness and equity.

« Definitions and Allocation Options | Case Study | Source Loads »

Water Science and Technology | Water Quality Standards | Water Quality Criteria

Case Study

Table of Contents

Local Navigation