Abstract:
The timetable for implementation of the Water Framework Directive requires best available information to be synthesised now. Cost-effectiveness is an important consideration when deciding what actions should be taken to control diffuse pollution losses from agriculture. This paper presents preliminary results from a toolkit for assessing the cost-effectiveness of combinations of mitigation methods invoked by a range of policy options. It is a mix of simplifi ed diffuse pollution models (to determine baseline losses of nitrate, phosphorus and faecal indicator organisms), best available information on cost-effectiveness drawn from other projects and, using these building blocks, a cost-curve approach. The approach relies on expert judgement.
Description:
Shepherd, M. A., Anthony, S. G., Haygarth, P. M., Harris, D., Newell-Price, P., Cuttle, S. P., Chambers, B. J., Chadwick, D. R. (2006). Assessing the cost-effectiveness of integrated measures to decrease loss of nitrate, phosphorus and faecal indicator organisms. Pages 77-83 in: Gairns, L., Crighton, K., Jeffrey, B. (Eds). Agriculture and the Environment VI - Managing Rural Diffuse Pollution. ISBN: 1-901322-63-7 Proceedings of the SAC and Biennial Conference, Edinburgh, 5-6 April 2006. Sponsorship: DEFRA