ASABE Technical Library - Abstract
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Application of Economic Simulation Models To TMDL Analysis
Published by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, St. Joseph, Michigan www.asabe.org
Citation: Pp. 211-215 in Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Environmental Regulations: Proceedings of the March 11-13, 2002 Conference, (Fort Worth, Texas, USA) 701P0102.(doi:10.13031/2013.7559)Authors: E. Osei
Keywords: Economic analysis, computer simulation models, nonpoint source pollution, TMDL, cost effectiveness analysis, practices, incentives
Increased interest in TMDLs for agricultural nutrients has characterized state and local efforts
toward nonpoint source pollution reduction. Consequently there is greater need for estimation of
pollutant reduction costs at the farm level as well as more aggregate levels in order to reduce the
overall cost of pollution abatement. Computer simulation models can help meet this need in a
variety of ways.
This paper explains economic analysis of TMDLs and why simulation models are preferred for
TMDL applications. Illustrated are various options that can benefit from economic model
simulations and why these results need to be reliable. Factors that can be taken into account to
ensure reliability of economic simulations are also presented. Several data items need to be
developed and rigorous calibration of the models is imperative. Finally, additional benefit can be
derived from linking economic and environmental simulation models in a dynamic framework.