Revising water pollution standards in an uncertain world
Congress formed the National Commission on Water Quality (NCWQ) in 1976 in response to concerns that water pollution standards should be redirected from point sources to better control of nonpoint sources. This paper examines the problem of decision making under uncertainty by evaluating the results of each branch of a decision tree. Probability estimates that events, or states of nature, will occur and the expected value of alternative actions compare existing federal standards from point sources and urban runoff sources to identify least-cost regulations. The finding that a high probability of certain events occurring is necessary to minimize costs indicates that additional information and the incorporation of that information into the decision making process could significantly lower the costs of water pollution control. 14 references, 4 figures, 6 tables. (DCK)
- OSTI ID:
- 5685499
- Journal Information:
- Land Econ.; (United States), Vol. 57:4
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Other water pollution. [Nonpoint sources, primarily agricultural sediment and urban runoff]
Costs and water quality effects of controlling point and nonpoint pollution sources
Related Subjects
POLICY AND ECONOMY
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
DECISION MAKING
INFORMATION NEEDS
STANDARDS
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL
EXPECTATION VALUE
POINT POLLUTANT SOURCES
PROBABILITY
CONTROL
POLLUTION CONTROL
POLLUTION SOURCES
290300* - Energy Planning & Policy- Environment
Health
& Safety
520600 - Environment
Aquatic- Regulations - (-1989)