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Statewide Nutrient Criteria Development: Implementation Economic Evaluation Study
Background
The Utah Division of Water Quality (DWQ) is funding a study to quantify the economic benefits and costs of implementing nutrient criteria for surface waters in Utah. Human-caused nutrient inputs of nitrogen and phosphorus to the nation's waters have been identified as significant threats to aquatic life and recreational uses. In response, the US Environmental Protection Agency has called upon States to develop and adopt numeric nutrient criteria. Understanding the costs and benefits associated with the implementation of nutrient criteria is important for informing decisions to increase economic welfare. The use of economic data to inform regulatory decisions requires a comprehensive evaluation of the values that people derive from their direct and indirect usues of Utah's water bodies as well as the value that residents place on preserving and stewarding the state's surface waters (i.e., non-use value).
Water Quality Surveys
As part of the study of the economic benefits and costs of implementing a nutrient criteria standard for statewide waters, two surveys will be conducted of randomly selected households in Utah. The objective of the first survey (referred to as the Total Economic Value Survey) is to estimate the value that Utah residents place on good water quality for their recreational use and enjoyment and to protect the quality of life for future generations living in Utah. The second survey (referred to as the Recreation Demand Survey) is targeted to residents who recreate in or adjacent to Utah waters, including anglers, waterfowl hunters, boaters, swimmers and passive users. The objective of the Recreation Demand Survey is to estimate how recreation demand is affected by perceptions of water quality.
If you receive a survey, it would be much appreciated if you would complete and return the survey. It should only take a few minutes and will help us immensely to enhance Utah's nutrient protections.
Benefit Cost Analysis (BCA)
The economic evaluation will consist of a benefit cost analysis of implementing statewide nutrient standards. The economic cost categories that are being evaluated include: wastewater treatment plant upgrades, stormwater source control and treatment, nonpoint source pollution (i.e. agriculture) control and treatment, and regulatory agency administration costs. The economic benefit categories include recreation value, non-use value (i.e. quality of life), property value, and drinking water treatment cost savings.
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