Assessment of Environmental and Economic Benefits Associated With Streambank Stabilization and Phosphorus Retention
Abstract
This technical note documents the assessment of potential water quality improvements and economic impacts associated with streambank stabilization and phosphorus retention. Phosphorus (P) comes from both point sources (e.g., sewage effluents and industrial discharge) and nonpoint sources (e.g., urban, agricultural, and forest runoff). Measures to control point source pollution (e.g., constraints on P-based inputs) were implemented with the 1972 U.S. Clean Water Act. Recent environmental management efforts have focused on the control of nonpoint sources of contaminants. Erosion and subsequent transport of sediment-bound phosphorus from streambanks can provide a major source of bioavailable phosphorus to aquatic systems. Reduction in the availability of phosphorous (and sediment, and nitrogen), associated with streambank stabilization provides potential economic benefits through reduced treatment costs and adverse environmental impacts. Recent studies in the Demonstration Erosion Control (DEC) Project in Mississippi have indicated that nationwide, costs for phosphorus removal range from $8.82 to $1113.32 per. kg ($4 to $505 per pound) of phosphorus (Watson et al. 2001). This suggests that the potential financial benefit associated with streambank stabilization measures and subsequent phosphorus retention could be significant.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA417227
Entities
People
- David S. Bledenharn
- Lisa C. Hubbard
- Steven L. Ashby
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center