WATER-QUALITY MODELS - TYPOLOGIES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL-IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Much of the practical use of water quality models is related to Enviro nmental Impact Assessment (EIA). There is a boom of released EIA guide lines from various institutions, typically with little reference to sp ecific methodologies. This paper presents a discussion on the applicab ility of various water quality modelling approaches for use in differe nt phases of an EIA protocol. The criteria used include the project cy cle process, decision types, scales of impact and paradigms and cognit ive styles of problem solving. Illustration is given with a selection of approaches used in a range of natural, socio-economic and instituti onal setting. Copyright (C) 1996 IAWQ.