Benefit-cost analysis of stormwater quality improvements

The major purpose of this paper is to explore the potential value of benefi t-cost evaluation for stormwater quality management decisions at a local le vel. A preliminary benefit-cost analysis (BCA) screening method is used for maximum extent practicable (MEP) analysis, identifying promising managemen t practices, and identifying societal and economic tradeoffs for local stor mwater problems. Ballona Creek, a major urban storm drain in Los Angeles, C alifornia, USA, is used to illustrate the practicality of the benefit-cost evaluation. The Ballona Creek example demonstrates the economic limits of s tormwater management in an urban region and attests to the value of coordin ated basinwide management compared to uncoordinated management by individua l landowners. Evaluation results suggest that in urban areas, the benefit o f stormwater quality improvements might be far greater if accompanied by co mprehensive redesign of drainage networks and neighboring land uses. In thi s case, benefit-cost analysis is found to be useful for evaluating and unde rstanding stormwater management alternatives despite the uncertainties in c haracterizing stormwater quality and the effects of stormwater management o n improving receiving water quality.