The Value of Protecting Ozark Streams: An Economic Evaluation of Stream Bank Stability for Phosphorus Reduction

One of the many appealing features of the Ozarks is the quality and beauty of our lakes and streams. Frequent algae blooms in the James River arm of Table Rock Lake however threatened not only valuable tourism dollars but also the quality of Ozark life. A nutrient based TMDL focusing on phosphorus and nitrogen was adopted for the James River in 2002. As we move into implementation, the question of the most cost effective method to reduce phosphorus loads is paramount. This paper compares the local cost of phosphorus removal from point sources as well as non-point sources. Specific Ozarks examples investigated included phosphorus reduction from a waste water treatment plant, stormwater BMP's, stream buffers and stream stabilization. The paper findings indicate Stream restoration is an excellent solution to preventing this phosphorus from being transferred to Ozark lakes and is cost efficient when compared to other non-point source reduction strategies. This paper briefly introduces the audience to many other economic benefits to stream restoration such as flood attenuation, greenways trails, and home price increase.