TECHNICAL PAPERS
Jan 1, 1998

Cost Effectiveness and Incremental Cost Analyses: Alternative to Benefit-Cost Analysis for Environmental Remediation Projects

Publication: Practice Periodical of Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste Management
Volume 2, Issue 1

Abstract

An approach is presented for evaluating site-specific or multisite alternative environmental remedies that involve nonmonetary benefits. After discussing problems that currently preclude the use of benefit-cost analysis for such evaluation, the analytical approaches of cost effectiveness and incremental cost analyses are presented, including discussion of data requirements, procedures for application, and guidelines for interpreting results to inform decision making. The analyses and interpretation of their results are illustrated with a hypothetical application, based on data from an actual case study involving the cleanup of contaminated underground storage tanks, using a software program called ECO-EASY.

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References

1.
Greeley-Polhemus Group, Inc. (1991). “Overview Manual for Conducting National Economic Development Analysis,”IWR Rep. 91-R-1. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Inst. for Water Resources; Alexandria, Va.
2.
Hansen, W., Orth, K., and Robinson, R. (1996). “Cost effectiveness and incremental cost analyses for watershed decision making.”Proc., Watershed Restoration Mgmt., American Water Resources Assn., Syracuse, N.Y., 227–236.
3.
National Research Council. (1992). Restoration of aquatic ecosystems—Science, technology and public policy. Committee on Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystems/Water Science and Technology Board/Commission on Geosciences, Environment and Resources. National Academy Press, Washington, D.C.
4.
Robinson, R., Hansen, W., and Orth, K. (1995). “Evaluation of environmental investments procedures manual. Interim: cost effectiveness and incremental cost analyses,”IWR Rep. 95-R-1. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Inst. for Water Resources, Alexandria, Va.
5.
Wolka, K. K.(1997). “Emerging ideas: Site-specific benefit cost analysis for environmental remediation projects.”Pract. Per. of Haz., Toxic, and Radioactive Waste Mgmt., 1(2), 47–49.

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Go to Practice Periodical of Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste Management
Practice Periodical of Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste Management
Volume 2Issue 1January 1998
Pages: 8 - 12

History

Published online: Jan 1, 1998
Published in print: Jan 1998

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Authors

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William J. Hansen
Economist, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Inst. for Water Resour., 7701 Telegraph Rd., Alexandria, VA 22315-3868.
Kenneth D. Orth
Community Planner, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Inst. for Water Resour., 7701 Telegraph Rd., Alexandria, VA.
Ridgley K. Robinson
Economist, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Inst. for Water Resour., 7701 Telegraph Rd., Alexandria, VA.

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