Author(s)

J. Cools & W. Bauwens

Abstract

In order to reach the water quality objectives, as set by the EU Water Framework Directive, emission loads have to be reduced and pollution abatement plans set up for all river basins by 2008. With high environmental concerns and limited financial resources, good water quality has to be reached in the most cost effective way. This paper discusses the use of a linear programming model to optimize the cost and effectiveness of the abatement of nitrogen emissions for the Grote Nete river basin (Belgium). The following abatement measures are considered: waste water treatment, a subsidized reduction of pigs, and manure processing. It is found that a good water quality in the Grote Nete will involve an annual cost of at least €6 million until 2015. Keywords: river basin management, decision-support, economic optimization, cost-effectiveness analysis, nitrogen, Belgium, Water Framework Directive. 1 Introduction Given the numerous and increasing pressures on water resources, it is vital that effective legislative instruments help to secure existing resources for future generations. Since 2000, the European Union (EU) Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC), further abbreviated as WFD, enforces the sustainable use of water throughout Europe. Its fundamental objective is to maintain a ‘high status’ of all waters, i.e. groundwater, surface water, transitional and coastal water. Any deterioration of the existing status must be prevented and by 2015 a ‘good status’ must be achieved for all European waters. River basin action plans, including the measures that need to be taken to achieve the goals of the WFD, have to be set up by the EU Member States by 2008. Within the framework of these plans, emission based regulations and an approach based on environmental quality objectives have to be combined.

Keywords

river basin management, decision-support, economic optimization, cost-effectiveness analysis, nitrogen, Belgium, Water Framework Directive.