Grantee Research Project Results

2022 Progress Report: An Integrated Valuation Model Linking Nutrient Reductions to Changing Ecosystem Services in Freshwater Systems

EPA Grant Number: R836168
Title: An Integrated Valuation Model Linking Nutrient Reductions to Changing Ecosystem Services in Freshwater Systems
Investigators: Lupi, Frank , Stevenson, R. Jan , Herriges, Joseph A.
Institution: Michigan State University
EPA Project Officer: Packard, Benjamin H
Project Period: September 1, 2016 through August 31, 2020 (Extended to August 31, 2023)
Project Period Covered by this Report: September 1, 2021 through August 31,2022
Project Amount: $799,074
RFA: Water Quality Benefits (2015) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Water

Objective:

The purpose of this research is to estimate the use and non-use values stemming from changes in nutrient loadings to freshwater systems of Michigan (rivers, lakes, and the Great Lakes) and, in doing so, address a number of challenges in the theory and practice of non-market valuation of water resources. Of the project’s three objectives, the first focuses on quantifying changes in water quality stemming from changes in nutrient loadings and developing water quality metrics that can be used to effectively communicate the corresponding changes in ecosystem services. Objective 2 seeks to use these metrics to assess how total willingness-to-pay (TWTP) for changes to streams, lakes, and Great Lakes in Michigan depend upon the location and spatial scale of impacts (e.g., HUC4 regions versus statewide effects). Objective 3 is concerned with the various approaches used in the literature to apportion TWTP into use and non-use components.

Progress Summary:

The key tasks for the project center around designing and fielding two nonmarket valuation surveys. The baseline survey (survey 1) examined how TWTP differs in terms of the reported ecosystem service affected (water contact, fish biomass, biological condition versus a modified WQI and biological condition). The second survey examined how TWTP changes as a function of four water quality indices and how it can be segmented into use versus non-use valuations. Pursuant to the objectives of this project, our efforts during this reporting period have been focused on three areas. First, having previously completed the baseline survey, we conducted analyses and drafted a manuscript of results which was submitted to a journal. Second, we performed data coding and conducted analyses for survey 2 which was implemented in the previous reporting period. Third, we drafted papers and made several presentations during the period.

Future Activities:

In terms of planned activities for the final reporting period, we will complete modeling and analysis of the
data, and we will finalize and submit papers. An MS thesis and a PhD dissertation will also be completed. Finally, the project final report will be submitted.

Journal Articles:

No journal articles submitted with this report: View all 12 publications for this project

Progress and Final Reports:

Original Abstract

The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.