Economic Impact Study of Regulations for Activities within Setback Zones and Regulated Recharge Areas (R89-5)

摘要

Spills and leaks near potable water wells have caused the contamination of groundwater, resulting in detrimental environmental and human health impacts. Conforming with the Illinois Groundwater Protection Act, regulations were offered prescribing standards for certain activities within setback zones and regulated recharge areas, including on-site landfills, land treatment units, surface impoundments, waste piles, underground storage tanks; and facilities for the storage and handling of pesticides, fertilizers, road oils, and de-icing agents. The economic impact study was developed to identify, quantify and evaluate the economic and environmental costs and benefits of the proposed regulations. Estimated costs for existing facilities are $36.3 million for those in minimum setback zones, between $8.4 and $43.3 million in potential maximum setback zones, and between $13.3 and $66 million in potential regulated recharge areas. For surface impoundments, agrichemical and on-site landfill facilities in minimum setback zones, the quantified benefits were estimated at between $2.3 and $4.0 million, while compliance costs would total about $30.0 million. Estimates do not include qualitative benefits such as avoided instances of environmental degradation, land value losses, diminished aesthetic value, or long-term neurological and reproductive effects. The report discussed the importance of such benefits, but quantified values could not be estimated.