Project ID: 2004DE47B

Title: Analysis of the Christina Water Basin's Protection and Restoration Policies

Project Type: Research

Focus Categories: Law, Institutions, and Policy, Water Quality, Non Point Pollution

Keywords: watershed policies, conservation, restoration

Start Date: 06/01/2004

End Date: 02/28/2005

Federal Funds: $1,750

Non-Federal Matching Funds: $3,500

Congressional District: At-large

Principal Investigators:
Steven E. Hastings

Gerald Kauffman

Abstract

The Christina Watershed's 565 square miles are home to 540,000 people and provide 100 million gallons of drinking water a year for 3 states. The Christina is also is home to numerous endangered species and produces millions of dollars a year in recreational benefits. In spite of this, 50% of the Christina's stream miles are considered "impaired" by the states of PA and DE. Thanks to expenditures of over $15 million since 1995, the Christina is the cleanest it has been in 100 years, but much more needs to be done. The increasing amount of development in the Christina makes it particularly vulnerable to continued contamination. Dozens of different policies and procedures have been recommended by numerous public and private groups on how to most effectively restore and protect the Christina; however, the vast quantity of differing opinions has hindered the conservation process. Current policies need to be analyzed for cohesiveness and comprehensiveness before more progress can be made toward improving the Christina. The primary objective of this project is to evaluate the cohesiveness and comprehensiveness of conservation programs and policies in the Christina Watershed. This will involve analyzing current and proposed policies by using an economic, equity and goal based analysis. This analysis will assist in implementing proper strategies for further improvement in the watershed.

Progress/Completion Report PDF