Regulating farm nutrient runoff : Maryland's experience with the Water Quality Improvement Act
Name
62739189-MIT.pdf
Description
Full printable version
Size
4.61 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
a84cb5db542800204525612a3bb34248
Author(s)
Herbst, Annemarie H
Advisor(s)
Judith Layzer.
Date Issued
2005
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
Federal and state programs designed to address nonpoint agricultural nutrient pollution rely almost exclusively on voluntary programs and financial incentives to encourage farmers to adopt nutrient management plans and other best management practices. In 1998, after highly publicized fish kills highlighted shortcomings in the voluntary approach, Maryland adopted the nation's strictest and most comprehensive nutrient management regulations. Seven years later, a majority of farmers are not in compliance with the law. This thesis examines the Maryland Department of Agriculture's implementation of the Water Quality Improvement Act. I find the department has continued to adhere to a voluntary approach to nutrient management. As a result, farmer practices are largely unchanged and the efficacy of a mandatory approach remains untested.
Description
Thesis (M.C.P.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Urban Studies and Planning, 2005.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 66-76).
Subjects
Urban Studies and Planning.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Urban Studies and Planning
Terms of Use
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