Chapter 2
Developing BMP
Values for the Tar-Pamlico Basin
Cost and Effectiveness Data
2.1
There is considerable uncertainty involved in estimating cost-effectiveness values
the cost and effectiveness of a
for agricultural best management practices.
practice can vary substantially based on a variety of site-specific and
management conditions. The estimates presented in the following sections are
based on the best available data from studies conducted ih the Tar-Pamlico basin
or similar geographic provinces. Before attempting to interpret or apply these
data, it is essential to understand the key factors that introduce uncertainty into
discusses these factors
the analysis. Chapter 3, The Need For a Safety
and the resulting
to incorporate a margin of safety.
2.2
Cost and Effectiveness Calculations
Evaluation of cost-effectiveness requires two key elements: cost data (dollars
spent) and effectiveness data (percent or mass load reduction). Our review of
projects within the Tar-Pamlico basin found that there is a subsfantial database of
BMP cost data (NCDSWC, 1994). However, information on BMP effectiveness
within the basin is available only for water control structures and animal waste
management practices. Two studies that are designed to provide BMP
effectiveness data on other practices
Creek and Herrings Run Marsh) will
not have sufficient monitoring data for at least another one or two years (M. Cook,
1994). Consequently, some of the BMP effectiveness data for this
B.
analysis are drawn from studies outside the Tar-Pamlico basin
2.2.1
Sources of BMP Cost Data
The North Carolina Agricultural Cost-Share Program records BMP
implementation data at the county level. The costs presented in this report
represent a summary for the
counties that make up the basin. Because the
basin boundaries do not
with county boundaries, some of the data
reported in the summary are for land that falls outside the basin. However, it is
assumed that the effect of these data on unit costs for each practice is negligible.
The data represent
that were implemented during the period from 1985 to
1994. Appendix 3 presents the summary cost data from the North Carolina
Agricultural Cost-Share Program
The cost values given in the North Carolina Agricultural Cost-Share summaries
include only funds expended by state and federal cost-share programs.
share funds are generally limited to 75% of the total cost of the practice, with the
remaining funds being contributed by the farmer. For the purposes of our
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