Policy tools for agricultural nonpoint source water pollution control in the U.S. and E.U.

Abstract

Purpose – In the USA and Europe, agricultural nonpoint source (NPS) pollution continues to be among the chief impediments to achieving water quality standards. While the implementation of technology-based water pollution control tools has resulted in evident point source pollution abatement, NPSs continue to threaten surface water and groundwater. The purpose of this paper is to draw from environmental policy literature to identify regulatory tools and management approaches that specifically target agricultural NPS pollution and the factors that drive or impede their implementation and enforcement. This paper utilizes the policy tool framework to help characterize the widespread policy problem, distinguishing its unique set of hurdles from other environmental problems. Design/methodology/approach – Discussion of agricultural NPS pollution management approaches is based on a thorough review of relevant environmental policy and environmental economic literature as well as case studies from the USA and Europe. Analysis is based on the policy tool framework. Findings – This study finds that controlling numerous diffuse sources of agricultural pollution requires an integrated approach that utilizes river basin management and a mix of policy instruments. Additionally, findings suggest that transitioning from voluntary mechanisms to more effective instruments based on measurable water quality performance relies predominantly on three factors: first, more robust quality monitoring data and models; second, local participation; and third, political will. Originality/value – This research provides important information for regional and national policymakers in areas where there is increasing pollution and regulatory mandates. Identifying conditions of effective water quality policy is applicable and will be of direct use to agencies charged with pollution control.

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“…The pollution of groundwater and surface water by agriculture is still one of our major environmental problems. In the USA and Europe, governments implement policies to abate this pollution (Drevno 2016 ) and, in several European countries, early warning monitoring systems have been set up to follow-up the effect of agricultural measures on leaching from the soil to groundwater and surface waters (Fraters et al 2011 ).…”

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“…Non-point sources are controlled by best management practices and technical assistance, so relying on state and local governments as implementers makes sense. In theory, these are best applied on a local level in cooperation with farmers and municipalities (Drevno 2016). Yet non-point sources do have transboundary impacts, as the Great Lakes and Chesapeake Bay illustrate.…”

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“…The inadequacies of the current approach to agricultural nonpoint source pollution control in the U.S. have been widely studied and discussed (see [30] for a review of the literature). Transitioning from voluntary mechanisms to more effective and enforceable regulatory instruments based on measurable water quality performance is paramount to cleaning U.S. waters.…”