Non-Point Source Pollution Research

Paying landowners not to pollute, providing free technical advice, and relying on voluntary adherence to BMPs has proven to be an incomplete strategy in many cases. Gradually, states are turning to enforceable mechanisms — including discharge prohibitions, direct enforcement of water quality standards, pollution abatement orders, required operating practices, nuisance and misdemeanor prosecutions, and civil and administrative penalties — to supplement other approaches.

A Handbook for Prioritizing Wetland and Stream Restoration and Protection Using Landscape Analysis Tools

Landscape prioritization tools - landscape metrics or indeces that generate an output corresponding to one or more prioritization objectives based on a set of data factor inputs - may be used by regulatory and non-regulatory wetland programs at the local, state, and national levels to guide prioritization of wetland protection and restoration that best meet one or more objectives.

Mitigation of Impacts to Fish and Wildlife Habitat: Estimating Costs and Identifying Opportunities
Author
Environmental Law Institute
Date Released
October 2007
Mitigation of Impacts to Fish and Wildlife Habitat: Estimating Costs and Identif

Every year, human activities cause significant harm to fish and wildlife habitat and the environment. Many of the impacts to these natural resources are never addressed. In certain cases, however, federal, state, and local laws and programs can require monetary or in-kind compensation for these impacts. A new ELI report, "Mitigation of Impacts to Fish and Wildlife Habitat: Estimating Costs and Identifying Opportunities," estimates that private and public expenditures for such compensation under key federal programs total up to $3.8 billion annually.

Conserving Treasured Landscapes in the Chesapeake: Appendix
Author
James M. McElfish, Jr., Dr. Rebecca Kihslinger, and Michael Ng
Date Released
November 2009
Conserving Treasured Landscapes in the Chesapeake: Appendix

ELI has collaborated with the Friends of the Capt. John Smith Chesapeake Trail, and the National Geographic Society to produce this appendix, along with the special report and map that recommend the development of a bold and coordinated strategy for conserving the Chesapeake’s treasured landscapes and calling for more federal investment in land conservation.

Effects of Climate Change on Aquatic Invasive Species and Implications for Management and Research
Author
ELI and U.S. EPA
Date Released
February 2008
Effects of Climate Change on Aquatic Invasive Species and Implications for Manag

This ELI-authored EPA report considers the interactions of climate change and aquatic invasive species (AIS). It analyzes the existing scientific literature on the effects climate change will have on AIS and considers provisions for adaptation to changing conditions in existing state AIS management plans. Based on this analysis, ELI offers five recommendations for states to maintain and improve state AIS management programs and activities in a changing climate.

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