Author(s)

S. Broekx, E. Meynaerts, P. Vercaemst, S. Ochelen & A. Beckers

Abstract

The European Water Framework Directive sets ambitious objectives to ensure that all waters meet the requirement of ‘good state’ by 2015. To achieve this state all EU member states have to develop a river basin management plan including a programme of measures. The Environmental Costing Model for Flanders (Milieukosten Model or MKM in Dutch) provides useful economic insights to assist policy-makers in designing this programme of measures. The Water module of the MKM is a tool to select the most cost-efficient emission reduction measures to obtain a given surface water quality. The optimization model determines by means of standard linear programming techniques the leastcost combination of abatement measures to satisfy multi-pollutant emission reduction targets. The basic model input is an extensive database of (point and diffuse) emission sources and potential emission reduction measures for several sectors including industry, households and agriculture. Keywords: Water Framework Directive, cost effectiveness analysis, linear programming, water quality. 1 Introduction The European Waterframework Directive (WFD) which was adopted in 2000 sets ambitious objectives to ensure that all waters meet good status by 2015. To ensure this good status will be reached, member states are obliged to publish

Keywords

Water Framework Directive, cost effectiveness analysis, linear programming, water quality.