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Browsing by Author "Bhatt, Gopal"

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    Supporting cost-effective watershed management strategies for Chesapeake Bay using a modeling and optimization framework
    Kaufman, Daniel E.; Shenk, Gary W.; Bhatt, Gopal; Asplen, Kevin W.; Devereux, Olivia H.; Rigelman, Jessica R.; Ellis, J. Hugh; Hobbs, Benjamin F.; Bosch, Darrell J.; Van Houtven, George L.; McGarity, Arthur E.; Linker, Lewis C.; Ball, William P. (2021-10)
    Extensive efforts to adaptively manage nutrient pollution rely on Chesapeake Bay Program's (Phase 6) Watershed Model, called Chesapeake Assessment Scenario Tool (CAST), which helps decision-makers plan and track implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs). We describe mathematical characteristics of CAST and develop a constrained nonlinear BMP-subset model, software, and visualization framework. This represents the first publicly available optimization framework for exploring least-cost strategies of pollutant load control for the United States' largest estuary. The optimization identifies implementation options for a BMP subset modeled with load reduction effectiveness factors, and the web interface facilitates interactive exploration of >30,000 solutions organized by objective, nutrient control level, and for similar to 200 counties. We assess framework performance and demonstrate modeled cost improvements when comparing optimization-suggested proposals with proposals inspired by jurisdiction plans. Stakeholder feedback highlights the framework's current utility for investigating cost-effective tradeoffs and its usefulness as a foundation for future analysis of restoration strategies.