Description
Book SynopsisThe siting of locally obnoxious but nationally relevant and necessary facilities such as sewage treatment plants, landfills, dams and nuclear power stations is an important issue in public policy planning. In view of the negative externalities such as declining property prices, health threats, and air, water and noise pollution imposed on the local communities that house them, the location of these facilities generates a consensus among the general public aptly termed 'not-in-my-backyard' or NIMBY syndrome.
Drawing on the experiences of North America, Europe, Oceania and Asia, this book offers a comprehensive review of existing conflict-resolution instruments used in the siting of these facilities. The authors highlight in particular legal and command instruments such as zoning and compulsory acquisition of land, and economic incentives such as compensation and mitigation.
Using elements from areas such as game theory and risk analysis and the use of compensation auction mechanisms, the authors present a series of decision steps to provide a credible alternative methodology designed to minimise such conflicts. This innovative study will be welcomed by all those with an interest in environmental and public policy planning.
Trade Review'Although innumerable books and articles have been written on the various techniques that bear on solutions to the complex of problems involved, this book, written by an acknowledged specialist in the field, is the first really comprehensive treatment of all existing methodologies and techniques currently in use or proposed. Thoroughly up-to-date, eminently readable, and rich in actual examples, Quah and Tan's book is essential reading for students and profitable reading for all economists interested in resource allocation and project evaluation. Assuredly it will become the standard work in this fascinating and challenging field for years to come.'Table of ContentsContents: Preface Part I: The Siting Dilemma 1. Introduction 2. Nature of NIMBY Facilities Part II: Existing Solutions and Economic Valuation 3. Conflict Resolution Instruments and General Compensation 4. Environmental Valuation Part III: Alternative Solutions and Auctions 5. Nature and Types of Auctions 6. Review of Compensation Auction Methods Part IV: The Siting Process 7. Some Experiments on Compensation Auction Methods 8. Risk Analysis and Uncertainty 9. Sequential Multi-Stage Criteria for Siting NIMBYs 10. Conclusion Bibliography Index