Downstream Strategies offers environmental consulting services that combine sound interdisciplinary skills with a core belief in the importance of protecting the environment and linking economic development with natural resource stewardship.

Projects

  Click To View1.0mb Creating an Economic Diversification Trust Fund(2012)

This report, published by the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, examines the creation of a permanent mineral trust fund in West Virginia - the Economic Diversification Trust Fund, which would convert non-renewable natural resources into a source of sustainable wealth that serves the state today and in the future through targeted investing. Income from the fund could be used to diversify the economy, make much-needed investments in infrastructure and human capital, lower future tax burdens, and deal with costs associated with past and future mineral extraction. Downstream Strategies contributed research and analysis of future production of coal and natural gas in West Virginia and the resulting performance of the trust fund.
  Click To View4.0mb West Virginia Food System: Seasonal Production Expansion and its Impacts (2012)

Despite West Virginia's mountainous terrain, many farms and much agricultural land exist in the state. However, much of the produce consumed in West Virginia is imported from out-of-state. This report examines how increased vegetable and fruit production could benefit the state in terms of food security, local economies, and increased revenue for farmers. The report was produced for West Virginia Food & Farm Coalition and West Virginia Community Development Hub, with funding from the blue moon fund.
  Click To View2.2mb Feasibility Study: Poultry Litter Composting in the Potomac Valley Conservation District, West Virginia (2012)
The health of the Chesapeake Bay-the largest estuary in the United States-is directly tied to activities on land within its watershed, and the over-application of poultry litter on farm fields contributes to excess nutrients in the Bay. At the same time, poultry farmer livelihoods are challenged by the increasing burden of complying with water quality standards and finding cost-effective uses for their manure. This feasibility study evaluates one potential solution: a commercial-scale poultry litter composting facility, which would produce environmental benefits by reducing nutrient loads, and which could also create a revenue stream for farmers. The report was produced for the blue moon fund.
  Click To View4.8mb Failure to Act: The Economic Impact of Current Investment Trends in Water and Wastewater Treatment Infrastructure (2011)
Downstream Strategies researched the state of US drinking water and wastewater infrastructure-investment trends, capital needs, operations and maintenance needs, water shortages, and emerging technologies. For several decades, spending has not kept pace with needs, resulting in a widening investment gap, leaky pipes, and interruption of service. Economic Development Research Group out of Boston, Massachusetts used Downstream Strategies' research to predict direct and indirect effects of the investment gap on the US economy—GDP, jobs, personal income, and exports. This report was commissioned by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
  Lower New River: State of the Watershed
The Lower New River is largely encompassed by National Park Service land and is a popular destination for whitewater boaters, rock climbers, hikers, and other outdoor adventurers. However, the river and several of its tributaries are impaired by fecal coliform bacteria. The New River Clean Water Alliance developed this report to document water quality issues and to involve the community in restoring the river. Downstream Strategies contributed by conducting data analysis on water quality, gathering and analyzing stakeholder input, predicting project feasibility, and arriving at priority tributaries to focus recommendations.
  Click To View2.8mb Measuring Water Quality Improvements: TMDL Implementation Progress, Indicators, and Tracking (2011)
In recent years, tens of thousands of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) have been developed and approved for impaired waters across the country. TMDLs allocate pollutant loading reductions among pollution sources to bring water bodies into compliance with water quality standards. This report summarizes and synthesizes recent studies that assess progress in implementing TMDLs and describes indicators that can be used to understand progress in watershed restoration. This research was conducted in collaboration with Kent State University's Center for Public Administration and Public Policy.
  Click To View5.4mb Greenbrier Valley Local Foods: The Possibilities and Potential (2011)
How much room to grow? This project evaluates the possibility of expanding the Greenbrier Valley local food system, based on the land-based potential and existing agricultural knowledgebase of the region. Using GIS and information from agricultural experts, this report highlights land area and potential niche market opportunities that could help expand the local food system. This report, completed for the Greenbrier Valley Economic Development Corporation (GVEDC), a local development agency, offers ideas and resources for those interested in entering farming or expanding their business.
Picture of report cover of Preston Vision Report   Click To View1.3mb Preston County Vision Report (2011)
The vision report documents and analyzes the data collected via surveys and town hall meetings during the visioning efforts in Preston County between 2005 and 2006. This report also serves as a tool for strategic planning and decision-making in the county and its communities as well as a resource for grant or technical assistance applications. This vision report is intended to reflect perspectives of Preston County residents and give back to community members after their participation in the visioning process.
Picture of report cover of AMD remedeation of North Branch Potomac River   Click To View1.0mb Future of the Mountain: A Common Vision for the Jefferson County Blue Ridge Mountain Communities Area (2010)
This common vision document is a reflection of a facilitated public outreach process with the residents and stakeholders of Jefferson County’s Blue Ridge Mountain Communities Area (“the Mountain”). The process and document lay the foundation for a watershed plan for the Mountain.
Picture of report cover of AMD remedeation of North Branch Potomac River   Click To View2.6mb Blue Ridge Mountain Communities Area Watershed Plan: Engineering Report (2010)
This engineering report, co-authored with Harbor Engineering, serves as recommendations to the County and Planning Commissions in Jefferson County, West Virginia. These recommendations are intended to serve as a component of the watershed plan for the Blue Ridge Mountain Communities Area ("the Mountain") and serve as a basis to move forward and address identified issues on the Mountain. This report outlines stormwater best management practices for steep slope watershed management, as well as recommendations for impervious surface cover limits and improved road access.
Picture of report cover of AMD remedeation of North Branch Potomac River   Click To View4.1mb The Benefits of Acid Mine Drainage Remediation on the North Branch Potomac River (2010)
After decades of impairment, a successful program initiated by innovative staff at Maryland state agencies has transformed the North Branch Potomac River into a popular recreational river and a driver of local economic development. This remarkable improvement in water quality is the direct result of the installation of eight dosers since 1992, which add alkaline material to the river and its tributaries to treat acid mine drainage from abandoned coal mines. This study calculates the local economic benefits generated in these Maryland counties stemming from acid mine drainage remediation on the North Branch, so that policy makers can make informed decisions about future funding to ensure that this remediation continues. These benefits are calculated from a survey of North Branch anglers and boaters and include three types: local spending, the economic impacts of that spending, and the willingness-to-pay even more for recreational experiences.


 

Click To View7.7mb Spatial Analysis of Coal Mining Impacts on Eastern Kentucky Watersheds (2010)
Surface coal mining has historically been and continues to be a prevalent industry in the eastern coalfields of Kentucky. Surface mining methods of coal extraction impact the land, air, water, watersheds, local communities and public health. When overburden is cleared or the surface is impacted in order to extract coal, those impacts to the watershed can be calculated based on area and proximity to certain sensitive features. Using publicly accessible data, this report uses GIS to model, quantify, and report those impacts.


 
 Click To View14.4mb Plants Not Pipes: Promoting Green Infrastructure and its Side Benefits in Region VI (2010)
Green infrastructure refers to stormwater management techniques that infiltrate, evapotranspire, and capture and reuse runoff. These techniques include green roofs, rain barrels, permeable pavement, and many others. In addition to reducing the volume and pollution levels of stormwater runoff, green infrastructure provides many side benefits ranging from reduced maintenance and water utility costs to improved aesthetics and air quality. This report is part of a broader project to introduce green infrastructure to communities in West Virginia’s Region VI Planning and Development Council and to provide tools to encourage more widespread use of the techniques.
  Click To View.3mb Response to Calvin A. Kent and Kent Sowards Memorandum of September 13, 2010 on "The Impact of Coal on the West Virginia State Budget" (2010)
On September 13, 2010, Calvin A. Kent and Kent Sowards of Marshall University presented a detailed memorandum to the Members of the West Virginia Joint Finance Committee—Subcommittee B, outlining their criticism to a report by Downstream Strategies and the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy (WVCBP), "Coal and Renewables in Central Appalachia: The Impact of Coal on the West Virginia State Budget" (2010). Downstream Strategies and the WVCBP responded to these criticisms on November 15, 2010 in this memorandum.


 
 Click To View3.7mb Coal and Renewables in Central Appalachia: The Impact of Coal on the West Virginia State Budget (2010)
Part of the ongoing “Coal and Renewables in Central Appalachia” project, this report provides an initial accounting of both the benefits and costs attributable to the West Virginia coal industry for Fiscal Year 2009, and examines the legacy costs associated with past coal industry activity. This project was in collaboration with the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy.


 
 Click To View2.4mb Coal and Renewables in Central Appalachia: The Impact of Coal on the Tennessee State Budget (2010)
Part of the ongoing “Coal and Renewables in Central Appalachia” project, this report provides an initial accounting of both the benefits and costs attributable to the Tennessee coal industry for Fiscal Year 2009, and examines the legacy costs associated with past coal industry activity. This project was in collaboration with the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy.


 
 Click To View1.6mb The Decline of Central Appalachian Coal and the Need for Economic Diversification (2010)
Coal production in Central Appalachia is on the decline, and this decline will likely continue in the coming decades due to three primary factors: increased competition from other coal-producing regions and sources of energy; the depletion of the most accessible, lowest-cost coal reserves; and environmental regulations. This report analyzes how each of these factors has, and will continue to impact coal production in Central Appalachia, and argues that pending future declines require greater support for economic diversification in the region.


 

Click To View5.2mb Central Appalachia Prosperity Project, Phase 1-Objective 1: Collect Existing Research and Information Instructive for Appalachia (2009)
Click To View1.4mb Central Appalachia Prosperity Project, Phase 1-Objective 3: Identify Federal, State, and Local Funds, Programs, and Policies that Can Help Appalachia Transition Toward a Green Economy (2009)The Central Appalachia Prosperity Project (CAPP) is a one‐year privately funded initiative to create a plan for the region’s transition to a clean energy economy built on green jobs and industries, healthy communities, protection of natural resources, and restoration of assets that have been depleted or damaged by past activities. Modeled loosely on the Presidential Climate Action Plan, the CAPP plan will contain detailed recommendations for changes in federal, state, regional, and local policies and programs to help the region accomplish this transition.


 
 Click To View2mb Watershed-based Plan for the Wolf Creek Watershed of the New River (2009)
This watershed-based plan covers the 11,000-acre Wolf Creek watershed. The plan addresses fecal coliform, iron, and aluminum impairments attributed to acid mine drainage, streambank erosion, pastureland, and onsite sewer systems.




 

Click To View3.6mb Taxing West Virginia’s Coal Reserves: A Primer (2009)
Downstream Strategies and the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy reviewed the Reserve Coal Valuation Model used by the West Virginia State Tax Department and published a primer on the system.  Downstream Strategies is continuing research utilizing GIS to recreate the state model using coal and landowner data. This GIS-based model assesses coal reserve values and links those values to owners.



 
 Click To View850kb Implementing Total Maximum Daily loads: Understanding and Fostering Successful Results (2008)
Downstream Strategies collaborated with Kent State University's Center for Public Administration and Public Policy to research progress in TMDL implementation. The study results address three specific questions. The first question addressed is: To what extent are TMDLs being implemented in Ohio and West Virginia? The second question focuses on identifying factors that facilitate progress in the implementation of TMDLs in these two states. And the third question relates to steps that can be taken to facilitate further progress in the implementation of TMDLs.


 
 Click To View2.9mb The Long-term Economic Benefits of Wind Versus Mountaintop Removal Coal on Coal River Mountain, West Virginia (2008)
This report examines the long-term local economic benefits and externalities associated with mountaintop removal coal mining and wind turbine construction on Coal River Mountain.



 
 Click To View2mb State of the Watershed: Elk Headwaters, West Virginia (2008)
The Elk River headwaters provide habitat for a diverse range of species including trout, birds, and rare crayfish. This report analyzes watershed characteristics, compiles water quality data, identifies issues of concern to local stakeholders, and provides recommendations for further analysis and action.



 
 Click To View18.9mb An Economic Benefit Analysis for Abandoned Mine Drainage Remediation in the West Branch Susquehanna River Watershed, Pennsylvania (2008)
This report describes and quantifies the local and statewide economic benefits stemming from remediation of the West Branch Susquehanna watershed in Pennsylvania.


 
 Click To View7.6mb Left Fork Sandy Creek Watershed Investigation (2008)
Surface water and private wells in the Left Fork of Sandy Creek watershed were tested and assessed for possible contamination by acid mine drainage treatment sludge.

  Click To View658kb West Virginia’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit program (2008)
Thirty West Virginia communities are designated by the EPA as Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems under the Phase II expansion of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System stormwater program. In this report, scientists from the West Virginia Water Research Institute, Downstream Strategies, and WVU evaluate MS4 permit implementation in West Virginia. Thirty West Virginia communities are designated by the EPA as Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems under the Phase II expansion of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System stormwater program.In this report, scientists from the West Virginia Water Research Institute, Downstream Strategies, and WVU evaluate MS4 permit implementation in West Virginia.


 
 Click To View1.4mb Impacts of Trailco’s High-voltage Power Line Across the Laurel Run Corridor (2007)
Laurel Run, a trout stream, was threatened by a proposed high-voltage power line and its cleared right-of-way and access roads. This study documents data regarding the trout and the health of the streams; provides inventories of wetlands, birds, and frogs; documents historic and recreational areas; and considers the likely impacts on these resources from the construction and future maintenance of the power line


 
 Click To View422kb The Prospects for Landfill Gas-to-energy Projects in West Virginia (2006)
Studies examined why landfill gas-to-energy projects were not being implemented on small public landfills in West Virginia, and considered financial incentives that would make these projects viable such as carbon credits and renewable energy credits.



 
 Click To View2.8mb Watershed Based Plan for the Three Fork Creek Watershed in the Tygart Valley River Drainage, West Virginia (2006)
The Three Fork Creek watershed lies in Preston, Monongalia, and Taylor Counties and is impaired for acid mine drainage pollutants. This plan suggests remediation efforts and an implementation schedule for cleaning up the watershed.


 
 Click To View1mb Watershed Based Plan for the Lower Cheat River Watershed (2005)
This plan addresses the impairments present in the lower Cheat watershed, with a focus on acid mine drainage. The plan offers cost estimates for recommended remediation, considers necessary technical and financial assistance, and proposes an implementation schedule and outreach/education program.


 
 Click To View800kb Watershed Based Plan for the North Fork Blackwater River Watershed, West Virginia (2005)
This Watershed Based Plan covers the North Fork of the Blackwater River in West Virginia, from its headwaters at Fairfax Summit to the mouth, including all tributaries. The North Fork and three main tributaries are impaired by acid mine drainage pollutants. Biological impairments of unknown causes and bacteria and sediment problems have also been documented.



 
 Click To View2.1mb Watershed Assessment for the Robinson Run Watershed, Monongalia County, West Virginia (2005)
Robinson Run is a small tributary of the Monongahela River that drains approximately 7.7 square miles of Monongalia County. This assessment focuses on acid mine drainage—by far the most significant water quality problem in the watershed—and documents every known nonpoint source of acid mine drainage. Where data allow, costs of remediating each site are calculated. An implementation schedule and outreach/education program are also proposed.


 
 Click To View515kb Water Quality Impacts of Coal Combustion Waste Disposal in Two West Virginia Coal Mines (2005)
The burning of coal produces a variety of toxic waste products. This report evaluates the impacts of coal combustion waste on water quality.