Application of environmental decision analysis framework on the Escherichia coli problem in Lake Tuscaloosa watershed

A great deal of complexity in decision making arises from the necessity of incorporating a multidisciplinary set of theories with interdisciplinary methodological approaches in order to address all of the data, information, stakeholders, and constraints involved in many problems. This dissertation research was conducted to develop an environmental decision analysis framework (EDAF) that aids in the pre-planning stages of environmental projects and eases this complexity in decision making in order to choose robust and sustainable alternatives. This framework is based on a multiobjective model that assists in identifying and managing risk and uncertainty and includes non-financial objectives in the decision-making process.;This framework was utilized to examine the problems associated with elevated E.coli levels in Lake Tuscaloosa. This lake is an artificial impoundment that serves as a public water supply located in the State of Alabama. Recent studies and monitoring of the lake have shown high levels of E.coli bacteria in the upper parts of the lake during periods of high stream flow. These high levels of E.coli have been identified as a concern for many different interested parties in the area. The city is under pressure to strengthen its management, monitoring, and control of the existing and future pollutant sources around the lake that are within its jurisdiction. Additionally, the city has to consider other sources of bacteria in the watershed outside of its jurisdiction as potential causes of these elevated bacteria levels.;The decision analysis framework and modeling schemes developed as part of this research examines flow and E.coli sources and transport issues, along with potential solutions. The framework at the pre-panning stage assisted in organizing the information that helped in the analysis of the problem and in choosing solutions. Developing a strategy to maintain the E.coli levels below the permissible limits in the watershed was made possible by implementing this EDAF.