A Geographic Information Systems–Guided Cost-Effectiveness Analysis For Waterborne Asbestos Remediation

Abstract

Many local governments must simultaneously (a) maintain acceptable levels of service, (b) replace potentially hazardous materials used in infrastructure construction, and (c) finance expanded services. Geographic information systems (GIS) can help agencies prioritize and develop cost-effective responses to maintain quality municipal services. Its effective use requires cooperation among city departments to integrate and develop layers of infrastructure information for specific locations. This study demonstrates how a GIS application can help determine a course of action for the remediation of asbestos pipe in Nacogdoches, Texas. This research evaluated a study area inside the city limits representing an economic cross-section of the community. The authors employed a cost-effectiveness analysis using data from a GIS database, direct market costs, and other costs extracted from the literature. The results offer a framework for effective decision making, giving cities an advantage when approaching such problems and minimizing civil liability.