LLG led the analysis of lost recreational uses and ecological services as a result of a proposed gas pipeline project traversing several Pennsylvania state parks. Three models were used to quantify and monetize the benefits lost in recreation, wetland services, and tree functions (stormwater runoff reductions, air pollutant removal, carbon sequestration and carbon storage) as a result of ROW development.
The framework consisted of a three-prong approach to quantify and assess human use and ecological service losses as a result of a proposed natural gas pipeline Right-of-Way:
- Benefit Transfer Analysis – a method for evaluating lost recreational uses
- Habitat Equivalency Analysis – a method for determining compensation for the damage to wetlands resources
- i-Tree Eco – a method for evaluating tree benefit losses and values
