ارزيابي اقتصادي زيست‌محيطي احداث تصفيه‌خانه فاضلاب در شهر تودشك

Wastewater treatment , Contingent valuation method , Environmental impact assessment , Water resources management , Economic eva‎luation

eva‎luation of the Economic an‎d Environmental Impacts of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Project in Toudeshk

اقتصاد

Sustainable water resource management an‎d wastewater pollution control are critical challenges in small towns such as Toudeshk, located in Isfahan Province, which lack centralized sewage networks an‎d consequently struggle with environmental, health, an‎d economic issues arising from absorption wells. This study aims to assess the feasibility of establishing a wastewater treatment plant in Toudeshk through a comprehensive economic, environmental, an‎d social analysis. The research eva‎luates the potential for constructing a wastewater treatment facility in Toudeshk, with particular emphasis on its economic an‎d environmental dimensions. The objective is to determine the project’s feasibility by conducting a cost–benefit analysis an‎d examining citizens’ willingness to pay (WTP) as a means of ensuring financial viability an‎d long-term sustainability. The methodology is grounded in quantitative approaches, incorporating engineering economic analysis an‎d contingent valuation. Data were obtained through structured questionnaires an‎d extensive literature review. Analytical procedures employed the logit model alongside financial indicators such as Net Present Value (NPV) an‎d Internal Rate of Return (IRR). The results demonstrate strong community support, with an average household WTP of 151,992,740 Rials for the initial connection fee an‎d 539,294 Rials on a monthly basis, thereby ensuring a sound financial foundation for the project. Moreover, scenario-based analyses revealed that, when accounting for WTP an‎d environmental costs, the project is economically viable, yielding an NPV between 83,150 an‎d 110,557 million Rials an‎d an IRR ranging from 42.4% to 47.8%. These findings underscore the necessity of tariff restructuring, adoption of low-carbon technologies, an‎d enhancement of social engagement. Policy recommendations include the design of income-sensitive payment schemes, provision of subsidies for large households, an‎d implementation of awareness-raising strategies to foster greater public participation. The outcomes of this study provide a replicable framework for other towns with similar conditions in advancing sustainable development an‎d integrated water resource management.

5