DPRA designs and implements economic assessment studies in accordance with OMB Circular A-4 and analogous state regulations when our clients need to develop new regulations or revise existing regulations. DPRA completes detailed Regulatory Impact Assessments (RIAs) of regulatory actions affecting industries and industrial processes, specifically addressing economic impacts and benefits of alternative regulatory options. We also specialize in economic impact analyses, tracing impacts through a local, regional or national economy and measuring the cumulative effects of policy changes, development projects and facility or plant closures. We perform cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analyses of policy options to support the preparation of regulatory decision documents, for public meeting and briefings, and administrative records. DPRA provides cost engineering services for environmental remediation, manufacturing, construction, and transportation industries, with detailed assessments of equipment, installation, operation, and maintenance costs.

Our Experience

  • Definition of Solid Waste RIA: The U.S. DC Circuit Court of Appeals decision to vacate the regulatory language in 40 CFR 261.4 limited EPA’s legal authority to regulate secondary materials being recycled under RCRA. DPRA supported EPA’s Office of Solid Waste by completing analyses of various policy and regulatory options to revise the definition of solid waste to conform with the DC Circuit opinion. DPRA estimated waste quantities affected under different options and through detailed cost and economic analyses estimated the regulatory impacts. The resulting regulatory proposal was estimated to decrease waste management costs incurred by affected industries by nearly $180 million per year.

  • Economic Impact Analysis of Fort Riley: This project assessed the economic impact of Fort Riley military base on the regional economy.  The study estimated the direct and indirect contribution of  Fort Riley to the regional economy, including the fiscal impact on city, county and state governments.  Indirect contributions of Fort Riley were quantified using an Input/Output Model.  The economic criteria analyzed included employment and income and two major components of income: retail sales and housing.  Study results were used as part of a lobbying package to influence U.S. Congressmen and Senators to use their influence to ensure that the Ft. Riley was not closed under base realignment and closure initiatives.

  • Cost-Effectiveness of Best Management Practices: The objective of this project was to assess the cost-effectiveness of reducing agricultural nonpoint pollution in the Great Lakes basin. A case study was completed of a watershed in Ohio, where a linear programming model was developed to analyze the costs of reducing nonpoint phosphorus pollution via conservation tillage practices in this watershed.  These costs were then compared with cost estimates also developed in this study of removing phosphorus by upgrading water treatment plants. The study concluded that the BMPs examined in the case study were more cost effective in reducing phosphorus pollution than upgrading POTWs, and helped change EPA policy regarding programs to affect improved water quality.

  • EPA Unit Cost Compendium: DPRA developed the Unit Cost Compendium (UCC) to provide for greater accuracy and consistency in the use of unit costs across EPA OSW.  The UCC contains cost engineering data compiled using cost estimating software including Remedial Action Cost Engineering and Requirements (RACER) and Environmental Cost Handling Options and Solutions (ECHOS) database.  The UCC contains cost data for over 125 individual cost items ordered according to the progression of waste generation and management (i.e., from permitting a facility, through treatment/disposal of waste, to corrective action at a facility).  The cost compendium provides a comprehensive source of cost estimations for RCRA waste management.