A novel Ex-Ante Water Quality Impact Assessment framework for Spatial Planning

In recent decades, many efforts have been made to improve water-sensitive planning in spatialplanning systems. One of the tools that can help planners to protect water resources is developingframeworks for evaluating the effects of strategies and spatial plans on water quality. However, inmany cases, there is not enough information to use quantitative models. The current research isfocused on developing a framework for evaluating the impacts of spatial strategies and policies onwater quality using qualitative data based on theoretical knowledge and experts’ opinions. Using thisframework, the effect of spatial strategies according to the Mamloo dam watershed regional plan onsome indicators affecting water quality (including Eutrophication, Turbidity, sedimentation, OD,heavy metals, and pathogens) was carried out using qualitative data. The results show that theconsidered strategies if implemented, will reduce the pollution emission and the factors in reducingwater quality, and this effect will be higher in the context of two indicators, OD and “Turbidity andsedimentation”, than the other three indicators.

Keywords:

Spatial Planning , Water Quality Impact Assessment [WQIA] , Qualitative Impact Assessment , The Mamloo Watershed , Iran