The report is basically a source book for individuals who are actually concerned with the problem of constructing alternative plans for developing urban areas. It reviews the methods and computer models that are currently available to the planner or engineer for developing water and related land resources. These reviews discuss the availability and usefulness of several models; give a brief technical description of each model, including the input data required; and indicate the amount and type of computer hardware needed to use each model. The report is directed mainly toward water related problems. Thus, most of the methods discussed deal with urban drainage, wastewater management, flood routing, reservoir operation, water supply, flood zoning, and the social and economic aspects associated with these areas. (Modified author abstract).

A review of models and methods applicable to Corps of Engineers urban studies projects / Jerry W. Brown -- Implementation of the Corp's inland navigation systems analysis program / DuWayne A. Koch -- Making effective use of analytical methods in planning / Douglass B. Lee, Jr. -- A technique for optimization of multiple-purpose reservoir projects / Paul E. Jensen -- HEC-5C, a simulation model for system formulation and evaluation / Bill S. Eichert -- A selective review of United States interindustry models and applications / E.M. Lofting -- Optimizing components of urban flood control systems / Darryl W. Davis -- A stochastic approach to impact assessment / Harvey C. Walker -- Analysis of alternatives for Sand and Toll Gate Creeks, Colorado using the flood plain management simulator / John E. Velehradsky and David Gjesdahl -- Design function and application of the St. Louis SMSA land use model / Richard Rodakowski -- Alternative systems for computer mapping and automating geographic information / Jack Dangermond -- Developing regional water supplies: a case study of some analytical planning methods / Paul E. Pronovost.

This report was undertaken on local, regional, state and federal levels in the United States to analyse the impact residuals have on environmental quality and to emphasise the need for Residuals- Environmental quality management (REQM). Originally published in 1982, this study brings together information on approaches for analysing natural systems and which factors to consider when choosing an approach. This title will be of interest to students of environmental studies as well as professionals and policy makers.

The purpose behind Computer Models in Environmental Planning is to provide a practical and applied guide to the use of these models in environmental planning and environmental impact analysis. Models concerning water quality, air quality, stormwater runoff, land capabil ity evaluationfland information systems, and hazardous waste dis posal are reviewed and critiqued. I have tried to emphasize the practical problems with data, computer capabilities, and other analyt ical questions that must be faced by the practitioner attempting to use these models. Thus, I do not delve too deeply into the theoretical underpinnings of the models, referring the reader instead to specialized references in this area. For each environmental area, I review the major models and methods, comparing their assumptions, ease of use, and other characteristics. Practical examples illustrate the benefits and problems of using each model. Computer models are increasingly being used by planning and engineering professionals for locating and planning public works, and industrial, commercial, and residential projects, while evaluating their environmental impacts. The requirements of the National Environ mental Policy Act and related state laws as well as separate state and federal laws concerning air and water quality, stormwater runoff, land use, and hazardous waste disposal have made the use of these methods mandatory in many circumstances. Yet, explanations of both the benefits and problems associated with supposedly easy-to-use com puter versions of these models and methods remain, at best, difficult to retrieve and, at worst, incomplete.