An estimate of the costs of liming to neutralize acidic Adirondack surface waters

Chemical requirements and costs are presented for neutralization of 663 Adirondack lakes with acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) values of <200 μeq/l. Calculations were made using calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) to achieve a range of target levels of ANC for 1‐, 5‐, and 10‐year periods of base application. Dose requirements included both aqueous and sediment demand. The estimated costs for a 5‐year base addition program range from $40 to $75 per surface hectare for accessible lakes and from $450 to $675 per hectare for remote lakes (in 1982 dollars). The relative cost‐effectiveness of neutralizing lakes for different time periods was evaluated by the uniform annual cost method. The cost estimates do not include administrative costs, costs of limnological studies to determine base dosages, possible adverse effects of chemical treatment of acidic waters, or other costs to restore lakes to their conditions prior to acidification.