Benefits and costs of geologic mapping programs in Illinois: case study of Boone and Winnebago counties and its statewide applicability

The benefits and costs of geologic mapping conducted in 1980 in Boone and Winnebago Counties were estimated. The mapping program in 1980 cost about $174 000, or the equivalent of about $300 000 in 1990 dollars. The benefits - many unquantifiable - are largely in the form of the ability to use the geologic knowledge to reduce or eliminate some future expenses. Such expenses would include cleanup of contaminated earth materials and groundwater, exploration for minerals, and disposal of urban wastes. -from Authors