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Abstract
Rapid land conversion and variably-effectual regulations continue to put aquatic systems at risk of degradation. Management programs need to be adaptable and flexible in tailoring protection measures to the vulnerabilities of different types of waterbodies while balancing simplicity and complexity so as not to increase regulatory burdens. This thesis presents a general framework developed to streamline regulatory processes by tailoring protection measures to contextual susceptibilities of waterbodies across construction and post-construction phases of development and infrastructure projects. Application of the framework is based on an extensive analysis of scientific literature and various agencies’ reports on potential stressors from transportation infrastructure projects and best available measures resulting in inventories, classifications, and predictive scientific assessment tools. Improved understanding of the applicability and effectiveness of protection measures enables increased flexibility, comprehensive planning, and a foundation for optimization of measures. The framework is applicable to several types of land conversion and infrastructure development projects.