Assessment of development impacts on coastal zone: Integrated approach Northampton County, Eastern Shore, Virginia

Northampton County, located in the Eastern Shore of Virginia, USA, remains relatively undeveloped, but it is expected that the region´s population and economy will grow and environment will change considerably. The goal of the research was to assess Northampton County development perspectives. Four development scenarios were created to examine environmental and socioeconomic indicators. Investigation showed that the Golf Course scenario would provide the most economic opportunities for local residents. The environmental indicators showed that Agriculture scenario would be the biggest polluter to the county´s ecosystems.