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THE US ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY'S MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAM
Citation:
McDonald, M E., R L. Blair, D Bolgrien, B S. Brown, J. J. Dlugosz, S S. Hale, S. F. Hedtke, D T. Heggem, L E. Jackson, K. B. Jones, B. M. Levinson, R A. Linthurst, J. Messer, A R. Olsen, J F. Paul, S G. Paulsen, J L. Stoddard, K Summers, AND G D. Veith. THE US ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY'S MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAM. Chapter 29, GB Wiersma (ed.), Environmental Monitoring. CRC Press LLC, Boca Raton, FL, , 649-668, (2004).
Description:
A scientifically rigorous determination of the condition of an aquatic resource is fundamental to all subsequent research, modeling, protection, and restoration issues. Environmental risk characterization is predicated on knowledge of condition and the rate at which that condition is changing (USEPA, 1996). Through a probability-based sampling design with ecological indicators, the EMAP approach does provide a statistically valid basis for determining aquatic ecological condition; and when implemented over time, change detection, and likely trends in condition. The use of defensible estimates of environmental condition provides states and EPA a better means of identifying water quality problems, setting priorities, and carrying out key management and regulatory activities. Additionally, the benefits derived from a state's or EPA's protection and restoration strategies can be quantified and documented..Currently, this is the only practical approach to large-scale, performance-based aquatic environmental reporting that is required by Congress.