US EPA

NCEA and OW are applying the general principles outlined in the Ecological Risk Assessment Guidelines to improve decision making in five watersheds. These ecological risk assessments were undertaken to address local or state concerns and analyze stressors and resulting ecological effects. This approach applies the scientific principles espoused by the guidelines for the benefit of local human and ecological communities. Evaluating these demonstrations will facilitate making improvements to the methods used for place-based assessments. Simultaneously, the approach brings numerous organizations together to address and analyze an environmental problem, and stimulates public awareness and participation in decision-making for reducing ecological risks.