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RISK MANAGEMENT RESEARCH PLAN FOR ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION IN WATERSHEDS
Citation:
Jorgensen*, E E., G W. Sewell*, AND C Geron*. RISK MANAGEMENT RESEARCH PLAN FOR ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION IN WATERSHEDS. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/R-97/078 (NTIS 98-147044), 1997.
Impact/Purpose:
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Description:
This document outlines the scope of National Risk Management Laboratory (NRMRL) risk management research in the area of ecosystem restoration. NRMRL is uniquely positioned to make substantial contributions to ecosystem science because of its in-house expertise relative to surface, subsurface, atmospheric, and hydrologic systems. These systems are the substrata for biotic interactions, particularly relative to higher plants and animals. Thus, modest efforts to integrate ecological measurements with NRMRL's surface, subsurface, atmospheric, and hydrologic data promises to provide significant research advances. NRMRL's involvement in ecosystem research is keyed to water resources and land use for two reasons. First, as a society we are confronted by a suite of environmental problems that are large-scale, persistent, and resistant to cost-effective remedy by current technologies. An excellent example is non-point pollution. Despite notable success at controlling pollution from point sources, substantial water-quality problems persist because of non-point source problems. Second, there is a strong tendency for research to be conducted within specialties, at local sites, on short time-lines. Despite detailed knowledge in many fields that bear upon ecosystems, our understanding of ecosystems as a whole is poor. For the two foregoing reasons, a need for improved understanding of ecosystem processes is indicated. NRMRL's in-place competencies complement research already being conducted relative to ecosystem management that is primarily biological and ecological in nature. NRMRL activities in this developing research area can be best applied through interdisciplinary research; incorporating NRMRL's strengths in physical and chemical research with a developing ecological expertise.