Environmental Contaminants

The Environmental Contaminants and Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration (NRDAR) Program is part of a National Program that focuses on activities that prevent contamination on Service trust resources coupled with investigation, mitigation, and restoration activities. We integrate with other WWFWO programs and partner with federal, state, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector to place emphasis on contaminant prevention by providing early planning coordination and recommendations to avoid adverse effects of environmental contamination to fish and wildlife species and their habitats.

Contaminant sources, pathways, and effects on fish and wildlife are identified and assessed through site or contaminant-specific studies conducted both on and off Service lands. Recommendations and study results are often used to assist management actions under the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act. NRDAR determines the effects of oil spills and hazardous substances releases on fish and wildlife resources and ensures protection and restoration of those natural resources.

Prevention - We review environmental documents, legislation, regulations, and permits and licenses for point and non-point source pollution issues to ensure that harmful effects on fish, wildlife, and plants are avoided or minimized.

Identification and Assessment - We work to determine sources of pollution, investigate fish and wildlife die-offs, and pollution effects on fish and wildlife and their habitat, and evaluate contaminant threats to national wildlife refuges, as well as other Service lands.

Cleanup and Resource Restoration - We pursue compensation for resources lost or degraded by hazardous waste releases or spills, ensure that fish and wildlife and their habitat are adequately protected during, and upon completion of, cleanup actions, and help design and implement actions to cleanup oil and hazardous material on Service lands.

Investigations

Technical Support - We help analyze, interpret, and manage environmental contaminant data and information relevant to other programs and divisions.

National Pesticide Consultation - Participating on a national level with NOAA and US EPA in a technical advisory role.

Federal Register Notice

Regional Invasive Plant Control EIS/Consultation - Participating with NOAA and the Pacific Northwest Region of the Forest Service on toxicological issues pertaining to the EIS and pending consultation.

Endangered Species Protection/Surface Water Monitoring - Participating with the State of Washington and other partners on the impacts of pesticides on threatened and endangered species and aquatic ecosystems.

WSDOT Assessing Roadside Vegetation Management Alternatives - Participating on a workgroup to seek alternatives to herbicides for controlling roadside vegetation.

Publications

• Sublethal Effects of the Carbamate Insecticide, Carbaryl, on Coastal Cutthroat Trout (pdf)
• Best Practices for Migratory Bird Care During Oil Spill Response (pdf)
• Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, Sarcocystis neurona, and Sarcocystis canis-like infections in marine mammals

Links

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Environmental Quality
U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division
U.S. Geological Survey, BEST Project
U.S. EPA, Region 10, Superfund
U.S. EPA, Region 10, Water Quality
Regional Response Team 10 Northwest Area Committee
WA State Department of Ecology Spill Response
U.S. Coast Guard District 13, Pacific Northwest
NOAA Office of Response and Restoration
NOAA Damage Assessment, Remediation, and Restoration Center
NOAA Damage Assessment and Restoration Center, Northwest Region
NOAA Northwest Fisheries Science Center – Environmental Conservation Division
NOAA Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary