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Cooperative Assessment Process (CAP)
NOAA developed the Cooperative Assessment Process (CAP) to promote cooperation among industry, government, and environmental groups to restore natural resources and their services. CAP addresses sites affected by hazardous substance or oil contamination where there is potential natural resource liability under CERCLA, OPA, CWA, RCRA, or other authorities, federal or state, NPL as well as non NPL sites. Under CAP, cooperation applies to both the cleanup and natural resource damage assessment processes.
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Restored salt marsh in Louisiana
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A cooperative assessment process provides incentives for industry with pollution liability to assume responsibility for restoring natural resources. Cooperative assessments offer industry the opportunity for a greater role and more control over the timing of restoration actions without undermining the natural resource trustee responsibilities. Industry partners may also benefit from reduced damage assessment costs and reduced risk of litigation.
The goals of CAP are to expedite the restoration of injured natural resources and associated services, and encourage innovative approaches. CAP may also strengthen partnerships among stakeholders and provide meaningful public involvement.
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