The Contaminant Assessment Process (CAP) is a nationally standardized
and comprehensive method for assessing contaminant threats to land
and wildlife on national wildlife refuges. The CAP, developed by the
United States Geological Survey Biological Resources Division’s Biomonitoring
of Environmental Status and Trends Program 
and
the United States Fish and Wildlife Service’s Division
of Environmental Quality, is used to document, assess, and monitor
contaminant threats on refuges. A comprehensive list of known and
potential contaminant issues is entered into CAP’s national
database, and in Alaska a detailed report is prepared for each refuge.
This information enables Service personnel to determine the magnitude
and extent of contamination, initiate remedial activities or more
detailed studies of potential problems affecting trust resources,
and initiate pollution prevention activities. The CAP also helps managers
select options that may reduce contaminant impacts on the habitats
and species they manage. Upon completion, CAP reports are available
in printed form, on CDs, or may be downloaded from the internet.
