NRDA Basics

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Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) is a legal process utilized by natural resource trustees to:

  • Assess the nature and extent of natural resource injuries caused by a hazardous substance release or oil spill
  • Quantify injuries to natural resources or services provided by a particular natural resource
  • Ensure the public is compensated for injured resources or services through damage determination and ecological restoration
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NRDA Statutory Authorities:

  • Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)
  • Oil Pollution Act (OPA)
  • Clean Water Act (CWA)

Who are the Natural Resource Trustees?

  • Federal Agencies (including DoD), State Agencies, and Tribal governments who own, manage or otherwise control resources injured by the hazardous release
  • Trustees often seek assistance within their agency, between Federal partners, academia, private consulting, etc. to assist with various phases of the NRDA process