Ecological Risk Assessment In The Federal Government

This report was prepared by an interagency work group under the auspices of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources (CENR). The objective of the work group was to write a document on the major uses of ecological risk assessment by Federal agencies. Eight task groups were formed with a total of 32 scientists from 9 Federal agencies. The task groups addressed eight topics: the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA); the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA); nonindigenous species; ecological assessments in ecosystem management; agricultural ecosystems; the endangered/threatened species; and oil spills (accidental releases). The task groups provided examples of current ecological risk assessment areas (established uses), potential uses where components of ecological risk assessment are used, and related ecological assessments and other scientific evaluations that might benefit from the use of ecological risk assessment methodologies. Recommendations were made to improve the science, enhance information transfer, and improve risk management coordination.

Citation

U.S. EPA. Ecological Risk Assessment In The Federal Government. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Center for Environmental Assessment, Washington Office, Washington, DC, 1999.

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