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THE PRESENT R&D SYSTEM: 



WHY IMPROVEMENTS ARE NECESSARY 



R&D MISSIONS OF THE MAJOR DEPARTMENTS 

 AND AGENCIES 



Although the definition oi environmental R&D can vary widely, we define 

 it as research and development direaed to maintaining environmental quality, 

 including monitoring, testing, evaluation, prevention, mitigation, assess- 

 ment, and policy analysis. This definition includes 



■ Investigations designed to understand the structure and function 

 of the biosphere and the impact that human activities have on it 



■ Research to understand the conditions necessary to support 

 human existence without destroying the resource base 



■ Research to define the properties and adverse effects of toxic sub- 

 stances on human health and the environment 



■ The development of technologies to monitor pollutants and their 

 impacts 



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