additional data collection is needed to quantify specific 
loadings. 
Improved management 
In addition to developing an improved technical understanding 
of the system, an objective of PSEP has been to support the 
improvement of the overall management of the estuary. 
Specifically, the program has attempted to develop consistency 
between agencies, mutual support for common goals and the most 
efficient use of limited financial resources. In the past two 
years, PSEP efforts to improve estuary management have focused 
on a variety of issues. Of particular significance has been 
progress made in the area of interagency coordination and 
cooperation. 
The majority of funding for PSEP supported studies comes from 
EPA. However, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Department 
of Ecology, Seattle Metro, the City of Seattle, and other 
agencies have also contributed. Other agencies and individuals 
are encouraged to participate in PSEP from the planning phase 
through program implementation. To accommodate this 
involvement, a formal management structure has been developed. 
This structure is significant because it represents the first 
time in recent years that a forum has existed for regular 
interagency coordination and cooperation on issues concerning 
Puget Sound. 
PSEP is administered on a day to day basis by staff in EPA's 
Office of Puget Sound. The program receives management 
direction from an Implementation Committee (IC). The IC, a 
group of senior-level administrators representing each of the 
participating agencies, is co-chaired by representatives of 
EPA, the Department of Ecology, and the Puget Sound Water 
Quality Authority. The Committee meets bimonthly to discuss 
water quality problems, to outline and evaluate strategies for 
dealing with problems, and to identify areas in which 
interagency coordination can enhance independent efforts. 
The IC receives scientific and technical advice from the 
Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), a committee comprised of 
members of the scientific community involved in Puget Sound 
research. The TAC provides recommendations concerning research 
priorities and assists in the design and oversight of PSEP 
funded scientific studies. Both the TAC and the Implementation 
Committee are instrumental in developing and approving annual 
work plans for the estuary program. 
Citizens are involved in PSEP through participation at public 
meetings and representation on citizens advisory committees 
(CAC). CACs, composed of representatives of environmental and 
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