Programmatic Needs 
EPA recognizes the need to advance risk assessment knowledge bases and to develop methods 
for reducing risks from aquatic stressors. The immediate focus is to develop and improve 
ecological criteria and diagnostic capabilities for managers, to help them meet designated uses, 
and to develop options for protection and remediation efforts. Three elements provide the 
regulatory context for NHEERL’s aquatic stressors research: 
• First, the Clean Water Act (CWA) provides the legislative mandate to restore and 
maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation’s waters. 
• Second, to fulfill this mandate, EPA has established under GPRA Goal 2, sub-objective 
2.2.3, requirements for establishing ecological criteria that protect use designations for 
the Nation’s aquatic resources. Research directed toward this goal will be linked to 
Annual Performance Goals (APGs) and Measures (APMs), which NHEERL has 
identified for 2002-2008 (see Sections 4-8). 
• Finally, the Administration’s Clean Water Action Plan (CWAP) establishes key actions 
focused on watershed, wetland, and stream corridor protection and restoration; nutrient 
assessment and criteria development; and development of a contaminated sediment 
strategy (EPA 1998). 
A response to these mandates requires the development of research approaches and products that 
enhance the Agency’s capabilities with respect to the management of aquatic resources. 
References 
EPA. 1998. Clean Water Action Plan. EPA 840-R-98-001. 
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