Foreword 
The National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL), as part of the 
Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Office of Research and Development (ORD), is 
responsible for conducting research on the effects of anthropogenic stresses on human and 
ecosystem health. This research is intended to address key Agency problems in a timely and 
responsive manner. To meet this responsibility, NHEERL is developing research i 
implementation plans to achieve the following objectives: CyTI 
I ^ 
• Optimize responsiveness of research activities to Agency needs, ^ j a 
• Sharpen the focus of research programs where needed, ^ 0 
• Provide a forum for engagement of scientific staff on issues and approaches, I 
• Focus on multi-year planning explicitly linked to Agency performance goals, and 
• Provide a mechanism for prioritizing research. 
This approach builds on the ORD planning process that identifies and prioritizes research topics. 
Current areas for research include particulate matter, air toxics, drinking water, aquatic stressors, 
support to the Food Quality Protection Act, safe communities and ecosystems, the Environmental 
Monitoring and Assessment Program, ecological risk assessment, human health risk assessment, 
and endocrine disruptors. 
This document identifies the scientific problems and the research that will be conducted 
concerning aquatic stressors. The ultimate goal of this research is to develop scientifically valid 
approaches for protecting the ecological integrity of aquatic ecosystems from multiple aquatic 
stressors, in support of EPA’s goal to provide clean and safe water. The framework section was 
developed by a steering committee composed of representatives from NHEERL Divisions, other 
ORD Laboratories and Centers, EPA’s Office of Water, and EPA’s Regional Offices. 
Implementation plans for research on habitat alteration, nutrients, suspended and bedded 
sediments, toxic chemicals, and diagnostics were developed by work groups in the Ecology 
Divisions. The document is intended to reflect research that will be conducted over the next 
several years. As progress is made in achieving these goals, this document will be updated to 
address new and remaining water quality challenges. 
Lawrence W. Reiter 
Director 
National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory 
LC Control Number 
2003 431682 
