Natural Resource Damage Assessment is the legal and technical process to pursue restoration for damages to natural resources caused by discharges of oil and releases of hazardous materials into the environment. Federal and state agencies, and Native American tribal governments are designated as NRDA trustees. They act on behalf of the public to restore injured natural resources under a number of laws such as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA), and Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA). Typically, monetary damages are assessed against the polluter. Damages are compensatory, not punitive, and must be used for ecological restoration. The NRDA process is overseen by the Department of the Interior.

Internet Resource

U.S. Department of Interior. "Training Module for NRDA." Available from http://www.doi.gov/oepc.