Natural Resource Restoration Natural Resource Injury (NRI) Assessment

Ecological Injury

The ecological risk assessment process involves collecting and evaluating all data necessary to identify actual and potential ecological impacts and to characterize all natural resource injuries, including the nature and extent of injury to soil, water, flora and fauna. (see N.J.A.C. 7:26E) If this work is carried out with oversight from DEP’s Site Remediation Program, there is no need for input from the Office of Natural Resource Restoration (ONRR). ONRR will only review SRP-approved Ecological Risk Assessments (ERA) that indicate risk. Information generated by the ERA will then be used to develop a NRD position / restoration plan..

Examples of natural resources for which ecological injuries can occur are fisheries, sediments, surface waters, ground water, wetlands, forests, wildlife habitat, wildlife, and lost public use / recreation.