Damage Assessment Process

Lead Agency:National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration (NOAA), Damage Assessment and Restoration Program (DARP)

State and Local participants:FDEP, EPCHC, City of Tampa, Cargill and contractors will assist in data collection

Assessment Categories Selected to Date:Plant communities (marshes, mangroves, seagrasses, algae)– Site inspections– Aerial photography

Fish and wildlife mortality– Netting in deep and shallow water– Shoreline inspections

Water Quality– Acidity (pH), nutrients, other constituents

Sediment Quality– Impacts to sediment chemistry and biology

may also be assessed