The NOAA is the federal agency that assesses and restores coastal areas damaged by hazardous waste material. The NOAA forms the DARRP (Damage Assessment, Remediation and Restoration Program). THe DARRP follows several key actions upon contamination of water resources.
The DAARP can provide technical support to cleanup agencies and offer strategies to remediate toxic coastal areas. They can conduct a Natural Resource Damage Assessment. Then, they can monitor restoration efforts and their effectiveness.
The NOAA also works in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to identify risks and develop strategies to minimize those risks. NOAA scientists evaluate the potential for surrounding plants, animals, and habitats to be adversely affected by the cleanup process, and develop strategies to best mitigate those adverse effects. Also, the DARRP, state and federal environmental agencies and Tribes conduct scientific studies to assess the extent of contamination and ecological damage, and determine the most effective methods to restore habitats.
Most importantly, the NOAA coordinates efforts with all partner agencies to improve environments with comprehensive remedies.
Source: http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/environmental-restoration/hazardous-waste-site-assessment-and-restoration.html
