Natural Resource Damage Assessment

Oil spills and unplanned releases of other hazardous materials can result in significant environmental liability and may require studies to address penalties, natural resource damage claims, and third-party litigation. SWCA scientists are recognized leaders in natural resource damage assessment (NRDA).

SWCA’s team of toxicologists, biologists, ecologists, and economists has been working together for more than 20 years to help responsible parties resolve natural resource damage claims under both the Oil Pollution Act (OPA) and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). We provide comprehensive, full-life-cycle technical and strategic support through all phases of the Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) process beginning with emergency response or site characterization, during injury quantification and restoration scaling, through cooperative resolution via restoration, cash settlement, or litigation. 

We have worked cooperatively with natural resource trustees in 41 states and Puerto Rico and participated in more than 25% of NRDA settlements reached under OPA. Our team has successfully resolved injuries related to: habitats including forests, forested floodplains, freshwater creeks and rivers, inland and coastal wetlands, mangroves, and contaminated sediments; populations of fish, shellfish, marine mammals, sea turtles, birds, and bats; and human use activities including boating, fishing, hunting, beachgoing, and hiking.