National coastal condition report available for comment

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is requesting public comment on a draft National Coastal Condition Report that contains currently available data on the condition of the Nation's coastal waters.

Jan. 22, 2001

Jan. 19, 2001—The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is requesting public comment on a draft National Coastal Condition Report that contains currently available data on the condition of the Nation's coastal waters.

Currently available data shows that the condition of the Nation's coastal waters is fair to poor, but varies from region to region. The draft report is based on a combination of data, mostly from EPA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The data is used to formulate indicators of coastal condition in relationship to ecological and human health. Comments on the report and new data submitted to EPA will be used to refine the report and better assess the condition of the nation's coasts.

The report is the first federal attempt to provide the public with a comprehensive picture of the health of the nation's coastal waters. It will serve as a benchmark for analyzing the progress of coastal management programs in the future.

To review the report, visit EPA's Office of Water Web site at: www.epa.gov/ow , under "What's New."