On the contrary, as the NEP has evolved, EPA has encouraged management conferences to proceed with the four phases simultaneously as often as possible. In fact, EPA will base the selection of any new estuaries on an ability to streamline the NEP phases, focusing on estuaries that have a significant amount of the problem characterization done, that have a successful management framework that functions similarly to an NEP management conference already established, and that have clear commitments from key state and local agencies to participate in and support the NEP process. Environmental sampling is required in Phases II and IV of the estuary programs. The studies conducted in Phase II are focused on filling identified data gaps, providing baseline data on point and nonpoint loadings of pollutants, and developing estimates of the degree of spatial and temporal variability. Sampling is conducted in Phase IV of the estuary programs as part of a long term environmental monitoring strategy.
Monitoring involves repeated sampling over time.
For example, short term sampling may be conducted in PhaseII to collect specific information on the concentration, distribution, and variability of chemical contaminants in sediments. The goal of the corresponding sampling that is conducted during PhaseIV is to evaluate trends in monitored variables and to link the observed patterns to specific management actions. A second distinction between PhaseII sampling and PhaseIV monitoring is that comprehensive environmental monitoring programs conducted during PhaseIV will require the integration of information from several concurrent sampling efforts. Since environmental sampling is costly and resources will be limited, there will be a need to evaluate the efficacy of different monitoring program components and to allocate sampling efforts accordingly. It will also be necessary to carefully plan and coordinate monitoring efforts among individual monitoring components and other preexisting monitoring programs to determine interactions and streamline monitoring efforts.