Natural resource injuries may occur at sites as a result of releases of hazardous substances or oil.
Trustees use NRDAs to assess injury to natural resources held in the public trust.
This is an initial step toward restoring injured resources and services and toward compensating the public for their loss. The statute also provides authority for assessment and restoration of natural resources that have been injured by a hazardous substance release or response. OPA was enacted in reaction to the Exxon Valdez oil spill and provides authority for oil pollution liability and compensation as well as for the Federal government to direct and manage oil spill cleanups. Notification and Coordination E PA is not a Natural Resource Trustee , nor is it authorized to act on behalf of Natural Resource Trustees. The Coast Guard is primarily responsible for contamination involving the coastal zone including all U.S. waters subject to the tide, the Great Lakes, and deepwater ports.