NOAA’s Damage Assessment Remediation and Restoration Program Celebrates 15 Years of Coastal Protection and Restoration

Senator Maria Cantwell offering remarks at the DARRP 15th Anniversary event, with NOAA's Chief of Staff, Scott Rayder (far right).

On Wednesday, May 23rd, NOAA’s Chief of Staff Scott Rayder was joined by Senator Maria Cantwell, Representative Vernon Ehlers, and dozens of congressional staff and partners to celebrate 15 years of NOAA coastal protection and restoration. The event, titled Healing our Coasts, Protecting our Future, commemorated the 15th Anniversary of the Damage Assessment, Remediation, and Restoration Program (DARRP) and highlighted DARRP’s successes, partnerships, and innovations.

Tony Penn and Tom Moore highlight DARRP southeast regional activities to attendee.

The event included a presentation by Scott Rayder, and remarks by Senator Cantwell, Representative Ehlers, and invited partners, as well as “Tools of the Trade” displays demonstrating assessment and restoration techniques. Regionally-focused posters, exhibits, videos, and publications were also on display.

Senator Maria Cantwell and Representative Jim Saxton were honorary hosts for this event and DARRP’s federal, state, local, non-governmental organizations, and industry partners from across the country attended.

Formally created in 1992 after the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989, DARRP is comprised of three NOAA offices: the Office of Response and Restoration, the Restoration Center, and General Counsel Natural Resources. DARRP’s team of scientists, economists, restoration experts, and attorneys respond to pollution incidents, assess risks and injuries, and work to restore those resources when injured. Through the cleanup process, DARRP has successfully protected resources at more than 500 waste sites. Since its creation, DARRP has recovered more than $437 million from parties responsible for injuring natural resources and coastal habitats.

DARRP encourages responsible parties to participate in cooperative damage assessment and restoration planning activities. The May 23rd event on Capitol Hill highlighted this cooperative approach and the results of DARRP’s work across the country.

For more information about DARRP’s 15th Anniversary Celebration, please contact Ann.Berger@noaa.gov.

In front, Glen Spain (PCFFA) and OR&R Acting Director Captain Ken Barton, and standing from left Jen Steger, Tom Brosnan, Mary Baker, Ralph Stahl (DuPont), Rep. Vernon Ehlers, James Connolly (Anacostia Watershed Society), Doug Helton, NOS Assistant Administrator Jack Dunnigan, and Craig Woolcott.