As part of the natural resource damage assessment (NRDA) process, the trustees initially sought public input in developing a list of potential restoration projects to compensate the public for ecological and recreational losses resulting from the spill. To guide the process of evaluating restoration project alternatives, the trustees developed selection factors based on the legal requirements of OPA. 

See Restoration factors and guidance

Specifically, to be considered, a project had to, at a minimum:

• demonstrate a connection between natural resource injuries/losses to the public and proposed restoration efforts,
• be technically feasible, and
• have a high likelihood of success.

The trustees' data on resource injuries, the project evaluation process, and proposed restoration alternatives were outlined in the draft DARP/EA. This document was made available for public comment. Once public comments were received, the trustees considered them, made changes as necessary, and prepared the Final Restoration Plan. This Plan and request for funding of restoration projects through the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund were submitted to the National Pollution Funds Center.