Harmful algal blooms cause a wide variety of environmental, economic, and human health problems. The growing frequency and magnitude of harmful algal blooms has created a pressing need for in situ control in coastal waters. Field demonstration of harmful algal bloom control techniques is needed to fill the gap between laboratory research and larger scale implementation. The Prevention, Control, and Mitigation of Harmful Algal Blooms Program proposes to provide funding for the field demonstration of harmful algal bloom control techniques. This Programmatic Environmental Assessment has been prepared to comply with National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. ʹ 4231 et seq.), as amended. This document assesses the potential environmental effects associated with demonstration phase projects within the Prevention, Control, and Mitigation of Harmful Algal Blooms Program under the purview of NOAA (i.e., within coastal waters of the United States and the Great Lakes).

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)