Common use of Assessing Progress Clause in Contracts

Assessing Progress. Assessing programmatic progress (making sure planned activities are completed) will be at least annual so that adjustments to the biennial workplan can be made to accommodate changing circumstances and availability of resources. Formal review of programmatic progress will be completed through the update of the biennial workplan. Assessment of environmental conditions and change will be done less frequently (every 2 to 5 years) depending on availability of contaminant monitoring results. We will utilize the biannual reporting for impaired waters (305b) done by each state and DC to assess conditions for selected contaminants that monitored for these efforts. Monitoring for additional contaminants will be done less frequently due to efforts needed to collect, compile, and analyze information. The planning, completion and publishing of research is usually a multi-year process which affects the advancement in gaining more knowledge to reduce uncertainty. The following lessons were learned during review of the Toxic Contaminant Research Strategy: • Lesson: Multiple contaminants and additional factors are causing the degradation (and mortality) of fish so trying to identify specific causes is extremely difficult. o Actions: Evolving towards a more geographic approach to focus in areas where fish health issues are most prevalent. Greater emphasis on linkage between factors affecting fish habitat and health, including toxic contaminants. • Lesson: There is a lack of data on the occurrence and trends of toxic contaminants. o Actions: Better utilize jurisdictions monitoring that is used for biannual integrated reports; design an integrated monitoring network to improve long-term information. • Lesson: Limited information of the practices to mitigate contaminants, and their potential co- benefits with nutrients and sediment reductions.