CADDIS: The Causal Analysis/Diagnosis Decision Information System -- EPA

The Causal Analysis/Diagnosis Decision Information System, or CADDIS, is a website developed to help scientists and engineers in the Regions, States, and Tribes conduct causal assessments in aquatic systems. It is organized into five volumes:

•Volume 1: Stressor Identification provides a step-by-step guide for identifying probable causes of impairment in a particular system, based on the U.S. EPA's Stressor Identification process. If you are interested in conducting a complete causal assessment, learning about different types of evidence, or reviewing a history of causal assessment theory, start with this volume.

•Volume 2: Sources, Stressors & Responses provides background information on many common sources, stressors, and biotic responses in stream ecosystems. If you are interested in viewing source- and stressor-specific summary information (e.g., for urbanization, physical habitat, nutrients, metals, pH and other stressors), start with this volume.

•Volume 3: Examples & Applications provides examples illustrating different steps of causal assessments. If you are interested in reading completed causal assessment case studies, seeing how Stressor Identification worksheets are completed, or examining example applications of data analysis techniques, start with this volume.

•Volume 4: Data Analysis provides guidance on the use of statistical analysis to support causal assessments. If you are interested in learning how to use data in your causal assessment, start with this volume.

•Volume 5: Causal Databases provides access to literature databases and associated tools for use in causal assessments. If you are interested in applying literature-based evidence to your causal assessment, start with this volume.