Book excerpt: This volume describes the recommended procedures for designing & implementing sediment quality assessment programs. More specifically, it presents: an overview of the framework that identifies the steps that should be followed in conducting site-specific sediment quality assessment programs, from identification of sediment quality issues & concerns to conducting confirmatory monitoring & assessment; procedures for conducting preliminary & detailed site investigations to assess sediment quality conditions; and the factors that need to be considered in the development of sampling & analysis plans for assessing contaminated sediments. Appendices include supplemental guidance on the design of sediment sampling programs, on the evaluation of sediment quality data, and on the management of contaminated sediment. The appendices also describe the types & objectives of sediment quality assessments that are commonly conducted in freshwater ecosystems.