Which act primarily regulates surface water discharges and is enforced by the EPA?

Which act primarily regulates surface water discharges and is enforced by the EPA?

• A. Clean Air Act
• B. Clean Water Act
• C. Safe Drinking Water Act
• D. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act

Answer: (B)

Surface water discharges are governed by a law that specifically targets pollutants released into navigable waters and sets up a system to control those discharges. This law created the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), which requires facilities to obtain permits and meet specific effluent limits for any discharge into rivers, lakes, or streams. The Environmental Protection Agency enforces these rules, often in partnership with state agencies, to protect aquatic ecosystems and maintain water quality for uses like drinking, fishing, and recreation. In contrast, the Clean Air Act addresses air pollutants, the Safe Drinking Water Act focuses on the quality of drinking water supplied to the public, and CERCLA deals with cleaning up hazardous waste sites.

Surface water discharges are governed by a law that specifically targets pollutants released into navigable waters and sets up a system to control those discharges. This law created the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), which requires facilities to obtain permits and meet specific effluent limits for any discharge into rivers, lakes, or streams. The Environmental Protection Agency enforces these rules, often in partnership with state agencies, to protect aquatic ecosystems and maintain water quality for uses like drinking, fishing, and recreation.

In contrast, the Clean Air Act addresses air pollutants, the Safe Drinking Water Act focuses on the quality of drinking water supplied to the public, and CERCLA deals with cleaning up hazardous waste sites.