What is the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and how does it relate to agriculture?

The Federal Water Pollution Control Act (also known as the Clean Water Act) is a law enacted by the US Congress in 1972 to protect the quality of the nation’s surface waters. This act sets limits on the amount of pollutants that may be discharged into water from industrial, agricultural, and municipal sources. The Clean Water Act regulates the release of pollutants from factories, sewage treatment plants, and agricultural operations, such as dairies and livestock operations. Regarding agriculture in particular, the Clean Water Act requires agricultural operations to obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit from the Environmental Protection Agency. This requires ag operations to monitor their water discharges, such as from runoff, and comply with the standards set to maintain water quality. For example, the EPA’s Sustainable Agriculture Program supports practices that can reduce the amount of runoff from fertilizers and other ag chemicals into surface waters. In New Mexico, the Clean Water Act is administered by the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED). The NMED works to ensure that the state’s waters are clean and healthy for the public’s use and enjoyment. The department has a Watershed Protection Program that collaborates with ag operations to develop solutions that will reduce and prevent water pollution. In conclusion, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act is a law that sets limits on the amount of pollutants that may be discharged into water from any source. This act affects agriculture operations in New Mexico, as they must obtain a permit and comply with the standards set to maintain water quality. The NMED works to ensure that the state’s waters are clean and healthy and collaborates with ag operations to develop solutions that will reduce and prevent water pollution.

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What is the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and how does it relate to agriculture?

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