What is the Clean Water Act?

The Clean Water Act is an environmental law in the United States that works to protect the nation’s water bodies. The act was passed in 1972 and has since been amended several times. It sets standards for the quality of water across the United States, while also providing funding for environmental clean-up and restoration projects. In South Carolina, the Clean Water Act applies to all water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, and streams, that are within the state’s jurisdiction and are used for recreational, commercial, or industrial purposes. The act also forbids the discharge of pollutants into these bodies of water without a permit from the state. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is the state agency that is responsible for the implementation of the Clean Water Act. DHEC works to ensure that South Carolina’s water is clean, safe, and healthy for people, animals, and the environment. It does this by testing and monitoring water quality, issuing permits, and conducting enforcement of the act’s regulations. The Clean Water Act is an important environmental law that helps keep South Carolina’s waters safe and clean. By preventing pollutants from entering our water bodies, the act works to protect the health of people, animals, and the environment.

Related FAQs

What is the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)?
What is the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA)?
What is environmental auditing?
What is the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)?
How does environmental law protect air quality?
What is the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act?
How does environmental law protect water quality?
What is environmental auditing?
How does environmental law protect public health?
What is the Marine Mammal Protection Act?

Related Blog Posts

What is Environmental Law and How Does It Protect the Planet? - July 31, 2023
The Growing Impact of Environmental Regulations on Businesses - August 7, 2023
Exploring Common Environmental Law Violations and Their Consequences - August 14, 2023
Getting Up to Speed on Current Environmental Law Trends & Developments - August 21, 2023
The Benefits of Following an Environmental Law Compliance Plan - August 28, 2023