What is the Clean Water Act?
The Clean Water Act is a federal law that protects the quality of the nation’s water resources. It was passed in 1972 and is managed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This law regulates the discharge of pollutants into bodies of water, commonly referred to as “waters of the United States.” In Virginia, this act addresses the discharge of pollutants through the Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (VPDES). The VPDES requires permits before any waste can be discharged into waters of the US. This includes wastewater from industries and businesses, stormwater from construction sites, and non-stormwater from agricultural activities. The Clean Water Act also bans the discharge of hazardous materials into waters of the US. This includes oil, sewage, and metals such as mercury, lead, and cadmium. It also sets regulations for point-source pollution, which is pollution that comes from a specific source such as a factory. This helps ensure that the entire water source remains free from harmful pollutants. Overall, the Clean Water Act is a powerful law that helps protect the quality of water resources in Virginia and throughout the United States. It sets regulations and permits to ensure that any waste or hazardous materials discharged into water sources have minimal impact on the environment. This helps preserve the health of people, animals, and plants, and supports recreational activities such as swimming and fishing.
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