What is the primary federal law governing storm water pollution and regulation?

What is the primary federal law governing storm water pollution and regulation?

• A. Safe Drinking Water Act
• B. National Stormwater Regulation Act
• C. Federal Water Pollution Control Act
• D. Clean Water Act

Answer: (D)

The main law is the Clean Water Act. This act provides the framework for protecting the nation’s waters from pollution and gives the federal government (and states under delegated authority) the power to regulate discharges through permit programs. For stormwater, the key mechanism is the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, which covers discharges from stormwater sources such as municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) and construction activities. The goal is to prevent pollutants from entering streams, rivers, lakes, and other waters by requiring controls, best management practices, and monitoring to meet water quality standards. The Safe Drinking Water Act deals with drinking water quality, not stormwater discharges. The Federal Water Pollution Control Act is the original name for the law before amendments and is generally known today as part of the Clean Water Act. There isn’t a separate National Stormwater Regulation Act.

The main law is the Clean Water Act. This act provides the framework for protecting the nation’s waters from pollution and gives the federal government (and states under delegated authority) the power to regulate discharges through permit programs. For stormwater, the key mechanism is the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, which covers discharges from stormwater sources such as municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) and construction activities. The goal is to prevent pollutants from entering streams, rivers, lakes, and other waters by requiring controls, best management practices, and monitoring to meet water quality standards.

The Safe Drinking Water Act deals with drinking water quality, not stormwater discharges. The Federal Water Pollution Control Act is the original name for the law before amendments and is generally known today as part of the Clean Water Act. There isn’t a separate National Stormwater Regulation Act.