Which act governs the discharge of pollutants into U.S. waters?

Which act governs the discharge of pollutants into U.S. waters?

• A. The Clean Air Act
• B. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
• C. The Toxic Substances Control Act
• D. The Clean Water Act

Answer: (D)

The Clean Water Act is the principal legislation in the United States aimed at regulating the discharge of pollutants into the nation's waters. Enacted in 1972, this act establishes the framework to protect aquatic ecosystems and ensure that water quality is maintained for various uses, including recreation, drinking, and the protection of wildlife. This law is overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which sets water quality standards and regulates the discharge of pollutants through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits. The other acts mentioned focus on different aspects of environmental protection. The Clean Air Act, for instance, deals primarily with air quality and emissions standards, while the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act governs the management of hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste. The Toxic Substances Control Act regulates the introduction of new or already existing chemicals but does not specifically address water pollution directly. Thus, the Clean Water Act is specifically designed to handle issues related to water pollution, making it the correct choice in this context.

The Clean Water Act is the principal legislation in the United States aimed at regulating the discharge of pollutants into the nation's waters. Enacted in 1972, this act establishes the framework to protect aquatic ecosystems and ensure that water quality is maintained for various uses, including recreation, drinking, and the protection of wildlife. This law is overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which sets water quality standards and regulates the discharge of pollutants through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits.

The other acts mentioned focus on different aspects of environmental protection. The Clean Air Act, for instance, deals primarily with air quality and emissions standards, while the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act governs the management of hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste. The Toxic Substances Control Act regulates the introduction of new or already existing chemicals but does not specifically address water pollution directly. Thus, the Clean Water Act is specifically designed to handle issues related to water pollution, making it the correct choice in this context.