Regulation and monitoring of pollution: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 02:43, 16 February 2023

Revision as of 04:22, 20 February 2023

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Municipal and industrial permittees are required to regularly collect and analyze wastewater samples, and submit [[Discharge Monitoring Report]]s to a state agency or EPA.<ref>{{cite report |author=U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) |date=2010 |title=NPDES Permit Writers' Manual |url=https://www.epa.gov/npdes/npdes-permit-writers-manual |id=EPA 833-K-10-001 |pages=8–14}}</ref> Amendments in 1977 required stricter regulation of [[toxic]] pollutants.<ref>U.S. Clean Water Act of 1977, {{USPL|95|217}}, December 27, 1977. "Toxic Pollutants." Section 53. {{usc|33|1317}}</ref> In 1987 Congress expanded NPDES permit coverage to include municipal and industrial [[stormwater]] discharges.<ref>U.S. Water Quality Act of 1987, {{USPL|100|4}}, February 4, 1987. "Section 405. Municipal and Industrial Stormwater Discharges." {{USCSub|33|1342|p}}</ref>

The Act also requires use of [[Best management practice for water pollution|best management practices]] for a wide range of other water discharges including [[nonpoint source pollution]].<ref>U.S. Clean Water Act. "Section 319. Nonpoint source management programs." {{USC|33|1329}}. "Section 404. Permits for dredged or fill material." {{USC|33|1344}}</ref>

[[Thermal pollution]] discharges are regulated under section 316(a) of the CWA.<ref>U.S. Clean Water Act. "Section 316. Thermal discharges." {{USCSub|33|1326|a}}</ref> NPDES permits include [[effluent limitation]]s on water temperature to protect the biotic life supported by a water body. A permittee may request a variance to the typical thermal limitations. Alternate limitations may be issued in limited circumstances, if the permittee has provided sufficient proof through data submission that aquatic life in the water body will be protected.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hanlon |first=James A. |date=28 October 2008 |title=Implementation of Clean Water Act Section 316(a) Thermal Variances in NPDES Permits (Review of Existing Requirements) |url=https://www3.epa.gov/region1/npdes/merrimackstation/pdfs/ar/AR-338.pdf|url-status=live |publisher=EPA |id=Memorandum to EPA Regional Water Division Directors}}</ref>