Definitions for "Clean Water Act"
Keywords:  cwa, npdes, pollution, seq, epa
Requirement of the NPDES program are defined under Sections 307, 402, 318 and 405 of the CWA.
Regulates the discharge or disposal of any material (whether solid, liquid, or gaseous) into any water body or reservoir. Since most discharges via rainwater runoff drain into streams or storm sewers, this Act covers virtually all discharges. This Act establishes a permit program (the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System - NPDES), which requires dischargers to disclose the volume and nature of their discharges. The Act also authorizes EPA to specify limitation to be imposed on such discharges, and to impose on dischargers an obligation to monitor and report their compliance or noncompliance with the imposed limitations, and authorizes EPA enforcement powers in the event of noncompliance. The objective of the Act is to achieve a level of national water quality which provides for the protection of propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife.( 0301)
A federal statute enacted in 1972 that has been successful in improving the water quality of lakes and rivers.