Study for the Clean Water Act Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Storm water runoff from industrial activities and municipal systems is regulated under which program?

Under the Clean Water Act, stormwater discharges from industrial activities and municipal systems are regulated through the NPDES permit program. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System authorizes permits for point-source discharges of pollutants into waters of the United States, and it specifically covers industrial stormwater discharges as well as discharges from municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s). Facilities must obtain an NPDES permit and implement controls, such as best management practices and monitoring, to minimize pollutants in stormwater runoff before it reaches streams, rivers, and lakes. The other statutes don’t regulate these stormwater discharges: Section 404 governs permits for dredged or fill materials into waters of the U.S.; RCRA deals with management of hazardous waste and other solid wastes; FIFRA regulates pesticides. So the correct program is NPDES.

Under the Clean Water Act, stormwater discharges from industrial activities and municipal systems are regulated through the NPDES permit program. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System authorizes permits for point-source discharges of pollutants into waters of the United States, and it specifically covers industrial stormwater discharges as well as discharges from municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s). Facilities must obtain an NPDES permit and implement controls, such as best management practices and monitoring, to minimize pollutants in stormwater runoff before it reaches streams, rivers, and lakes.

The other statutes don’t regulate these stormwater discharges: Section 404 governs permits for dredged or fill materials into waters of the U.S.; RCRA deals with management of hazardous waste and other solid wastes; FIFRA regulates pesticides. So the correct program is NPDES.