Enacted
in 1972 to protect national waters, the Clean Water Act
was hailed as one of the most ambitious environmental
programs in our nation’s history.
The goal: Elimination of any polluted waters
into the storm drain. Enforcement of the Act, through
the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, is
rapidly changing the landscape not only of the development
process, but how existing companies do business.
Recent changes have made compliance
with the Act a considerable and expensive task for both
municipalities and the private business sector. Cities
and Counties are now required to ensure clean water
is leaving their territory. They are required to investigate
existing commercial and industrial businesses, new development
and residential areas. Violation of water quality standards
means fines from the State Water Quality Control Board--fines
that will cost both the municipality and the private
offender.
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