The main federal law in charge of the improvement and upkeep of our nation’s waters is the Clean Waters Act (CWA). Its primary objective is to stop pollutants from being released into United States waters without a permit.
According to CWA 301, it is illegal for anyone to release any type of pollutant into U.S waters without a permit from specific sections of the CWA. This includes 402 (NPDES) and 404 (discharge of dredged or fill material). Even though “person” does not refer to the United States according to 313, federal agencies are required by state law to take action in the prevention and control of water pollution.
