What is the Water Quality Improvement Act of 1970?

American law, the Water Quality Improvement Act of 1970, increased the federal government’s jurisdiction over water pollution and regulations.

The 1948 Federal Water Pollution Control Act gave rise to this legislation, which imposed further restrictions on oil discharge into bodies of water where it would endanger human health, marine life, animals, or property. Other measures aimed at lowering water pollution were also incorporated.

Comprehending the Water Quality Improvement Act of 1970, the River and Harbor Act, enacted in 1886, established federal water pollution control. The Federal Water Pollution Regulating Act of 1948, which Congress passed to improve water quality and establish a national strategy to regulate and prevent water pollution, was one of the earliest and most significant pieces of legislation that addressed water quality and corruption in the United States. Later, the legislation was changed to include further pollution and water quality regulations. Additionally, this extension made the Water Quality Improvement Act of 1970 possible.

The new statute prevented the deterioration of water below appropriate levels by extending federal power and establishing a state certification mechanism. Improvements to the 1948 Act, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), led to “sporadic legislation,” mainly because federal agency roles changed, making it more challenging to implement the law.1. To address these issues, amendments were proposed in 1972 that reorganized and combined the water pollution control agencies. To stop oil from entering navigable waterways, new rules were implemented, along with restrictions on the discharge of certain materials, such as generated water, drilling fluid, and sanitary waste. The statute was renamed the Clean Water Act in 1972 after implementing these modifications.

The legislation’s primary objective was to prevent contaminants from entering any of the nation’s navigable waterways by 1985. After that, by July 1983, an interim water quality standard would be in place to safeguard marine life, including fish and shellfish. Particular Point to Remember

Even though water contamination has significantly decreased since the 1970s, much more work has to be done. Commonly present in water, phosphorus and nitrogen provide marine life the nutrients they need to survive. However, it may become hazardous when these metals are in excess in streams.

Pesticides are a significant source of pollution, but in the early 1970s, industry was the primary source, directly discharging chemicals and other pollutants into the water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that nitrogen “pollution has impacted many streams, rivers, lakes, bays, and coastal waters for the past several decades, resulting in serious environmental and human health issues and impacting the economy.” Prospective polluters can buy marine pollution insurance to safeguard themselves against any legal ramifications resulting from federal water rules.

By getting marine pollution insurance, potential unintentional water polluters may shield themselves from the responsibilities imposed by federal water rules. This insurance covers losses, including cleaning expenses, damage to natural resources, legal defense expenses, and civil fines. Businesses that stand to gain from this insurance coverage include shipyards, marina owners and operators, mobile drilling units, and cargo owners and operators.

Conclusion

• The government Water Pollution Control Act of 1948 gave rise to the Water Quality Improvement Act of 1970, which increased government regulation of water quality standards and the legal actions taken by water polluters.
• The legislation created a state certification mechanism and increased federal authorities to prevent water deterioration below appropriate criteria.