The Clean Water Act (CWA) is the primary federal law in the United States that governs water pollution control. It seeks to protect surface and ground water from pollution, and advances the goals of conservation, restoration, and healthful use for the benefit of all Americans. Established in 1972, the CWA remains one of the most important pieces of environmental legislation in the United States.
How Does the Clean Water Act (CWA) Impact Businesses?
The CWA requires businesses to discharge or release wastewater from industrial activities into waterways through a process called “National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System”. This is to ensure the continued healthy functioning of aquatic environment. Thus, if your business is involved in any form of industrial activities, then you are likely subject to the requirements of the CWA.
For example, a company that processes raw material to manufacture a product must cleanse the wastewater released during production before discharging it into waterways. Failure to do so may result in serious consequences such as heavy fines, lawsuits, and revocation of permits. Businesses must also be cognizant of upcoming changes to the CWA due to new watershed regulations that are set to take effect in 2021.
Conclusion
When it comes to protecting our water resources, the Clean Water Act (CWA) plays an essential role. Businesses must be fully aware of its requirements and ensure they are compliant to avoid any costly repercussions. By using the CWA to implement best practices and responsibly manage industrial wastewater, we can all work to ensure the long-term health of our waterways.