Institutional Bases for Control of Nonpoint Source Pollution Under the Clean Water Act--With Emphasis on Agricultural Nonpoint Sources

摘要

This publication explains (in an historical framework) how Section 208 and other planning provisions of the Clean Water Act and EPA's Water Quality Management program assist States, regional agencies and local governments to control nonpoint source pollution. It also explains the role of USDA's Rural Clean Water Program and other USDA conservation, research and extension programs in assisting conservation districts, farmers and other rural people to control nonpoint source pollution. A general analysis is made of State and local government regulatory powers and the powers of conservation districts to both regulate nonpoint source discharges and encourage their control without regulation. Examples of district regulations are discussed as are State nonpoint source control laws that exempt agricultural sources.