What is the primary federal law governing storm water pollution and regulation?

• A. Clean Water Act
• B. Clean Air Act
• C. National Environmental Policy Act
• D. Safe Drinking Water Act

Answer: (A)

The primary concept is that stormwater pollution is regulated under the federal framework that controls discharges into surface waters. This is provided by the Clean Water Act, which created the NPDES permit program to regulate discharges from sources like construction sites, industrial activities, and municipal systems. Stormwater runoff is treated as discharging pollutants to waters of the United States, so permits and best management practices are required to limit those discharges. The other acts address different areas: the Clean Air Act covers air pollution, the National Environmental Policy Act focuses on environmental reviews for federal actions, and the Safe Drinking Water Act deals with drinking water quality, not stormwater. Therefore, the Clean Water Act is the governing law for stormwater regulation.