Question

List four key sections of the Clean Water Act for watershed management, then briefly describe how each one you chose can assist with improving the physical and or biological condition(s) of the watershed.

Answer 1

1) Designated Uses

2) Water Quality Criteria

3) Anti-Degradation Policy

4) General policy

Designated Uses

Federally recognized tribes/nations and states are required to specify appropriate water uses. Identification of appropriate water uses takes into consideration the usage and value of public water supply, protection of fish, wildlife, recreational waters, agricultural, industrial and navigational water ways.

Water Quality Criteria

This criteria can be numeric criteria that toxicity causes are known for protection against pollutants. A narrative criterion is water quality criteria which serves as a basis for limiting the toxicity of waste discharges to aquatic species.

Anti-degradation policy

It consist of an anti-degradation policy that requires states and tribes to establish a three-tiered anti-degradation program. Anti-degradation procedures identify steps and questions that need to be addressed when specific activities affect water quality.

General policy

States and Indian tribes adopt general policies pertaining to water quality standards that are subject to review and approval by the EPA. Those provisions on water quality standards include mixing zones, variance, and low flow policies.