From Crisis to Clarity: The Story of the Clean Water Act
In the early 1970s, the state of America’s waterways was a pressing concern, symbolized by a dramatic event that shocked the nation. The Clean Water Act (CWA) was introduced in 1972 to tackle this urgent issue, replacing the outdated Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1948. Its mission: to regulate pollutant discharge and set water quality standards across the U.S. This move came into sharp focus following a dramatic fire on the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1969—a blaze that captured national attention and underscored the severe environmental challenges facing the country’s rivers and lakes.
“The water was nearly always covered in oil slicks, and it bubbled like a deadly stew. Sometimes rats floated by, their corpses so bloated they were practically the size of dogs. It was disturbing, but it was also just one of the realities of the city. For more than a century, the Cuyahoga River had been prime real estate for various manufacturing companies. Everyone knew it was polluted, but pollution meant industry was thriving, the economy was booming, and everyone had jobs.”
Lorraine Boissoneault, Smithsonian Magazine, 6/19/2019
The Clean Water Act is a federal law managed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Because it covers all types of waterways, the EPA works closely with state, local, and tribal governments to make sure the law is followed, protecting both human health and the environment. Besides overseeing industrial waste and sewage systems, the Clean Water Act also addresses stormwater, which is a significant source of pollution in our waterways.
North Carolina State Regulations and Requirements
North Carolina plays a crucial role in implementing the Clean Water Act, which directly impacts residents’ daily lives. The NC General Assembly creates laws to manage stormwater and funds projects aimed at reducing its harmful effects on our waterways.
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) oversees the state’s stormwater program, setting rules and issuing permits to local governments that manage stormwater systems. This regulation helps prevent pollution and ensures that local water sources remain clean and safe.
For residents, this means that stormwater runoff— which can carry pollutants into rivers and streams—is carefully managed. The EPA, through the NCDEQ, requires permits for stormwater systems in larger communities to control pollution. These systems, covered by MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) permits, include not only city-owned systems but also those managed by state departments, universities, and other entities.
Currently, 11 municipalities in the French Broad River watershed, including Asheville and Hendersonville, hold MS4 permits. These permits ensure that local governments follow strict guidelines to protect water quality, which are outlined in a Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP).
This regulatory framework is crucial because it helps maintain clean waterways, which affects everything from drinking water quality to recreational opportunities and local ecosystems. By understanding how these systems work and are regulated, residents can appreciate the efforts taken to keep their water clean and safeguard their environment.
The 6 Permit Requirements: Why These Systems Matter to Your Neighborhood
Local governments with an MS4 permit must follow six specific guidelines to manage stormwater effectively, which directly impacts residents’ lives. Here’s a breakdown of why this is important:
- Public Education and Outreach: Local governments share stormwater information through their websites and offer a Stormwater Hotline for residents to ask questions or report issues like illegal dumping. This helps keep everyone informed about how to prevent pollution and what to do if they spot a problem.
- Public Involvement and Participation: Residents have opportunities to provide feedback on stormwater programs and participate in activities like litter clean-ups. Your involvement helps ensure that the community has a voice in how stormwater issues are addressed.
- Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination: Local governments are responsible for identifying and eliminating unauthorized discharges into the stormwater system. This means detecting any pollutants that should not be entering the storm drains and taking action to remove them, which helps keep our waterways clean.
- Construction Site Runoff Control: New and redeveloped sites must manage stormwater to prevent erosion, sedimentation, and pollution. This means construction sites have measures to control runoff, and manage construction waste.
- Post-Construction Site Runoff Controls: After construction, sites must implement systems to handle stormwater runoff effectively. This ensures that the development does not increase pollution or flooding in the surrounding area, maintaining the quality of local water resources.
- Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping for Municipal Organizations: Local governments must practice good housekeeping to prevent pollution at public facilities like public works, parks and emergency services. This involves maintaining clean and safe operations to avoid contaminating stormwater.
Be Aware of Local Variations:
Different communities may have varying requirements for stormwater management based on the size of the land disturbance or development density. To learn about your specific community, look at the information on your local government’s website and check out the NCDEQ summary of different programs happening in our state!
Stormwater Violations
Reporting issues with stormwater is critical for ensuring the health of our streams and rivers, and proper compliance with various permits and stormwater regulations. If you see erosion and sedimentation or illicit discharge, please call your local stormwater hotline found on the jurisdiction’s website or use the WNC Stormwater Partnership’s regional reporting form, which will be directed to the appropriate enforcement authority.
Resources
How Can You Help?
Ready to learn more? Head over to our Take Action page to learn more about simple ways you can reduce rain runoff at your residence or business.