potential environmental effects of proposed federal agency actions.CLEAN WATER ACT (1972): This act established the basic structure for
regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States. It gave
the EPA the authority to implement pollution control programs, such as setting
wastewater standards for industry. The Clean Water Act also continued
requirements to set water quality standards for all contaminants in surface
waters. This act made it unlawful for any person to discharge any pollutant
from a point source into navigable waters unless a permit was obtained. It also
funded the construction of sewage treatment plants and recognized the need
for planning to address the critical problems posed by non-point source water
pollution.SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT (1974): This act established standards for
safe drinking water in the United States.MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)—more commonly known as trash or garbage—
consists of everyday items that are used and then thrown away, such as product
packaging, grass clippings, furniture, clothing, bottles, food scraps, newspapers,
appliances, paint, and batteries.
Figure 9.11 Amounts and types of municipal solid wastes (MSWs) in