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Chapter 20: Problem 13

How does the NPDES program address point-source pollution by nutrients?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The NPDES program addresses point-source pollution by nutrients by issuing permits to facilities, mandating utilization of best management practices and control measures, imposing limits on nutrient discharge, requiring utilization of effective technology, and enforcing monitoring of nutrient discharges.

Step by step solution

01

Understand Point Source Pollution

Point-source pollution pertains to pollutants that come from a single, identifiable source or point, such as wastewater treatment plants or industrial facilities. These pollutants can include substances like nutrients.
02

Understand the NPDES program

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program works by regulating these point sources of pollution. It issues permits to facilities with stipulated control measures and requirements to limit and manage their pollutant discharges.
03

Understand How NPDES Addresses Nutrient Pollution

Regarding nutrients specifically, excess nutrient runoff can lead to a proliferation of algae in water bodies, resulting in eutrophication, which can harm aquatic life. To address this, the NPDES program imposes limits on nutrient discharges. The program mandates facilities to implement best management practices and the required technology to minimize nutrient pollution. It may also require facilities to monitor their nutrient discharges, to ensure compliance with the permit conditions.

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