Chapter 20: Problem 1

What practices and consequences led to passage of the Clean Water Act of 1972?

Short Answer

Expert verified

The passage of the Clean Water Act of 1972 came about as a result of environmentally harmful practices such as the unregulated dumping of industrial waste into water bodies, leading to severe consequences like water pollution, harm to aquatic life, and potential risks to human health. The growing environmental movement and public outcry against these practices led to pressure on the federal government to take action, resulting in the passage of this comprehensive legislation to control water pollution.

Step by step solution

- Understand the Clean Water Act of 1972

The Clean Water Act of 1972 is a crucial piece of federal legislation regarding water pollution in the United States. Previously, there wasn't any national law that comprehensively addressed water pollution. The Act aimed to make waters safe for swimming and fishing by eliminating the release of high amounts of toxic substances into water, and it addressed pollution from both point and nonpoint sources.

- Identify the practices leading to water pollution

Before the Act was passed, practices like uncontrolled dumping of sewage and industrial waste into rivers and other bodies of water were commonplace. These actions severely harmed the water quality, making the water unsafe for swimming, fishing, and sometimes even for drinking or agricultural use. Industries like manufacturing, mining and agriculture contributed to this problem by releasing untreated waste and runoff into waterways.

- Discuss the consequences of water pollution

The consequences of these practices were severe. Major water bodies across the country, including rivers like the Cuyahoga in Ohio, were so polluted that they caught fire. Fish and other aquatic life were dying off at alarming rates, and human health was also in jeopardy because of unsafe drinking water. There were significant environmental, economic and health impacts.

- Analyze the social and political context

By this time in history, the environmental movement was gaining momentum, and the American public was becoming more aware and concerned about environmental degradation. This growing public concern put pressure on the federal government to take action against water pollution.

- Describe the passage of the Clean Water Act

Due to the grave environmental damage and growing public outcry, there was a need for a comprehensive federal law to address water pollution. This led to Congress passing the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments in 1972, which is more commonly known as the Clean Water Act. The Act gave the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to set wastewater standards and to ensure compliance with these standards.

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What practices and consequences led to passage of the Clean Water Act of 1972?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

- Understand the Clean Water Act of 1972

- Identify the practices leading to water pollution

- Discuss the consequences of water pollution

- Analyze the social and political context

- Describe the passage of the Clean Water Act

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