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Chapter 20: Problem 13

How does the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System program address point-source pollution by nutrients?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The NPDES program addresses point-source nutrient pollution by issuing permits with discharge limits to facilities, requiring usage of certain control technologies where necessary, monitoring discharges for compliance, and enforcing penalties for non-compliance.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the NPDES Program

The NPDES program, which is part of the Clean Water Act, regulates the discharge of pollutants into U.S. waters. The program provides permits to facilities that discharge pollutants, setting limits on what can be discharged and imposing monitoring and reporting requirements.
02

Identifying Point Source Pollution by Nutrients

Point-source pollution is any single identifiable source of pollution from which pollutants are discharged, such as a pipe, ditch, ship or factory smokestack. Nutrient pollution involves substances such as nitrates and phosphates that are released into the water and can cause severe water quality problems.
03

NPDES Strategy for Nutrient Pollution Control

To address nutrient pollution, the NPDES program implements various strategies. It sets effluent limitations for nutrient pollution, meaning that facilities cannot discharge more nutrients than specified in their permit. In some cases, the NPDES program might require facilities to use specific pollution control technologies to limit their nutrient discharges.
04

Monitoring and Compliance

Finally, the NPDES program requires regular monitoring and reporting of pollutant discharges. This allows the EPA to verify that facilities are complying with their permit limits and meeting the nutrient control requirements. In case of non-compliance, the program has enforcement procedures to ensure that corrective actions are taken.

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