Using EPA Policies to Deal with Water Pollution on a National Scale
Using EPA policies to Deal with Water Pollution on a National Scale
There are various environmental issues affecting people across the world. These issues affect people in different scales including individual, local, regional, national and global level. Ecological problems have grown in various countries around the globe, for theynegatively affect people, animals and businesses (Estes, 2019).Environmental issues have led to the development of different organizations that lobby for the creation of rules and policies protecting the environment in different nations. Besides, governments work together to ensure that they protect the settings in different countries around the world. Environmental summits have been held in various nationsto discuss ways of dealing with issues affecting the surrounding. Water pollution is a major ecological disaster in the United States. The national scale is the most effective action that can be taken to deal with the problem.
The United States government developed the Water Pollution Control Act of 1948intending to reduce water pollution in the country. The law was made to expand federal water pollution research by providing low-interest loans and grants to local governments. According to the law, state water pollution control agencies would receive $3 million per year (Andrews, 2006). Besides, state water pollution control agencies would receive $50 million every year in the form of grants. The federal governments would pay 30% of the costs incurred in constructing wastewater treatment facilities required in the municipals. Presidents Johnson and Kennedy came withnew policies of dealing with water pollutions such as increasing financial assistance needed in sustaining municipal water treatment facilities (Andrews, 2006). The amount being allocated for water treatment facilities was increased to $100 million per year. Also, Congress added water quality control as one of its main agenda in water treatment facilities.
Currently, there are various agencies in theU.S. which deal with environmental issues such as soil, air and water pollution. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)is among the agencieswhich enforce federal safe drinking laws and clean water regulations in the country (Andrews, 2006). The agency enforces laws aimed at reducing the environmental impact being caused by businesses in the U.S. One of the policies made by EPA is that construction site owners need to embrace better management practices to avoid disturbing the soil near their constriction sites. This will help minimize water pollution for the pollutants discharged at the construction sites are washed to water bodies. These pollutants include nutrients, turbidity and sediments. The pollutants released from construction sites degrade surface water clarity, aquatic ecosystem health and drinking water supplies.
Sediment deposition leads to reduced navigation channels and water depth in water bodies such as lakes making people dredge in reservoirs, lakes, rivers, oceans, dams, wells, among others. The agency has imposed national monitoring requirements to ensure that all construction managers across the country adhere to the stipulated rules and regulations. The agency considers construction sites to be a severe issue of water pollution. Besides, the soil is among some of the significant agents of poor water quality in the country.Poor water quality has made governments realizethe need for creating enforceable laws across the country. Construction site storm water discharge is harmful for people`s consumption. This is because the release leads to toxicity in water bodies which supplies water to homes and industries manufacturing consumable products. The United States government is committed to improving water quality and reducing water pollution.
Response to Student 1
I agree with the student that the Paris Agreement is essential in dealing with environmental issues for it is bold step nations have taken towards solving environmental pollution. This is because ecological contamination should be carefully handled to minimize the adverse effects of aspects such as global warming. I agree with the student`s opinions regarding the importance of the Paris Agreement. The plan of incorporating all nations to participate in the Paris Agreement will help make positive progress towards achieving a safe environment for all people. I am for the idea that the plans stipulated in the Paris Agreement will help to reduce the impacts of environmental degradation. Global warming is among the many issues affecting us on a worldwide scale; thus, every nation needs to participate in dealing with the vice. In my opinion, the United States should not refrain from the initial plans. President Trump needs to uphold the agreement for the country is among the significant contributors towards global warming.
Response to Student 2
I agree with the student`s ideologies. Personal goals are crucial in minimizing environmental pollution; thus, people should be encouraged to develop strategies aimed at reducing pollution.I am also passionate about environmental conservation because air pollution motivated me towards pursuing a course related to environmental science. Air pollution laws help the federal government improve air quality. California has developed effective policies towards minimizing air pollution. Motor Vehicle Air Control Act and the Clean Air Act are some of the laws being enforced in California to ensure that people refrain from polluting the environment. In my opinion, the California Plant-Based Alliance will lead to a clean environment in California and promote sustainable development in the region. California will motivate other states to enforce policies that protect the environment.
References
Estes, N. (2019). Our history is the future: Standing Rock versus the Dakota Access Pipeline, and the long tradition of indigenous resistance. Verso.
Andrews, R. N. (2006). Managing the environment, managing ourselves: A history of American environmental policy. Yale University Press.