The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has one mission: “to protect human health and the environment.” This very broad mission demands federal regulation to be successful. Therefore, the EPA works to implement regulations that will lower health risks in our current environmental state. Here are 7 of the most notable regulations stamped and enforced by the EPA.

1. Clean Air Act (CAA)
   The CAA regulates air emissions that pose as a threat to humans, wildlife, and forestry. These hazardous pollutants have been minimized based on amendments to the CAA like the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
2. Clean Water Act (CWA)
   Originally titled the Federal Water Pollution Control Amendments of 1972, the CWA has come a long way. The CWA regulates discharges into any American body of water that may pollute the local wildlife. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requires permitting for any water discharges.
3. Endangered Species Act (ESA)
   The ESA features a rehabilitation program to conserve endangered species. This act requires the proper treatment of species on the endangered list. Disobeying these standards result could result in criminal charges and the extinction of an entire species.
4. Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA)
   Thank the FQPA for your safe meals. The FQPA sets limits pesticides on consumable products. Large amounts of pesticides are hazardous to consume.
5. Oil Pollution Act (OPA)
   The Coast Guard has protected ocean waters for years. Now, the OPA strengthened the ability to respond to oil spills.
6. Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)
   The SDWA sets standards for all accessible tap water. All public water authorities are required to test their water for any unsafe toxins or pollutants.
7. Shore Protection Act (SPA)
   The SPA prohibits the transportation waste by vessels without a licensed permit. This act is to avoid any spill accidents that dump waste into the ocean.

CEDARVILLE Engineering Group, LLC (CEG) supports environmentally friendly policies and regulation, including the NPDES stormwater management program. Call us at 610-705-4500 or email info@cedarvilleeng.com to find out more.

By: J. Auerbach