HISTORY OF WATER POLLUTION
Dec, 12 1948
Federal Water Pollution Control Act
Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1948. Created a comprehensive set of water quality programs that also provided some financing for state and local governments. Enforcement was limited to interstate waters. The Public Health Service provided financial and technical assistance.
Apr, 13 1971
New Mexico Farmers Stopped using pesticide
In 1971, a federal Court of Appeals upheld the right of the state of Texas to seek an injunction to stop New Mexico farmers from using a pesticide that polluted a river used by Texas citizens.
Aug, 13 1972
Water Pollution Actions
In 1972, when the Supreme Court reasserted that a federal common law basis exists for water pollution actions.
Mar, 16 1981
Right of Chemical Waste
in 1981, the Illinois EPA, backed by the U.S. EPA, supported the right of a chemical waste landfill, which was alleged to be causing damage to a nearby village, to remain in operation.
Jul, 24 1985
The Clean Water Act
The Clean Water Act is the primary federal law in the United States governing water pollution. Commonly abbreviated as the CWA, the act established the goals of eliminating releases of high amounts of toxic substances into water, eliminating additional water pollution by 1985.
Sep, 16 1987
Water Quality Act
Water Quality Act of 1987 Congress responded to the stormwater problem by requiring that industrial stormwater dischargers and municipal separate storm sewer systems obtain NPDES permits, by specific deadlines. The permit exemption for agricultural discharges continued, but Congress created a nonpoint source pollution demonstration grant program at EPA to expand the research and development of nonpoint controls and management practices
Apr, 13 1990
The Oil Pollution Act
The Oil Pollution Act (101 H.R.1465, P.L. 101-380[1]) was passed by the 101st United States Congress, and signed by President George H. W. Bush, to mitigate and prevent civil liability from the future oil spills off the coast of the United States.
Oct, 13 1990
Dumping of Sweage Sludge Terminated
In 1990, the dumping of sewage sludge was terminated in all countries in North-Western Europe, apart from the UK. Dumping was terminated in the UK in 1998.
Jul 16, 1998
Exxon Valdez
In April 1998, Exxon argued in a legal action against the federal government that the Exxon Valdez should be allowed back into Alaskan waters.
Jun 12, 2012
Dumping of Industrial Waste Terminated
In 1989, the dumping of industrial waste was terminated in all countries in North-Western Europe, apart from the UK. Dumping was terminated in the UK in 1993.