Which federal agency is responsible for enforcing water quality standards under the Clean Water Act?

Which federal agency is responsible for enforcing water quality standards under the Clean Water Act?

• A. Department of Energy (DOE)
• B. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
• C. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• D. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Answer: (C)

Under the Clean Water Act, the Environmental Protection Agency handles water quality standards at the federal level. The EPA sets nationwide water quality criteria, oversees state programs, and administers the permit system that controls discharges into bodies of water. States carry out daily permitting and inspections under EPA oversight, but the federal enforcement authority comes from the EPA. The other agencies focus on energy, coastal information, or workplace safety, not on enforcing Clean Water Act water quality standards.

Under the Clean Water Act, the Environmental Protection Agency handles water quality standards at the federal level. The EPA sets nationwide water quality criteria, oversees state programs, and administers the permit system that controls discharges into bodies of water. States carry out daily permitting and inspections under EPA oversight, but the federal enforcement authority comes from the EPA. The other agencies focus on energy, coastal information, or workplace safety, not on enforcing Clean Water Act water quality standards.