Environmental Regulations (S2U4) Flashcards
Section 404 (Clean Water Act):
purpose states “to avoid to the extent possible the long and short term adverse impacts associated with the destruction or modification of wetlands and to avoid direct or indirect support of new construction in wetlands wherever there is a practicable alternative.”
Section 404 Permit (Clean Water Act)
A permit for activities involving the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters protected by the Clean Water Act .
Wetland Requirements
must have water in sufficient quantity, frequency, and duration.
Section 404 Permit applications are reviewed by who?
the US Army Corps of Engineers or by the state authority
Wetlands provide what 6 benefits?
1) Erosion Control
2) Flood & Storm Water Control
3) Habitat for fish & birds
4) Surface & Groundwater Protection
5) Natural Beauty
6) Pollution Treatment
Floodplains
areas of low-lying property adjacent to a water source, such as a river or lake
Floodway
the area of a floodplain where water flows during a flood.
Waterfront
property that abuts a body of water.
Coastal Zones Management Act
(1972) preserves, protects, develops and where possible, restores or enhances the resources of the nation’s coastal zone.
The Rivers & Harbors Appropriation Act
(1899) prohibits discharging refuse into, altering the course of, excavating, filling, or changing the condition or capacity of any port, harbor, or channel without a license or permit, or building any wharf, pier or other structure in any water outside established harbor lines without a permit.
National Environment Policy Act
NEPA - requires federal agencies to evaluate the environmental effects of their proposed actions before making decisions.
Environmental Impact Statement
EIS - describes the action that may impact the environment and will be used to consider ways to minimize the negative environmental impact of the project.
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, & Liability Act
(1980) CERCLA - A superfund to clean up abandoned or uncontrolled hazardous waste sites and respond to spills that may endanger public health or the environment.
and requires the responsible party to clean them up.
4 Phases of Environmental Site Assessment
1) Investigation
2) Testing
3) Clean up
4) Management
Superfund Amendments & Reauthorization Act
(1986) SARA - an “innocent landowner” is not responsible for contamination if they did not know about it when the property was purchased.
5 Federal Agencies that protect wetlands
1) US Army Corps of Engineers
2) Environmental Protection Agency
3) US Fish and Wildlife Service
4) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
5) Natural Resources Conservation Service
This government agency oversees navigation and water supply
US Army Corps of Engineers
This government agency directs wetland protection at the chemical, physical, and biological levels
Environmental Protection Agency
This government agency manages fish and wildlife game species and threatened and endangered species
US Fish and Wildlife Service
This government agency protects the nation’s coastal resources
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration
This government agency manages wetlands impacted by agricultural activities
Natural Resources Conservation Service
4 Benefits of floodplains
1) Store floodwaters
2) Prevent Erosion
3) Help maintain water quality
4) Act as natural water filters
True or False: New Residential Construction is prohibited in a floodplain
False: New residential construction is prohibited in a floodway.
What act encourages coastal states to develop and implement coastal zone management plans?
Coastal Zones Management Act of 1972
