13.8 LEGISLATION RELATED TO WATER RESOURCE CONSERVATION
Since the early 1970s, a number of laws and policies have sought to ensure that transportation planners and decision makers duly consider the impact of transportation activities on natural water sources. Some of these laws are discussed below. National Environmental Policy Act (1969). In estab- lishing a national policy regarding environmental pro- tection, NEPA ushered in a new period of environ mental legislation. This act requires all agencies to
assess the environmental impact of implementing any project requiring federal action Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (1969). This act estab lishes the Wild and Scenic River System and protects rivers designated for their pristine and scenic value from activities that may affect those values adversely Clean Water Act (1972). The Clean Water Act is the primary authority for water pollution control programs and is aimed at restoring and maintaining the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of natural water resources. Among other provisions, the act sets national goals to eliminate the discharge of pollutants into navigable waters and protects the quality of water for aquatic and terrestrial organisms Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (1972). This act provides a permitting process to control the ocean dumping of dredged material. Coastal Zone Management Act (1972). This act was passed in response to the public concern for balanced preservation and development activities in coastal Section 404 Regulatory Program (1972). The Sect- ion 404 Regulatory Program states that it is unlawful to discharge dredged or fill material into rivers, lakes, streams, tidal waters, and most wetlands without the necessary authorization, permit, or exemptions. Safe Drinking Water Act (1974). In seeking to protect the nation's sources of drinking water, this act autho rized the EPA to develop regulations for protecting underground sources of drinking water and to estab lish maximum contaminant levels to protect public health