Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act (1997):
An addition to the 1966 act, it ensures that the
national Wildlife Refuge System is managed as a national system of lands and waters and is in the interest of
the protection and conservation of the nation's wildlife resources.
Noise Control Act (1972):
Works toward reducing and eliminating noise pollution that poses a threat to hu-
man health and welfare.
Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act (1990):
Establishes rules and regulations to
prevent the introduction and spread of introduced aquatic nuisance species, as well as the brown tree snake.
This is administered by the Department of Agriculture.
Ocean Dumping Act:
See the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA).
Oil Pollution Act (OPA) (1990):
Addresses the prevention of and response to catastrophic oil spills, including
a tax on oil used to clean up spills when the responsible party is incapable or unwilling to do so. It also requires
that oil companies submit plans to the government outlining how oil storage facilities and vessels will respond
to an accident if one should occur, and establishes regulations for aboveground storage facilities and oil
tankers. The development of an Area Contingency Plan is also required. This plan explains the preparation and
planning for oil spill response on a regional scale.
Oil Pollution Prevention Act (OPP) (1990):
Mandates that facilities with oil or fuel storage capacity greater
than 1,320 gallons create spill prevention, control, and countermeasures (SPCC) plans.
Pollution Prevention Act (PPA) (1990):
Examines the efficient reduction of pollution through changes in pro-
duction, operation, and the use of raw materials. The goal is to address pollution issues at the source prior to
production, as opposed to monitoring waste or pollution emitted from the source after production.
Public Rangelands Improvement Act (1978):
Balances the management of public rangelands for sustainable
use and productivity. It also sets a fair and equitable fee for the use of this land and protects populations of wild
burros and horses. This law is administered by the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service.
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) (1976):
Controls hazardous waste throughout its entire
life cycle, including generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal. RCRA also manages nonhaz-
ardous solid waste.
Rivers and Harbors Act (1899):
Requires Congressional approval before building a dam, bridge, pier, wharf,
jetty, or dike in or over a waterway. It also specifies that a waterway cannot be filled, excavated, or altered
without federal approval. This act is administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) (1974):
Serves to protect drinking water sources, both above and below
ground. Minimum standards are set for drinking water quality.
Soil Conservation Act (1935):
Established the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) to address soil erosion issues
and preserve natural resources. This law is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) (1986):
Reauthorized cleanup activities of haz-
ardous waste sites through the Comprehensive Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). This in-
cludes amendments, clarification of definitions, and technical requirements to CERCLA and also authorized
the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA).
Surface Mine Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) (1977):
Regulates coal-mining activities to protect
both humans and environments. It also governs the restoration of abandoned mining locations.
