The centerpiece of the Clean Air Act of 1970 is the national ambient air quality standards (NAAQSs). The EPA coordinates with the States to obtain the NAAQSs. The Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA) of 1972 mandated significant changes in the way water quality is controlled in the United States. The Clean Water Act of 1977 (CWA), the Water Quality Act of 1987 (WQA) and the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 were amendments that formed a comprehensive system of water pollution control.

1. Explain what the NAAQSs are and what they measure.

1. The States are required to develop SIPs. What purpose do the SIPs serve?

3. Under the FWPCA and the CWA discharge permits are required for all discrete point sources of discharges. Explain how the permit system operates.