What federal act regulates stormwater discharges?

The Clean Water Act is the federal legislation that specifically regulates stormwater discharges in the United States. Enacted in 1972, this act aims to restore and maintain the integrity of the nation's waters by preventing point and nonpoint source pollution. It establishes the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, which requires facilities that discharge pollutants into waters to obtain a permit. This program includes regulations for stormwater discharges from construction sites, industrial operations, and municipal systems, making the Clean Water Act the cornerstone of surface water quality protection.

Understanding the importance of the Clean Water Act in regulating stormwater management is crucial for ensuring that discharges do not harm aquatic ecosystems or public health. Other acts listed, while relevant to environmental protection, do not primarily focus on stormwater discharges or do so in a limited context, thus highlighting the significance of the Clean Water Act in this area.