Water and Land Pollution in Dubuque

These flashcards cover key concepts related to water and land pollution, environmental laws, and their implications as presented in the lecture notes.

Clean Water Act

Federal law passed in 1972 that regulates discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States and sets quality standards for surface waters.

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

Federal law passed in 1970 aimed at protecting the environment by requiring federal agencies to assess the environmental impact of their proposed actions.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Federal agency established in 1970 tasked with monitoring and analyzing the environment and creating pollution control policies in collaboration with state and local governments.

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)

Federal law aimed at reducing waste and promoting recycling, covering the management of hazardous waste.

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)

A federal law aimed at cleaning up sites contaminated with hazardous waste, commonly known as the Superfund.

State Implementation Plans (SIPs)

Plans that allow each state to determine the emission standards required to meet federal air quality standards under the Clean Air Act.

Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)

The maximum amount of a pollutant that a waterbody can receive while still meeting water quality standards.

Point-source pollution

Pollution that originates from a single, identifiable source, such as a discharge pipe.

Non-point source pollution

Pollution that comes from multiple sources over a large area, often as runoff from land.

Clean Air Act

Federal law passed in 1970 designed to regulate air quality and limit emissions from stationary and mobile sources.

Biodiversity

The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat, considered to be important for maintaining ecological balance.

Pollution control policies

Regulations and measures implemented to reduce, manage, and mitigate pollution in the environment.

Earth Day

An annual event celebrated on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection.

Silent Spring

A groundbreaking book published by Rachel Carson in 1962 that raised awareness about the dangers of pesticides, particularly DDT.

Nitrate levels

Concentration of nitrogen compounds in water, which can be harmful to human health, especially in drinking water.