Arizona Contractors License Practice Exam

What is the primary focus of the Clean Water Act?

1. Regulating air quality

2. Controlling discharges of pollutants into U.S. waters

3. Setting safety standards for construction sites

4. Managing hazardous waste disposal

The correct answer is: Controlling discharges of pollutants into U.S. waters

The primary focus of the Clean Water Act is to control discharges of pollutants into U.S. waters. This landmark legislation aims to restore and maintain the integrity of the nation’s waters by preventing, reducing, and eliminating pollution. The act provides the framework for regulating the pollutant discharge into the waters of the United States and establishes quality standards for surface waters. Key provisions include the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), which requires facilities discharging pollutants into waters to obtain permits, thus ensuring that any discharges meet specific quality standards to protect water quality and aquatic life. This regulatory approach works to safeguard drinking water sources and promote the use of clean water for recreational purposes. In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of environmental regulation that fall outside the scope of the Clean Water Act. For instance, regulating air quality pertains to the Clean Air Act, setting safety standards for construction sites involves Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, and managing hazardous waste disposal is covered by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Each of these regulations plays a crucial role in environmental protection but targets distinct areas of concern separate from water pollution control.