What is one requirement of the Federal Clean Water Act?

The Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) primarily aims to restore and maintain the integrity of the nation's waters by establishing a framework for regulating discharges of pollutants. One of its key components is the requirement for permits for any point source discharges into navigable waters, which includes ocean discharges of treated wastewater or sewage. This is implemented through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), which requires facilities that discharge pollutants into waters of the United States to obtain a permit.

The requirement for permits ensures that the discharges meet the set water quality standards and do not negatively affect aquatic ecosystems or public health. This regulatory mechanism is essential for managing water quality and holding dischargers accountable for their impact on the environment.

In contrast, the other options do not reflect the intent or requirements of the CWA. Setting local water quality standards, for example, typically falls under state powers rather than federal mandates. Allowing unregulated wastewater discharge and exempting treatment facilities from oversight would directly contradict the goals of the CWA, which seeks tighter regulation and monitoring of water quality to prevent pollution.