Which of the following is a requirement of the Federal Clean Water Act?

The Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) is a key piece of legislation aimed at regulating water quality and controlling water pollution in the United States. A significant requirement of the CWA is the establishment of a national permit system that governs discharges of pollutants into waters of the United States. This system is known as the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), which requires facilities that discharge pollutants to obtain a permit and adhere to specific discharge limits, monitoring, and reporting requirements.

The other options do not accurately represent the requirements outlined in the Clean Water Act. While the act aims to reduce pollution and improve water quality, it does not mandate the complete elimination of all water pollution, as this is not feasible in practice. The use of biodegradable materials and mandatory recycling programs are not specific requirements of the CWA, although they may contribute to pollution prevention and resource management efforts. The focus of the CWA is specifically on regulating point-source discharges and ensuring that water bodies meet designated water quality standards, which is encapsulated in the requirement for a national permit system.