(c) GRN
The Clean Water Act calls on each state to list its polluted water
bodies and to set priorities for their clean up. Water bodies are
placed on an "impaired waters list" (also known as a 303(d) list) when
they are too polluted or degraded to meet water quality
standards. Every two years, states must submit their impaired
waters lists to Congress. The purpose of this list is to
prioritize state waters and develop pollution reduction plans.
The listing of impaired waters is the important first step to
get polluted waters cleaned up. The GRN works to monitor this
process to make sure that polluted waters are not improperly or
prematurely removed. But we also need the help of the public to
make sure all of our polluted waters are listed. Here's a way you
can help:
If your local river, lake, or coastal water
is polluted but not on the list, you need to bring that
to your agency's attention. A sample letter
is provided to help you nominate a waterbody for inclusion. The more
data you can add to paragraph two, the better! If possible, follow up
on this letter by meeting with your agency to discuss listing your waterbody.
Although this letter is designed
for use by an organization, it can easily be modified to express your
concerns as a citizen.
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