A developer has proposed to build a retail mall in a long-neglected area of your town. Most people in town support the move because it would bring business and interest to the area. However, a portion of the proposed site is believed to be wetlands.
As the president of the local conservation group, how would you use the Clean Water Act to oppose the proposal?
Alternatively, as the developer of the proposal, what would you do to satisfy requirements of the Clean Water Act and still get the job done?
Sample Solution
As president of the local conservation group, I would use the Clean Water Act to oppose the proposal as it could have potentially damaging impacts on our environment. The Clean Water Act (CWA) is a federal law that regulates pollution and protects our nation’s water resources; this includes protecting wetlands from any activities which may disrupt their natural states or cause irreparable harm. Under the CWA, developers must receive a permit before engaging in any activity within protected waters – including wetlands – by demonstrating that no significant environmental damage will result from their actions.
Sample Solution
As president of the local conservation group, I would use the Clean Water Act to oppose the proposal as it could have potentially damaging impacts on our environment. The Clean Water Act (CWA) is a federal law that regulates pollution and protects our nation’s water resources; this includes protecting wetlands from any activities which may disrupt their natural states or cause irreparable harm. Under the CWA, developers must receive a permit before engaging in any activity within protected waters – including wetlands – by demonstrating that no significant environmental damage will result from their actions.