Clean Air Act
The Clean Air Act (CAA) is the comprehensive federal law that regulates air emissions
from stationary and mobile sources in order to control air pollution. The CAA also gives
the EPA the authority to limit emissions of air pollutants originating from sources such as
chemical plants, utilities, and steel mills. Under the CAA, the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) establishes limits for six criteria pollutants through the National Ambient Air
Quality Standards (NAAQS). Standards are established to protect public health and
welfare. Individual states may have more stringent air pollution laws, but they may not
have lower standards than those set by the EPA. Under the law, states have to develop
State Implementation Plans (SIPs) that outline how each state will control air pollution
under the CAA.
The EPA has designated portions of Pinal County, including some areas within the JLUS
Project Area, as moderate nonattainment for particulate matter between 2.5 and
10 microns in size, also referred to as PM10. The area in Pinal County designated as
moderate nonattainment for PM10 is referred to as West Pinal. As a result of this
designation, the State of Arizona and Pinal County are required to take actions to reduce
PM10 emissions and bring the nonattainment area into compliance with the NAAQS.
Clean Water Act
The Clean Water Act (CWA) governs and provides guidance for the management of water
resources and controls and monitors water pollution in the U.S. The CWA establishes the
goal of eliminating the release of toxic substances and other sources of water pollution to
ensure that surface waters meet high quality standards.
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
Per the CWA, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit
program controls water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge into
U.S. waters. Point sources are discrete conveyances such as pipes or man‐made ditches.
According to the NPDES, individual homes that are connected to a municipal system, that
use a septic system, or that do not have a surface discharge do not need an NPDES
permit; however, industrial, municipal, and other facilities must obtain permits if they
discharge directly to surface waters.
Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act
The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)
was passed in 1980 and is designed to assist in the clean‐up of sites with hazardous
contaminants and to respond directly to the release, or the threatened release, of
hazardous substances that may endanger public health or the environment. Among
other items, the CERCLA:
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Planning & Compatibility Tools