Think BLUE Louisiana
Clean Water Act
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The EPA’s Clean Water Act (1972) introduced legislation to govern water pollution by developing water quality standards in the United States. Initially, the focus was on limiting “point source” discharges (from specific industrial, municipal, or agricultural sources). The EPA began the Nationwide Urban Runoff Program in the 1980’s to determine the severity of nonpoint source pollution (stormwater runoff across the ground and then into the stream). Demonstration program grants were created to further research and development. Regulation of nonpoint source of emissions stalled. Water quality standards were developed based upon the risks associated w/contacting hazardous materials and protecting use of the water body: recreation, water supply, aquatic life, agriculture. The term “impaired waterway” was selected to indicate a water body that fails to meet EPA standards. Those designated as impaired will state uses that have been limited by this determination. Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL's) are the maximum allowable emission levels for each pollutant in each water body.
Updates
The term “watershed” refers to an area that drains into a common waterway: river, lake, or stream. The LA Department of Environmental Quality is currently working to establish TMDL’s for each stream watershed in the State of Louisiana. Problems increase with development as paving increases. Runoff is not treated in the same was as sewerage so it moves directly into the waterway. With the increase in paving comes an increase in runoff. This increased runoff equates to an increase in erosion and pollution in streams and other water bodies.
Green Infrastructure
Many municipal wastewater systems are reaching the end of their productive lifetimes and will soon require replacement. In response to this problem, EPA has instituted a Sustainable Water/Green Infrastructure approach as a long term solution to providing the public with clean and safe water. The way to create sustainable water resources is to develop sustainable communities. Sustainable/Green infrastructure can include natural forests and wetlands, as well as constructed/manmade systems that mimic natural ones: rain gardens, reconstructed wetlands/forests, and previous paving.
Green infrastructure has many benefits. It replaces forests lost to development, reduces runoff, and replaces wildlife habitats. It also improves livability and the quality of life by reducing pollutants in waterways and lowering threats to public health.
Green infrastructure has many benefits. It replaces forests lost to development, reduces runoff, and replaces wildlife habitats. It also improves livability and the quality of life by reducing pollutants in waterways and lowering threats to public health.
Think BLUE Louisiana
Think BLUE is a clean water initiative of the Land Trust for Southeast Louisiana. We are funded by a grant from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ). The Land Trust for Southeast Louisiana holds properties throughout Southeast Louisiana, an area experiencing rapid development that threatens our natural environment. As stewards, our goal is to preserve open lands for future generations. We work with individual landowners to preserve and protect their property through conservation easements, land donations, and purchases. Ours is a collaborative, community driven program with clean water goals. We can only achieve them through behavioral change and depend upon the support of local governments and people like you.
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