Overview of Environmental Laws and Regulations: Navigating the Green Maze - Paperback

Environmental Laws and Regulations Guide for Water and Wastewater Professionals

This comprehensive reference book provides water and wastewater professionals with clear explanations of the complex environmental laws that govern utility operations. Written by Joseph J. Bernosky, this guide translates legal requirements into accessible, nonlegal language.

Core Environmental Legislation Covered

The book examines major federal laws that directly impact water and wastewater utilities: - Safe Drinking Water Act - Clean Water Act - Clean Air Act - Resource Conservation and Recovery Act - Superfund legislation - Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act - Endangered Species Act - Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act Each piece of legislation is explained within the context of utility regulation, helping professionals understand how these laws apply to daily operations.

What This Guide Includes

The book provides a historical perspective on environmental regulations and examines how various laws interact with water and wastewater utilities. Coverage includes selected state environmental regulations, riparian water rights, and prior appropriation rights. The guide addresses regulatory overlaps, gaps in legislation, and the roles of environmental advocacy groups and stakeholders. Bernosky focuses on the scope and nature of regulations rather than specific technical requirements like Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). This approach makes the guide valuable for understanding the regulatory framework without getting lost in technical specifications.

Who Should Use This Book

This reference is designed for water and wastewater professionals navigating the "green maze" of environmental law. It serves legislators, regulators, utility managers, and anyone requiring knowledge of federal laws affecting water and wastewater treatment operations. The accessible writing style makes complex legal concepts understandable for non-lawyers.

Future Regulatory Trends

Beyond current regulations, the guide examines emerging regulatory trends that may affect water and wastewater utilities. This forward-looking perspective helps professionals anticipate changes in the regulatory environment. Published by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), this paperback reference provides practical guidance for compliance and operational decision-making in the water and wastewater industry.