LEX-FAOC113400

This Act provides for the abatement and control of pollution from land based sources, and lays down water quality standards and regulations. The Act shall apply to water quality management in all water bodies: fresh, brackish and marine waters. It shall be the policy of the State to: prevent, control and abate pollution of the country’s water resources; promote environmental strategies for the protection of water resources; formulate a national program of water quality management; promote commercial and industrial processes and products that are environment friendly and energy efficient; etc. The Act among other things shall provide for: the designation of water quality management areas by the Department, in coordination with the National Water Resources Board; the designation of water bodies where specific pollutants from either natural or man-made sources have already exceeded water quality guidelines as non-attainment areas for the exceeded pollutants; a national program on sewerage and septic management; domestic sewage collection, treatment and disposal; water pollution permits and charges; offences and penalties; etc.