Legal Tools for Reducing HABs In Lake Erie
Legal Tools for Reducing HABs In Lake Erie Kenneth Kilbert University of Toledo College of Law March 2012
Point v. Nonpoint • “Point source” – Clean Water Act § 502(14): any discernible, confined, discrete conveyance • Nonpoint source – Undefined: diffuse sources other than point • Legal distinction is critical – Points heavily regulated (NPDES permit, etc. ) – Nonpoints not so much
Federal Nonpoint Source Programs • Clean Water Act – Section 208 – Section 319 • Coastal Zone Management Act – Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program
Ohio Agricultural Nonpoint Source Authorities • ORC ch. 903 and CAFFs – Ohio Admin. Code 901: 10 – Permit To Install, Permit To Operate • ORC ch. 1511 and Agricultural Pollution Abatement Program – Ohio Admin. Code 1501: 15 -5 – BMPs, “distressed watershed”, cost-sharing
Recommendations • Agriculture – Designate more “distressed watersheds” – Rules setting minimum BMPs, streamlining enforcement – Amend “CAFF” definition • Water quality trading • Ban phosphorus lawn fertilizer • Numeric water quality standards
Recommendations (Cont. ) • • More TMDLs Strengthen NPDES permits Home sewage treatment systems Restrict open lake disposal Limit phosphate addition to water systems Attain final approval of Ohio CNPCP plan Prioritize grant funding
- Slides: 6