Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Environmental Sciences Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration

The University of Maine

Clean Water Act

Publication Year

Articles 1 - 4 of 4

Full-Text Articles in Environmental Sciences

Before And After The Clean Water Act: How Science, Law, And Public Aspirations Drove Seven Decades Of Progress In Maine Water Quality, David L. Courtemanch, Susan P. Davies, Eileen Sylvan Johnson, Rebecca Schaffner, Douglas Suitor May 2023

Before And After The Clean Water Act: How Science, Law, And Public Aspirations Drove Seven Decades Of Progress In Maine Water Quality, David L. Courtemanch, Susan P. Davies, Eileen Sylvan Johnson, Rebecca Schaffner, Douglas Suitor

Maine Policy Review

In the 1950s, Maine established a water quality classification system creating the conceptual scaffolding of a tiered system of management. Passage of the federal Clean Water Act in 1972 drove dramatic advances in science, technology, and policy leading to systematic improvement for the next five decades. Today’s tiered classification system provides a range of management goals from natural to various allowable uses. The state assigns uses and standards for each classification, incorporating physical, chemical, and biological indicators. This system has brought steady improvement in water quality, ecological condition, and overall value for human use. Visible evidence of improvement and adoption …


The Clean Water Act In Maine: Goals And Financing, Andrew Fisk Jan 2008

The Clean Water Act In Maine: Goals And Financing, Andrew Fisk

Maine Policy Review

Andrew Fisk gives an overview of the history of the federal Clean Water Act and of Maine’s efforts to improve the quality of the state’s lakes, rivers and streams. He describes how the Clean Water Act works and how its provisions are implemented. While the quality of Maine’s water bodies has improved greatly, much work still remains to be done in the areas of rain and stormwater runoff and mercury pollution, and in having adequate financing and infrastructure over the long term.


The Safe Drinking Water And Clean Water Acts: A Small Community View, Steve Levy Jan 1992

The Safe Drinking Water And Clean Water Acts: A Small Community View, Steve Levy

Maine Policy Review

The Safe Drinking Water Act of 1986 and the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1991 present significant financial and technical challenges to municipalities in Maine and other states as they struggle to meet compliance standards. Steve Levy, executive director of the Maine Rural Water Association, offers a view of the effects of these requirements on rural communities.


The Safe Drinking Water And Clean Water Acts: A Large City View, Chris Branch Jan 1992

The Safe Drinking Water And Clean Water Acts: A Large City View, Chris Branch

Maine Policy Review

The Safe Drinking Water Act of 1986 and the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1991 present significant financial and technical challenges to municipalities in Maine and other states as they struggle to meet compliance standards. Chris Branch, public works director and city engineer for Lewiston, presents a large community perspective.