Advocacy

It is important to understand that we can ALL help prevent Harmful Algal Blooms by taking action. I want to spread the word that The Clean Water for All Act recognizes that access to clean water is a fundamental right and needs to be supported. 

 

In contrast, the Navigable Waters Protection Rule aka Dirty Water Rule harms the health of our communities by allowing companies the freedom to pollute. We can't take clean water for granted. Tell your member of Congress to support the Clean Water for All Act (Section 401) and repeal the Dirty Water Rule!!!!  Please sign the petition.

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What is the Navigable Waters Protection Rule aka Dirty Water Rule (click here The Navigable Waters Protection Rule: Definition of “Waters of the United States” for the full details)?

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The Dirty Water Rule revoked federal protections for thousands of waterways and nearly half of all wetlands across the country, which was instated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) despite widespread public opposition.  How does this rule increase the chance of a Harmful Algal Bloom occurring?  Here are a few details.

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1. Sewage Blending Rule  - This would make it easier for wastewater treatment plants to release raw sewage blended with treated wastewater into waterways if their treatment systems get overwhelmed by major “wet weather” events.

2. Groundwater Loophole - pollution discharges into protected waters via groundwater are categorically excluded from Clean Water Act regulation. So, polluters can get away with polluting clean water by indirectly disposing of their waste through groundwater. 

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The above Rules will allow more nutrient pollution into our waters and therefore can increase the frequency and severity of Harmful Algal Blooms.