Legal Problems in Water Pollution Control

The history of enforcement legislation and practices in New York are traced and problem areas defined in respect to federal-state relations with the following major conclusions drawn: (1) standards for surface and ground water provide a sound basis for a water pollution control program; (2) enforcement programs should be aimed at strengthening regional solutions where these have shown to be feasible through comprehensive planning; (3) water pollution laws should be expanded and interpreted through rules and regulations adopted by a Board or Commission representing various parts of society which use water; (4) a well-managed permit system is essential and should be supported by a monitoring program; (5) the control of runoff from farm land and mining areas is not amenable to the same approach as for point sources.