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1 1 (January 25, 2001)

handle is hein.crs/crsahdt0001 and id is 1 raw text is: Order Code RS20232 Updated January 25, 2001 The Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Program: Status and Legislative Issues Claudia Copeland Specialist in Resources and Environmental Policy Resources, Science, and Industry Division Summary In 1990, Congress enacted legislation requiring coastal states and territories to develop programs to help address the problem of nonpoint source pollution in coastal waters, which are especially threatened by pressures of population growth, development, and pollution. The coastal nonpoint pollution program is unique because it expressly links federal and state coastal zone management and water quality programs. Coastal states are now implementing these requirements. Congress has not changed the program since its enactment, but one issue receiving attention is whether to integrate the coastal nonpoint pollution program with activities under the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA). In the 106h Congress, CZMA legislation passed the Senate (S. 1534), and a separate bill was reported by a House committee (H.R. 2669), but no further action occurred. Whether the coastal nonpoint program will receive attention in the 107' Congress is unknown at this time. This report will be updated as developments warrant. Introduction Coastal environments face substantial challenges because of multiple pressures of population growth, economic development, and pollution. Population densities of coastal counties are five times the national average, and it is estimated that, from 1996 to 2015, the coastal population will increase from 141 to 161 million persons. Besides supporting people, coastal ecosystems support fisheries, prevent runoff, purify water supply, and mitigate floods, while providing recreation and resources such as lumber, fuel, and food. In coastal areas, water quality impairments have led to beach closures, prohibitions on harvesting shellfish, and loss of biological productivity in coastal habitats. In addition, the loss of wetlands and riparian areas, water withdrawals, and saltwater intrusion have adversely impacted coastal water quality. Coastal waters are affected by both point and nonpoint sources of pollution, with the latter in many cases the dominant form of pollution. Point source pollution is discharged from factories and municipal sewage treatment plants, usually from a pipe or defined outlet. Nonpoint source pollution is Congressional Research Service CRS Report for Congress Received through the CRS Web The Library of Congress

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