Mitigation for Reservoir Projects Part II: Current Environmental Legislation Considerations

Abstract

within the state of Georgia, the construction of a number of drinking water supply reservoirs, including regional reservoirs has been proposed. The development of these reservoirs is regulated by numerous federal and state laws. These laws serve to regulate environmental impacts to natural habitats and unique cultural and natural resources. Current environmental legislation that has the most significant economic and political impact on reservoir development includes: Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Clean Water Act), National Environmental Policy Act of 1970, Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, Endangered Species Act of 1973 and the Natural Historic Preservation Act of 1966 as amended. The Georgia Water Quality Control Act also provides for mitigation through the implementation of water quality standards.