Tributaries pour their pollution into Cleveland's harbor and thence to Lake Erie 

 {background). 



Violations must be identified by surveillance. Then, conferences between 

 the parties and public hearings are required before abatement orders are 

 issued. Court action can be sought only if abatement orders are not com- 

 plied with. 



By contrast, the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 prohibits any discharge, 

 other than liquid wastes from streets or sewers, into navigable waterways 

 unless the discharger possesses a special permit. The applicability of this 

 Act to pollution control efforts has been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, 

 and, in 1971, it became the primary vehicle for enforcing water quality 

 standards. Under the Act, dischargers are compelled to apply to the Army 

 Corps of Engineers for permits. To obtain a permit, it is necessary to file a 

 certification from the appropriate water pollution control agency that dis- 

 charge operations will not violate water quality standards. Discharging 

 refuse without a permit is a criminal offense. During Fiscal Year 1971, the 

 Department of Justice filed 246 actions on vdolations of the 1899 Act. 



The National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan 

 was developed in compliance with the Federal Water Pollution Control 

 Act. The objectives of this plan are to minimize damage resulting from 

 oil and hazardous substance discharge. Onsite coordination of contain- 

 ment or disposal operations in marine waters and the Great Lakes is provided 

 by the Coast Guard. The USGS is responsible for supervising oil-drilling 

 and production operations and pipeline transmissions. EPA coordinates 



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