50 
National Environment Policy Act of 1969 
In January 1969, a blowout from an oil drilling platform in the 
Santa. Barbara Channel resulted in massive pollution of beaches and 
waterfront property, decreased recreational attractions along the 
coast, and destroyed much wildlife. This and other actions such as 
the Army’s disposal of obsolete toxic chemical munitions off the 
New Jersey and Florida coasts alarmed Congressional leaders and 
contributed to continuing legislative action expressing the concern 
of Congress for marine pollution and the deterioration of man’s 
environment. One result of this action was the National Environ- 
mental Policy Act of 1969 (Public Law 91-190). This Act established 
a national policy to encourage productive and enjoyable harmony 
between man and his environment, promote efforts to prevent and 
eliminate damage to the biosphere, stimulate the health and welfare 
of man, and enrich the understanding of ecological systems and 
natural resources important to the nation. In addition, the Act re- 
quired a statement to be prepared detailing the environmental impact 
of any proposed major Federal actions significantly affecting the 
quality of the human environment. A Council on Environmental 
‘Quality was created in the Executive Office of the President to review 
Federal programs and advise on matters covered under this broad 
mandate. An annual Environmental Quality Report is to be submitted 
by the President to Congress covering all aspects of the environment 
including air, marine, estuarine, fresh water, and terrestrial. 
Water Quality Improvement Act of 1970 
With the passage of the Water Quality Improvement Act of 1970 
(Public Law 91-224), major amendments were made in the Federal 
Water Pollution Control Act. These amendments dealt with oil pol- 
lution of our national waters from ships and facilities, both on-shore 
and off-shore, Federal permits and licenses, sewage pollution from 
vessels, and hazardous substances. Jurisdiction was extended into the 
contiguous zone which was defined as ‘‘the entire zone established or 
to be established by the United States under article 24 of the Conven- 
tion on the Territorial Sea and the Contiguous Zone.” *? An owner or 
operator guilty of violating this Act can be fined $10,000 and be liable 
for up to $14,000,000 in clean-up costs. In addition to oil, discharge 
of any substance deemed hazardous to health and welfare including 
fish, shellfish, wildlife, shorelines, and beaches is prohibited. Enforce- 
ment procedures of standards and regulations for marine pollution by 
sewage and garbage from vessels was also detailed. Title II of the 
Act, cited as the Environmental Quality Improvement Act of 1970, 
provided staff support for the Council of Environmental Quality to 
monitor Federal pollution control efforts. An Office of Environmental 
Quality was established in the Executive Office of the President. 
Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 
After extensive hearings, during which testimony was received from 
more than 400 witnesses, Congress passed the Federal Water Pollution 
Control Act Amendments of 1972 (Public Law 92-500) setting as a 
goal the complete elimination of pollution from America’s waters by 
1985. Secondary treatment facilities are required for all municipal 
49 Public Law 91-224 sec. 11(a) (9). 
