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Water Pollution Control Administration has a singularly complex 

 and essential program. 



In carrying oiit its pollution control program, this Agency conducts 

 a series of major programs in the estuarine zone. Briefly, these pro- 

 grams include comprehensive water quality management planning, 

 technical services, construction grants program, enforcement, water 

 quality standards and research. 



The comprehensive water quality management planning program 

 in the estuarine zone involves the coordination of the in-house water 

 pollution control planning efforts with water resources planning con- 

 ducted by other Federal, State, and interstate planning agencies to 

 ensure adequate consideration of water quality factors. It also provides 

 the means for systematic evaluation of multiple resource needs to meet 

 future demands. This includes development of programs relating to 

 the control of water pollution in the estuarine zone. Water quality 

 management planning grants are made to State and local govern- 

 ments. Under Executive Order 11288, FWPCA carries out certain re- 

 view and consultation responsibilities for the Department in connection 

 with wastes from Federal activities. The Corps of Engineers dredge 

 and fill permits on estuarine and coastal areas are reviewed in regard 

 to effects on water quality. 



The technical support program operates water quality surveillance 

 networks and sampling programs (in cooperation with the Geological 

 Survey) and conducts special studies on the character, effects and 

 abatement of water pollution including that related to vessel wastes, 

 dredging activities, thermal discharges, municipal and industrial 

 waste discharges, land drainage and salt water intrusion. In addition, 

 the program operationally axiministered the Oil Pollution Act of 1924, 

 as amended, and develops and coordinates the implementation of the 

 national multiagency oil and hazardous materials pollution contin- 

 gency plan and the supporting regional plans. 



Enforcement proceedings are conducted to abate pollution of coastal 

 waters and also when there are violations of water quality standards. 

 Some 14 enforcement proceedings have been carried out in the estu- 

 arine areas. 



The research and development program provides for increasing the 

 knowledge and techniques for monitoring water quality in the es- 

 tuarine zone, for recovering those areas damaged by pollution through 

 a variety of means, and for determining the effects of water pollution 

 on estuarine life. The Federal Water Pollution Control Administra- 

 tion has an extensive research and development program involving the 

 detection, control and clean-up of oils spilled into harbors, rivers, and 

 estuaries. 



Recently accomplished activities of the Federal Water Pollution 

 Control Administration include : 



(1) the partial or complete approval by the Secretary, of interstate 



