Regulation of Forestry Related Nonpoint Source Pollution Under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972

A major category of pollution termed nonpoint1 in origin thus far has received little study or control under the statutory scheme to achieve, on a national basis, water quality fit for recreational use and wildlife by July 1, 1983. Diffuse in nature, and unsusceptible to control by permit as are under Section 402 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972,2 nonpoint source pollution has only now become the subject of comprehensive federal regulation pursuant to Sections 208 and 303 of the Act.3 According to an EPA official, nonpoint sources constitute a pollution problem possibly equal to or greater than the total problem caused by all point sources.4