Which act aims to control pollutant discharge into surface waters?

The Clean Water Act is the principal legislation aimed at regulating pollutant discharges into the waters of the United States. It establishes the framework for maintaining and restoring the integrity of the nation's waters by setting water quality standards and regulating the discharge of pollutants into surface waters, including rivers, lakes, and streams. This act is critical for protecting aquatic ecosystems and ensuring that water bodies meet necessary quality standards for fishing, swimming, and other uses.

Through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, the Clean Water Act provides a mechanism for controlling the discharge of pollutants from various sources, including industrial facilities and municipal wastewater treatment plants. The act also supports the development of statewide water quality standards and requires states to monitor and report on the quality of their waters, ensuring a comprehensive approach to water protection.

The other acts mentioned do not specifically focus on controlling pollutant discharges into surface waters. The National Environmental Policy Act promotes environmental assessments and impact statements for federal projects, while the Freshwater Protection Act and Environmental Restoration Act are less commonly referenced and do not carry the same regulatory burden or focus on water pollutant discharges as the Clean Water Act.