What is the purpose of Section 401 of the Clean Water Act?

The purpose of Section 401 of the Clean Water Act is to ensure that any applicant for a federal permit or license must obtain certification from the state that the proposed activity will comply with state water quality standards. This means that before a federal permit is issued, state agencies have the opportunity to review projects that may affect water quality and to enforce local water policy through water quality certifications.

This section empowers states to protect their water resources effectively by ensuring that projects are in line with clean water goals. It requires that states assess the potential impacts of various activities on water quality and add conditions to permits to safeguard aquatic environments.

The focus on state water quality standards underscores the importance of local oversight in protecting waterways from pollution, thus enhancing the integrity of water resources at the local level. This approach helps integrate federal and state efforts to manage and protect water quality comprehensively.