Envs 404/504 - University of Idaho

University of Idaho
Department of Environmental Science
Prof. Kris Thompson

Class Schedule: Wednesdays 6:00-7:00pm

This course will acquaint the student with the basic concepts of the Federal Clean Water Act and help them apply these concepts to contemporary water quality issues relevant to the student’s own experience.

Overview: This course is designed to accomplish two (2) purposes. First, it is designed acquaint the student with the basic concepts of the Federal Clean Water Act. Next, it is given to then apply these concepts to contemporary water quality issues relevant to the student’s own experience. A balance of legal, technical, and social policy concepts will be discussed.

The following topics will be taught:

	History, including the original goals of the act, and current configuration of the Act including legislative process, application to the states and general jurisdiction issues. Also, finding the law and the mechanics of legal study.
	Definitions and mechanics of the acts including the administrative law process, enforcement and litigation
	Impaired water bodies- with concentration on issues in Idaho and the Pacific Northwest. Requirements for designation and listing and various influences on the process from the state, lobbying groups and public interests.
	Total Maximum Daily Loading
	NPDES permitting process
	Water Quality Monitoring
	Watershed Management