Which agency oversees the enforcement of the Clean Water Act (CWA)?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the agency responsible for the enforcement of the Clean Water Act (CWA). The CWA aims to restore and maintain the integrity of the nation's waters by preventing point and nonpoint sources of pollution. Under the CWA, the EPA has the authority to set water quality standards, regulate discharges of pollutants into water bodies, and oversee state-level implementation of the act's provisions. This includes issuing permits for discharges through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and ensuring compliance with water quality standards.

The other agencies listed have distinct roles that do not pertain to the enforcement of the CWA. For example, OSHA focuses on workplace safety and health regulations, while the Department of Transportation (DOT) oversees transportation policies and safety standards. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) deals primarily with public health issues and disease prevention, rather than environmental regulations concerning water quality. This delineation of agency responsibilities underscores the EPA's critical role in enforcing environmental laws related to water resources.