History Of ESC Laws

Question 1

In 1935 the Soil Erosion Service was renamed the Soil Conservation Service (SCS). What is the SCS now known as?

Answer 1

the National Resource Conservation Service

Module 3 / Page 3

Question 2

In 1948, what Act was put in place?

Answer 2

The Federal Water Pollution Control Act

Module 3 / Page 3

Question 3

Describe the importance of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1948.

Answer 3

This Act referenced clean water as a resource and the importance of protecting water quality. It also set the precedent for a federal authority to regulate water quality.

(Module 3 / Page 3)

Question 4

Who created the Soil Erosion Service in 1933 in response to the Dust Bowl?

Hint: This person once said, “The nation that destroys its soil destroys itself.”

Answer 4

President Franklin D. Roosevelt

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Question 5

What was created when in 1972, Congress passed major amendments to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act?

Answer 5

The Clean Water Act

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Question 6

What two major changes did the Clean Water Act bring about?

Answer 6

• Consolidated the control of water pollution policy under the administration of the newly created US Environmental Protection Agency.
• Established the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Program, to control water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants.

(Model 3 / Page 3)

Question 7

What were the recommendations of a task force studying the issue of sedimentation across Virginia in 1971?

Answer 7

• Sedimentation problems existed statewide
• a Statewide program should be adopted to address erosion and sedimentation

(Module 3 / Page 4)

Question 8

Since Virginia is a Dillon Rules state, what does the Dillon Rule mean?

Answer 8

Municipal governments only have the powers that are:
- Expressly granted to them by the state legislature
- Those that are necessarily implies from that grant of power
- Those which are essential and indispensable to the municipality’s existence and functioning
(Module 3 / Page 4)

Question 9

When was the Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Law adopted?

Answer 9

It was adopted in 1973 as an addendum to the Soil and Water Conservation District Law.

(Module 4 / Page 5)

Question 10

What was the importance of the Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Law?

Answer 10

It required the Commision to establish statewide criteria, standards, and guidelines for the effective control of soil erosion, sediment deposition, and non-agricultural runoff from regulated land-disturbing activities to prevent the unreasonable degradation of properties, stream channels, waters, and other natural resources.
(Module 4 / Page 5)