permitting system for point sources (factories, dairy processing) of water pollution
performance based standards
amended to include non-point sources

Performance based standards are an alternative to the traditional, command-and-control approach to water pollution control, where a pollutant-by-pollutant approach to limits and restrictions is set by legal authority. Performance based standards evaluate entire systems and allow for flexible, site-specific approaches to meet water quality goals for point sources as well as non-point sources. In such a system, all sources of pollution would be evaluated together, and limits adjusted to meet the total loadings of a particular pollutant taking into account all sources, rather than individual sources. This system can be beneficial where restrictions on non-point sources such as runoff or precipitation may be unenforceable, or where monitoring of individual sources is difficult. Such a system can also be more cost-effective, with high-benefit/low-cost options being explored first. Such adaptations to the permitting system may allow for broader environmental benefit, by using fewer resources to maintain water quality and reduce pollution from both point sources and non-point sources.