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Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act

California · WAT · §§ 13000 to 16201 · 413 sections

Overview

The Legislature finds and declares the following: (a) California’s wetland resources provide an abundance of benefits for humans and the environment, including, but not limited to, flood risk reduction, filtration of water pollutants, surface and groundwater supplies, shoreline protection, erosion reduction, wildlife habitat, open space, and public recreational opportunities. Wetlands are an important habitat for migratory waterfowl of the Pacific Flyway, endangered species, and many other resident wildlife and fish populations. (b) Scientists have determined that though small in area, wetlands are carbon sinks and wetland drainage leads to significant carbon and greenhouse gas emissions as stored carbon is oxidized. Management and restoration of wetlands provide many opportunities to restore carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. (c) Historical filling and development projects have reduced California wetlands to a mere 10 percent of their original extent. The loss of coastal wetlands is even more alarming with 95 percent of the formerly abundant lagoons and marshes along California’s 1,100-mile coastline having been destroyed. (d) In 1972, Congress enacted the Clean Water

Quoted from § 16200 — the act's own words.

In the courts

Sections of this act have been cited in 165 court decisions.

Most-cited authority: 39 Cal. 4th 1164 - Wells v. One2One Learning Foundation

Sections covered

Showing the first 400 of 413 sections — browse the full code.

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