Should we aim for "zero discharge" of toxic water pollutants and why?

Peter answers: Yes, we should. Since 1972, that has been the Clean Water Act's goal, but we are still far from achieving it. "Zero discharge" means that we need not spend all our time and effort figuring exactly how much waste a stream can take, but can know the stream is safe. Since waste toxics are also wasted raw material, zero discharge means less economic waste. Zero discharge also means there is room for growth. Finally, zero discharge is (or can be) easier to verify and enforce -- you need not do complicated chemical analyses of waste waters.

What are PCB's and how do they contaminate water?

Peter answers: PCB's (polychlorinated biphenyls) are a family of 209 related colorless, oily compounds that are now banned in the U.S. but were used for years as an electric insulating fluid. They are highly toxic and can disrupt the human endocrine system which regulates, among other things, reproduction and growth. PCBs virtually never biodegrade. For years, General Electric dumped PCBs from several factories into the Hudson River -- over a million pounds -- leaving it a toxic mess, with many of the fish unfit to eat and a formerly thriving striped bass fishing industry in shambles. G.E. and other companies also dumped PCBs in many other waterways around the country, and spills from transformers and other devices containing PCBs have contaminated other waters all around the world. The active cleanup and removal of these toxins is necessary since they do not degrade to harmless chemicals on their own.

Do my soaps and detergents harm local waters?

Peter answers: It depends on the brand you use. Many contain phosphates and phosphorus. These are nutrients, and when added to water they cause algae blooms which suffocate fish and other marine life by using up the oxygen in the water. Many detergents are now made without phosphates, however, so look for labels that say "phosphate free."

I live near a golf course -- is my tap water safe to drink?

What's the best way to find a job in environmental law with the government?

Peter answers: Look broadly and keep an open mind. Remember that every level of government has a law department -- the U.S. Department of Justice, state attorneys general and city attorneys -- and lawyers work within specific government agencies as well (the Environmental Protection Agency, the Interior Department and the Energy Department, to name a few at the federal level). So look at both the law agencies and at the counsel's office within federal, state and city agencies that address environmental, energy, land use, sanitation, water, fishery or other issues of interest.

Second, remember branch offices. The federal government works not just in Washington, D.C., but in virtually every city in the country. State attorneys general often have offices in cities other than the capital of the state. Third, think about local government, especially in bigger cities. The actions of local governments have broad environmental impacts on many fronts -- from water supplies, to sewage, landfills, roads and parks. Many cities are not environmentally progressive, but could be pushed that way from inside (I know -- I did that for years before coming to NRDC).

Keep trying and keep your spirits and energy level up. You can do good from virtually anywhere you end up if you really try.

Why should we care about protecting swamps?

Peter answers: Wetlands are actually among our most valuable ecosystems. In addition to supporting an incredible array of fish, birds and other wildlife, wetlands serve as natural filters, removing toxic contaminants from our rivers, lakes and coastal waters. They also prevent flooding by acting as natural sponges.