🔍 Key Concepts

• U.S. water pollution laws such as the Clean Water Act and related Coast Guard regulations • How the law defines "pollutant" or "discharge of a pollutant" • The difference, if any, between oil, hazardous substances, and garbage under marine pollution rules

💭 Think About

• Ask yourself: does the law focus on just one type of contaminant, or does it group several harmful materials together as pollution? • Consider whether each listed item (oil, hazardous substances, garbage) can legally trigger reporting requirements, fines, or cleanup actions if discharged into U.S. waters. • Think about MARPOL and U.S. regulations: which of these materials have specific discharge limitations or prohibitions at sea?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify whether oil is specifically regulated as a pollutant under U.S. and international maritime law. • Verify whether hazardous substances (chemicals, toxic cargoes, etc.) are treated as pollutants when released into water. • Verify whether garbage (plastics, food waste, domestic refuse) is covered under marine pollution rules and subject to discharge restrictions.