When may civil remedies in the form of an injunction be needed?

Civil remedies in the form of an injunction are often necessary to prevent the threatened discharge of pollutants to publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) because such actions can safeguard water quality and public health. An injunction serves as a legal order that prevents a party from carrying out certain activities that could lead to illegal discharges or environmental harm.

In scenarios where there is an impending risk of pollutants being introduced into treatment facilities, an injunction can effectively halt those activities before they occur, thus preserving the efficacy of the treatment systems and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. This proactive approach helps maintain the integrity of the water ecosystem and protects community resources.

The other options relate to scenarios that do not typically warrant the need for an injunction. Increasing industrial discharge or promoting industrial expansion can lead to more environmental harm rather than protection, while reducing local environmental regulations would undermine the efforts to enforce water quality standards.