Editing Merrimack River (section)

===Restoration efforts===

The Federal [[Clean Water Act]] of 1972 led to significant improvement for the Merrimack River. The law required sewage to be treated before being discharged into waterways.<ref name=":0" /> Federal funding allowed officials to create the river's infrastructure, specifically funding for [[wastewater treatment]] plants (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 2006). Following these changes in the river's infrastructure, there was a noticeable change in wildlife and aquatic life. Birds, fish, and other animals returned to inhabit the river, with citizens noting specifically seeing much more [[American shad]], [[striped bass]], [[trout]], and [[Atlantic salmon]]. The involvement of local volunteers in monitoring and maintaining the river has provided effective restoration efforts over the years.<ref name=":0" />