How to Get an Industrial Wastewater Discharge Permit

By: WebFx
Post Date: August 26th 2024

With almost 11,000 facilities illegally releasing industrial discharge into nearby water supplies or exceeding stated limits, improving wastewater management is critical. Industrial wastewater permits are one way to preserve your local water quality and protect delicate ecosystems. They specify pollutant release limits, monitoring and reporting requirements and best management practices for facilities. Failing to comply with these regulations could mean facing fines and legal action.

Who Needs an Industrial Wastewater Discharge Permit?

The Environmental Protection Agency allows facilities to discharge wastewater once they have the appropriate permits and follow treatment regulations.

Any industrial operation that releases wastewater into the environment, public surface areas or sewers might need a wastewater discharge permit. Local, state and federal regulations require these permits to protect public and environmental health from polluted wastewater. Some operations that may need permits include:

• Paper mills
• Chemical manufacturers
• Manufacturing plants
• Food processing facilities
• Auto repair shops
• Metal finishers
• Textile mills
• Laundromats
• Car washes

Facilities need permits based on the type and amount of wastewater they produce. Organic waste, toxic chemicals and heavy metals are all pollutants that require permits. Additionally, any wastewater that can impact local water quality or sewer systems is subject to regulations.

Types of Industrial Wastewater

While there’s a wide range of industrial wastewater, pollutant levels depend on the facility of origin. Some industries produce wastewater with high amounts of heavy metals, while others, like restaurants, produce relatively harmless wastewater.

Wastewater discharge falls into different categories based on facility and content. Permits can cover wastewater from sources like:

• Industrial stormwater
• Animal feeding
• Biosolids
• Petroleum-contaminated groundwater
• Pesticides
• Small-flow sewage treatment
• Residential seepage

You must understand your operation and the nature of its wastewater to follow all relevant regulations. Ask your local wastewater authority about wastewater content and permitting.

Industrial Wastewater Discharge Standards

Federal, state and local regulations in the United States set industrial wastewater discharge standards. While the Clean Water Act is the primary federal guideline for governing water pollution, your state and city also have rules you must understand and follow. These standards protect water quality, local ecosystems and public health, adjusting wastewater controls to each area’s needs.

The EPA establishes guidelines and regulations for wastewater discharge. Anyone releasing industrial wastewater should look to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System for permits and pollutant discharge regulations. These limits depend on each industry’s current best available and affordable technology.

Cost, environmental effect and water quality primarily influence discharge standards, which usually include the following.

1. Effluent limitations: These restrict pollutant concentrations in discharged wastewater. They’ll change based on industry, pollutant type and receiving water body. Some water bodies are less sensitive, while specific industries produce fewer harmful pollutants. It all depends on the operation’s nature and location.
2. Water quality standards: These derive from the water quality goals in your state and city. When setting wastewater discharge standards, regulatory agencies consider the water’s intended use, condition and other factors.

How to Get an Industrial Wastewater Discharge Permit

Getting a wastewater discharge permit involves several steps designed to ensure each facility follows regulations and acquires the appropriate permit for its needs. Contact your local and federal offices to protect water quality and ensure your operation treats all wastewater according to their standards. Here’s a simplified look at acquiring a discharge permit.

1. Assess permit requirements: First, determine if your facility needs a permit. Compare local, state and federal regulations with wastewater discharge volume. Contact local EPA representatives or other relevant agencies to confirm your industry-specific requirements.
2. Gather information: Compile detailed information on your facility’s operation, wastewater pollutant types and discharge volume. Local authorities will tell you what to provide, but expect them to ask you about existing treatment processes, wastewater sources, wastewater quality and process flow diagrams.
3. Complete the application: Fill out the relevant permit application provided by the contact agency. Your paperwork might require things like lab analyses, engineering reports and supporting documents. Follow form instructions to the letter to avoid delays in the permit process. Submit the application to the state agency or EPA, depending on your location.
4. Wait for review: After submission, the agency will review your application. The public might also have the opportunity to provide input on the proposed discharge.
5. Receive agency evaluation: Finally, the regulatory agency reviews the application. They look at impacts on water quality, management practices, effluent limitations and other essential factors. The agency might request more information or ask you to modify your proposal.
6. Get the permit: The agency issues the permit once your application receives approval. Permits detail discharge limits, conditions to follow and reporting requirements. Complying with the permit prevents fines and penalties.
7. Renew the permit: You will need to renew your permit every five years. Reapplying for the permit over 180 days before expiration can get facilities an extension. Failing to renew means going through the application process again and prevents operations from discharging wastewater legally.

Stay Compliant With Industrial Wastewater Treatment From SSI Aeration, Inc.

While there’s room to improve current wastewater controls, acquiring the correct permits and following regulations are the first steps to protecting our water. While the permitting process can be complex, ensuring your facility’s wastewater treatment quality doesn’t have to be. SSI offers comprehensive wastewater treatment solutions for industrial operations, helping them meet regulatory standards while maximizing system performance and life.

With industry-leading treatment products, a global field service team and startup technicians ready to help, SSI provides facilities with the necessary services. Our expert teams provide quality installation, review and training on system maintenance to ensure every operation is compliant and effective. From setting up new systems to refreshing existing ones, we can travel worldwide to assist.

Make wastewater treatment simple and effective with advanced systems from SSI Aeration, Inc. Contact us online today for your custom quote! Our industry-leading services deliver the products, attention and quality needed to protect your operation and the environment’s health.