Development of effluent guidelines and Environmental Protection Agency research and development program for edible oils industry

Abstract

This paper describes the statutory basis for the establishment of effluent limitations guidelines and standards of performance for this industry including remarks on water quality standards. The Environmental Protection Agency’s research, development, and demonstration program is presented. The specific objectives, solution required, activities, and best available treatment, zero discharge concept, and total elimination of discharges (elimination of multi‐media pollution discharges) are discussed. The synopsis of two Environmental Protection Agency‐industry sponsored demonstration grants is presented. The seven most frequently asked questions and their answers regarding the water pollution control act also are introduced. The Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972 directed that the U.S. embark upon major new efforts for controlling pollution at its source. The new Act provides for uniform effluent limitations for industrial categories and achievement dates. Congress set two interim dates of July 1, 1977, and July 1, 1983, by which different levels of treatment are to be reached. It is a timetable based upon advances in technology. For all dischargers, other then publicly owned treatment works, not later than July 1, 1977, effluent limitations are to be achieved which represent the application of the “best practicable control technology currently available.” At the same time, all publicly owned waste treatment facilities must utilize “secondary treatment,” and, if an industrial discharger sends its wastes through a publicly owned treatment works, certain “pretreatment standards” must be met. An additional requirement is that by the July 1977 date, effluent limitations may be imposed so that any state law will be met. Not later than July 1, 1983, effluent requirements must be met which represent the “best available technology economically achievable” and for publicly owned waste treatment facilities which represent the application of the “best practicable waste treatment technology.” Any other applicable pretreatment standards also must be attained by that date. Special standards for toxic substances also must be observed from that date of promulgation of regulations covering such substances.