Reforming the system of wastewater discharge regulation –
an absolute necessity

Summary

The existing system of regulating wastewater discharges has a number of essential faults and requires revision. It is wise to compile the list of regulated pollutants on principle of ensuring the standard water quality of the water body at the monitoring section downstream of the discharge outlet. It is suggested to limit this list by excluding substances with the concentrations less than 0.3 MPC. The optimal alternative is differentiating microbiological parameters of the discharge by the type and ecological state of the receiving waters. Provision 6.1 of Appendix 1 «Methods of determining maximum permissible discharge of substances and microorganisms into water bodies for water users» declaring that discharging substances not included into the approved list is prohibited shall be excluded. The attempts to establish maximum stringent discharge standards according to the existing regulation system result in ineffective investing big financial means in advanced effluent treatment. By analogy with foreign countries it would be reasonable to introduce regulation on technological principle with due account for the ecological state of receiving waters. The recommended technological standards for municipal effluent discharges as applied to three categories of water bodies are presented: water courses with intensive water exchange; water reservoirs and low water courses; water courses exposed to eutrophication. Adoption and approval of the suggested technological standards are very important for the water and wastewater utilities.

Ключевые слова

wastewater , standard of allowable discharge , pollutants , technological rate setting , discharge regulation , technological effluent standards