Water and Waste Water
Class #6
Homework: Homework #5 is due before Class #7.
Non-point source water quality management, storm water management, wetland protection policies.
1. Announcements
Others?
2. Current Events
3. Non-point source
Non-point source pollution:
Recall in last class discussed effluent limits imposed through NPDES permit.
Permit limits effective for regulating waste discharges from normal industrial or municipal processes which are amenable to treatment prior to discharge. But not effective for regulating and controlling accidental and unanticipated discharges. Also not effective for regulating and controlling discharges which , by nature, not subject to confinement and treatment (e.g., area-wide or plant site runoff.)
Point Source
Non-point source pollution
Large % total pollutants introduced into US waters from non-point sources.
Focus must be on preventing discharge (for accidental spills) or minimizing volume of pollutants carried (for area-wide and plant-site runoff).
Non-point source pollution:
1972 Act: created planning and regulatory program to control non-point source pollution. Limited effectiveness. Congress stopped funding about 1980.
1987 Amendments: Made non-point sources of toxic pollutants important aspect of water quality planning.
States must identify bodies of water which fail to meet standards for toxic pollutants as result of non-point sources
Federal money to fund state efforts to plan control measures for non-point sources.
Stormwater Discharges:
Regulation municipal and industrial stormwater discharges controversial since 1972 Act.
No regulatory program tailored to stormwater discharges
EPA choices:
Regulate all stormwater discharges from point sources same as process waste
Leave discharge unregulated
First unworkable because of large # and high cost (Syntex PR example catch basin for suspended solides)
Second leave major discharges unregulated resulting in large harm to environment
EPA compromise based on size: Regulated discharges from industrial areas and municipal stormwater systems if above certain size.
1987 Amendments adopted this approach in slightly modified form.
Stormwater Discharges:
1987 Amendments regulated 5 categories stormwater discharges as NPDES discharges:
a. Discharges which have NPDES permits as of 2/87
- Effluent limits imposed on industry categories (recall NPDES)
b. Discharges "associated with industrial activity"
- Describe.
- Individual, group, or general permits to make more manageable.
- (Regulations include those that discharge through municipal separate storm sewers.)
c. Discharges from municipal separate storm sewer system serving >250,000
- NPDES permit must include requirement to effectively prohibit non-stormwater discharges into storm sewers (require BMPs to control)
d. Discharges from municipal storm sewers serving 100,000 – 249,999
- Same substantive requirements, but longer timetable
e. Other discharges designated by EPA or states if:
- Discharge contributes to violation WQS
- Discharge significant contributor pollutants to waters of US.
Protection of Wetlands:
Section 404 of CWA controls dredging and disposal dredged or fill materials into navigable waters by granting US Army Corps of Engineers authority to designate disposal areas and to issue permits for discharge dredge or fill materials.
Extends to all waters of US, including wetlands (broadly defined, based on type of plants growing there. Can be dry much of year.) Covers not only disposal dredged or fill material, but also emplacement material for development purposes and construction of structures. Very controversial. Property rights. EPA overseas Corps administration of program. Reviews Corps actions.
Note: Most permits issued under CWA (like NPDES permit) exempt from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) which requires environmental impact analysis for major federal actions, including approval of permit for private project. Exemption not apply to permits issued by Corp under 404. Need NEPA review.
1977 amendments
Authorize states to establish permit programs for dredge/fill in non-navigable waters
Authorized "general" permits for specific categories
Excludes some activities such as maintenance operations, construction temporary sedimentation basins, temporary farm roads, some types of farming activities.
"No net loss" policy by EPA and Corps.
Case study explores wetlands classification and activities in wetlands.
6. Remember, you should be working on case study and research paper. Current events any time.
ENV 410B - Lectures