Proper wastewater management is a necessity for environmental and human health. When mismanaged, wastewater can lead to public health crises and ecological degradation. Federal, state, and municipal governments must follow extensive guidelines from multiple technological and environmental governing bodies.
At O&M Solutions, our experienced team is ready to support you with the development of a compliant and efficient wastewater management system. Contact us to see how we can help.
Keep reading to learn more about wastewater management guidelines on the federal, state, and local levels.
UNEP Guidelines
The United Nations Environment Program is a global initiative working to help connect economies to sustainable development initiatives. For professionals, government officials, and decision makers, the Official UNEP Guidelines provide a robust framework for planning, designing, and financing municipal wastewater discharge systems that honor and respect the environment.
The document outlines four main areas of importance in the development of a wastewater management system: policy, institution, technology, and financing. It details the ideal policy environment for sustainable water management systems, as well as information on how to address institutional arrangements, public awareness, budget, and other financial mechanisms.
9 Prerequisites for Wastewater Management Systems Under UNEP Guidelines
A stable political climate, including access to financial resources.
National and local support for the policy required to delegate responsibilities among governmental sectors.
A holistic approach to water management that respects the source of the water.
Integration of all stages of urban water management, including supply and sanitation.
Immediately actionable steps that work towards long-term solutions.
Established timelines and goals.
Designated efficient and cost-effect technology to preserve water resources and explore eco-technology as an alternative to traditional engineering.
Analyzed and addressed demand.
Proactive and consistent participation from all stakeholders to ensure transparency.
How to ensure financial sustainability
A successful wastewater management system will incorporate a variety of economic sectors that are connected. For example, system development will require collaboration from the construction sector and will impact (or be impacted by) sectors like tourism and water supply. Maintaining connections between sectors will foster cost recovery, financial stability, and reduced risk.
Another way to ensure financial sustainability is by introducing innovative financial mechanisms. Private sector investment, public partnerships, micro-financing, risk-sharing alternatives, municipal bonds, and revolving funds are a few options for providing local governments with financial assistance.
EPA Effluent Guidelines
The EPA Effluent Guidelines are the national requirements for industries discharging waste into sewage plants and surface waters. The regulations address the treatment and control of wastewater in America. These guidelines are held to the standards set in the Clean Water Act.
Industry Regulations
Under the Clean Water Act, industries, municipalities, and other facilities must obtain a permit before discharging any toxic or wastewater into a public or private water source. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System controls all wastewater permits.
Industry regulations restrict 59 categories including oil and gas, construction and development, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. They are based on the control technology available in the industry rather than the effects on receiving waters.
These regulations are enforced by Clean Water Act Compliance Monitoring and Water Enforcement.
Wastewater Discharge Guidelines
Wastewater discharge guidelines are updated every two years to maintain standards relevant to the current challenges and opportunities for water management and treatment.
Regulations require that industries discharging wastewater maintain the standards set by the EPA through permits and enforcement.
Updates to the EPA Effluent Guidelines in Plan 15 include actions to limit the discharge of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances. These updates include the highest standards the EPA believes possible under the current economic circumstances.
In the updated guidelines, restrictions regarding wastewater discharges in the following categories have been revised:
Organic chemicals
Plastics and synthetic fibers
Landfills
Metal finishing
Textile mills
Meat and poultry products
Steam electric power generating
Metal products and machinery
Explosives manufacturing
New Jersey Onsite Wastewater Management Program
The New Jersey Onsite Wastewater Management Program governs local residential and industrial wastewater management. Working in conjunction with state laws and the New Jersey Health Department, the plan aims to protect human and environmental health. The guidelines cover design, construction, and operation procedures for all municipal wastewater treatment systems in New Jersey.
Pennsylvania Wastewater Management Guidelines
The DEP’s Bureau of Clean Water oversees Pennsylvania’s wastewater management program. Their guidelines provide oversight of the following:
Sewage facilities planning
Wastewater treatment requirements
Water quality management
Discharge monitoring reports
Permit and compliance monitoring
Financial aid for water treatment infrastructure
Chemical additives and other testing
New York Wastewater Treatment Plant Guidelines
The Department of Environmental Conservation in New York outlines the regulations for wastewater management plants in their Codes, Rules, and Regulations. According to New York’s municipal wastewater guidelines, all wastewater treatment facilities must be supervised by certified plant operators.
Their wastewater treatment plant guidelines outline the necessary requirements and conditions that must be met to design, construct, and manage a water treatment plant in the state.
Some of the guidelines are as follows:
No wastewater treatment plan is permitted which could reasonably lead to discharge with the potential to damage water quality or the surrounding environment.
The Department must approve all designs and plans.
The Department must approve any expansion or modification plans.
Owners and operators must maintain standards under federal, state, and municipal regulations.
Discharge of any kind must be 99.9 percent removed by the wastewater treatment plant responsible or it will violate state law.
Owners of wastewater treatment plants must submit and resubmit for review by the Department until the Department determines that all guidelines are met or exceeded.
Wastewater Management Company: NJ, PA, NY
Designing a sustainable wastewater management system requires extensive infrastructure and the collaboration of a wide range of professionals across all sectors. That’s because water and wastewater treatment impact all aspects of a community’s wellbeing.
Our professional engineers and technicians at O&M Solutions can support the development of an integrated wastewater management system. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help ensure your wastewater management meets the federal, state, and local guidelines.