Handbook of Solvents - George Wypych - ChemTech - Ventech!

1294 Carlos M. Nu�ez
CWA to establish the minimum level of control to be required by a permit. They are the Best
Practicable Control Technology (BPT), Best Available Technology Economically Achievable
(BAT), Best Conventional Pollutant Control Technology (BCT), Best Available Demonstrated
Technology (BDT), and Best Management Practices (BMPs). Industries that do
not discharge directly into surface waters but into publicly operated treatment works
(POTWs) are subject to pretreatment standards under Section 307(b) of the CWA. 38
19.3.1.3 Permit Program
The CWA, under Section 301 (effluent limitations), prohibits the discharge of any pollutant
unless the source obtains a permit and ensures compliance. The NPDES permit program,
pursuant to Section 402 of the CWA, requires that commercial and industrial facilities and
POTWs apply for permits issued by EPA or a designated state. A permit regulates the
amount, concentration, and rate of discharge of each regulated pollutant. According to the
CWA, a pollutant includes dredged soil, solid waste, incinerator residue, sewage, garbage,
sewage sludge, munitions, chemical wastes, biological and radioactive materials, wrecked
or discarded equipment, rock, sand, cellar dirt, and industrial, municipal, and agricultural
waste. 39 These pollutants are further classified in three categories: conventional, toxic, and
non-conventional. Virtually, any material and characteristics such as toxicity or acidity is
considered a pollutant. 40 Solvents fall under the category of toxic pollutants.
An NPDES permit can be issued by EPA or by a state that has received EPA permitting
approval. As of 1996, 40 states and territories had received EPA’s approval. 40 States
and territories that are not authorized to administer the NPDES program are Alaska, Arizona,
District of Columbia, Idaho, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New
Mexico, the Pacific Territories, Puerto Rico, and Texas. For these states and territories, the
10 EPA Regional Offices will issue and administer the NPDES permits. The permit process
is elaborate and requires extensive information and numerous steps. First a number of forms
need to be completed to provide information about the facility, its operation, and the nature
of the discharges. This is followed by a period of discussion between EPA and the discharging
facility, and the draft permit is announced for comments from the public for 30 days.
Once the comments are reviewed, responded to, and implemented, then the final NPDES
permit is issued.
19.3.2 SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT
19.3.2.1 Background
Enacted in 1974, the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) was established to ensure safe
drinking water in public water systems. It required that EPA identify substances in drinking
water which could adversely affect public health. 41 SDWA safeguards drinking water with
two standards. Primary drinking water standards with a maximum contaminant level
(MCL) designed to protect human health and secondary drinking water standards to protect
public welfare. The secondary standards involve physical characteristics of drinking water
such as color, taste, and smell. A total of 83 contaminants are regulated under the SDWA:
49 volatile and synthetic organic chemicals, 23 inorganic chemicals, 6 microbiological contaminants,
and 5 radiological contaminants.
In 1986, the SDWA was amended to greatly increase the responsibilities of EPA and
state agencies. Under the 1986 amendments, EPA is directed to schedule the promulgation
of primary public drinking water regulations, impose civil and criminal penalties for tampering
with public water systems, and enforce more stringent standards. 2 Also, under the