EPA announces new plan to regulate wastewater pollution with updated guidelines and standards

"Importantly and for the first time, EPA is committing to limit PFAS in wastewater discharges.”

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Credit: Sarah Craig/Faces of Fracking, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

The Environmental Protection Agency recently released the Preliminary Effluent Guidelines Program Plan 15 or Preliminary Plan 15 to regulate wastewater pollution. The plan will add new rulemaking to key industries in order to reduce contaminants in wastewater discharges.

According to a press release, the three new rules include:

  • Organic Chemicals, Plastics and Synthetic Fibers category to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) discharges from facilities manufacturing PFAS.
  • Metal Finishing category to address PFAS discharges from chromium electroplating facilities.
  • Meat and Poultry Products category to address nutrient discharges.

“To protect drinking water supplies, recreational waters, and aquatic ecosystems, it is essential that we utilize the latest scientific and technological breakthroughs in wastewater treatment,” Radhika Fox, assistant administrator for water, said. “This plan illustrates one way that EPA is following science to better protect public health and the environment. Importantly and for the first time, EPA is committing to limit PFAS in wastewater discharges.”

To review the plan and make comments, click here.

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