environmental facts
                        THE NATIONAL WATER PERMIT SYSTEM
      THE LAW:

           The Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972 established a
      nation-wide system of permits aimed at controlling the discharge of
      pollutants from point sources Into the Nation's waterways.
      WHO IS AFFECTED?

           Some 40,000 of the Nation's 300,000 Industrial water users and
      municipal sewage treatment plants In 10,000 to 13,000 communities are
      subject to regulation under the system.  Discharges from various other
      point sources,  such as feedlots, Irrigation conduits, mining activities
      and oil rigs are covered also.
      PERMIT STIPULATIONS;

           Each establishment discharging effluent Into water must apply for
      a permit.  In applying, data about the discharge must be provided.
      Each permit will contain certain conditions limiting the volume
      of waste water as well as the amounts and  types of waste water
      permitted from each outfall.  In addition, the source must meet a
      schedule for compliance with permit conditions, water quality standards
      of the receiving waters, any necessary controls on toxic substances
      and new source performance standards, if  applicable.  Plants which
      discharge effluent into a municipal waste  system do not need a
      permit but must comply with pretreatment standards.  Many permits
      will require periodic monitoring and reporting.
      PUBLIC NOTICE;

           Public notice must be given for each proposed permit, and, if
      interest is high', open public hearings must be held.
      DEADLINE 1977;

           By July 1,  1977, all private sources must achieve the best
      practicable water pollution control technology currently available.
      All municipal sources must meet the equivalent of secondary treatment.
      Then, too, all State laws governing water pollution must be met.
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY • WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460

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DEADLINE 1983;

     By July 1, 1983, private sources must achieve the best available
technology economically achievable, and public sources must achieve
the best practicable waste treatment control.  By this time, water
quality throughout the Nation should be at a level which provides
for the protection and propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife
and for recreation in and on the water.
WATER QUALITY STANDARDS MAINTAINED;
                                  •
     If at any time the discharge of an effluent would Interfere with
the maintenance of established water quality standards, that effluent
must be more stringently controlled or prohibited, whichever is necessary.
PRIORITY ISSUANCE;

     The Environmental Protection Agency  (EPA) has adopted a policy
that permits should be issued on a basis of priority.  The major
industrial and municipal dischargers that account for a high percentage
of the total pollution load going into the Nation's rivers and lakes
have top priority in this abatement program.
STATES ASSUME AUTHORITY;

     At present, EPA operates the national permit system although
States are rapidly assuming its responsibility.  Eventually, States
must be able to modify, suspend or revoke permits and must have the
powers and procedures necessary for recourse to criminal, civil and
civil injunctive remedies.
FEDERAL AUTHORITY RETAINED;

     EPA has review authority over State permit programs in order to
assure their effectiveness and can object to the issuance of permits
under certain conditions.
July 1973.

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