The United States government has established a framework for regulating pollutant discharges into US waters and surface water quality standards. This framework is known as the Clean Water Act (CWA). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented pollution control programs under the CWA, such as setting wastewater standards for industries. The EPA has also developed recommendations for national water quality criteria for contaminants in surface water.
The Water Office (OW) is responsible for ensuring that drinking water is safe and restoring and maintaining the oceans, watersheds and their aquatic ecosystems. This is to protect human health, support economic and recreational activities, and provide healthy habitat for fish, plants and wildlife. Waste discharges that may be exempt from the requirements of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) are regulated by the Waste Discharge Requirements (WDR) Program. These types of discharges typically include domestic or municipal wastewater, wastewater related to food processing, and industrial wastewater. It is important to understand the regulations that govern the disposal of wastewater from a land clearing project.
This will help ensure that all necessary steps are taken to protect the environment and public health.
