Who is responsible for permitting indirect dischargers?

In the context of wastewater treatment, the responsibility for permitting indirect dischargers primarily lies with the Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF). This facility operates under the regulations set forth at both the federal and state levels and is often the entity that directly interacts with industries that discharge wastewater into the sewer system before it reaches the treatment plant.

Indirect dischargers, such as businesses or industries that release their wastewater into the municipal sewer system rather than discharging directly into waters of the state, need to adhere to specific guidelines. The WRRF ensures that these discharges comply with standards meant to protect the sewer system and the treatment process. By permitting and monitoring these discharges, the WRRF plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the wastewater treatment process and in preventing issues such as interference with treatment operations or violations of effluent standards.

While the U.S. EPA sets forth national standards and local municipalities may enforce certain municipal code provisions, it is the WRRF that is on the ground, managing the relationships with indirect dischargers and ensuring that their discharges meet the necessary regulatory requirements. State regulatory bodies may also have oversight functions; however, the operational responsibility typically falls to the WRRF. Thus, the WRRF is integral to the effective management and