A comparative analysis: storm water pollution policy in California, USA and Victoria, Australia

2003 ◽  
Vol 47 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 311-317
Author(s):  
X. Swamikannu ◽  
D. Radulescu ◽  
R. Young ◽  
R. Allison
Keyword(s):  
Water Pollution ◽  
Los Angeles ◽  
Environmental Protection ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Urban Runoff ◽  
The United States ◽  
Storm Water ◽  
Discharge Rates ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Receiving Waters

Urban drainage systems historically were developed on principles of hydraulic capacity for the transport of storm water to reduce the risk of flooding. However, with urbanization the percent of impervious surfaces increases dramatically resulting in increased flood volumes, peak discharge rates, velocities and duration, and a significant increase in pollutant loads. Storm water and urban runoff are the leading causes of the impairment of receiving waters and their beneficial uses in Australia and the United States today. Strict environmental and technology controls on wastewater treatment facilities and industry for more than three decades have ensured that these sources are less significant today as the cause of impairment of receiving waters. This paper compares the approach undertaken by the Environmental Protection Authority Victoria for the Melbourne metropolitan area with the approach implemented by the California Environmental Protection Agency for the Los Angeles area to control storm water pollution. Both these communities are largely similar in population size and the extent of urbanization. The authors present an analysis of the different approaches contrasting Australia with the USA, comment on their comparative success, and discuss the relevance of the two experiences for developed and developing nations in the context of environmental policy making to control storm water and urban runoff pollution.

Overview of Federal Law and USEPA Regulations for Urban Runoff

1994 ◽  
Vol 29 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 445-454 ◽  
Author(s):  
Larry A. Roesner ◽  
Paul Traina
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Water Quality Management ◽  
Urban Runoff ◽  
The United States ◽  
Storm Water ◽  
Water Quality Control ◽  
Drainage Systems ◽  
Wet Weather

Within the last three years, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has taken two significant steps with respect to regulating the quality of storm water discharges from urban areas. The first of these is the development of Final Rules and Regulations for Storm Water Discharges from urban areas with separated waste water and storm drainage systems. Published in late 1990, the rule requires all municipalities with populations over 100,000 to apply for a permit to discharge storm water under the USEPA's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). The permit application must include, among other things, a plan to reduce the pollutants in urban runoff to the “Maximum Extent Practicable”. The second step is the publication in January, 1993, of a draft policy regulating discharges from combined sewer systems. These two initiatives for water quality control of wet weather discharges from urban drainage systems are significant steps forward in a national program to reduce pollution contributions to receiving waters in urban areas. This paper provides an overview of the requirements of these two wet weather water quality management programs.

Regulating the land application of manure from animal production facilities in the USA

Water Policy ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 319-335 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terence J. Centner
Keyword(s):  
Water Pollution ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
The United States ◽  
Land Application ◽  
Animal Production ◽  
State Agencies ◽  
Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations ◽  
Animal Feeding Operations ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Production Facilities

Water pollution from the land application of manure has been cited as an issue that needs to be addressed. Judicial challenges have forced the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to adopt additional controls governing concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). State agencies have also been directed to do more to minimize the risk of pollution from animal production. In developing appropriate controls, regulatory agencies have distinguished animal production facilities based on size and on whether they discharge pollutants into waters of the United States. Four categories of animal producers have been identified based on different requirements addressing the land application of manure. The expenses of regulatory requirements for agriculture suggest that other avenues should be explored to enhance sustainable production and reduce water pollution. The identification of polluters, implementation efforts, enforcement issues and educational endeavors could be augmented to address contamination problems. Finding ways for agricultural groups to cooperate with the EPA and for states to implement total maximum daily load requirements might also be effective in improving water quality. To address the land application of manure, the goal should be to eliminate substandard land application practices that cause too many pollutants to enter surface waters rather than simply imposing additional regulations.

Municipal Wastewater Treatment Technology Transfer Activities of the United States Environmental Protection Agency

1989 ◽  
Vol 21 (6-7) ◽  
pp. 685-698
Author(s):  
J. J. Convery ◽  
J. F. Kreissl ◽  
A. D. Venosa ◽  
J. H. Bender ◽  
D. J. Lussier
Keyword(s):  
Technology Transfer ◽  
Environmental Protection ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
The United States ◽  
Environmental Research ◽  
Outreach Program ◽  
Small Community ◽  
Protection Agency ◽  
Transfer Programs

Technology transfer is an important activity within the ll.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Specific technology transfer programs such as the activities of the Center for Environmental Research Information, the Innovative and Alternative Technology Program, as well as the Small Community Outreach Program are used to encourage the utilization of cost-effective municipal pollution control technology. Case studies of three technologies including a plant operations diagnostic/remediation methodology, alternative sewer technologies and ultraviolet disinfection are presented. These case studies are presented retrospectively in the context of a generalized concept of how technology flows from science to utilization which was developed in a study by Allen (1977). Additional insights from this study are presented on the information gathering characteristics of engineers and scientists which may be useful in designing technology transfer programs. The recognition of the need for a technology or a deficiency in current practice are important stimuli other than technology transfer for accelerating the utilization of new technology.

Environmental Protection in the United States Pulp, Paper, and Paperboard Industry: An Overview of Regulation of Wastewater Under the U.S. Clean Water Act

1988 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca W. Hanmer
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Environmental Protection ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Clean Water Act ◽  
Paper Industry ◽  
Oxygen Demand ◽  
The United States ◽  
Pulp And Paper ◽  
Clean Water ◽  
Pulp Paper

The pulp, paper, and paperboard industry in the United States is the larqest industrial user of water with half of the facilities discharging wastewater directly to our Nation's waters. The major pollutants of concern have historically been the conventional pollutants: biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), total suspended solids (TSS), and pH. Biological treatment systems are currently employed to reduce these pollutants. Sludges generated by these treatment systems have been categorized as nonhazardous and are generally landfilled. Under the Clean Water Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has promulgated all the reguired regulations for this industry. The national regulations are applied to individual pulp and paper mills through permits issued by EPA Regional or State staff. Permit limits can be written that are more restrictive than the national regulations to protect local water guality. In its current projects concerning the pulp and paper industry, EPA is focusing on the reduction of toxic pollutants. The Agency is conducting a joint EPA/industry program to study dioxin discharges at bleached kraft mills. The Agency will also undertake a comprehensive review of the pulp and paper regulations in 1988.

Water Use and Wastewater Flow Reduction in the Citrus Processing Industry

1994 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard H. Jones ◽  
David A. Keough
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Protection ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Water Consumption ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
The United States ◽  
Processing Industry ◽  
Florida Department ◽  
Environmental Image ◽  
Treatment And Disposal ◽  
The Cost

The Citrus Processing Industry is faced with increased pressures from a number of different sources to reduce water consumption and wastewater discharges. The Florida Water Management Districts are moving toward more restrictive limits on consumptive use permits. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) are moving toward zero discharge limits for industry wastewater discharges to surface waters, wherever possible. The cost of water consumption and wastewater treatment and disposal are increasing, therefore, there is a significant cost incentive for industry to reduce water consumption and wastewater discharge. A logical and economical approach to addressing this issue is by reduction of: • In-plant water use • Wastewater volume • Wastewater concentrations Implementation of a water use and waste reduction program establishes a pro-active environmental image for the corporations and industry as a whole. Paper published with permission.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document