The transporter of hazardous wastes must record and report on wastes transported, accept only properly labeled and contained wastes, comply with the system designating waste for treatment, etc., and transport only to the permitted facility. Permits indicate compliance with EPA standards for location, design, construction, operation, maintenance, preparedness and prevention, contingency plans and emergency procedures, closure and post-closure measures, and financial responsibility. Groundwater protection is covered by RCRA, including cleanup when a hazardous substance is detected beyond the facility boundary. Some 40 states are currently administering discharge permits. Facility site runoff, spillage or leaks, sludge or waste disposal, and drainage from raw material storage may also be included at the discretion of the permitting authority.
Discharges are subject to the best current technology available.
Standards are set according to process and product on a national level and individually for companies not fitting neatly into an industrial category. Standards for very polluted or very clean waterways may be more stringent than other technology-based standards. Facility inspections are possible - sometimes requiring a search warrant. Enforcement of the CWA is through strict penalties for violations of monitoring and reporting requirements. Strict liability is enforceable by the EPA through administrative compliance orders, administrative fines, civil suits, and criminal actions.