Effective immediately, DEQ will manage the permitting, compliance and enforcement activities related to the new program, with EPA operating in an oversight capacity. It does not include the sewage sludge use and disposal program.
Municipal wastewater consists primarily of domestic waste from households.
The wastewater is collected in sanitary sewers and processed at treatment plants before being discharged to waterways such as lakes, bayous, rivers, oceans and estuaries. Industrial wastewater generated by manufacturing and commercial activities is usually treated on site and released to waterways. State laws and regulations have been aligned with EPA requirements, thereby allowing transfer of the program. Now, regulated facilities will need only one wastewater discharge permit. We will work with EPA to keep our regulations up to date and consistent with federal requirements.