ABSTRACT

A toxics control permitting strategy was developed and implemented by the Region in 1984. While the toxicity testing provides the opportunity to develop site specific criteria less limiting than the national criteria, there is also the possibility that the testing will confirm the national criteria based limitations. The Clean Water Act requires that the effluent from point source discharges to waters of the United States satisfy minimum technology and water quality requirements. During the recent reissuance of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits, Environmental Protection Agency Region I has emphasized the regulation of toxic metals, organics, and other toxic substances to ensure compliance with the state water quality standards concerning toxicity. Facilities that perform metal finishing operations constitute a significant portion of the industrial base in New England. The wastewater resulting from some activities is generally concentrated with toxic metals of particular concern because of their potential toxicity to aquatic organisms.