Effects of Industrial Waste on Streams

Stream serves people in many ways Drinking, Bathing, Fishing, Irrigation, Navigation, Recreation, Power Generation

“Biodegradable” has become a popular word. It is assumed that if something is biodegradable, then disposal is not a problem.

The improper disposal of biodegradable substances in streams became a cause of concern.
The receiving waters were quickly polluted.
Fish in the receiving waters died and
The water had a very offensive odor.
A stream must therefore be protected, so that it can serve the best interest of people using it.

Effluent Standard: The Quality Standards established by the waste that has been processed from these units.

Stream Standard: The Standard Quality established in accordance with the designation of water bodies

Effluent standards pertain to the quality of the discharge water itself. They are based on economics than on absolute protection of the stream

Easy to control
Detailed stream analysis are not required
They do not establish an overall level of pollutant loading for a given water body
Ratio of wastewater to stream flow are not considered
Ratio of wastewater to stream flow are not considered
Treatment is obligatory irrespective of the size of industry
For effective protection of an overloaded stream, the effluent standards are required to be upgraded
Large industries have an edge over small industry

Stream standards refer to the quality of the receiving water downstream from the origin of the wastewater discharge
They are based on establishing classification of quality for a stream
The quality of the receiving water is regulated to maintain established stream classification
Prevention of excessive pollution/ Loading is limited to what the stream can assimilate
No consideration of type and location of industry
Allows public to establish goals for present and future water quality