Effluent Guidelines are national regulatory standards for wastewater discharge to surface waters and municipal treatment plants. Which agency issues these regulations?

• A. EPA
• B. FDA
• C. OSHA
• D. NOAA

Answer: (A)

Effluent Guidelines are national rules that set limits on wastewater discharges to surface waters and to municipal treatment plants. They are issued by the Environmental Protection Agency. Under the Clean Water Act, EPA creates these technology-based limits for different industrial categories, establishing the standards facilities must meet before discharging. States implement and enforce these rules through permit programs, but the regulatory authority originates with EPA. The other agencies operate in different areas—FDA oversees foods and drugs, OSHA handles workplace safety, and NOAA focuses on oceans and weather—so they do not issue these wastewater guidelines.