STATUS OF THE U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM TO CONTROL TOXIC INDUSTRIAL WASTES
Swep T. Davis, Director
Office of Analysis and Evaluation
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, D.C. 20460
Alexandra P. Wright, Manager
Harry A. Coates, Environmental Analyst
Water Resources Group
Fred C. Hart Associates, Inc.
New York, New York 10022
THE PROBLEM
Numerous federal, state and local governmental agencies have taken positive steps and
earmarked mUlions of dollars to address the threat of health and environmental damage
related to the discharge of pollutants.   This has in part been due to the widespread response to a series of incidents across the country, such as:   damage to the James River,
Virginia, due to kepone discharges; damage to the Hudson River, New York, due to discharge of PCBs; banning consumption of fish contaminated by Mirex discharged to Lake
Ontario, New York; and arsenic poisoning in Minnesota.
Clearly, the nation's efforts to control pollution are taking a step beyond the more obvious traditional problems and refocusing on the more subtle industrial discharge of toxic
substances.   The challenge is great from a technological standpoint.   In addition, implementation of legislative and other controls must be tempered with the realization that
industry is stUl working under the burden of a difficult economic climate.   Both environmental and economic factors are crucial to the ultimate goal of enhancing the quality of
life.
THE APPROACH
Mechanisms to control toxic substances are found in a number of federal laws including:
Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act
Consumer Product Safety Act
Federal Environmental Pesticide Control Act
Atomic Energy Act
Clean Air Act
Occupational Safety and Health Act
Toxic Substances Control Act
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
Federal Water PoUution Control Act (PL 92-500)
The Federal Water PoUution Control Act (PL 92-500) contains a number of authorities to
control industrial point source discharges-notably, in Sections 301, 302, 304, 306, 307
and 311.   Sections 301, 304 and 306 provide for development of effluent guidelines on
an industry by industry basis.   Section 307(a) is oriented specificaUy to toxic pollutants.
Sections 307(b) and (c) provide for effluent limitation on discharges by industry into pub-
Ucly owned treatment works.
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