Down the Drain Disposal - Surface Water Discharge

Laboratories with direct outfalls into rivers, lakes, or oceans must comply with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requirements and obtain an NPDES permit
( 40 CFR Part 122 ).

NPDES permits may enforce limits on direct discharge of wastewater. Parameters such as pH, flow, temperature, and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) must be monitored periodically if such a permit is issued to your laboratory.