Mixing Zone Regulations for Marine Outfall Systems

Environmental standards and their imp lementation to marine wastewater discharges in different countries are rev iewed. Effluent standards alone, or mandating specific levels of wastewater treatment, can result in poor choice of t reatment and outfall, waste of resources, and unnecessary expense. The combined application of amb ient and effluent standards requires mixing zone regulations. Reco mmendations are given on procedures to establish environmental standards and related mixing zone definit ions. A case study of dilution calculations for a mixing zone permit is given for the San Francisco ocean outfall wh ich illustrates the need for carefu l definit ion s of the quantities involved. Design reco mmendations are given on how to plan, design, and locate marine outfalls. We reco mmend adoption of mixing zones in countries that do not have them as a practical means of ensuring environmental protection at reaso nable cost.

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