GB 8978-1996 Sewage Comprehensive Discharge Standards
In order to improve the water quality in the rivers, lakes and other water sources in the Peoples Republic of China (PRC), GB 8978-1996 sewage comprehensive discharge (SCD) standards came into effect on January 1, 1997. SCD standards are based on a risk-based threshold approach aimed at minimizing the public health, social, and environmental risks associated with the discharge of non-point source pollutants from industrial and municipal wastewater sources into nearby bodies of water. The intent of this directive is to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all Chinese citizens by creating an integrated system of regulations that ensures the protection of water resources from pollution.
The discharge standards set out by GB 8978-1996 are divided into two categories. The first category covers physical, chemical, and biological parameters that relate to the quality of the polluted waters and the second covers the various toxic substances that may exist in the water body. The physical, chemical, and biological parameters include parameters such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, ammonia nitrogen, total nitrogen and total suspended solids, while the toxic substances are divided into three categories including priority, restricted, and relative pollutants with detailed limit value settings.
The primary objective of the standards is to prevent industrial and municipal wastewater discharges from negatively affecting the quality of receiving water bodies. To meet the objectives of the directive, any facilities responsible for discharging wastewater must employ the appropriate pollution prevention practices and technologies, abate and control discharges, and regularly monitor the level of pollutants. The GB 8978-1996 standards are enforced by Environmental Protection Agencies at provincial and city levels who have the responsibility to develop and implement local SCD standards, monitor pollutants, initiate legal action against violators, and punish offenders.
The implementation of the GB 8978-1996 SCD standards has led to a noticeable improvement in water quality and environmental protection in the PRC. The standards are regularly revised and updated to ensure that wastewater discharges from industry and municipalities are closely monitored and abated. The standards are also closely monitored and enforced by legal action for any facilities found in violation of the standards. There is still significant work to be done in regard to improving water resources in the PRC, but the GB 8978-1996 standards are seen as an important step in the right direction.
