What does a Waste Discharge Permit regulate?

A Waste Discharge Permit is a crucial regulatory tool designed to control the discharge of pollutants into the environment. It specifically regulates the type and amount of pollutants that facilities are allowed to discharge into water bodies. This ensures that the discharges meet established water quality standards and safeguards public health and the environment.

The permit includes specific limits on various parameters, such as biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids (TSS), and specific toxic pollutants. By setting these limits, the permit helps prevent harmful contaminants from entering waterways, thereby protecting aquatic life and maintaining water quality for recreational and drinking purposes.

In contrast, the other options focus on aspects that are not the primary function of a Waste Discharge Permit. Elements like the hours of operation for waste facilities, the education level of facility workers, and the temperature of the wastewater being treated may be relevant to the overall management of waste facilities but do not fall under the direct regulation of discharges as outlined in a Waste Discharge Permit.