iron and steel manufacturing effluent guidelines - interim ... · of best practicable control...

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Title 40-Protection of the EnvironmentCHAPTER I-ENVIRONMENTAL

PROTECTION AGENCY[J l 509-5]

PART 420-IRON AND STEEL MANUFAC-TURING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY

- Effluent Guidelines and StandardsNotice is hereby given that effluent

limitations and guidelines for existingsources to be achieved by the applicationof best practicable control technologycurrently available as set forth in interimfinal form below are, promulgated bythe Environmental Protection Agency(EPA). On June 28, 1974, EPA promul-gated a regulation adding Part 420 toTitle 40 of the Code of Federal Regula-tions (39 FR 24114). That regulationwith subsequent amendments establishedeffluent limitations and guidelines forexisting sources and standards of per-formance and pretreatment standardsfor new sources for the iron and steelmanufacturing point source category.The regulation set forth below willamend 40 CFR 420-Iron and steel manu-facturing point source category byamending certain sections of the basicoxygen furnace (wet air pollution con-trol methods) subcategory (Subpart G),the vacuum degassing subcategory (Sub-part K), the continuous casting and slabmolding subcategory (Subpart L), and.adding effluent limitations and guidelinesfor existing sources for the hot forming-primary subcategory (Subpart M), .thehot forming-section subcategory (Sub-part N), the hot forming-flat subeate-gory (Subpart 0), the pipe and tubessubcategory (Subpart P), the pickling-sulfuric acid-batch and continuous sub-category (Subpart Q), thepickling-hy-drochloric acid-batch and continuoussubcategory (Subpart R),-the cold rollingsubeategory (Subpart S), the hot coat-ings-galvanizing subcategory (SubpartT), the hot coatings-terne subcategory(Subpart-U), the miscellaneous runoffs-storage piles, casting and slagging sub-category (Subpart V), the pickling-com-bination acid-batch and continuous sub-category (Subpart W), the scale remov-al-kolene and hydride subcategory (Sub-part X), the wire pickling and coatingsubcategory (Subpart Y) and the con-tinuous alkaline cleaning subcategory(Subpart Z), of the iron and steel manu-facturing point source category pursu-ant to sections 301, 304(b) and (c), of'the Federal Water Pollution Control Act,as amended (33 U.S.C. 1251, 1311, 1314(b) and (c), 86 Stat. 816 et seq.; P.L.92-500) (the Act). Simultaneously, theAgency is publishing in proposed formeffluent limitations and guidelines forexisting sources to be achieved by theapplication of best available technologyeconomically achievable, standards ofperformance for new point sohrces andpretreatment standards for existingsources and for new sources.

(a) Legal authority (1) Existing pointsources.

Section 301(b) of the Act requires theachievement by not later than July 1,1977, of effluent limitations for point

RULES AND REGULATIONS

sources, other than publicly ownedtreatment works, which requfie the ap-plication of the best practicable controltechnology currently available as definedby the. Administrator pursuant to sec-tion 304(b) of the Act. Section 301(b)also requires the achievement by notlater than July 1, 1983, of effluent limita-tions for point sources, other than pub-licly owned treatment works, which re-quire the application of best availabletechnology economically achievablewhich will result in reasonable furtherprogress toward the national goal ofeliminating the discharge of all pollut-ants, as determined in accordance withregulations issued by the Administratorpursuant to section 304(b) of the Act.

Section 304(b) of the Act requires theAdministrator to publish regulationsproviding guidelines foreffluent limita-tions setting forth the degree of effluentreduction attainable through the appli-cation of the best practicable controltechnology currently available and thedegree of effluent reduction attainablethrough the application of the best con-trol measures'and practices achievableincluding treatment techniques, process'and procedural innovations, operatingmethods and other alternatives. The reg-ulation herein sets forth effluent limita-tions and guidelines, pursuant to sec-tions 301 and 304(b) of the Act, for thehot forming-primary subcategory (Sub-part M), the hot forming-section sub-category (Subpart N), the hot forming-flat subcategory (Subpart 0), the pipeand tubes subcategory (Subpart P), thepickling-sulfuric acid-batch and con-tinuous subcategory (Subpart Q), thepickling-hydrochloric acid-batch andcontinuous subcategory (Subpart R), thecold rolling subcategory (Subpart S), thehot coatings-galvanizing subcategory(Subpart T), the hot-coatings-terne sub-category (Subpart U), the miscellaneousrunoffs-storage piles, casting and slag-ging subcategory (Subpart V), the pick-ling-combination acid-batch and con-tinuous subcategoryj (Subpart W), the.scale removal-kolene and hydride sub-category (Subpart X), the wire picklingand coating subcategory (Subpart Y)and the continuous alkaline cleaningsubcategory (Subpart Z), of the iron andsteel manufacturing point source cate-gory..

Section 304(c) of the Act requires theAdministrator to issue to the States andappropriate water pollution controlagencies information on the processes,procedures or operating methods whichresult in the elimination or reduction ofthe discharge of pollutants to implementstandards of performance under section306 of the 4ct. The report or "Develop-ment Document" referred to below pro-viles, pursuant to section 304(c) of theAct, information on such processes, pro-cedures or operating methods.

(2) New sources. Section 306 of theAct requires the achievement by newsources of the Federal standard of per-formance providing for the control ofthe discharge of pollutants which reflectsthe greatest degree of effluent reductionwhich the Administrator determines to

be achievable through application of thebest available demonstrated controltechnology, processes, operating meth-ods, or other alternatives, including,where practicable, a standard permittingno discharge of pollutants.

Section 306 also requires the Adminis-trator to propose regulations establish-ing Federal standards of performancofor categories of new sources Included ina list published pursuant to section 306of the Act. The regulations proposedherein set forth the standards of per-formance applicable to new sources forthe hot forming-primary subcategory(Subpart M), the hot' forming-sectionsubcategory (Subpart N), the hot form-ing-flat subcategory (Subpart 0), thepiPe and tubes subcategory (Subpart P),the pickling-sulfuric acid-batch and con-tinuous subcategory (Subpart Q), thepickling-hydrochloric acid-batch andcontinuous subcategory (Subpart R), thecold rolling subcategory (Subpart S), thehot coatings-galvanizing subcategory(Subpart T), the hot coatings-terne sub-category (Subpart U), the miscellaneousrunoffs-storage piles, casting and slag-ging subcategory (Subpart V), the pick-ling-combination acid-batch and contin-uous subcategory (Subpart W), the scaleremoval-kolene and hydride subcategory(Subpart X), the wire pickling andcoating subcategory (Subpart Y) and thecontinuous alkaline cleaning subcategory(Subpart Z).

Section 307(b) of the Aot requires theestablishment of pretreatment standardsfor pollutants introduced Into publiclyowned treatment works and 40 CFR 128establishes that the Agency will proposespecific pretreatment standards at thetime effluent limitations are establishedfor point source discharges. .

Section 307(c) of the Act requires theAdministrator to promulgate pretreat-ment standards for new sources at thesame time that standards of perform-ance for new sources are promulgatedpursuant to section 306. In another sec-tion of the FEDRAL REssErar regulationsare proposed in fulfillment of these re-quirements.

(b) Summary and basis of interimfinal effluent limitations and guidelinesfor existing sources, proposed effluentlimitations and guidelines for existingsources to be achieved by the applicationof the best available technology econom-ically achievable, proposed standards ofperformance for new sources, and pro-posed pretreatment standards for bothnew and existing sources.

(1) General methodology. The effluentlimitations and guidelines set forth here-in were developed in the following man-ner. The point source category was firststudied for the purpose of determiningwhether separate limitations are appro-priate for different segments within thecategory. This analysis included a deter-mination of whether differences in rawmaterial used, product produced, manu-facturing process employed, age, size,waste water constituents and other fac-tors require development of separatelimitations for different segments of thepoint source category. The raw waste

FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL 41, NO. 61-MONAY, MARCH 29, 1976


characteristics. for each such segment-were then' identified. This included ananalysis of the source, flow and volumeof water used in the process employed,the sources of waste and waste waters inthe operation and the constituents of allwaste water. The constituents of thewaste waters which should be subject to.effluent limitations were identified.

The control and treatment technolo-gies existing within each segment wereidentified. This inclucled an identificationof each distinct control and treatmenttechnology, including both in-plant andend-of-process technologies, which is ex-istent or capable of being designed foreach segment. It also included an identi-fication of, in terms of the amount ofconstituents and the chemical, physical,and biological characteristics of pollut-ants-the effluent'level resulting fromthe application of each of the technolo-gies. The problems, limitations and relia-bility of each treatment and control,technology were also identified. In addi-tion, the nonwater quality environmen-tal impact, such as the effects of the ap-plication of such technologies upon other

-pollution problems, ncluding air, solidwaste, noise and radiation were identi-fied. The energy requirements -of eachcontrol andtreatment technology weredetermined as well as the cost of theapplication of such technologies.

The information, as outlined above,was then-evaluated in order to deter-mine what levels of technology consti-tute the "best practicable control tech-nology currently available." In identify-:ing such- technologies, various factorswere considered. These included the totalcost of application of technology in rela-tion to the effluent reduction benefits tobe achieved from such application, theage of equipment and facilities involved,theprocess employed, the engineering as-pects of the application of various typesof control techniques, process changes,nonwater quality environmental impact(including -energy requirements) andother factors.

The data upon which the above anal-ysis was performed included EPA permitapplications, EPA sampling and inspec-tions, consultant reports, and industrysubmissions.

The pretreatment standards proposedherein are intended to be complementaryto the pretreatment standards proposedfor existing souirces under 40 CFR 128.The basis for such standards is set forthin the FEDERAL REGISTER of July 19, 1973,38 F.R. 19236. The provisions of Part 128are equally applicable to sources whichwould constitute "new sources," undersection 306 if they were to discharge pol-lutants directly to navigable waters, ex-cept for section 128.133. That sectionprovides a pretreatment standard for"incompatible pollutants" which requiresapplication of the "best practicable con-trol technology currently available," sub-ject to an adjustment for amounts ofpollutants removed by the publicly ownedtreatment works.. Since the pretreat-ment standards proposed herein applyto new sources, sections 420.136, 420.146,420.156, 420.166, 420.176, 420.186, 420.196,

420.206, 420,216, 420.226, 420.236, 420.246,420.256 and 420.266, below amend sec-tion 128.133 to specify the application ofthe'standard of performance for newsources rather than the "best practica-ble" standard applicable to existingsources under sections 301 and 304(b) ofthe Act.

The Agency has previously promul-gated regulations for the basic oxygenfurnace (wet air pollution control meth-ods) subcategory (Subpart G), the vac-uum degassing subcategory (Subpart K)and the continuous casting and slabmolding subcategory (SubpartL) for thecarbon steel industry. Because the nu-merical limitations for these subcategor-ies are the same for alloy and stainlesssteel, sections 420.70, 420.110 and 420.120are herein amended to specifically In-clude alloy and stainless steel. Becausethe hot forming and cold finishing seg-ments for both carbon and specialty steel-are being simultaneously promulgatedand proposed herein, unless specifiedotherwise, "steel" includes both carbonand specialty steel. The methodology be-hind the limitations for the basic oxygenfurnace (wet air pollution control meth-ods) subcategory (Subpart G), the vac-uum degassing subcategory (Subpart K)and the continuous casting and slabmolding subcategory (Subpart L) of thespecialty steel industry are discussedbelow.

The operations relating to the tin andchrome coating of strip steel have notbeen included in this regulation becausethe Agency is required under Section306 of the Act to promulgate, and haspromulgated, effluent limitations andguidelines for the Electroplating Point,Source Category (40 CFR 413). Thetreatment technology was discussed in'the Contractors Draft Report and thecosts have been included in the calcula-tions of total water pollution controlcosts to the industry.

Consideration is being given to chang-ing the units of some of the limitations.For the pickling subcategories kilogramsof pollutant per kkg (lbs/1000 Ibs) ofsteel product may be changed to kilo-grams of pollutant per kkg (bs/1000lbs) of acid purchased and regenerated.

For cold rolled or hot coated productsthe units of kilograms of pollutant perkkg (lbs/1000 lbs) of steel product maybe changed to kilograms of pollutant per1000 square meters (libs per unit area insquare yards) of product. The Agencywill be acquiring additional data onwhich to evaluate these changes. Com-ments, data and recommendations fromoutside sources to assist us in this eval-uation are solicited.

Further consideration will be given tocomments received on any facet of theseregulations. The appropriateness or needfor subcategorizatlon by size or age offacility has been considered and is dis-cussed In comments two and four. How-ever, the Agency Is particularly in-terested In receiving further comments,data, and recommendations that willprovide a basis for further evaluation ofthis issue.

Energy consumptiorr for the operationof water pollution control facilities hasalso been considered and is discussed inpart iv and in comment twenty. Com-ments, data, and recommendations thatwill provide a basis for further evalua-tion of this issue are also solicited.

(2) Sumniary of conclusions with re-spect to the basic oxygen furnace (wetair pollution control metllods) subcate-gory (Subpart G), the vacuum degassingsubcategory (Subpart K, the continu-os casting and slab molding subcate-gory (Subpart L), the hot forming-primary subcategory (Subpart M), thehot forming-section subcategory (Sub-part N), the hot forming-flat subeategory(Subpart 0), the pipe and tubes sub-category (Subpart P), the pickling-sulfuric acid-batch and continuous sub-category (Subpart Q), the pickling-hydrochloric acld-batch and continuoussubcategory (Subpart R), the cold roll-ing subcategory (Subpart S), the hotcoatings-galvanizing subcategory (Sub-part T), the hot coatings-terne subeate-gory (Subpart U), the miscellaneousrunoffs-storage piles, casting and slag-ging subcategory (Subpart V), thepickling-combination acid-batch andcontinuous subcategory (Subpart W),the scale removal-kolene and hydridesubategory (Subpart X), the wirepickling and coating subeategory (Sub-part Y) and the continuous alkalinecleaning subcategory (Subpart Z), of theiron and steel manufacturing pointsource category.

(I) Categorization. An evaluation- ofthe forming and finishing operations wasnecessary to determine whether or notsubcategorization would be required inorder to prepare an effluent limitationsguideline or guidelines which would bebroadly applicable and yet representa-tive and appropriate for the operationsand conditions to be controlled.

With respect to Identifying any rele-vant, discrete subcategories for the ironand steel industry, the following factorsin addition to those listed under generalmethodology were considered in deter-nfning industry subcategories for thepurpose of the application of effluentlimitations guidelines and standards ofperformance: gas cleaning equipment;waste treatability; aqueous waste loads;process water usage and type of steelproduced.

After considering all of these factors,it was concluded that the industry iscomprised of separate and distinct proc-esses with enough variability in productand waste to require categorizing intoa number of discrete subcategories. Theindividual processes, products, and thewastewater characteristics comprise themost significant factors in the categori-zation of this most complex industry.The remaining factors served to supportand substantiate the basic subcategori-zation. Waste treatability proved to bemost significant in substantiating thesubcategories. From this evaluation itwas determined that at this time, seven-teen subcategores would be required forthe purposes of developing effluent lirni-

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tations for 'the forming, finishing andspecialty steel segments ot the Iron andSteel Industry. These subcategories areas follows:

G. Basic Oxygen Furnace-Wet AirPcnution Control Methods-An opera-tion which involves the production ofsteel in a basic oxygen furnace and theuse of a wet scrubber in conjunction withthe operation of the furnace. This sub-category has already been promulgatedfor carbon steel.

K. Vacuum Degassing--An operationwhich involves the removal of. gaseousmaterial. (deoxidation) from moltensteel by the action of a vacuum on- themolten steel. This subcategory has previ-ously been promulgated for carbon steel.

L. Continuous Casting and PressureSlab Molding-The continuous forma-tion of a primary steel shape (such as aslab, billet or bloom) from molten steelby casting through a water cooled mold.Pressure slab molding is the casting of aslab in, a slab shaped mold by a bottompouring method. Specialty steeli is nowncluded in-this subcategory, which haspreviously been promulgated for carbonsteel.

VL Hot Forming Primary-An opera-tion which involves reduction of hotsteel ingots into slabs and blooms by roll-ing and associated processes. -

N. Hot Forming, Section-An opera-tion which- involves reduction of, hotblooms into various shapes and sizes ofproducts such as billeta, bars, rods andsections.

Q. Hot Forming Flat-An- operationwhich involves the reduction of hob slabsInto plates, strips, and sheet teel- orskelp.

P. Pipe and Tubes--:An , operationwhich produces welded or seamless pipeor tube, either by welding hot or coldskelp or by piercing hot blooms.

Q. Pickling-Sulfuric Acid-Batch andContinuous-An operation involving theimmersion of rods, wire; strip or similarsteel product in7a- sulfuric acid bath andsubsequent rinsing.R. Pickling-Hydrochloric. Acid-Batch

and Continuous-An operation involvingimmersion of rods, wires, strip or similarsteel product, in a hydrochloric acid bathwith rinsing, and associated absorbervent and fume hood scrubbers.

S. Cold Rolling-An operation involv-ing the size reduction and improvementin surface or mechanical properties ofunheated steel with associated rollingand cooling oils-and solutions.

T. Hot Coat-Galvanizing-An opera-tion involviiig the immersion of steelstrip or pipe in a bath of molten zincand associated processes.

U. Hot Coat-Teme-An operation in-volving the Immersion, of steel in a bathof molten, lead- and tin and associatedprocesses.

V. M~fiscellaneous Runoffs - Runofffrom coal, limestone and ore storagepiles and discharges fromcasting andslagging operations.

W. Combination Acid Plcklhg-Batchand Cntinuotis-The- picklilg of spe-

cialty steel in a nitric acid and hydro-fluoric acid bath, with or without a sul-furic acid. or hydrochloric-acid bath usedIn-line with the ntric-hydrofluorc acidbath., After immersion in the acidbath or baths the steel is rinsed.

X Scale Removalz-Kolene and Hy-dride-The removal of scale from. alloyor stainless steal by immersion in a bathof a molten salt such as kolene orhydride.

Y.-Wire pickling- and Coating-Thepickling of alloy or stainless steel wireand the coating of the wire (with cop-per, or-.another metal) to assist in fur-ther drawing ofthe wire.

Z. Continuous Alkalne Cleaning-Theremoval of rolling oil or other materialfrom alloy or stainless steel in a con-tinuous process involving the electrolysisof the steel in an alkaline solution.

MAxATFATURIxNG PROCESSES

The inherent manufacturing or pro-duction processes- associated with theproduction of a diversity of steel prod-ucts served as a principal- basis for de-fining subcategories. This factor was par-ticularly important in establishing initialbroad segmentation into steelmaking,hot forming, cold finishing and, "non-production" groupings and subsequentlyinto more specific subcategories. For ex-ample, the processes- and methods asso-ciated with hot steel working differ in-herently from those for cold production.

Hot working of steel involves the de-.formation of steel at elevated tempera-tures (2150" F to 2450* F) whereas thecold finishing processes are carried outat far lower temperature ranges (lessthan 1000* F).

Hot forming operations require rela-tively large pieces of machinery andauxiliary equipment (large rollers, run-out tables, steel handling equipment) Inthe shaping of the large steel ingots intoblooms, slabs and billets (some ingots areover 300 tons). Generally cold finishingprocesses do, not require large equip-ment when finishing the much smallersteel sizes (less than a ton of steel forsome £fnishing operations).

Although-hot forming and cold rollingoperations both shape steel, hot rollingis only suitable to a fairly large gauge.At a smaller gauge cold working proc-,esses may bL, used, which at the sametime as reducing the cross sectional areacan also impart certain surface char-acteristics. For example, steel can berolled down to .08" in thickness in a hotstrip mill, but to reach a tin mill gauge,such as .008" the stdel must be 'coldrblled, possibly several times,

Similarly, the processes of surfacepreparation by- chemicals (pickling) orsurface coating (galvanizing) do not in-corporate any- of the principal forming orshaping operations. Moreover, the sur-;face preparation operations themselvesdiffer substantially in that, for example,pickling by sulfuric, hydrochloric ornitric and hydrofluoric acid immersioninvolve-different practices from those re-lated to coating the" steel with zinaortin/lead:alloys.

Pickling processes clean the motalsur-face by the use of chemical means (acid)while coating operations coat the surfaceof the steel with another metal in orderto impart surface characteristics, such ascorrosion resistance (See final products).Pickling and coating processes may beeither batch type or continuous.

Coating operations use a variety ofmetals as raw coating materials. For ex-ample, tin plate and galvanized steelgenerally have a chiromium coating overthe tin or zinc. Alloy steel Wire may becoated with copper to assist In subse-quent drawing operations.

Those ancillary operations which areinvolved in the overall productionproc-esg differ in function from those de-scribed above. Areas used for (open) bulkstorage of coal, limestone or iron oreinvolve none of the specific steel makingfunctions, Similarly, equipment andmachinery maintenance facilities carryout an additional separate sot of aotivl-ties. As would be expected, there is aclose interrelationship between the pro-duction processes (and the subcategoriesderived therefrom) and the factors offinal products, raw materials used, andTaw wastewater characteristics andtreatability as described below.

FIAL PRODUCTSConsideration of the type of nature of

final products helped refine the dofini-tion of those subcategories where manu-facturing takes place; however, this con-sideration was not relevant to the mis-cellaneous runoff subcategory. n add-tion to the more clearly defined finalproduct differences, e.g., hot formed (un-finished) steel versus galvanized finishedproduct, this factor was useful in sub-stantlating subcategories where discrotbdifferences were less apparent. Anotherconsideration was that of product sur-face area. The surface area of the prod-uct being hot rolled affects the rate atwhich contact cooling and flushing watermust be applied, and thus the quantityand quality of the wastewater generated(see waste water characteristics andtreatability). The surface condition of

,the product to be rolled during the hotforming processes also affects the loadof mill scale that will be generated whencontact process water Is applied.

Available data revealed that certainhot forming mills (designated primarymills) produced only the larger sizedbloom or slab pieces of steel; other millsproduced billets; rods or like products(section mills) or plates, strips or shootsteel (flat mills). An additional groupof mills were further defined by theiroutput of steel pipe and tube products.

Furthermore the difference In finalproducts in relation to coating and fin-ishing operations suggested additionalbasis for subcategorIzation. Generally allcoated producta are pickled prior to thecoating appllcation, however, not allpickled products are coated. As would beexpected consideration of final productscomplements the basis for subeategorl-zation according to manufacturingprocesses.

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Final product analysis augments thebasis for subcategorizatlon by raw ma-terials in relation to the pickling andcoating operations. Specific selection ofpickling acid is made when definite finalproduct surface or appearance charac-teristics are desired. Additionally, theparticular pickling acid used Is depend-ent on-the type of steel being pickled.Likewise when certain product coatingrequirements are needed (for corrosionresistance) the use of raw -naterials aredifferentiated.

RAW MATERIALSRaw materials helped to support sub-

categorization. This factor is intendedto incorporate both the characteristicnature of the steel inputs to the subcate-gories, as well as the intermediate rawmaterials employed in each subcategory,e.g., acids, coatings and the like.

Hot forming operations use a limitedsource of steel inputs. Primary bloomingand slabbing mills use lafge bulky ingots(some over 300 tons) as their only rawmaterial. Products with a well definedcross-section area such as billets, rails,bdams, bars are formed from hot bloomswhich are of certain cross-sectional area(at least 6 x 6") themselves.

Hot slabs are the base material forthe production of plates, strip and sheetsteel or skelp. Hot rolled skep is used

-in the production of welded tubularproducts. Production of seamless tubularproducts utilize solid round bars or billetsas the source of raw material. The con-sideration of raw material steel inputsinto the hot forming processes furthersubstantiates the use of the manufac-turing processes as a basis for subcate-gorization.

The intermediate raw materials em-ployed in each subcategory strengthensthe applicability of subcategorization.Pickling processes may use differenttypes of raw materials (i.e. sulfuric,nitric-hydrofluoric or hydrochloric acid)to produce the desired- results. Coatingoperations employ different raw mate-rials to impart the desired coating. Forexample, molten zinc is the primary raw.material in hot coat galvanizing whereasmolten lead and tin are the raw mate-rials for the hot coat-terne operations.Analysis of raw materials used in theforming and finishing of steel substan-tiate the basis of subcategorization when

- differentiating similar production proc-esses i.e. acid pickling and coatings.

WASTEWATER CHARACTERISTICS ANDTREATABILITY

While there are many Inherent simi-larities in raw wastewater characteristicsand treatability between subcategories,there are also significant differences. Asa consequence, this factor was very im-portant in reaching the defined subcate-gorization.

Analysis of the available data indi-cates the presence of certain pollutantsin wastewater from particular manufac-turing operations. As a consequence thewastewater characteristics further sub-stantiate the subcategorization scheme.

Win, lead, chromium, copper and zinc

are predominantly characteristic waste-water constituents of coating operations(due to raw materials) and not typicallypresent in hot forming, rolling or carbonsteel pickling processes and consequentlythey are not found in these wastewaters.Furthermore, investigation of wastewatercharacteristics together with raw mate-rial considerations substantiates thebasis for the coating subcategories. Thepresence of lead in terne coating opera-tion wastes serves as another basis fordifferentiating terne coating from gal-vanized coatings and also differentiatesterne coating from all other coatingssubcategories.

The data also reveals that oil andgrease are characteristic wastewater con-stituents of hot forming and cold rollingprocesses. Analysis of the available in-formation does not 4upport subcategorl-zation on the basis of thd various types ofoil and grease found In either the manu-facturing process itself or in the processwater. However, this analysis also indi-cates that the oil and grease levels Inpickling and coating wastewaters (with-out dommingling with cold rollingwastes) are significantly less than thoselevels found in the hot forming and coldrolling operations. This strongly sug-gests a basis for subcategorization ac-cording to wastewater characteristics.

Continuing with the wastewater analy-sis, comparisons of suspended solidscharacteristics and levels of concentra-tion revealed that the suspended solidsfrom the hot forming operations arecomparatively larger In size, heavier,and more easily removed from thewastewater than those solids producedin the nonhot-forming operations.Even within the various hot-forming op-erations, the particle size of the sus-pended solid varies. The relatlyely goodsurface of the product to be rolled duringthe hot forming-flat step, compared tothe surface quality during previous pri-mary rolling steps, usually results in thegeneration of lesser quantities of millscale than in primary rolling steps. Theparticle size will be generally smallerand consequently more diflcult to settleout than scale from previous steps.Therefore, treatability factors comple-ment the manufacturing process basisfor subcategorization.

GAs CL=EniG EUIPErCertain manufacturing operations

(steelmaking, pickling and hot coatings)require the use of wet gas cleaning equip-ment. The pungency and corrosive natureof acid vapors from pickling operationsrequire the use of fume hood scrubbersor similar types of equpiment. Since gascleaning equipment Is a unique mecha-nism for vapor control those operationsproducing vapors are differentiatedfrom other manufacturing operationsand from other methods of treatability.

Sir Aim AGEPlant size and age, per se, are not vi-

able factors for subeategorization of theiron and steel industry. Informationcompiled during this study and previoussteel industry investigations do not re-

veal any discernible relationship be-tween these factors and raw waste loads,efluent quality, treatability, or anyother basis for subcategorizatIon.

Although specialty steel plants do tendto be smaller than carbon steel plants,the type of steel produced has a greaterImpact on the waste loads and water usethan does the size per se.

Size was considered as a possible fac-tor for subcategorization but fromanalysis of the complied data size, perse, does not justify categorization.Throughout the steel induitry mills varygreatly in physical size, layout and prod-uct size. However, these considerationsrevealed no relationship to process waterusage, discharge rate, emuent quality orany other pertinent factors.

Age as a factor might be expected tobe at least amenable to quantitativeIdentification and interpretation, but theextensive investigation of the industrydoes not indicate that age alone is afactor. The steel Industry Is old. Someof the old mills still incorporate earlyoperating Ideas and practices. However,other old mills are very new in that theyhave incorporated the latest operatingIdeas and practices.

Nevertheless, most older mills havebeen updated by internal changes inprocess, design, and equipment. There-fore, to say that a mill was built 50 yearsago and is 50 years old is not particularlymeaningful in terms of interpreting millpractices. In particular, no consistentpattern between mill age and raw wastecharacteristics was found.

LmD AvAIIABany (LocAToIn)Examination of the raw waste char-

acteristics, process water applicationrates, discharge rates, effluent qualityand pertinent factors relative to plant lo-cation reveals no general relationship orpattern. Land availability (location), perse, is not a viable factor for subcategori-zation of the iron and steel industry.

Although one plant was located In anarea of net evaporation, and used solarevaporation to some extent to control itswastes, It Is the opinion of the Agencythat this technology Is not widely ap-plicable to the steel Industry as a whole,most of which Is located in net precipi-tation areas. Additionally, the only sub-category where land availability was afactor was in pipe and tube, where plantsnot integrated with other steel operationsgenerally had land available and usedit for settling ponds. Integrated pipemills, however, generally had the sameland availability problems as the rest ofthe integrated steel industry. It Is recog-nized that at older mills, the mill build-ings may be crowded together, so thetechnologies suggested for BAT andBPCTCA minimlze land requirements.

P OEsS WATER USAGE

Examinaton of the available data in-dicates that within well defined rangesprocess water usage can be directly cor-related to the various manufacturing op-erations. This correlation verifies thebasis of the subcategorization scheme bymanufacturing processes. Differences in

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scale (see size factor) of a categorizedmanufacturing, process was considered.The results indibated" that on a per tonof steel basis, process water 'usage Is notdependent upon the scale of the manu-facturing operation. It was observedthough, that. much larger volumes ofprocess cooling water- are generally re-quired to cool thehot forming machinerythan that which Is. heeded for the coldforming operations, thus further sjib-stantiating the subcategorization bymanufacturing process.

Considerations of age, location andraw materials, revealed. no discernabledifferences in process- watet' usage.Pxdifferences In.process water usage. Proc-ess water Usage parallels thesuboategori-zation by final. product, considerations(see final products factor) where datarevealed. that for particular. product re-quirements well- defined manufacturingprocesses must.be emplbyed.

TYr OF'STEES PRODUCE-Originally,.the alloy and stainless steel

and. carbon, isteel segments. of the. steelindustry were studied by- separate con-tractors. After examination of, the databases for these two segments, it was de-termined- that in many cases, the samecategorization. would. be appropriatewhere the operations were similar,- al-though insome cases the limitations wereadjusted: because of differing, water userates. Other categories,.characterstic" ofthe specialty, steel industry, were devel-oped on.the bases heretofore discussed.

MULTI-ComXUNn EC or,[r IMPACTComments submittedin-response to ef-

fluent limitations. proposed. on.February19, 1974 (39, FR., 6484), contended thatthe proposed regulation&might result inlarge employment reduction in the mul-ti-community MTahoningRiver Valley re-gion of eastern Ohio, Upon. the promul-gation., of those regulations on. June 28,1974 (39 Y.R. 24114) ,J,-_ conluded thatit lacked sufficient. information to. sup-port diffbrent requirements for pointsources locatedln that region. Followingthe promulgation of those, regulations,and in accordance witlh the preamblethereto, companies. contending that. theeffluent limitations guidelines containedtherein would, cause curtailment of- op-erations and heavy unemployment in theMahoning. Valley region were affordedthe opportunity of, presenting detailedtechnical, cost and flnanclal informationto support that contention. Additionalcommunications from officials of state,county and municipal- governments andregional planning and economic develop-ment agencies were also evaluated. Thedata supplied by the companies and othercommenters, and the evaluation thereofby EPA, through its consultants, havebeen utilized in the establishment of theeffluent limitations guidelines, as setforth in interim flnal form, promulgatedherein.

EPA retained a consulting firm tostudy, the, data in order to determinewhether conditions in the- MahoningRiver Valley region warrant the- estab-lishment- of, region-speoific, effluent limi-

'RULES 7 ND" REGULATIONS

tations. The primary purpose of thestudy- was to assess the likelihood that,major economic dislocations would re-sult in the region from plant closings ifregion-specific factors were not con-sidered in establishing, effluent limit:..tions guidelines, for facilities locatedtherein. In order to make this assess-ment, it was necessary to determinewhether: (1) the return on investmentfrom-co~ntinued operation of these plantswas sufficient to allow the firms to makethe sizable investments required for pol-lution controls, and, (2) the firms wouldbe able to raise sufficient capital to pro-vide pollution control equipment forthese plants, in, the context of the totalcapital requirements of the firms.

On-August 1, 1974,.EPA requested thatcompanies operating facilities in the-re-gion-submit, by September 15, 1974, dataconcerning, estimates of investment andannualcosts for pollution control equip-ment-requred.for non-region specific-ef-fluent-limitations, analyses of the effectsof 'sucli costs-upon profitability, and ra-tionale~for concluding whether the nec-essary capital could be invested. In orderto. facilitate, the submission of the data,which-was not aecomplishecl by the Sep-tember 15,, 1974. deadline,,EPA delivereda questionnaire to .the companies in Oc-tober,. 1974., The informatiolx solicitedtherein concerned plant physical and op-erating characteristics, financial man-agement systems and policies, historicaloperating and. financial- data, pollutionabatement cost analyses, and methodol-ogies, and, assumptions for- ROI (Returnon Investment) projections; The gather-ing and-evaluation of the-data requiredConferences 'attended by- EPA and itsconsultants and the. companies, visits byEPA and its bonsultants to the corporateoffices-of the companies, and inspectionsby, EVA and Its consultants of. the com-panies.'steelmaking facilities- in the Ma-honingRiver Valley.

Tentative analysis of the availabledata leads to the conclusion that condi-tions, in, the Mahoning- River Valley re-gion are.unique withrespect to the phys-ical and. geographical characteristics oftheregion, physical and operating char-acteristics ofthe facilities focated there-in, and the importance of the facilities tothe economy of the region. Tentativeanalysis, of the available data and theconsultant's evaluation: thereof: appearsto support the- contention. that manda-tory compliance with effluent limitationsguidelines which, do not take into ac-count these factors is likely to result insevere. economic dislocation within. theMahoning-River Valley region.

The discussion of categorization withinthe indistry contained-n (i) supra, indi-cates that EPA has concluded that sub-categorization ofthe industry is inappro-priate on the-basis of size,, per se, age,per se, or land availability (location),per se. The type of'manufacturing proc-ess employed was deemed to be the ap-propriate determinant of suboategoriza-tion.

Data, submittedr by the companiesoperating in the Mahoning Valley region,however, reveal,a-wunique combination of

economically disadvantageous size, agoand land. availability (location) factorswhich. appear. to warrant considerationpursuant to section 304(b) (1) (B) of theFederal. Water Pollution Control Act, asamended, in determining the best prac-ticable- control technologies available tofacilities in the region. The plants in theMahoning River Valley region includesome of the oldest steelmaking facilitiesstill in use inthe United States. The firststeel plants in the region were installednear the turn of the cbntury, Four blastfurnaces and fourteen open hearth fur-naces at one facility are in the range of60-75 years in age. In another facility,the-newest finishing mill Is 40 years oldwith the-balance of finishing equipmentmore than 50 years old, Several anti-quated units have been closed over thepast several years.

In addition to similar economic dia-advantages resulting from age and sizecharacteristics, facilities in the regionappear to share economic disadvantagescaused by locational characteristics.These include the movement ofr maretsaway from the region, constrained acce:sto raw materials due to the unavailabilityof waterborne transportation and re-quired transshipment by rail, and spacelimitations which prohlblt major expan-sion of existing facilities. All of thesteolplants operated by the companies sub-mitting data are built on land surroundedby either the river, main highway orresidential or Industrial buildings.

As a result of this unique combinationof age,, size and land availability- (loen-tlon). factors common to plants In theregion, these facilities appear tO be eco-nomically marginal before the additionof pollution control costs. Tentativeanalysis of available data and the con-sultants evaluation thereof Indicatesthat the imposition of polltilon controlcosts It likely to substantially degradethe- already marginal profitability ofthese plants. Tentative analysis of cashflows developed from company data suh-missions, calculated on a "standalon-"basLfor average case and best ease con-ditions, appear to substantiate thils con-elusion. The cash flows for all, evaluatedfacilities are expected to be negative ona stand:alone basis under average condl.tions. On this basis, the Mahoning Valleyoperations of. one of the companies sub-mitting data is expected to realize a posi-tive cash flew only under Infrequentlyoccurring conditions of maximum de-mand, while the operations of the tworemaining companies are expected tohave negative cash flows even under thebest conditions.

The likelihood of a plant closing ill aparticular community as a result of theunwillingness or inability of Its ownersto invest the sums necessary to meeteffluent limitations does not Justify therelaxation of those limitations. On thecontrary, the legislative history of theAct Indicates Congressional awarenessthat plant closings may result, Simnilfirly,the combination of disadvantageous ago,size, and land availability (location)factors which, apparently results In the

FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL. 41, NO. 61-MONDAY, MARCH 2.9, 1976


marginal economic status of the Mahon-Ing Valley plants does not, in itself, re-quire the relaxation of standards whichwould otherwise be applicable. Whatdoes justify a relaxation .of otherwiseapplicable standards is the requirementIn section 304(b) (1) (B) of the Act thatthe assessment of best practicable con-trol technology currently available shallinclude, inter alia, consideration of -thetotal cost of application of technologyin relation to the effluent reduction bene-fits to be achieved. from such appli-cation. The total cost of applicationof technology includes external costssuchas. potential unemployment, dislocation,and rural area economic developmentsustained by the community, area, .orregion. It Isthis consideration of externalcosts in relation to the effluent reductionbenefits to be achieved which establishesthe propriety of exempting point sourceslocated within the Mahoning River Val-ley- region from required compliancewith the nationwide- effluent limitationsbased on best practicable control tech-nology currently available. As discussedpreviously, the imposition of the na-tional effluent limitations to facilities inthe Maloning Valley which share region-specific econofi ic disadvantages appearslikely to lead to plant closings, the effectof which would be heavy unemploymentand severe- economic- dislocation in thismulti-community region.

Steel production is the largest singlefactor in the economy- of the MlahoingRiver Valley, a region with a populationof approximately 550 thousand. In terms

'of jobs and payroll, the- steel industryemploys morepeople, approximately 15%and provides more wages, approximately20%, than any other industry in theregion. Of more significance than thepercentages of emiployment and payroll,however, is the absolute magnitude ,ofthe- employment; and payroll statistics.Steel industry operations in the twy-county region accounted, for 27,000 jobsand a, taxable payroll of $80 million inthe first quarter of 1973. According to astudy conducted for a local economicdevelopment agency in 1972; the industry,in addition to Its own payroll. of $271

Smillion, purchased $90 million In goodsand services from the- local economy,supporting an additional 3300 jobs with atotal- payroll of about $31 million, andgenerated between 19% and 27% of theregion's 201,500 nonr-farm Jobs and asimilar proportion of the $142 million intotal tax revenues of local jurisdictions.

The relief granted. from severe eco-nomia impact in the Mahoning RiverValley region, which impact is likely tooccur absent such relief, is the exemptionof point sources located within that re-gion from the effluent limitations basedon best practicablecontrol technologycurrently available. Nevertheless, theAgency fully expects that authoritiesgranting permits, pursuant to section 402of the Federal Water Pollution ControlAct, asamended, shall not allbw pointsources in that region to discharge pol-lutants in any greater amounts than arecurrently- being discharged by thosesources.

As to requirements which will be ap-plicable In the future, EPA is today pro-posing- limitations which establish thedegree of efluent reduction accom-plished by BAT, under section 301 (b) (2)of the Act. The proposed BAT limitationsfor plants in the Mahoning Valley areidentical to those required to be met bythe balance of the industry. Section 301(cY authorizes modiflcations to be madein these limitations under certain cir-cumstances, based in part on economicconditions applicable to individual own-ers and operators.

Modifications under 301(e) may not, ofcourse, reduce the level of treatment be-low that required by BPT or applicablestate water quality standards. Since theAgency Is not establishing BPT limits forthe Mahoning Valley plants, a specialprovision is being proposed which willconfine any such 301(c) modificationsfor Mfahoning Valley plants to levelscomparable to a region-specific BPT in-stalled at an economically feasible pace.

(Ii) Waste characteristics.(1) Subpart G-Basle Oxygen Fur-

nace-Wet Air Pollution Control methodsSubcategory. The known significant pol-lutants or constituents in the wastewaters resulting. from the Basic OygenFurnace-Wet Air Pollution ControlMethods Subcategory include suspendedsolids, fluoride and pH.

(2) Subpart K-Vacuum DegassingSubcategory. The known significant pol-lutants or constituents In the waste-waters from the VacuumDegassing Sub-category include suspended solids, zinc,manganese, lead, nitrate and pH.

(3) Subpart L--Continuous Castingand Pressure Slab Molding Subcategory.The known significant pollutants or con-stituents in the wastewaters from, theContinuous Casting and Pressure SlabMolding Subcategory include- suspendedsolids, oil and grease andpH.

(4) Subpart M-Hot Forming-Pri-mary Subcategory. The known sig-nificant pollutants or constituents n thewastewaters resulting from the HotForming-Primary Subcategory includesuspended solids and oil and grease.

(5) Subpart N-Hot Forming-SectionSubcategory. The known significant pol-lutants- or constituents in the waste-waters resulting from the Hot Forming-Section Subcategory. include suspendedsolids and oil and grease.

(6) Subpart 0-Hot Forming-tlatSubcategory. The known significant pol-lutants or constituents' in the waste-waters resulting from the Hot Forming-Flat Subcategory include suspended sol-ids and oil and grease.

(7) Subpart P-Ppe and Tubes Sub-category. The known significant pollut-ants or constituents in the wastewatersresulting from the Pipe and Tubes Sub-category include suspended solids andolandgrease.

(8) Subpart Q--Pickling-SulfuricAcid-Batch and Continuous-Subcate-gory. The known significant pollutants orconstituents In the wastewaters resultingfrom sulfuric acid pickling operations in.clude suspended solids, dissolved iron andPH

(9) Subpart R-Pickling-Hydro-chloric Acid-Batch and Continuous Sub-category. Tha known significant pollut-ants or constituents In the waste watersre3ulting from the PicklIng-HydrochlorlAcid-Batch and Continuous Subcategoryinclude suspended solids, dissolved ironand PH.

(10) Subpart S-Cold Rolling Sub-category. The known signIfica nt pollut-ants or constituent- in the wastewatersresulting from. Cold Rolling Subcategoryoperations include suspended solids andoil and grease.

(11) Subpart T-Hot Coatings-Gal-vanlzingSubcategory. MnekmovnasignifL-cant pollutant- or constituents in thewastewaters resulting from the Hot;Coatings-Galvanizing Subcategory in-clude suspended solids, oil and greases,znc chromium and pE.

(12) Subpart U-Hot Coatings-TerreSuhcate-ory. h e, known signifcantpollutants or constituenta in. the waste-waters resulting from the Hot Coatings-Terne SuboategorM Include suspendedsolids, oils and greases, lead, tin, and pH.

(13) Subpart V-Miscellaneous Run-offis-Storage Pile, Casting and SIaggingSubcategory. Tneknowsignflcantpomz.-tant or constituent In the wastewatersresulting from this subcategory Includezuspendedsolds-.

(14) Subpart; W-Comblnation Acid-Batch and Continuous Subcategory. Theknown signIfIcant pollutants or constit-uents in the wastewaters resulting fromthis subcategoryinelude suspended soli&,chromium, Iron, fluorde , nickel and pH.

(15) Subpart X-Scale Removal-Nolene and Hydride Subcategor-. Theknown signiflint pollutant- or constit-uents in the wasteaters resulting fromthis subcategory include suspendedsolids chromium. (hexavalent; and dis-solved), Iron cyanide and: pH

(16) Subpart Y-Vire- Pickling, andCoating Subcategory. The known signify-cant. pollutants or constituents In.thewastewaters resulting from th1s subcate-gory include suspended solfIs, chromlum,iron, cyanide, fluoride, nickel, copper andpH.

(17) Subpart Z-Contfruous- AlkalinCleanin Subcate-ory. The know signifi-cant Pollutants or consttuents in thewastewaters rwltinug from this subcate-goryinclude suspended solidz, chromium,iron. nickel and pH.

(Ill) Origin of waste water pollutants.(1) Subpart G-Wasewaters fro= the

Basic Oxygen Furna-Wet Air Pollu-tion Control Methods Subcategory resultfrom the use of water to scrub partfcn-late and vapors from the emissions froma basic oxygen furnace.

(2) Subparta"-Wastwatem from theVacuum Degasing Subcategory- resultfrom the scrubbing of the gases undervaculml

(3) Subpart L--Wastewaters from theContinuous Casting and Pressure SlabMolding Subcategory- result fron thecontact cooling of the cast materfal, andfrom washing out of the molds.

(4) Subpart?-Wastewatersfrom HotForming-Primary Subcategory opera-tions result from washing scale from the

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surface of the steel with water and from solutions of concentrated waste picklethe water used to transport the scale -liquor, containing iron and sulfuric acidthrough the flume beneath the mill line. at concentration up to 15 percent; or asThe effluents contain suspended particles dilute solutions resulting from dunk orfrom mill scale and oils and greases spray rinsing of pickled product. Eachwhich originate In the hydraulic and operation contributes its own charac-lubricating systems. teristic waste load to the total, and may

Additional wastewaters can result from be considered separately. Wastewatershot scarfing operations associated with are also generated by fume scrubbers.the hot forming-primary operations. The '(9) Subpart R-Pickling-Hydrochlo-sources of these wastewaters include the ric Acid-Batch and Continuous Sub-flush water used to flush the hot scale category. Wastewaters from Pickling-generated by the scarfer off the product, Hydrochloric Acid-Batch and Continu-water used to spray and protect equip- ous Subcategory operations result fromment in the vicinity of the scarfer from the necessary operating procedures dur-heat and flying scale particles, and water ing the pickling process. These waste-used in wet scrubbing systems to remove waters originate in either of two forms:the fume and smoke generated in the as spent solutions of concentrated wastescarfing operation. Additional waste- pickle liquor, containing ferrous and fer-waters can result If noncontact hot mill ric chlorides and hydrochloric acid atand reheat furnace cooling water is concentrations up to 15 percent; or asmixed with the contact wastewaters. dilute solutions resulting from dunk orThese noncontact water sources should spray rinsing of pickled product. Eachbe kept segregated to optimize treatment operation contributes its own character-efficiencies and to minimize treatment istic waste load to the total, and may becosts andloads discharged, considered separately. As the concen-

(5) Subpart N-Hot Forming Section- trated pickle liquor batch becomes tooSubcategory. Wastewaters from Hot highly saturated with ferrous salts to useForming-Section Subcategory operations further for pickling the product, theresult from washing scale from the sur- spent concentrated pickle liquor is dis-face of the steel with water and from the charged for disposal and a fresh batch iswater used to transport the scale through made up. These wastewaters contain ex-the flume beneath the mill line. The cess hydrochloric acid which produces aeffluents contain suspended solids from very low pH, as well as varying quanti-mill scale and oils and greases which ties of total, ferrous, and dissolved Iron.originate In the hydraulic and lubricat- Suspended matter is also present asIng systems. Additional wastewaters can supersaturated iron salts precipitate out,result If noncontact hot mill and reheat particularly if the pH is elevated prior tofurnace cooling water are mixed with the discharge. Wastewaters are also gen-contact wastewaters. erated by fume hood scrubbing and by

(6) Subpart O-Hot Forming-Flat operation of hydrochloric acid regenera-Subcategory. Wastewaters from Hot tion plants.Forming-Flat Subcategory operations re- (10) Subpart S-Cold Rolling Sub-suit from washing scale from the surface category. Wastewaters from Cold Roll-of the steel with water, from the water ing Subcategory operations result'whenused to transport the scale through the rolling solutions are dumped for treat-flume beneath the mill and from water ment or disposal. These rolling solutionsusedUt cool the strip on the runout table. may consist of water, oil, oil-in-waterThe effluents contain suspended solids emulsions, oil-water-detergent solutionsfrom mill scale and oils and greases or combinations of any of these, and arewhich originate in the hydraulic and used to provide cooling and lubrication tolubricating systems. the rolls and product. These wastewaters

(7) Subpart P-Pipe and Tubes Sub- contain oil and grease in the form ofcategory. Wastewaters from Pipe and water soluble oils used as an additive inTubes Subcategory operations result the rolling solutions, as well as tramp oilsfrom contact water use in these processes and greases from the mill equipment lu-as roll spray cooling waters and cooling bricating systems. They also contain sus-bed or spray quench waters; These pended solids in the form of generalwastewaters are usually combined and working area dirt and debris, which getsdischarged to flumes or trenches beneath into the rolling solutions during normalthe pipe mill and flushed into scale pits. operationsThese wastewaters contain suspended (11) Subparl T-Hot Coatings--Gal-solids in the form of scale which is vanizing Subcategory. Wastewaters fromflushed off the pipe surface by the roll Hot Coatings-Galvanizing Subcatgeorycooling spray waters and oils and greases operations result from various cleaning,which originate in the hydraulic and - chemical treatment, and rinses appliedlubricating systems. Additional waste- to the product before or after coating,waters can result if noncontact reheat as well as batch discharges from the vari-furnace or equipment cooling waters are ous solutions and baths associated withmixed with the contact wastewaters. the coating 'operations. In addition, some

(8) Subpart Q-Pickling-Sulfuric Acid .plants utilize wet fume hood scrubbers toBatch and Continuous-Subeategory. remove dust and fumes from the processWasterwaters from Pickling-Sulfuric areas. These wastewaters in general con-Acid-Batch and Continuous Subcate- tain suspended solids in the form of scalegory operations result from the neces- particles, dirt, and debris from the work-§ary operating procedures during the ing area. Galvanlzing operations in par-pickling process. These wastewaters ticular contain oil and grease, zinc, andoriginate in either of two forms: as spent chromium from the coating and 1inish-

ing operations. The pH from this proc-ess may fluctuate, depending upon theconcentrations of acid or alkaline clean-ing rinses present.

(12) Subpart U-Hot Coatings-Terne Subcategory. Wastewaters fromHot Coatings-Terne Subcategory op-erations result from various cleaningo orcoating rinses applied to the product be-fore or after coating. These wastewatersin general contain suspended solids Inthe form of scale particles, dirt, anddebris from the working area, and leadand tin from the terne coating operationitself. The pH from this process mayfluctuate, depending upon the concen-trations of acid or alkaline cleaningrinses present. In addition, some plantsutilize wet fume hood scrubbers to re-move dust and fumes from the processareas.

(13) Subpart V-Iscellaneous Run-offs-Storage Piles. Casting and Slag-ging Subcategory. Wastewater pollutantsfrom miscellaneous runoffs, storage piles,casting and slagging facilities resultfrom the intimate contact of rainfallrunoff waters with the various piles ofmaterial, I.e., storage piles, casting andslagging piles. Wastewaters from castingand slagging result from the contactcooling of ingots (or ingot molds) andslag.

(14) Subpart W-CombInaton AcidPickling Batch and Continuous Subcate-gory. Wastewaters from the CombinationAcid Pickling Batch and ContinuousSubcategory result from the necessaryoperating procedures during the picklingprocess. These wastewaters originate ineither of two forms: as spent solutions ofconcentrated pickle liquor, or as dilutesolutions resulting from the dunk orspray rinsing of the pickled product.Fume scrubbers also generate waste-waters.

(15) Subpart X-Scale Removal-Kolene and Hydride Subcategory. Waste-waters from the Scale Removal-Kolonoand Hydride Subcategory result from theremoval of scale by these molten saltbath methods and the dunk or sprayrinsing which follows.

(16) Subpart Y-Wire Pickling andCoating Subcategory. Wastewaters fromthe Wire Pickling and Coating Subcate-gory result from the pickling operation,and also from the subsequent coatingoperations which assist in the furtherdrawing of the alloy or stainless stoelwire. Wastewaters may originate as con-centrated forms, or as dilute rinses,

(17) Subpart Z-Continuous AlkalineCleaning Subcategory. Wastewaters fromthe Continuous Alkaline Cleaning Sub-category result from the cleaning of alloyor stainless steel strip for the removalof oil and grease and may be encounteredeither as a concentrated form (the actualcleaning bath) or as a dilute rinse.

(iv) Treatment and control technol-ogy.

Waste water treatment and controltechnologies have been studied for eachsubeategory of the industry to deter-mine what is the best practicable controltechnology currently available.

(1) Subpart G-Basie Oxygen Furnace(Wet Air Pollution Control Methods)


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Subcategory. Current control and treat-ment ticbnology practiced in the spe-cialty steel industry includes sedimenta-tion with once through usage., This sub-category was compared with that for thecarbon steel industry, and it was deter-mined that there was no demonstrabledifference between this operation in thecarbon and specialty steel segments.Since the existing treatment at the spe-cialty steel operation was judged to beinadequate, the technology in use in thecarbon steel segment was directly trans-ferred.

(a) The best practicable control tech-nology currently available for the basicoxygen furnace (wet) subcategory con-sists of a thickener with polymer addi-tion to the feed and vacuum filtration ofthe thickener underflow. The bulk of thethickener overflow is xecycled, while lessthan ten percent of this recycle flow isblown down without further treatment.

(b) The -best available technologyeconomically achievable . includes allcomponents of the treatment system de-scribed as best practicable control tech-nology currently achievable, plus furthertreatment of the blowdown by lime pre-cipitation of fluorides, followed by sedi-mentation and neutralization.

(2) Subpart K-Vacuum DegassingSubcategory. Current control and treat-ment technology practiced in the spe-cialty steel industry includes once"through usage with sedimentation; re-cycle, usually over a cooling tower, withinminimal blowdown; and treatment ofblowdown flows by filtration.' This subcategory was compared with

* theaidenticaI one for the carbon steel in-dustry, and it was determined that thereWas no demonstrable difference betweenthis operation in the carbon and spe-cialty steel segments and the technologywas directly transferred.

(a) The best practicable control tech-hology currently available for vacuumdegassing operations c6nsists of sedi-mentation with recycle of solids to sinter;recycle and cooling of process waters overcooling towers; .lime treatment to pre-cipitate metals; and filtration of treatedblowdown prior to discharge.

(b) The best available technology eco-nomically achievable includes all compo-nents of the treatment'system describedabove, plus additional lime treatment,clarification and filtration, along withdenitrification by biological means ifnitrate concentrations exceed 4 mg/L

(3) Subpart L-Continuous Castingand Pressure Slab Molding Subcategory.Current control and treatment technol-ogy in the specialty steel segment encom-passes -three levels of treatment. A fewplants use only a once through systemincorporating a simple settling lagoon orscale pit. Alternative control includes theuse ofa recycle system and passing scalepit overflows over a cooling tower andback to the spray system, with a minorportion going- to blowdown untreated.Some operations also provide high flow,rapid sand filtration, either for blow-downs from the system or to the entire-recycling process water flow, yielding

effluents and process waters of highquality.

This subcategory was compared withthe identical one for the carbon steel In-dustry; and It was determined that therewas no demonstrable difference betweenthis operation in the carbon and specialtysteel segments. Since the existing treat-ment at the specialty steel operations wasjudged to beAnadequate, the technologyin use In the carbon steel segment wasdirectly transferred.

(a) The best practicable control tech-nology currently available for continu-ous casting and pressure slab moldingoperations consists of a sedimentationbasin with continuous dragout of settledsolids and an oil skimmer for floatingoils, recycle loop utilizing cooling tower,and flat bed, sand, or mixed media, filtra-tion of the entire recycle flow, with min-imal blowdown.

(b) The best available technologyeconomically achievable and new sourceperformance standards applicable tocontinuous casting include all parts ofthe above system, plus additional pres-sure filtration step to treat the blow-down stream.

(4) Subpart A-Hot Forming-Pri-mary Subcategory. The control andtreatment technologies which are avail-able are primarily end-of-process treat-ment and reuse techniques. Availabletreatment methods which can be addedto the operating unit scale pit (settlingunit) include oil skimming with manualor automatic removal equipment, clari-fication, chemical flocculation, high ratefiltration, and recycle.

Various degrees of waste treatmentare practiced throughout the Hot Form-ing-Primary Subcategory. All plants willhave scale pits, more to recover millscale for reuse and to prevent grossblockages of sewer lines than to providepollution control Therefore the primaryscale Pit Is considered to be part of theoperating unit and the raw waste effluentis considered to be the primary scale pit(without oil skimming) effluent. Most ofthese primary scale pits will have oilskimming baffles and manual oil re-moval equipment to provide for oil re-moval This Is the first step in pollutioncontrol and the only one so broadly ap-plied as to constitute the reference levelof control. Some plants will also providefor clarification of scale pit effluents andsome of these use chemical flocculationto improve clarification. Addional oilcollection and automatic removal equip-ment may be associated with the clarl-fler to provide for additional oil re-moval. A portion of the clarifier effluentmay be recycled for reuse, or the totaleffluent may be discharged to a receivingstream. Some plants will have high ratefilters to treat either scale pit or clari-fier effluents. Filter effluent may be dis-charged after once-through, althoughthere is a trend towards recirculationand reuse of filter effluents with minorblowdowns to control dissolved solids Ilthe system. Data indicated a slightlyhigher water use rate In the specialtysteel segment than for carbon steel, and

the limitations were adjusted accord-ingly.

(a) The best practicable control tech-nology currently available fdr the hotforming-primary subcategory, includesa primary scale pit, oil slzimmer, followedby recycle of 484 gpt (692 gpt for spe-cialty steel) back to the flume for flush-ing. This is followed by a clarifier witha vacuum filter on the underflow, and afilter on the overflow. At this point 845gPt (1220 gpt for specialty steel) is dis-charged.

(b) The best available technology eco-nomically achievable and the best avail-able demonstrated control technologyprocesses, operating methods or otheralternatives includes a cooling tower andrecycle to the sprays of 820 gpt (1180gpt for alloy) of clarifier effluent, witha discharge of 25 gpt (40 gpt for alloy).

(5)- Subpart IT-Hot Forming-Sectionsubcateory. The control and treatmenttechnologleawhich are available are pri-marily end-of-process treatment andreuse t2hbniques. A reference level oftreatment which can be added to theoperating unit scale pit (settling unit)would consist o underflow baffles withmanual removal of the oil and greasecollected. Advanced levels of treatmentcan be obtained using oil skimming andautomatic removal equipment on thescale pit, followed by clarification chem-ical flocculation or high rate fitration,followed by recycle with blowdown ortotal recycle. A cooling tower is normallyincluded in the recycle loop. Data indi-cated that there was no demonstrabledifference between the carbon and stain-less steel segments as far as raw wasteor water usage.

The range of treatment, technologycurrently practiced in existing plants in-eludes all the Items discussed above. Oneplant surveyed In this subcate-gory, usinga facility consisting of a scale pit, filter,recycle, and cooling tower, has been ableto achieve no discharge of process waste-water pollutants to navigable waters forthis subcategory.

(a) The best Practicable control tech-nology currently available for the hotforming-section subcategory, includes aprimary Ecale pit, followed by an oilskimmer, followedby recycle to the flumeof 3405 gpt, with the remainder (2626gpt) going to a clarifier and the overflowfrom the clarifier filtered prior to dis-charge.

(b) The best available technology eco-nomically achievable and the best avail-able demonstrated control technology,processes, operatingmethods or other al-ternatives includes recycle of 2626 gpf tothe sprays, after passing through a cool-Ing tower, resulting in no discharge ofprocess wastewater pollutants to naviga-ble waters.

(6) Subpart 0-Hot Forming-FlatSubcategory. The control and treatmenttechnologies which are available are pri-maril end-of-process treatment and re-use techniques. A reference level of treat-ment which can be added to the operat-lag unit scale pit (settling unit) wouldconsist of underflow baffles with manualremoval of the oil and grease. Advanced

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levels of treatment can be obtained usingoil skimming and automatic. removalequipment on the scale pit, followed byclarification, with chemical flocculationor high rate filtration, followed by re-cycle with blowdown or total recycle.A cooling tower is normally included inthe recycle loop.

Data Indicated that there was nodemonstrable difference between thecarbon and alloy segments of the hotforming-flat-hot sheet and strip subcate-gory as far as water use or raw waste.However, the water use in the specialtysteel hot forming-flat-plate subcategorywas about twice as high as for the carbonsteel analog. The limitations for thissubcategory were adjusted accordingly.

(a) The best practicable control tech-nology currently available for the hotforming-flat-plate subcategory includesa primary scale pit, an oil skimmer, with1500 gpt (3513 gpt for alloy steel) of theflow then recycled to the flume. The re-mainder (4000 gpt (9366 gpt for alloy))goes through a clarifier, with chemicaltreatment, where the underflow is vac-uum filtered. The flow goes on to "filtra-tion and discharge.

(b) The best available technologyeconomically achievable and the bestavailable demonstrated control tech-nology, processes, operating methods orother alternatives for the hot forming-flat-plate subcategory are identical tothe best practicable control technologycurrently available for the hot forming-flat-plate subcategory, with the additionof a cooling tower, after which 3850 gpt(9016 gpt for alloy) is recycled to thesprays. A blowdown stream of 150 gpt(350 gpt for alloy) is discharged afterfiltration.

(c) The best practicable control tech-nology currently available for the hotforming-flat-hot strip and sheet sub-category, includes a primary scale pit, anoil skimmer, with recycle of 3835 gpt tothe flume for flushing. The remainder ofthe effluent is clarified, with the under-flow vacuum filtered. The overflow isfiltered and discharged (4180 gpt).

(d) The best available technologyeconomically achievable and the bestavailable demonstrated control tech-nology, processes, operating methods orother alternatives for the hot forming-flat-hot strip and sheet subcategory in-cludes a cooling tower and total recycleto the sprays, resulting in zero dischargeto navigable waters.

(7) Subpart P-Pipe and Tubes Sub-category. The control and treatmenttechnologies used are primarily end-of-process treatment and reuse techniques.A reference level of treatment which canbe added to the operating unit scale pit(settling unit) would consist of skhfi-mers to automatically remove oil andgrease continuously. Advanced jevels oftreatment can be obtained by segregatingnon-contact cooling water flows fromprocess waste waters, adding a settlingpond or clarifier for improvedsuspendedsolids removal, chemical flocculation,followed by recycle with minimumblowdown, or total recycle, addingevaporative cooling capacity as neededto control temperature.


(a) The best practicable control tech-nology currently ayailable for the pipeand tube-integrated,.mills subcategory,includes a primary scale.pit, oil skimmerand clarifier, with 3207 gpt of the clhrl -

fler effluent recycled to the flume. Theremaining 1002 gpt is filtered and dis-charged. For the pipe and tube-isolatedmills subcategory, BPCTCA is identicalto that for integrated mills except thatponds replace the clarifiersand filters inthe Integrated mills model.* (b) The best available technologyeconomically achievable and the bestavailable ,demonstrated control tech-nology, processes, operating methods orother alternatives , includes recyclethrough a cooling tower of the 1002 gpt,resulting in zero discharge to navigablewaters. For the isolated mills subcate-gory, BAT is identical to BAT for inte-grated mills except that ponds replacethe clariflers and filters in the inte-grated mills.

(8) Subpart Q - Pickling-SulfuricAcid-Batch and -Continuous-Subcate-gory. Thbe control and treatment tech-nologies available are primarily end-of-process treatment techniques. A refer-ence level of treatment for spent pickleliquor would consist of private contracthauling of all spent pickle liquor off theplant site for proper disposal and/orprocessing and recovery of useful mate-rials. Rinse water flows are restricted tothe minimum once-through rate possible,then are discharged without treatment.An alternate means of handling thesewastes involves separate collection ofspent pickle liquor and spent alkalinecleaning solutions. The equalized solu-tions are then blended to obtain partialneutralization of the spent pickle liquor.This technology can be improved furtherby providing neutralization with lime,followed by aeration to oxidize ferrousiron in the pickle liquor and thus providebetter settling characteristics. Furtherimprovement may include the use ofpolymers and extended settling periodsto provide better effluent quality. Thecorresponding technology levels fortreatment of the rinse waters Involvelime neutralization, aeration, chemicalflocculation and settling. A number ofintegrated plants have found it advan-tageous to blend pickling rinse waste-waters with cold rolling mill wastes,utilizing the acidity of the former tohelp break the oily emulsions of the lat-ter. The iron flocs formed during limeneutralization also serve to absorb oilymatter, producing lower oil and greaseconcentrations in the plant effluents. Thehighest level of technology available in-cludes installation of an on-site sulfuricacid recovery system. Iron is recovered asferrous sulfate heptahydrate and theunreacted sulfuric acid is recovered andrecycled to the process.

Although the wastes from specialtysteel operations are similar to those fromcarbon steel, treatment has been con-fined to simple neutralization or hauling.Since the wastes are virtually identical,the technologies used in the carbon steelsegment (i.e., acid recovery or more ad-vanced neutralization systems) are di-

rectly transferrable to specialty steelplants.,

(a) The best practict~le control tech-nology currently available for the sul-furic acid batch and continuous sub-category, includes, for batch operations,acid recovery, countercurrent rinsing,with the rnsewater used to dilute thoconcentrated acid (after acid recovery)to make up the pickle bath, thus result-ing In no discharge of pollutants tonavigable waters. For continuous opera-tions practicing neutralization, BPCTCAIncludes neutralization followed by a oneday settling lagoon. This technologypermits 25 gpt to be discharged of theconcentrate, 200 gpt of rinsewater and25 gpt from the fume hood scrubber, Forthose mills presently without neutraliza-tion BPCTCA Includes acid recovery andcountercurrent rinsing as for batch op-erations, resulting In no discharge ofprocess wastewater pollutants to naviga-ble waters.

(b) The best available technologyeconomically achievable and tho bestavailable demonstrated control technol-ogy, processes,, operating methods orother alternatives for batch and con-tinuous operations presently withoutneutralization Is Identical to BPT. Forthose continuous operations with neu-tralization facilities, BAT consists ofneutralization followed by 5 days of set-tling. This may be achieved using thesame lagoon as for BPT, by use of coun-tercurrent rinsing and cascade se Infume hoods to achieve flows of 25 gpt ofconcentrate and 25 gpt of fume hoodscrubber and rirsewater.

(9) Subpart R - Pickling-Hydro-chloric Acid-Batch and Continuous Sub-category. The control and treatmenttechnologies which are available areprimarily, end-of-process treatmenttechniques, although in-plant controls(e.g. countercurrent rinsing) are veryuseful in reducing wastewater volumes.A reference level of treatment for spentpickle liquor would consist of collectionand deep well disposal, or hauling off-site by a private contractor to a dis-posal area for combined treatment withother wastes. A reference level of treat-ment for rinsewaters will generally con-sist of equalization and lime addition toa PH of 5 to 6 to eliminate free acidity,followed by discharge to a receivingstream of municipal sewage treatmentplant. A higher level of technology forspent pickle liquor Involves flash evauo-ration of acid in a roaster forming HCIvapor and Iron oxide. The HCI vapor issent to an absorber to regenerate hydro-chloric acid. The Iron oxide Is removedfrom the bottom of the roaster for reuse,Gases leaving the absorber pass througha water scrubber prior to discharge tothe atmosphere. The scrubber water isneutralized with lime before discharge,along with the dilute acidic rinsewaters.Aeration is provided for the combinedeffluents, along with a settling pond orthickener with vacuum filtration of un-derflows to drop out suspended solids.This technology can be Improved evenfurther with the addition of counter-current rinses to reduce the voluno of,waste water generated. The highest form

FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL. 41, NO. 61-MONDAY, MARCH 29, 1976


of technology available involves the useof rinse waters in a cascade counter-current -rinse pattern to concentratethem to the point where regenerationin an HC1 recovery unit is practical.

The range of treatment technologycurrently practiced includes all the itemsdiscussed above except concentrationand recovery of rinse waters in an HC1regeneration plant. However, one of theplants visited during this study is suc-cesfully coricentrating rinse water fordeep well disposal, while another plantutilizing acid regeneration of spentpickleliquor concentrates is currently makingpreparations to include rinse waters inthe recovery system following their con-dentration by cascade* countercurrentrinsng. A number of integrated plantshave found it advantageous to blendwastes from pickling operations with coldrolling mill wastes, utilizing the acidityof the former to help break the emulsi-fied oils in the latter.

(a) The best practibable control tech-nology currently available for the hydrb-chloric acid pickling-batch-subcategory,is for batch concentrates segregated col-lection of acid wastes, with caustic wastesfrom other subcategories (neutraliza-tion), lime treatment, mixing, aeration,polymer addition and one day settling.For batch rinses, BPCTCA is equalizationwith acid and caustic wastes, neutraliza-tion by chemical addition, mixing, aera-tion and one day-settling. For fume hoodscrubbing wastes, BPCTCA is equaliza-tion, neutralization by chemical addition,mixing, aeration- and one day settling.

(b) The best practicable control tech-nology currently available for the hydro-chloric acid pickling-continuous-sub-category, is for continuous operation;concentrates may be treated by neutrali-zation by chemicals, mixing, aerationand one day of settling. The absorbervent scrubber wastes may be treated byacid regeneration, neutralization withchemicals, aeration and on day of set-tling. The continuous rinseg may betreated by lime neutralization, mixing,aeration, polymer addition and one dayof settling. The continuous fume hoodscrubber can be treated by neutraliza-tion with lime, mixing, aeration, polymeraddition and one day of settling.

- (c) The best available technology eco-nomically achievable and the best avail-able demonstrated control technology,processes, operating methods or otheralternatives for batch concentrates isaeration, followed by a settling lagoonwith 2 to 5 days retention. For batchrinses; countercurrent rinsing, aeration,and mixing followed by two to five dayssettling. For batch fume hood scrubbers,aeration, and mixing followed by two tofive days settling. For continuous con-centrates; settling for two to five days.For continuous operations with absorbervent scrubbers; recycle to the acid ab-sorber vent scrubber, reuse, and a set-tling lagoon with two to five days reten-tion. For continuous rinses; counter-current rinsing, aeration, and mixingfollowed by two to'five day settling. Forcontinuous operations with a fume hoodscrubber; aeration and mixing followedby two to five days settling.

(10) Subpart S-Cold Rolling Sub-category. The available control andtreatment technologies include n-plantcontrol measures to reduce flows fromthe recirculating stands, If any, by lim-iting blowdowns to treatment, and end-of-process treatment techniques forthose blowdowns and for the direct ap-plication stands. The reference level oftechnology includes the optimum degreeof recirculation practical for the specificconditions enumerated above, plus treat-ment of blowdowns from the recircula-tion systems and from direct applicationstands using an oil separator, followed bydischarge. This technology can be im-proved significantly by treating the totalwastewaters via oil separation, equaliza-tion, chemical treatment, flocculation,air flotation, surface skimming, finalpond settling, and then discharge.

The range of treatment technologycurrently practiced in existIng plantsincludes the items discussed above. Also,a few existing plants have found it ad-vantageous to combine waste dischargesfrom cold rolling operations with acidpickling operation wastes, and treatthese wastes in a single Joint treatmentsystem.

Interestingly, all the specialty steelplants studied had recirculation systemsand two out of three achieved no dis-charge of pollutants. Because no dif-ferences were found, the technologies andlimitations are identical

(a) The best practicable control tech-nology currently available for the coldrolling subcategory Includes for recircu-lation operations oil skimming, equaliza-tion, chemical treatment and floccula-tion, air flotation, surface skimming, anda settling lagoon with 2 to 5 days reten-tion. For combination operations,BPCTCA includes oil skimming, equali-zation, chemical treatment and floccula-tion, air flotation, surface skimming, anda settling lagoon with 2 to 5 days reten-tion. For direct application operations,BPCTCA includes oil skimming, equal-ization, chemical treatment and floccula-tion, air flotation, surface skimming, anda settling lagoon with 2 to 5 days reten-tion.

(b) Th6 best available technology eco-nomically achievable and the best avail-able demonstrated control technology,processes, operating methods or otheralternatives Identical to the best prac-ticable control technology currentlyavailable.

(11) Subpart T-Hbt Coatings-Gal-vanizing Subcategory. The control andtreatment technologies which are avail-able are primarily end-of-process treat-ment techniques, with the exception ofsteps designed to limit water flows. Areference level of treatment would con-sist of control of wastewater volumes byproviding dragout recovery units, andspecial attention to maintenance ofequipment designed to reduce loss ofsolutions. A higher level of treatmenttechnology would include separate col-lection of alkaline and acidic wastewatersolutions, with subsequent blending ofpredetermined flows to allow for precipi-tation of dissolvid metals and a limitedamount of settling. A further improve-

ment to this technology would includeproviding hexavalent chrome reduction,neutralization, polymer addition facili-ties, a settling basin, and continuous oilskimming equipment. An even higherlevel of treatment technology would in-clude treatment of the blended waste-waters with lime or other alkali to theoptimum pH for precipitating metalhydroxides, followed by solids removalvia clarification with polymer addition,vacuum filtration of sludges, and con-tinuous oil skimming of the clarifier efflu-ent. Significant savings in chemical andequipment cgsts can be gained by modi-fying process steps to provide cascaderinsing of products, and recycling offume hood scrubber waters.

The range of treatment technologypracticed in existing plants includes allthe items discussed above, except for thecascade rinsing and fume hood recyclingsystems. Both techniques exist In otheriron and steel industry subcategories,and are suitable for use here.

(a) The best practicable control tech-nology currently available for the hotcoat-galvanizing subcategor7" includesfor rinse and fume hood scrubber oper-ations, segregated collection, equaliza-tion, neutralization, by waste blending,mixing, hexavalent chromium reduction,neutralization by chemical addition andpolymer addition.

(b) The best available technology eco-n6mlcally achievable and the best avail-able demonstrated control technology,processes, operating methods or otheralternatives includes for rinsing opera-tions countercurrent rinsing and a set-tling lagoon with 2 to 5 days retention.For fume hood scrubbers, it includes re-cycle, neutralization by chemical additionand a settling lagoon with 2-5 daysretention.

(12) Subpart U--Hot Coatings-TerneSubcategory. The control and treatmenttechnologies which are available areprimarily end-of-process treatmenttechniques, with the exception of stepsdesigned to limit water flows. A referencelevel of treatment would consist of con-trol of wastewater volumes by providingdragout recovery units, and special at-tention to maintenance of equipmentdesigned to reduce loss of solutions. Ahigher level of treatment technologywould include separate collection of al-kaline and acidic wastewater solutions,with subsequent blending of predeter-mined flows to allow for precipitation ofdissolved metals and a limited amount ofsettling. A further improvement to thistechnology would include provisions forTolymer addition facilities, a settlingbasin, and continuous oil skimmingequipment. An even higher level of treat-ment technology would include treat-ment of the blended wastewaters withlime or other alkali to the optimum pHfor precipitating metal hydroxides, fol-lowed by solids removal via clarificationwith polymer addition, vacuum filtra-tion of sludges, and continuous oil skim-ming of the clarifier eflluent. Significantsavings in chemical and equipment costscan be gained by modifying process stepsto provide for cascade rinsing of prod-


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uct§ and by recycling the fume hoodscrubber.waters.. The plants visited were not using any

of the available ,treatment techniques;but never-the-less were achieving theBPCTCA efluent loads by careful man-agement of maintenance and operatingprocedures to minimize waste load gen-eration.

(a) The best practicable control tech-nology currently available for the hotcoat-terne subcategory includes for bothrinsing and fume hood scrubbing opera-tions, segregated collection, equalization,neutralization by waste blending, mix-Ing, settling lagoon (one day retention)and oil skimming.

(b) The best available technologyeconomically achievable and the bestavailable demonstrated control technol-ogy, processes, oberating methods orother alternatives includes for rinsingoperations, countercurrent rinses, neu-tralization by chemical addition, and asettling lagoon with 2-5 days retention.For fume hood scrubbing operations, re-cycle, neutralization by chemical addi-tion and a settling lagoon with 2 to 5days retention.

(13) Subpart V-Miscellaneous Run-offs-Storage Piles, Casting and -Slag-ging Subcategory. The environmentalimpact of these miscellaneous runoffscan generally be controlled via: 1. col-lection and 2. treatment. Collection can.consist of two parts; i.e., installation ofan impervious liner (vinyl, rubber, con-crete, etc.) at the base of the pile to pre-vent subsurface runoff and/or installa-tion of a perimeter collection system toroute subsurface runoff stopped by theliner and surface runoff from the pilesurface to a specific point for furtherhandling. Liner technology has been usedto a minor extent in steam electric powerplants to minimize -their coal pile sub-surface runoffs. Generally, a 6 in. layerof sand or earth must be placed betweenthe liner and the stockpiled material toprevent damage to the liner. The use ofthis technology may also, in many cases,be limited to installation where a stock-pile has vet to be placed. At many loca-tions, because of the logistics of unload-ing, storage, and end use facilities, itmay not be possible to easily change thelocation of a stockpile or move it tem-porarily while a liner is being installed.Generally, however, the use of a linerwould tend to eliminate subsurface dis-charges from these stockpiles. Perimetercollection systems may route -the col-lected wastewaters to a holding facility,probably a pond, for treatment, storagebefore treatment, or pretreatment andstorage before further treatment. Treat-ment of the wastewaters collected in theholding facility can then be carried outat that point or the waste can be trans-ported for treatment at another point, orboth. Whatever method is employed, thegeneral treatment provided should con-sist of, at a minimum, sedimentation andp11 adjustment where required.

(a) The best practicable control tech-1nology currently available for the mis-cellaneous runoffs-casting and slaggingsubcategory includes no limitations at


this time'for- torage pile runoff. Ho*-ever, for those facilities with casting andslagging operations, i includes waterconservation resulting in no dischargeof process wastewater pollutants to navi-gable waters.

(b) The best available technology eco-fiomically achievable and the best avail-able demonstrated control technology,processes, operating methods or .otheralternatives includes for those facilitieswith storage piles, perimeter collection,eqfializatlon, neutralization by chemicaladdition, chemical treatment and floccu-lation, polymer addition and a settlinglagoon with 2 to 5 day retention. Forcasting and slagging, BAT is identical toBPT.

(14) Subpart W-Combination AcidPickling-Batch and Continuous Subcate-gory. The control and treatment tech-nologies which are available and in useare primarily end-of-process treatmenttechniques. Treatment technologies pres-ently in place run the gamut from oncethrough usage with untreated dischargeof the pickle rinse water and hauling ofthe -concentrate, to lime neutralizationand clarification, to neutralization andclarification with oil removal, to equali-zation and aeration followed by neutral-ization- and clarification. Occasionally,the clarifier underftow may be vaccumfiltered and a flocculent may be used toassist clarification.

(a) The best practicable control tech-nblogy currently available for the com-bination 'acid pickling-batch -nd con-,tinuous subcategory includes lime neu-tralization and clarification, with theunderftow vacuum filtered and polymer'addition to assist in solids removal.

(b) The best available technology eco-nomically achievable and the best avail-able demonstrated control technology,processes, operating methods or otheralternatives for the combination acidpickling-batch and continuous subcate-gory is identical to the best practicablecontrol technology currently available.

(15) Subpart X-Scale Removal-Ko-lene and Hydride Subcategory. The con-trol and treatment technologies whichare in use are end-of-process treatmenttechniques. Treatment technologies pres-ently in place are once through usagewith untreated discharge-for most plants,although aeration and equalization, fol-lowed by lime neutralization and clarifi-cation with polymer addition is practicedat one plant.

(a) The best practicable control tech-nology currently available for the scaleremoval-kolene 'and hydride subcate-gory was determined to be; for the kolenewastewaters, acidification and reductionwith sulfur dioxide of the hexavalentchromium; for the hydride waste waters,chemical oxidation of the cyanides; thespecific pretreatment step for each to befollowed by lime neutralization and clari-fication with polymer addition andvacuum filtration of the underfiow.

(b) Thebest available technology eco-nomically achievable and the best avail-able demonstrated control technology,

processes, operating methods or other,,alternatives for the scale removal kolehoand hydride subcategory is identical tothe best practicable control technologycurrently available.

(16) Subpart Y-Wire Plcling andCoating Subcategory. The control anidtreatment technologies which are in useare end-of-process treatment techniques.Treatment technologies presently Inplace range from once through usage,with no treatment prior to discharge, tosystems employing lime neutralizationand clarification with polymer addition,Occasionally, the underftow is centri-fuged or otherwise concentrated.

(a) The best practicable control tech-enology currently available for the wirepickling and coating subeategory in-cludes lime neutralization and clarifica-tion with polymer addition and vacuumfiltration of the underfiow.

(b) The best available technology eco.nomically achievable and the best avail-able demonstrated control technology,processes, operating methods or otheralternatives for the wire pickling andcoating subcategory Is identical to thebest practicable control technology cur-rently available.

(17) Subpart Z-Continuous AlkalineCleaning Subeategory. The control andtreatment technologies which are in useare end-of-process treatment techniques,Treatment technologies presently inplace consists of mixing with other proc-ess wastewaters and settling.

(a) The best practicable control tech-nology currently available for the con-tinuous alkaline cleaning subeategoryhas been determined to be lime neutral-ization and clarification assisted by poly-mer addition, and vacuum filtration ofthe underftow.

(b) The best available technology eco-nomically achievable and the best avail-able demonstrated control technology,processes, operating methods or otheralternatives for the continuous alkalinecleaning subeategory is identical to thebest practicable control technology cur-rently available.

Solid waste control must be considered,Consideration has also been given to

the solid waste aspects of water pollu-tion controls. The processes for treatingthe waste waters from this industry pro-duce considerable volumes of sludges.Much of this material is inert iron oxidewhich can be reused profitably. Othersludges not suitable for reuse must bedisposed of to land fills. Being precipi-tates, they are by nature relatively In-soluble substances.

Best practicable control technologyand best available control technology asthey are known today, require disposalof the pollutants removed from wastewaters in this industry in the form ofsolid wastes and liquid concentrates. Inmost cases these are nonhazardous sub-stances requiring only minimal custodialcare. However, some constituents may behazardous and nay require special con-sideration. In order to ensure long termprotection of the environment from thesepotentially hazardous or harmful con-


stituents, special consideration of dis-posal sites must be made. All landfill siteswhere such hazardous wastes are disposedshould be selected so as to prevent hor-

-zontal and vertical migration of thesecontaminants to ground or surfacewaters. In cases where geologic condi-tions may not reasonably ensure this,adequate legal and mechanical precau-tions (e.g. impervious liners) should betaken to ensure long term protection tothe environment from hazardous ma-terials. 'Where appropriate, the locationof solid hazardous materials disposalsites should be permanently recorded inthe appropriate office of legal jurisdiction.

(v) Cost estimates for control of waste-water pollutants.

The regulations herein apply to theprocess waste water effluents of the form-ing and finishing operations and spe-cialty steelmaking operations, to miscel-laneous runoffs from storage piles andfrom casting- and slagging operations.The need for thermal discharge limita-tions is almost entirely a matter of waterquality and hence so site specific thatthe Agency has determined that thermallimitations should not be a part of thesetechnology oriented industry-wide ef-fluent limitations at this time and hencehave not been included in them.The capital investment which will be

required to meet the BPCTCA regula-tions bontained -herein ,is $1.14 billionabove the base fevel. To meet the BATEAregulations will require an-additional in-vestment of $584 million. The total costto the steel industry of this regulation,the regulation published on June 28, 1974for the carbon steelmaking segment, andthe electroplating regulation (for the coldcoating operations) will be $1.31 billionto meet BPCTCA, and an additional $716million to meet BATEA.

The incremental annual operating andcapital costs of this regulation will be$155 million to meet the BPCTCA limita-tions, with an additional $119 million re-quired to meet the BATEA limitations.For the -industry as a whole, the totalcost of BPCTCA compliance will be $201million annually, while BATEA will costan additional $164 million annually.

Of these" amounts, the costs to thespecialty steel industry are approximately10 percent of the total. Although thecosts per ton are slightly higher for spe-cialty steel than for carbon steel, theaverage sales price per ton for the spe-cialty steel products is three to twentytimes higher than for carbon steel-products.

(vi) Energy requirements and non-water quality environmental impacts.

Consideration has been given to thenonwater quality aspects of water pol-lution control. The increased use of re-cycle systems has the potential for In-creasing the loss of volatiles to the atmos-phere. Recycle systems are so effectivein reducing waste water volumes andhence waste loads to and from treat-ment systems and in reducing the sizeand cost of treatment systems that atradeoff must be accepted. Recycle sys-tems requiring the use of cooling towers


will contribute significantly to reduc-tions of effluent loads while contribut-ing only minimally to air pollution prob-lems since the pollutant parameters inthis segment are almost entirely nonvol-atile materials.

The effect of water pollution controlmeasures on energy requirements hasalso been determined. The additionalelectrical energy required to operatewater pollution control facilities for theprocesses covered to achieve both theBPCTCA (1977) and the BATEA (1983)effluent limitations amounts to appioxl-mately five percent of the electrical en-ergy used by the steel industry In 1973but it will be an Insignificant percentageof the total energy consumption of theindustry. These calculations are basedon the treatment model energy require-ments listed in Section VIII of the De-velopment Document and on data fromthe AISI statistical report for 1972.

(viii) Economic impact analysis.Studies of the economic impact of

these regulations are under way and willbe reported In the near future as sepa-rate reports entitled "Economic Analysisof Effluent Guidelines, Iron and SteelIndustry" and "Economic Analysis ofEffluent Guidelines, Specialty SteelIndustry".

The inflationary Impact of these reg-ulations has been considered in accord-ance with Executive Order 11821.

The report entitled "Development Doc-ument for Interim Final Effluent Limi-tations Guidelines and Proposed NewSource Performance Standards for theForming, Finishing and Specialty SteelSegments of the Iron and Steel Manu-facturing Point Source Category" detailsthe analysis undertaken in support ofthe interim final regulation set forthherein and is available for inspection atthe EPA Public Information ReferenceUnit, Room 2922 (EPA Library, Water-side Mall, 401 M St., S.W., WashingtonD.C., at all EPA regional offices, and atState water pollution control offices.Supplementary analyses prepared forEPA of the possible economic effects ofregulation are also available for inspec-tion at these locations. Copies of thesedocuments are being sent to persons orinstitutions affected by the regulation orwho have placed themselves on the mail-ing list for this purpose (see EPA's Ad-vance Notice of Public Review Proce-dures, 38 P.R. 21202, August 6, 1973). Anadditional limited number of copies ofthese reports are available. Persons wish-ing to obtain a copy may write the En-vironmental Protection Agency, EffluentGuidelines Division, .Washington, D.C.20460, Attention: Distribution Officer,W31-552.

When this regulation is promulgatedin final rather than interim form, re-vised copies of the Development Docu-ment will be available from the Super-intendent of Documents, GovernmentPrinting Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Copies of the economic analysis docu-ments will be available through the Na-tional Technical Information Service,Springfield, VA 22151.

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(c) Summary of public participation.Prior to this publication, the agencies

and groups listed below were consultedand given an opportunity to participatein the development of effluent limitations,guidelines and standards for the ironand steel manufacturing category. Allparticipating agencies have been in-formed of project developments. Initialdrafts of the Development Documentwere sent to all participants and com-ments were solicited on those reports.The following are the principal agenciesand groups consulted: (1) EffluentStandards and Water Quality Informa-tion Advisory Committee (establishedunder section 515 of the Act)* (2) allState and U.S. Territory Pollution Con-trol Agencies; (3) Ohio River ValleySanitation Commission; (4) New Eng-land Interstate Water Pollution ControlCommission; (5) Delaware River BasinCommission; (6) Conservation Founda-tion; ('7) Environmental Defense Fund,Inc.; (8) Natural Resources DefenseCouncil; (9) Water Pollution ControlFederation; (10) National Wildlife Fed-eration; (11) The American Society ofCivil Engineers; (12) The American So-clety of Mechanical Engineers; (13) US.Department of Commerce; (14) US. De-partment of the Interior; (15) WaterResources Council; (16) U.S. Depart-ment of Housing and Urban Develop-ment; (17) Federal Energy Office; (18)Federal Power Commission; (19) Xa-tional Commission on Water Quality;(20) Business Men for the Public In-terest; and (211 The American Iron andSteel Institute.

The following responded with com-ments: American Iron and Steel Insti-tute Department of the Interior, Ten-nessee Valley Authority; Department ofTransportation; Federal Energy Admin-istration; Cast Metals Federation; Flor-Ida Department of Environmental Regu-lation; Ohio Environmental ProtectionAgency; Colt Industries; Ford MotorCompany; the CF & I Steel Corporation;Carpenter Technology Corporation;Cabot Corporation; Republic Steel Cor-poration; United States Water ResourcesCouncil; Connecticut Department of En-vironmental Protection; Delaware De-partment of Natural Resources and En-vironmental Control; Illinois Environ-mental Protection Agency; KentuckyDepartment for Natural Resources andEnvironmental Protection; New YorkState Department of EnvironmentalConservation; Texas Water QualityBoard; and Boyd C. Wagner, Inc.

The primary issues raised in the de-velopment of the interim final effluentlimitations and guidelines and the treat-ment of these issues herein are asfollows:

(1) Comments have been received tothe effect that the effluent limitationsguidelines should specify the net loadsto be discharged rather than absolute-loads.

The effluent limitations have generallybeen developed on a gross or absolutebasis. However, tha Agency- recognizesthat in certain instances pollutants will

.FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL 41, NO. 61-MONDAY, MARCH 29, 1976

13002

be present In navigable waters whichsupply a plant's Intake water In signifi-cant concentrations which may not beremoved to the levels specified In theguidelines by the application of treat-ment technology contemplated byBPCTCA.

A revisidn of the NPDES regulationsrelative to the "net" versus "gross" issuehas been promulgated (40 FR 29818;July 16, 1975) to provide the flexibilitywhich some commenters have indicatedthey believe is required.

(2) One commenter stated that It Isnot explained how the data presenteddemonstrates that the factors of ageand size have been considered and fur-ther states that the commenter believesthat the Agency is erroneous in conclud-Ing that these factors do not requiresubeategorization on this basis.

The Agency has subdivided the form-Ing and finishing segment primarilyalong operational lines because thewastewater volumes and pollutant pa,-rameters vary with the type of opera-tion being conducted. In addition, the,processes reflect the age of the tech-nology employed.

The treatment technology to be ap-plied is primarily a function of the pol-lutants present and hence is a function.of the type of operation conducted. Thetype of pollutants present is not a func-tion of the age or size of the operating-facility. Land availability for applica-tion of the treatment technology s'nota function of size or age since manynew as well as old mills are limited onthe area available for installation of-treatment facilities and vice versa. Manyof the older mills have better treatmentthan some of the newer ones and viceversa. The treatment technologies do notrequire large land areas and in additionalternatives are available to those facili-ties which do have a land availabilityproblem. Similar comments can be madewith respect to size.

The limitations are primarily a func-tion of the kinds of pollutants present,the unit volume of wastes that must bedischarged, and the capabilities of theapplicable treatment technology. All ofthese factors relate to the type of oper-ation conducted and not to the size orage of the facility. For further details,see "Size and Age" under (I) categoriza-tion found in the preamble to the regula-tion.

(3) The comment has beenmade thatthese limitations require individual wastetreatment facilities at each operatingunit and prohibit the use of central wastetreatment facilities which are more eco-nomical to construct and to operate.

Central treatment facilities typicallyprovide for equalization, neutralization,solids removal, and sludge dewatering.Other pollutants requiring removal areusually more efficiently and economicallycontrolled or recovered by a pretreat-ment step applied to the segregatedstream. These regulations have been con-structed so as to permit a discharger toapply either approach.

In the event that waste streams fromvarious sources are combined for treat-


ment or discharge,the quantity of eachpollutant or pollutant property attribut-able to each controlled waste source(subcategorie. M through V) shall notexceed the specified limitation for thatparticular waste source. For example, Ifa plant's production allows it to dis-charge 5 lbs/day of tin from its terneplating operation, it-would not be allowedto discharge 10 lbs/day of tin becausethe terne line wastes were combined withcold rolling wastes for treatment.

However, in the Instance of the use-ofpickling Wastes to assist in the breakingof enlulsifled oils from cold rolling wastes,some added waste load discharges arepermitted by the regulation. The costsavings that could be achieved by the useof one waste stream to treat anotherwaste stream was considered sufficientto justify permitting additional loads tobe discharged.

(4) One comment was that the Agen-cy's position on deep well disposal doesnot correspond with that contained in aBureau of Mines report, which concludesthat deep well injection is a preferredroute, and therefore, the Agency's policyshould be revised.

Deep well injection as a means of wastedisposal or storage is technically feasiblein some areas and may be less costlythan treatment, recovery, regeneration,or reuse, but that does not necessarilymake it desirable from the standpoint ofprotecting the environment. The alterna-tives available for the control, treatmentand for recovery and reuse and the effec-tiveness, cost and environmental impactof alternatives must be considered.

(5) One industry source commentedthat non-contact cooling water flowsshould not be limited.

The applicability section of SubpartsM through U (the "operations" orientedsubparts) all specify that the limitationsapply only to the process wastewater dis-charges.

(6) The contemplated regulation forcarbon steel published in the FEDEALREGISTER has been criticized for not cov-ering the continuous sulfuric acid pick-ling operations.

Additional field survey and plant visitwork has now been completed and theregulation has been expanded to apply toboth batch and continuous sulfuric acidpickling.

(7) One 'comment was. received thatthe dual metric and English unit tableswith the same numbers were wastefuland undesirable.

The regulation has been revised to de-lete the repetitive part of each table, butboth unit headings have been retainedover the remaining part of each table.

(8) One commenter stated that instal-lation of BATEA recommended technol-ogy (sulfuric acid recovery via atmos-pheric or vacuum crystallization) forBatch.SulfurioAcidPickling-Concentra-ted would require the abandonment ofall the previously Installed BPCTCA tech-nology (neutralization).

The Agency Is cognizant of this con-cern and It Is not the intent of EPA tonecessitate the installation and subse-quent abandonment of BPCTCA technol-

ogy for the implementation of BATEAtechnology; nor Is It the intent of EPAto mapdate treatment technologies.Based upon the current technologicalpractices within the Iron and steel in-dustry, treatment models were developedas demonstrable technologies which havebeen shown to achieve the limitationsand employed for costing purposes,

Furthermore, consideration for thoseIron and steel facilities who currentlypractice neutralization was taken Intoaccount 'in developing the treatmentmodels so that those continuous picklingoperations with existing neutralizationfacilities could continue with their cur-rent technology. For those presently nottreating pickle liquor wastes, It was rea-soned that an economic evaluation wouldsuggest the implementation of sulfuricacid recovery technology as a suitablealternative In order to comply both withBPCTCA and BATEA limitations.

This commenter has further Indi-cated that a by-product from the recom-mended technology for sulfurio acidpickling wastes, i.e., sulfuric acid recov-ery, is commercially unmarketable andcannot be used as landfill.

The Agency continues to Investigatethe commercial market for this materialas produced by the iron and steel indus-try as well as other Industries, I.e. titan-ium dioxide producers.

The Agency contends that this by-product can be landfllled If the properprecautions are implemented. EPA's Of-fice of Solid Waste Management Pro-grams has initiated various grants andcontracts investigating the environmen-tally safe use of landfills. These investi-gations have developed the safe methodsand procedures required for the environ-mentally sound disposal techniques. Theindustry is therefore referred to numer-ous EPA publications pertaining to thelandfill disposal of industrial wastes,such as EPA/530/SW-156 February 1975,"Industrial Waste Management, SevenConference Papers". EPA/530/SW-140,March 1975, "Hazardous Waste Manage-ment Facilities in the United States",and EPA/530/SW-i65 September 1975,"Landfill Disposal of Hazardous Wastes",a review of literature and known ap-proaches.-

(9) Comments were received question-ing the rationale for setting the pre-treatment limits on oil and grease andsome heavy metals at the BPCTCAlimitations.

The pretreatment portion of the regu-lation published as an advanced noticeof proposed regulation (ANPR-FR Au-gust 21, 1975) was prepared on the basisof load limits (for these parameters Inthose subparts where load limits arespecified for BPCTCA or BATEA) and asconcentration limits in those subpartswhere flows are not limited. This hasnow been changed for oil and greasewhich has been set at 100 mg/1 to beconsistent with the general pretreatmentguidelines.

Publicly owned treatment works(POrTW) normally do not provide facili-ties specifically for treatment or removalof heay metals. Pretreatment to the

FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL 41, NO. 61-MONDAY, MARCH 29, 191"6,


same levels as for direct discharge istherefore indicated for the heavy metals.The load limits for pretreatment havethus been-set at the load limit for directdischarge.

(10) Industrial sources have com-mented that the recommended processflows or water usage rates are too restric-tive in a -number of subcategories.

EPA has developed effluent limitationsguidelines based on effluent loads. Flowsand concentrations have been deter-mined from these loads for the purposeof hydraulic and equipment design ofthe, treatment models. The industry re-tains the .option to choose whateverflows, concentrations, and treatment de-signs It wishes so long as BPCTCA,BATEA and NSPZ load limitations areachieved.

(11) Some commenters protested the1 mg/1 limitation on dissolved iron inthe pretreatment standards, citing theuse of iron in municipal sewage plantsto achieve phosphorous reduction, andnoting thatiron will be removed throughthe air oxidation commonly used inmunicipal treatment plants.

Further- study indicates that this is avalid objection and accordingly, thelimitation on dissolved iron has beenestablished as 50 mg/L in the pretreat-ment standards for new or existingsources.

(12) The comment was made that thebest available technology economicallyachievable had been confused with thebest available demonstrated controltechnology.

In the preparation of the regulation,the Agency was fully aware of the dif-ferences between new sources and exist-ing sources. In many cases it is fareasier for a new source to utilize a tech-nology than for an existing source,which may have an accumulation ofmany years of piping and lines. How-ever, the technologies selected have gen-erally been as applicable to older plantsas to new plants, since for the most partthey do not require in-process changes,but rather the installation of a controlunit on the end of the pipe and connec-tion to the process intake pipe for re-circulation.

(13) Some commienters observed thatthe Agency had failed to establish-guide-lines for some operations, such as tem-per rolling, recollers, slitting and shear-ing.

Although these operations are per-formed extensively in steel mills, partic-ularly in the cold mills, they wereomitted from the scope of this study be-cause as the AISI recognized in theircomments, these are not generally wetoperations and the Agency feels thatthese sources are of minor importance,as far as effluent loading, compared tothe operations -which -were covered.

(14) One commentor stated that noconsideration was given to the destruc-tive use of water and that excessive re-cycle, particularly at the BATEA level,results in the unnecessary destruction ofwater.

A means to dissipate heat is fre-quently a necessity if a recycle system is

to be employed. The evaporation of waterin cooling towers or from ponds is themost commonly employed means to ac-complish this. However, fin-tube heatexchangers or dry type cooling towerscan be used to achieve cooling withoutevaporation of -water. Such systems areused in the petroleum processing andelectric utilities industries (see page 543,EPA440/1-74 029-a Group I; Develop-ment Document for Effluent LimitationsGuidelines and New Source PerformanceStandards for the Steam Electric PowerGenerating Point Source Category.)

The Agency also feels that recogni-tion of the evaporation of water in re-cycle sy.tems (and hence loss of avail-ability to potential downstream users)should be balanced with recognition thatevaporation also occur in once throughsystems, when the heated dischargecauses evaporation n the stream. Thisis not an obvious phenomenon, since Itoccurs downstream of the dischargepoint, but to the downstream user It is asreal as with consumptive in-plant usage,because assumning that the stream even-tually gets back to temperature equilib-rium with its environment, It will getthere primarily by evaporation, I.e., withjust as certain a loss of water. Addition-ally, the use of a recycle system permitslessening the Intake flow requirements.

(15) Some commenters observed thatIt was not practically possible for anysort of wastewater treatment system tobe designed and installed to meet thedeadlines established by the regulationsand suggested that the permits allow fora compliance schedule.

The Act established the deadlines bywhich the various effluent limitationsmust be complied with by industries. TheAgency may not legally establish otherschedules.

(16) Many comments -were receivedregarding the nonprocess subcategories,i.e., those for miscellaneous runoffs fromcasting, slagging and storage piles, forutility blowdown, for cooling water blow-down and for maintenance departmentwastes. The- comments took the generaltone that the limits were unsupported,and that these subcategories should beregulated on a cdse by case basis.

After a re-examination of the database, and in the context of other regula-tions, it was concluded that the lostthree subcategories should be deletedfrom the interim final regulation. Theproblems associated with steam and elec-tric generation will be dealt with in thesteam supply industry, as will non-con-tact cooling water. It was concluded thatmaintenance department wastes, becausethey-are so highly variable, should beregulated on a case by case basis. Theregulation for storage piles and castingand slagging however, will be retained.There Is an adequate data base bothwithin and without the industry for therequirement for such controls.

(17) Comments were received to theeffect that limitations based on hydro-chloric acid regeneration do not ade-quately take into account the magnitudeof the current energy shortage or thecosts relative to the benefits.

The Agency is establishing limitationswhich can be achieved either byneutrul-zation or by acid regeneration. Whilethese regulations specify only the allow-able unit load discharge and not thetreatment technology, thelimitations arebased on what the Agency believes to bea feasible method of aeievement. Inthis ubcategory the Agency has selectedacid regeneratlon as the preferred pol-lution control technique and has basedtheir treatment model on this technologyand has developed the costs -accordingly.This does not preclude the use of neu-tralization or any other technologywhich will meet the allowable unit efflu-ent loads specified.

(18) Many comments were receivedrelative to the contractor's suggestedsubcategorization of the specialty steelindustry and regarding the limitationswhich the contractor considered appro-priate. Some of the technologies whichwere suggested were stated -to be tech-nically unfeasible or Inapplicable.

The specialty steel industry study hasbeen extensively revised, including thesubcategorizaLon. This study has beenintegrated with the carbon steel study.and It was found that many operationsare Indistinguishable from those foundin the carbon steel sector, as far as wasteloads and water usage rates. In accord-ance with this, many subcategories havebeen combined with those for carbonsteel, and the limitations are the same.In other categories, such as hot forming-primary, where higher water usage rateswere found for specialty steel than forcarbon steel, the limitations have beenadjusted accordingly. Since the revisionsto the specialty steel study were so ex-tensive and far-ranging, it is not worth-while to repeat here the commentz andenumerate the revisions which weremade because of these comments.

C19) Many commenters believed thatthe guidelines for the pickling of spe-cialty steel should be expressed in termsof concentrations, rather than as msloadings related to production, citlngwide variances in the water usage ratesas their rationale.

During the course of the revisions tothe specialty steel study, the picklingand cleaning subcategories were revisedand- the subcategorization changed.During the revision, it was found thatthe subcategories which were then de-veloped had fairly uniform waste loadsand water use rates, making the limita-tions as mass loadings related to produc-tion a valid approach. Establishing thelimitations as concentrations would donothing to ensure that the total dis-charge of Pollutants would be lessened,since it would permit treatment by dilu-tion.

(20) One commenter noted that re-covery of the nitrlc-ydrofluoric acidpickle liquors should be encouraged, cit-ing the value of the metals containedin the waste pickle liquor.

Although there is a project on-goingin Sweden at this time, exploring thefeasibility of acid regeneration andmetals recovery, to our knowledge thishas not been applied anywhere on a

FEDERAL. REGISTER, VOL 41, NO. 61-M4,ONDAY, M4ARCH 29, 1976

1.3003


commercial scale, and as such, cannotbe used as a basis for limitations. How-ever, should this technique prove itself,the limitations may be revised to re-flect this method.I The Agency Is subject to an order ofthe United States District Court for theDistrict of Columbia entered in NaturalResources Defense Council v Train et.al. (Cv. No. 1609-73) which requiresthe promulgation of regulations forthis Industry category no later thanMarch 15, 1976. This order also requiresthat such regulations become effectiveimmediately upon publication. In addi-tion, it is necessary to promulgate reg-ulations establishing limitations oh thedischarge of -pollutants from pointsources in this category so that theprocess of issuing permits to individualdischargers under section 402 of theAct is not delayed.

It has not been practicable to developand publish regulations for this cate-gory in proposed form, to provide a 30day comment period, and to make anynecessary revisions in light of the com-ments received within the time con-straints imposed by the court order re-ferred to above. Accordingly, the Agencyhas determined pursuant to 5 USC§ 553 (b) that notice and comment on theinterim final regulations would be im-practicable and contrary to the publicinterest. Good cause is also found forthese regulations to become effectiveImmediately upon publication.

Interested persons are encouraged tosubmit written comments. Commentsshould be submitted in triplicate to theEnvironmental Protection Agency, 401M St., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20460,Attention: Distribution Officer, WH-552. Comments on all aspects of theregulation are solicited. In the eventcomments are In the nature of criticismsas to the adequacy of data which areavailable, of which may be relied uponby the Agency, comments should identifyand, if possible, provide any additionaldata which may be available and shouldindicate why such data are essential tothe amendment or modification of theregulation. In the event comments ad-dress the approach taken by the Agencyin establishing an effluent limitation orguideline EPA solicits suggestions as towhat alternative approach should betaken and why and how this alternativebetter satisfies the detailed requirementsof sections 301 and 304(b) of the Act.

A copy of all public comments will beavailable for inspection alld copying atthe EPA Public Information ReferenceUnit, Room 2922 (EPA Library), Water-side Mal, 401 M Street, S.W., Washing-

'ton, D.C. Copies of preliminary draftcontractor reports, the DevelopmentDocument and economic studies referredto above, and certain supplementary ma-terials supporting the study of the in-dustry concerned will also be maintainedat this location for public review andcopying. The EPA Information regula-tion, 40 CFR Part 2, provides that areasonable fee may-be charged forcopying.

All comments received on or beforeApril 28, 1976 will be considered. Stepspreviously taken by the EnvironmentalProtection Agency to facilitate publicresponse" within this time period areoutlined in the advance notice concern-ing public review procedures publishedon August 6, 1973 (38 P.R. 21202). In theevent that the final regulation differssubstantially from the interim final reg-ulation set forth herein the Agency willconsider petitions for reconsideration ofany permits issued in accordance withthese interim final regulation.

In consideration of the foregoing, 40CPR Part 420 is hereby amended as setforth below.

Dated: iarch 15, 1976.RUSSELL E. TRAM,

Administrator.Part 420 is amended as set forth below:Subpart G-Baslc Oxygen Furnace (Wet Air

Pollution Control Methods) SubcategorySec.420.70 Applicability, description of the

basic oxygen furnace (wet air pol-lution control Methods) subcat-egory.

Subpart K-Vacuum Degassing Subcategory420.110 Applicability; description of thevacuum degassing subcategory.

Subpart L-Continuous Casting and PressureSlab Molding Subcategory

420.120 Applicability; description of thecontinuous casting and ,pressureslab molding subcategory.

,Subpart M-Hot Forming-Primary Subcategory420.130 Applicability; description of the hot

forming-primary subcategory.420.131 Specialized definitions.420.132' Effluent limitations guidelines rep-

resenting the degree of effluentreduction attainable by the appli-cation of the best practicablecontrol technology currentlyavailable.

Subpart N-Hot Forming-Section Subcategory420.140

420.141420.142

Applicability; description of the-hot. forming-section subcategory.Specialized definitions.Effluent limitations guidelines re-

presenting the degree of effluentreduction attainable by the ap-plication of tle best practicablecontrol technology currentlyavailable.

Subpart -- HotForming-Fiat Subcategory

'420.160

420.151420.152

Applicability, description of the hotforming-fit subcategory.

Specialized definitions.ffluent limitations guidelines rep-resenting the degree of effluentreduction attainable by the appli-cation of the best practicablecontrol technology currentlyavailable.

Subpart P-Pipe and Tube Subcategory420.160 Applicability; description of the

pipe and tube subcategory.420.101 Specialized definitions.420.162 Effluent limitations guidelines rep-

resenting the degree of effluentreduction at inable by the appli-cation -of the best practicablecontrol technology currentlyavailable.

Subpart Q-P cklngSulfurc Acid-Batch andContinuous Subcategory

420.170 'Applicability; description of thepickling-sulfuric add-batch aidcontinuous subcategory.

420.171 Specialized dofinitions.420.172 Effluent limitations guidelines rep-

resenting the degree of offluentreduction attainable by the ap-plication of the best praoticablocontrol technology currentlyavailable.

Subpart R-PicklingHydrochloric Acid-Batchand Continuous Subcategory

420.180 Applicability; description of thepicklidg-hydroohloro acld-batchand continuous subcategory.

420.181 Specialized dofnitions.420.182 Effluent limitations guidelines rep.

resenting the degree of entientreduction ottainablo by the ap-plication of the beat practicablecontrol technology currentlyavailable.

Subpart S-Cold Rolling Subcategory

420.190 Applicability; description of thecold rolling subcategory.

420.191 Specitaized dolnitions.420.192 Effluent limitations guidelines rep-

resenting the degree of offlucntreduction attainable by the up.plication of the best practicablecontrol technology currentlyavailable.

Subpart T-Hot Coating-Galvanlzlng Subcotegory

420.200 Applicability; description of thehot coiting-galvanlzing subcate-gory.

420.201 Specialized definitions,420.202 Effluent limitations guidellnes rep.

resenting the degree of effluentreduction attainable by the ap-plication of the best practicablecontrol technology currentlyavailable.

Subpart U-Hot Coating-Terne Subcategory

420.210 Applicability; description of thehot coating- trno subcatcgory.

420.211 Specialized definitions.420.212 Effluent limitations guidelines rep-

resenting the degree of effluontreduction attainable by the ap-plication of the beat practicablecontrol technology ourrcntlyavailable.

Subpart V-Miscellaneous Runoffr-Storage Pilo,Casting and Slagging Subcategory

420.220 Applicability; description of themiscellaneous runoffs-storagopiles, casting end elagging sub.category.

420221 SpecialIzed definitions.420.222 Effluent limitations guidolines rep-

resenting the degree of effluentreduction attainable by the appli-cation of the best practicablecontrol technology currentyavailable.

Subpart W-Combination Acid Pickling (Batchand Continuous-Subcategory)

420230 ApplIcability; description of thecombination acid plikling sub-category.

420.231 Specialized dofinItions.420232 Effluent limitations guidelines rep.

resenting the degree of effluentreduction attainablo by the ap-plication of the bet practimcblocontrol technology currently!vailable.

FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL 41, NO. 61--MONDAY, MARCH 29, 1976

13004

Subpart X-Scale Removal (Kolene and Hydride)Subcategory.Sec.

420.240 Appllcabity; description of thescale removal subcategory.

420.241 Specialized defnitions.420.242 Effluent limitations guidelines rep-

resenting the degree of effluentreduction attainable by-the applil-cation of the best practicable con-trol technology currently avail-able.

Subpart Y-Wire Pickling and CoatingSubcategory

420.250 ApplicabUlity; description of thewire pickling and coating sub-category.

420.251 Specialized definitions.420.252 Effluent limitations guidelines rep-

resenting -the degree of effluentreduction attainable by the appli-cation of the best practicable con-trol technology currently avall-able.

Subpart Z-contmnuous Alkaline CleaningSubcategory

420.260 Applicability, description of thecontinuous alkaline cleaning sub-category.

420.261 Specialized definitions.420262 Effluent limitations guidelines rep-

resenting the degree of effluentreduction attainable by the appli-cation of the best practicable con-trol technology currently avail-able.

1. Section 420.70 is -amended to readas setforth below:§ 420.70 Applicability; description of

the basic oxygen furnace (wet airpollution control methods) subcate-gory.

The Provisions of this subpart are ap-plicable to process waste water dis-charges resulting from the steelmaktngoperations conducted for the manufac-ture of steel (either carbon or specialty)In a basic oxygen furnace equipped witha wet dust collection system.

2. Section 420.110 is amended to readas set forth below:§ 420.110 Applicability; description of

the vacuum degassing subcategory.

The provisions of this subpart are ap-plicable to process waste water dis-charges. resulting from the degassingoperations conducted .by applying a,vacuum to molten steel to further refinethe steel (either carbon or specialty)produced.

3. The title of Subpart L and § 420.120are amended to read as set forth below.

Subpart L-Continuous Casting andPressure Slab Molding Subcategory

§ 420.120 Applicability; description ofthe continuous casting and pressuresla b molding subcategory.

The provisions of this subpart are ap-plicable to -process waste water dis-charges-resulting from the operations Inwhich steel (either carbon or specialty)Is continuously cast or in which alloy orstainless steel is cast' Into slabs by thepressure slab molding process.


Subpart M-Hot Forming-PrimarySubcategory

§ 420.130 Applicability; description ofthe hot forming primary---subcnte-gory.

The provisions of this subpart are ap-plicable to process waste water dis-Charges resulting from the reduction of ahot steel ingot between the surfaces ofrotating steel rollers and the intermedi-ate steps, eg. spray removal of scale,hot scarfing, etc., in the progression ofthe product to produce slabs and blooms.§ 420.131 Specialized definitions.

For the purpose of this subpart: (a)Except as provided below, the generaldefinitions, abbreviations and methodsof analysis set forth In 40 CFR 401 shallapply to this subpart.

(b) The term "product shall meanbloom or slab.

(c) The term 'laholngValley" shallmean the watershed drained by the Ma-honing River upstream of the Ohio-Pennsylvania border.§ 420.132 Effluent limitations guidelines

representing the degree of effluentreduction attainable by the applica-tion of the best practicable controltechnology currently available.

In establishing the limitations, setforth in this section, EPA took Into ac-Count all information It was able to col-lect, develop and solicit with respect tofactors (such as age and size of plant,raw materials, manufacturing processes,products producedrtreatment technologyavailable, energy requirements andcosts) which can affect the Industrysubcategorlzation and eiluent levels es-tablished. It is, however, possible thatdata which woyld affect these limitationshave not been available and, as a result,these limitations should be adjusted forcertain plants in this industry. An In-dividual discharger or other interzestedperson may submit evidence to the Re-gional Administrator (or to the State,if the State has the authority to issueNPDES permits) that factors relating tothe equipment or facilities involved, theprocess applied, or other such factorsrelated to such discharger are funda-mentally different from the factors con-sidered in the establishment of theguidelines. On the basis of such evidenceor other available Information, the Re-gional Administrator (or the State) willmake a written finding that such factorsare or are not fundamentally differentfor that facility compared to those speci-fied In the Development Document Ifsuch fundamentally different factors arefound to exlst, the Regional Adminis-trator or the State shall establish forthe discharger effluent limitations in theNPDES permit either more or lessstringent than the limitations estab-lished herein, to the extent dictated bysuch fundamentally different factors.Such limitations must be approved bythe Administrator of the EnvironmentalProtection Agency. The Administrator

13005

may approve or disapprove such limita-tions, specify other limitations, or Ini-tiate proceedings to revise these regula-tions. The following limitations establishthe quantity or quality of pollutants orpollutant properties, controlled by thissection, which may be dischargecd by apoint source aubject to the provisions ofthis subpart after application of the bestpracticable control technology currentlyavailable:

(a) For carbon steel hot forming-primary operations:

Pletf: naiL, k !kkg of rmdazt; Ern;;inb urnLt rbl.rolb o iprcdus t

EfIlm-nt I~mitsommillamt. ~ il Tflfs

~tcha ttaL-ivalacs for 20.any I day conaZcutve days

cureed-

On nl grco._._ _.CS...... .M3T.3 -.--.- 1........ 0.0371PI- ------.. within M3

(b) For those carbon steel hot form-Ing-primary operations that utilize hotscarfidg as part of the process, the fol-lowing eilluent limitations are to beadded to the base limitations set forthIn paragraph (a):

[~rraunit, , k~k of prodact; Z=,libh inita,Ib61AE-0lb of prod"]i

Effa-rt raltations

Emuit Avcrzgo of dailyclbr41Cltd 3Mhxfmm f val= for 20

myI clay cor.tcivo days

excd-

pT ........... Withntheto A.0.

c) For allow and stainless steel hotforming-primary operations:rMiit unit%, kzfkkz of prvduat: n-7i0 uanitolb, 0. lb c pr-d]

ffilnnt limlftatfuns

Effl=nt Ahrgaofdailycharz-tcrat Mlarimn for vala for So

nay 1 day conscutiva daysehallnotexetd-

Ol n greo.. 0.124- ..--...... 0...ap...... .. Within the

ranza 6.0to 0.0.

(d) The limitations set forth abovein this section shall not apply to any op-eration located in the 1ahoning Valleywhich operation would otherwise be sub-Ject to the provislos of this section.

Subpart N---Hot Forming-SectionSubcategory

§ 420.140 Applicability; description ofthe hot forming-section subcategory.

The provisions of this subpart are ap-plicable to process wastewater discharges

FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL 41, NO. 61--M ONDAY, IMARCH 29, 1976

13006

,resulting from the progressive squeezingand shaping, of the bloom between aseries of rolls to produce a wide varietyof shapes including billets, bars, rods,rails, and structural sections.§ 420.141 Specialized definitions.

For the purpose of this subpart: (a)Except as provided below, the generaldefinitons, abbreviations and methods ofanalysis set forth in 40 CFR 401 shallapply to this subpart.

(b) The term "product" shall meanbillet, bar, rod or structural section.

(c) The term "Mahoning Valley" shallmean the watershed drained by the Ma-honing River upstream of the Ohio-Pennsylvania border.§ 420.142 Effluent limitations guidelines


In establishing the limitations set forthin this section, EPA took into account allinformation it was able to collect, developand solicit with respect to factors (suchas age and size of plant, raw materials,manufacturing processes, products pro-duced, treatment technology available,energy requirements and costs) whichcan affect the industry subcategorizationand effluent levels established. It is, how-ever, possible that data which wouldaffect these limitations have not beenavailable and, as a result, these limita-tions should be adjusted for certainplants in this industry. An individualdischarger or other Interestd personmay submit evidence to the RegionalAdministrator (or to the State, if theState has the authority to issue NPDESpermits) that factors relating to -theequipment or facilities involved, theprocess applied, or other such factorsrelated to such discharger are funda-mentally different from the factors con-sidered In the establishment of the guide-lines. On the basis of such evidence orother available information,, the Re-giol'al Administrator (or the State) willmake a written finding that such factorsare or are not fundamentally differentfor that facility compared to those speci-fied in the Development Document. Ifsuch fundamentally different factors arefound to exist, the Regional Administra-tor or the State shall establish for thedischarger effluent limitations in theNPDES permit either more or less strin-gent than the limitations 'establishedherein, to the extent dictated by suchfundamentally different factors. Suchlimitations must be approved by the Ad-ministrator of the-Environmental Pro-tection Agency. The Administrator mayapprove or disapprove such limitations,specify other limitations, or initiate pro-ceedings to revise thesexegulations.

(a) The following limitations estab-lish the quantity or quality of pollutantsor Pollutant properties, controlled bythis section, which may be discharged by


a point source subject to the provisionsof this subpart after application of thebest practicable control technology cur!rently available:[Metric units, kglkkg of product, English units lb/I,000

lb of product] "

Effluent limitations

Effluent Average of dailycharacteristic Maximum for values for 30

any 1 day consecutive daysshall notexceed-

Oil and grease ---- 0.3295 ----------- 0.1095TS ------------ 0.7260 -------- 0.2420pH --------------- Within the ..................range 6.0to 9;0.

(b) The limitations set forth above inthis section shall not apply to any oper-ation located in the Mahoning Valley*hich operation would otherwise be sub-ject to the provisions of this section.Subpart 0-Hot Forming-Flat Subcategory§ 420.150 Applicability; description of

the hot forming-flat subcategory.The provisions of this subpart, are

applicable to process wastewater dis-charges resulting from the. reduction ofheated slabs to plates, strip and sheetsteel, or skelp.§ 420.151 Specialized definitions.

For the purpose of this subpart: (a)Except as provided below, the generaldefinitions, abbreviations and methodsof analysis set forth in 40 CFR 401 shallapply to this subpart.

(b) The term "ploduct" shall meanplate, strip and sheet steel, or skelp.

(c) The term "plate" shall mean thoseflat, hot-rolled, finished products withthe following dimensions: between 8 and48 inches wide and at least 0.23 inchesthick; over 48 inches wide and at least0.18 inches thick. Products less than8 inches wide, but more than 0.23 inches-thick may be considered flat bars, andtherefore defined as sections.

(d) The term "Mahoning Valley" shallmeans the watershed drained by theMahoning River upstream of the Ohio-Pennsylvania border.§ 420.152 Effluent limitations guidelines

representing the degree of effluentreduction attainable by the applica-tion of the 'best practicable controltelmology currently available.

In establishing the limitations set forthin this section, EPA took into account allinformation it was able to collect, de-velop and solicit with respect to factors(such as age and size of plant, raw mate-rials, manufacturing processes, productsproduced, treatment technology avail-able, energy requirements and costs)which can affect the industry subcate-gorization and effluent levels established.It is, however, possible that data whichwould affect these limitations have notbeen available and, as a result, these

limitations should be adjusted for cer-tain plants in this Industry: An Individ-ual discharger or other Interested personmay submit evidence to the Regional

.Administrator (or to the State, if theState has the authority to isstle NPDESpermits) that factors relating to theequipment or facilities involved, theprocess applied, or other such factors re-lated to such discharger are fundamen-tally different from the factors consid-ered in the establishment of the guide-lines. On the basis of such evidence orot.her available information, the Re-gional Administrator (or the State) Willmake a written finding that such factorsare or are not fundamentally differentfor that facility compared to those spcc-,ifled in the Development Document. Ifsuch fundamentally different factors arefound to exist, the Regional Administra-tor or the State shall establish for thedischarger effluent limitations In theNPDES permit either more or less strin-gent than the limitations establishedherein, to the extent dictated by suchfundamentally different factors. Suchlimitations must be approved by the Ad-ministrator of the Environmental Pro-tection Agency; The Administrator mayapprove or disapprove such limitations,specify other limitations, or initiate pro-ceedings to revise these regulations, Thefollowing limitations establish the quan-tity or quality of pollutants or pollutantproperties, controlled by this sectioh,which may be discharged by a pointsource subject to the provisions of thissubpart after application of the bestpracticable control technology currentlyavailable:

(a) For operations producing carbonsteel plate:[Metric unIt , kgkkg of product, English units, l1/Wi00

l of product]

Effluent litntatlonw

Effluent Average of dailycharacteristic Maxdiaum for values for 30

any I day cousceutivo daysshall notexceed-

Oil and grease ---- O GI ........... 1. lMSuspended'sollds... 0.5001 .........pl ................. Within the

range 0.0to 9.0.

(b) For all other operations producingflat products (hot strip and sheet):[Motrie units, kg/kkg of product; English Unit, 1'l1,000

lb of product]

Effluent lisaltatioto

Effluent Average of dallycharacteristio Maximum for valueis for 3"

any 1 day conl:eCutivo divy4shall nlotexcted-

Oil and grease ...... 0.229... ........ 0,1743TS . 0.M .......... 0.0308PU-------------Within the .............

range 0.0to 0.



(c) For operations producing alloy andstainless steel plate:

1Metric units, kg/kkg of prodilt; English units, Ib/1000,lb of product]


Effluent Average of dailycharacteristic 3aximum for ' values for 30


Suspended solids- 1.1280.... .0.3760Oi and grease. 1.120 0.37-0pH ------------- Within the ------------------

range 6.0to 9.0.

(d) The limitations set forth above inthis section shall not apply to any opera-tion located in the Mahoning Valleywhich operation would otherwise be sub-ject to the provisions of this section.

Subpart P-Pipe and Tube Subcategory§ 420.160 Applicability; description of

the pipe and tube subcategory.The provisions of this subpart are ap-

plicable to process wastewater dischargesresulting from operations that producepipe or tube.

-§ 420.161 Specialized definitions.For the purpose of this subpart: (a)

Except as provided below, the generaldefinitions, abbreviations and methodsof analysis set forth in 40 CFR 401 shallapply to this subpart.

(b) The term "product" shall meansteel tubular products to include weldedand seamless products.(c) The term "Mahoning Valley"

shall ,mean the watershed drained bythe Mahoning River upstream of theOhio-Pennsylvania border.§-420.162 Effluent limitations guidelines

representing the degree of effluentreduction attainable by the applica-tion of the best practicable controltechnology currently availabl&

In establishing the limitations set forthin this section, EPA took into accountall information it was able to collect,develop and solicit with respect to factors(such as age and size of plant, raw mate-rials, manufacturing processes, productsproduced, treatment technology avail-able, energy requirements and costs)'which can affect the industry subcate-gorization and effluent levels established.It is, however, possible that data whichwould affect these limitations have notbeen available and, as a result, these lim-itations shoud be adjusted for certainplants -in this industry. An individualdischarger 'or other interested personmay submit evidence to the Regional Ad-ministrator (or to the State, if the Statehas the authority to issue NPDES per-mits) that factors relating to the equip-ment or faclities involved, the processappliedi or other such factors related tosuch discharger are fundamentally dif-ferent from the factors considered inthe establishment of the guidelines. Onthe basis of such evidence or other avail-able information, the Regional Adminis-trator (or the State) will make a writtenfinding that such factors are or are not

fundamentally different for that facil-ity compared to those specified in theDevelopment Document. If such funda-mentally different factors are found toexist, the Regional Administrator or theState shall establish for the dischargereffluent limitations in the NPDES per-mit either more or less stringent thanthe limitations established herein, to theextent dictated by such fundamentallydifferent factors. Such limitations mustbe approved by the Administrator of theEnvironmental Protection Agency. TheAdministrator may approve or disap-prove such limitations, specify otherlimitations, or initiate proceedings to re-vise these regulations.

(a) The following limitations estab-lish the quantity or quality of pollutantsor pollutant properties, controlled bythis section, which may be discharged bya point source subject to the provisionsof this subpart after application of thebest practicable control technology cur-rently available:[Metric units, kg!kkg of pro!IuAt Ec;tkh units, 11,,o)

lb of product)

Eflluent luiltalons

Effluent Arerao of dIltyell rarqlitc Madnm far vaue for Z3

ay lday COmve'utilvo daysshal notexceed-

Ol and greas.-0.1.51 ........... 0.0118TSS .................42 1 ........... 0 .1413pi ................. Within the .................

range 6.0to 9.0.

(b) The limitations set forth above inthis section shall not apply to any oper-ation located in the Mahoning Valleywhich operation would otherwise besubject to the provisions of this section.

Subpart Q-Pickling-Sulfuric Acid-Batchand Continuous Subcategory

§ 420.170 Applicability; description ofthe pickling-sulfuric acid-batch andcontinuous subcategory.

The provisions of this subpart are ap-plicable to process wastewater dischargesresulting from the immersion of steelin a sulfuric acid bath for the chemicalremoval of scale, and from the rinsingoperations which follow such immersion.§ 420.171 Specialized definitions.

For the purpose of this subpart: (a)Except as provided below, the generaldefinitions, abbreviations and methodsof analysis set forth in 40 CF 401 shallapply to this subpart.

(b) The term "product" shall meansteel material that Is pickled by Immer-sion in sulfuric acid.

(c) The term "batch" refers to themovement of steel through the picklingoperation in batches, bundles, as coiledwire, rods, etc.

(d) The term "continuous" refers tothe continuous movement of the steelthrough the pickling olutlon, as strip,etc.(e) Vacuum eductor condenser water

is considered to be noncontact coolingwater.

(W The term "dissolved iron" shallmean that portion of iron determinedutilizing the approved method for totaliron following preliminary treatment asdescribed in paragraph 4.1.1, page 86,of the Methods for Chemicat Analysis ofWater and Waste, 1971, EPA. Analyti-cal Quality Control Laboratory, Cin-cinnati, Ohio.

(g) The termI "Mahoning Valley" shallmean the watershed drained by the Ma-honing River upstream of the Ohio-Pennsyhania border.

(h) The term "concentrates" shallmean those process wastewaters inwhich steel s immersed for the purposeof scale removal in a pickling operationand which have a total iron contentgreater than one percent (1%).

(I) The term "rinses" shall mean thoseprocess wastewaters in which steel is im-mersed for the purpose of rinsing off orremoving the pickling solution.

(J) The term "fume scrubber" shallmean a wet air pollution control deviceused to remove and clean the fumesoriginating in the pickling operation.§ 420.172 Effluent limitations guidelines

representing the degree of effluent-reduction attainable by the applica-tion of the best practicable controltechnology currently available.

In establishing the limitations set forthin this section. EPA took into account allinformation it was able to collect, de-velop and solicit with respect to factors(such as age and size of plant, raw ma-terials, manufacturing processes, prod-ucts produced, treatment technologyavailable, energy requirements andcosts) which can affect the industry sub-categorization and effluent levels estab-lished. It is, however, possible that datawhichvwould affect these limitations havenot been available and, as a result, theselimitations should be adjusted for cer-tat plants in this industry. An individ-ual discharger or other interested personmay submit evidence to the Regional Ad-ministrator (or to the State, if the Statehas the authority to Issue NPDES per-mits) that factors relating to the equip-ment or facilities involved, the processapplied, or other such factors related tosuch discharger are fundamentally dif-ferent from the factors considered in theestablishment of the guidelines. On thebasis of such evidence or other availableInformation, the Regional Adminitrator(or the State) will make a written find-ing that such factors are or are not fun-damentally different for that facilitycompared to those specified in the Devel-opment Document. If such fundamen-tally different factors are found to exist,the Regional Administrator or the Stateshall establish for the discharger effluentlimitations in the NPDES permit eithermore or less stringent than the limita-tions established herein, to the 'extentdictated by such fundamentally differentfactors. Such limitations must be ap-proved by the Administrator of the En-vironmental Protection Agency. The Ad-ministrator may approve or disapprovesuch limitations, specify other limita-tions, or initiate proceedings to revisethese regulations. The followinmg limita-

FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL 41, NO. 61-,MONDAY, MARCH 29, 1976

1300rT


tfons establish the quantity or quality- ofpollutant- or pollutant properties, con-trolled by this section, which may be dis-charged by a point source subject.to the.provisions of this subpart, after applica-tion of the best practicable control tech-nology currently available:

(a) Batch pickling operations; spentpickle liquor and rinses: There-shall - beno discharge of process waste water pol-lutants to navigable waters.

(b) Continuous pickling operationswith existing facilities as of the finalpromulgation of this regulation, for neu-tralization of spent plckleflquor:[Metric units, kg/kg of product; English units, lb#l,000

lb of product]


Effluent .veraga of dailycharacteristle Maximum for values for 30

any 1 day consecutive daysshall norexceed-

Dissolved lren.:... 0. 00 033-._.;z._ 0.00011Oil and grease I_ 0.003l2,_....... 0.00104T8 ---------0.0156 o.0052P3 ----- -.......... Within th -.......

range 6.0to9.0.

IThis load Is allowed only when, these wastes arctreated In cmbination. with cold rolling mill wastes(aubpt. 6);

(c) Continuous pickling operations,with existing facilities as of the final pro-mulgation of this regulation for neu-tralization of rinses and fume hoodscrubber effluents:[Metric unite, kgjlkg of product; English units, Ib1l,000

oh of product]


Effluent Average ofdallycharacteristic Maximum for values for30

and I day consecutive daysshall notexceed-

Dissolved Iron I. 0.00282.=.:._.--- 0.00094Oil ans grease t --- 0.0282 ------ 0.--094TS8 ------- - 0.1407 -------- -. 0.469pH ................. Within the ---..............

range 6.0 to

I This load is allowed only 'when these wastes are,treated In combination with cold rolling mill wastes(subpt. 8).

(d) Continuous pickling operations;spent pickle liquor and, rinses: Thereshall be no dischargp of process wastewater pollutants to navigable waters.

(e) The limitations set forth above inthis section shall not apply to any opera-tion located in the Mahoning Valleywhich operation would otherwise be sub-ject to the provisions of this section.

Subpart R-Pickling-Hydrochloric Acid-Batch and Continuous Subcategory

§ 420.180 Applicability; description ofthe pickling-hydroeioric acefd-batchand, continuous subcategory. ,

The provisions of this subpart are ap-plicable to process wastewater dischargesresulting from the Immersion or conr.

tinuous movement, of steel pieces; e.g.,raoled" wire, rods, strip, etc.; in a hydro-chloric. acid bath for the chemical re-movalr oft scale, and from the rinsingoperations whichfollow such immersionor continuous movement. These provi-sions are also intended to apply to waste-waters originating from the operation ofabsorber vent. scrubbers and fume hoodscrubbers associated with pickling andacid recovery systens.§ 420.181 Specialized definitions.

For the. purpose of this subpart: (a)Except as provided- below, the general.definitions, abbreviations and methodsof analysis set forth in 40 CFR 401 shallapply to this subpart,

(b), The term, "product" shall meansteel material that is pickled in hydro-chlorlc acid.

(c) The term "dissolved iron" shaUmean that portion of iron determinedutilizing the approved method for totaliron following preliminary treatment asdescribed in paragraph 4.1.1, page 86, ofthe Methods for Chemical Analysis ofWater and Waste, 1971, EPA, AnalyticalQuality Control Laboratory, Cincinnati,Ohio. I

(d) The term "Mahnoning Valley" shallmean the watershed drained by theMahoning River ulstream of the Ohio-Pennsylvania- border.

(e) The term "concentrates" shallmean those process wastewaters in whichsteel is immersed for the purpose of scaleremoval in a pickling operation andwhich have a total iron content greaterthan one percent (1%).

(f) The term "rinses" shall meanthose process wastewaters in which steelIsimmersed for the purpose of rinsing offor removing the pickling solution.

(g) The term "fume scrubber" shallmean a wet air pollution control deviceused, to remove and clean the fumesoriginating in- the pickling operation.§ 420.182 Effluent limitations guidelines

representing the degree of effluentreduction. attainable by the applica.tion of the best practicable controltechnology currently available.

In-, establishing the limitations setforth in this section, EPA took into ac-count all information it was" able to col-lect, davelop and solicit with respect tofactors (such as age and size of plant,raw materials, manufacturing processes,products produced, treatment technologyavailable, energy requirements andcosts) which can affect the industry sub,-categorization and effluent levels estab-lished. It is, however, possible that datawhich would affect these limitations havenot been available and, as a result, theselimitations should be adjusted for cer-tain plants in this industry. An individ-ual discharger or other interested personmay submit evidence to the Regional Ad-ministrator'(or to the State, if the Statehas the authority to issue NPDES per-mits), that factors-relating to the equip-ment or facilities involved, the process

applied, or other such factors related tosuch discharget -are fundamentally dif-ferent from the factors considered In theestablishment of the guidelines. On thebasis of such evidence or other availableinformation; the Regional Administrator(or the State) Will make a written find-ing that such factors are or are not fun-damentally different for that facilitycompared to those specified In the De-velopment Document. If such funda-mentally different factors are found toexist, the Regional Administrator or theState shall establish for the dischargereffluent limitations in the NPDES permiteither more or less stringent than thelimitations established herein, to the ex-tent dictated by such fundamentally dif-ferent factors. Such limitations must beapproved by the Administrator of theEnvironmental Protection Agency. TheAdministrator may approve or disap-prove such limitations, specify otherlimitations, or initiate proceedings to re-vise these regulations., The followinglimitations establish the quantity orquality of pollutants or pollutant prop-erties, controlled by" this section, whichmay be discharged by a point source sub-ject to the provisions of this subpartafter application of the best practicablecontrol technology currently available:

(a) For concentrates from no-regen-erative operations:[Metric umits, kgjkkglof product English unltz, lb/1,00a

lb of product]

Efflueut limltatlons

Effluent Average of daIlycharacteristic Maximum for values for 30


DLssolvcd iron ...... 0.00039...... a 0.00013Oil and greaso ..... 0.0039 .......... a 0.0013TS ....... 0.0189 .......... 0. oof

-Wlthin the ................Ornge 0.0 to9.0.

IThis load Is allowed only when theso wastes aretreated In combination with cold rolling wastes (sublit,1).

(b) For wastes from those picklingoperations that have a hydrochloric acidregeneration unit as part of their op-eration, the following limitations shallapply:[Metric units, kgJkkg of product; Engli h udit, 1b41,OXcl

lb of product]



anyx day conseutlvo daysshall notexceed-

Dissolved iron ...... 0.00249 ......... ,0003Oil and grease- 0.0249 ........... 0.0083T SS----- ---...... 0.1251 ........... 0117pH --------------- Within the Z- ............

range 0.0 to9.0.

This load Is allowed only when these wasies aretreated In combinatlon with cold rolling wastes (subpt.8).


13008


(c) For rinses:tMotrlc units, kglkkg of product; English units, IbJI,00Q

lb of product]


Effluent Average of dailycharacteristic -Maximnm for values for 30

any 1 day consecutivo daysshall notexceed-

Dissolved iron :.0 0.00033Oil and greas L.-- 0.0249 -0.03T 0.1251 ---------- z 0.0117p H1 -----.... --- Within the --- ---. -

range 6.0.to 9.0.

IThis load Is allowed only when'these wastes amtreated In combination with cold rolling wastes(subpt. S).

(d) For those pickling operations thatutilize a wet fume hood scrubber over thepickling tanks, the following effluent lim-itations are to be added to the limitationsset forth in paragraphs (a) or (b) or(c) above.

[Metric units, kgjkkg of product; English units, lbfl,003lb of product]


Effluent Average of dailycharacteristic 3aximun for vlue for 30

any I day consecutive daysshall notexceed-

Dissolved t -_ 0.0003 .. 0. 00021OR and greas L. 0.0063 ----------- 0. 0021

O -- 0.0312- 0.01Ip ------------- Within the ------------------

ro 9.0

'This load Is allowed only when these wastes aretreated In combination with cold rolling wastes(subpt. S):

(e) The limitations set forth above Inthis section shall not apply to any oper-ation located in the Mahoning Valleywhich operation would otherwise be sub-ject to the provisions of this section.

Subpart S-ColdRolling-Subcategory§ 420.190 Applicability; description of

the cold rolling subcategory.The provisions of this subpart are ap-

plicable to process wastewater dischargesreulting from the passing of unheatedmetal through a pair of rolls for the pur-pose of reducing its thickness, of produc-ing a smooth surface, or of developingcontrolled mechanical properties In themetal. Depending on product and proc-ess requirements, the rolling solutionsused to cool and lubricate during the re-duction operations may be recirculatedthroughout all mill stands; applied once-through on all stands; or used in variouscombinations of recirculation and directapplication.§ 420.191 Specialized definitions.

For the purpose of this subparti (a)Except as provided below, the generaldefinitions, abbreviations and methods ofanalysis set forth In 40 CFR 401 shallapply to this subpart

Cb) -The term "product" shall meansteel material that is cold rolled.

(c) The term "recirculatlon" shallmean an operating mode utilizing reuseof solutions at all stands of the coldrolling mill.(d) The term "combination" shall

mean an operating mode utilizing reuseand recirculatlon at some stands of thecold rolling mill, and once-through useat the remaining stand or stands.

(e) The term "direct application"shall mean an operating mode utilizingonce-through solution addition at allstands.

(f) The term "Mahoning Valley" shallmean the watershed drained by the Ma-honing River upstream of the Ohio-Pennsylvania border.§ 420.192 Effluent limaittions guidelines

representing the degree of effluentreduction attainable by the applica-tion of the best practicable controltechmology currently available.

In etablishing the limitations setforth in this section, EPA took into ac-count all information It was able to col-lect, develop and solicit with respect tofactors (such as age and size of plant,raw materials, manufacturing processes,products produced, treatment technologyavailable, energy requirements andcosts) which can affect the industry sub-categorization and effluent levels estab-lished. It Is, however, possible that datawhich would affect these limitations havenot been available and, as a result, theselimitations should be adjusted for cer-tain plants in this industry. An individ-ual discharger or other interested personmay submit evidence to the Regional Ad-ministrator (or to the State, if the Statehas the authority to issue NPDES per-mits) that factors relating to the equip-ment or facilities Involved, the processapplied, or other such factors related tosuch discharger are fundamentally dif-ferent from the factors considered in theestablishment of the guidelines. On thebasis of such evidence or other availableinformation, the Regional Administrator(or the State) will make a wftten find-Ing that such factors are or are not fun-damentally different for that facilitycompared to those specified in the De-velopment Document. If such funda-mentally different factors are found toexist, the Regional Administrator or theState shall establish for the dischargereffluent limitations in the IPDES permiteither more or less stringent than thelimitations established herein, to the ex-tent dictated by such fundamentally dif-ferent factors. Such limitations must beapproved by the Adminisrator of theEnvironmental Protection Agency. TheAdministrator may approve or disap-prove such limitations, specify other lim-itations, or initiate proceedings to revisethese regulations. The following Ihmita-tions establish the quantity or qualityof pollutants or Pollutant properties,controlled by this section, which may bedischarged by a point source subject tothe provisions of this subpart after ap-plication of the best practicable controltechnology currently available:

(a) For plants utillzing recirculatlonon all stands:

[Mettle unlts, kgtkk; of prcdnzt; Ex;3Ush units, tbII,000lb of produtt

Effluat litations

Effluent Avea of dailychc srteristfa axsimum for valus for 30

any 1 day conerutive daysshall not'exceed-

Oil and grw.... .0031. 0.00104TBS....- 0.C03 ----------- 0. C02D1"rolved Iron I ...-. O.tM03......... 0. C----pIL .............. Within tho

rauga 0.0to 9.0.

'This lod Is alle-cd only whmn theoe wates amtreted in combination with plckls operation waste-

wters (-ubpt. Q, It, W, or Y)i.

(b) For plants utilizing combinationsof operating modes: -

[Metric nt"T, kaU'kk of product; Er'?'I' units, IfLI,0)Olb ofpmduct

- Effl~Uctitaton

Efflixnt Avasge of dailr6lianstcrflla 3taxLMUM fa:r V31USS for 30

any I d37 camncutlve days,shall notexceed-

Oil =4dg ae.. 0.rZ4L _.o- 0.01NTTBS... _ _ 0.0417Di--olved Iron'..... 0. 1 ... 0. 016p1t .......... ---- within th,

' Trhis b, ad ls alowed only whmn tha waste arBtreated In comtintion with pL~kling operatIm wast-waters ( ubpt. Q, R, W, or Y).

(c) For plants utilizing direct appli-cation on all stands:(cMtt urnts, kr,/Ukg of pxdouzi; Engolh units, lb/I,0C

lb opredu:t]

Effunt limitaf0ns

Effluent Aveage ofdiychamietttle[ Maximum for valuesfor

any I day consecutive dayssll notexceed-

Ol ,and r,-L..-.z- 0.1251 ------- 0.0417TS ... . 0. 3i.. -.. 0.10.42Dissolved Iron I 0.01.......... 0. C042p11 .............. Wltln thit . .-------------

'rana 0.0to 9.0.

'Ths Lad Is ail, cd only when there wastes aretreated In combinatfon with p!kic ope-ration waste-unless (eubpts.Q, Rt, W. or Y).

(d) The limitations set forth above Inthis section shall not apply to any oper-ation located in the Maloning Valleywhich operation would otherwise be sub-Ject to the provisions of this section.

Subpart T-Hot Coatings-GalvanizingSubcategory

§ 420.200 Applicability; description ofthe hot conting-galvannz-g suheate-gory.

The provisions of this subpart are ap-plicable to process wastewater dischargesresulting from the operations pertinentto the Immersion of steel In a molten


13009

1301Q RULES AND REGULATIONS

bath of zinc metal, inclusive of the op- lion of the best practicable control tech-erations preceding and subsequent to- the nology currentiy available:dip phase. (W) Forhotcoating-galvanizingopera-§ 420,20I Specializeddefindtions. tions:

For the purposa of this, subpart: (al [etrrunts ,Jkkg 6f pmduct Englsh units, lb/I,000Except as provided below, the general lb oproduct]-

definitions; abbreviations-and methods ofanalysis set forth. in 40. CFR 401 shall E- uentlimitatonaapply to this-subpart. Effluen! Average or day

(b) Tho term "product" shall mean characteristlc. axlnumfor vahucs for30°any: lIday consecutive dayssteel material that follows the steps re- shald notative to the production of a hot dipped, "ceced:-galvanized product.

( c) The term "Mfahoning-Valey" shall O1Landgreae.;.- oQ.... 0375TSs 0.3750 . 0.1250mean the watershed drained by the Ma- Zin_........ o ....honing River upstream of the Ohio- Chromlunt- .oo1 ... .L-- 0075

Pennsylvania-border- a 00i5 0.00005

9 420.202 Efflucio limitations guidelines - WIthi the - -... -.representing tfe degree of effluent- - to0.

reduction attainable by the applica-tion of the best practicable control For thes Installations that utilize atechnology currently availabre. wet fume hood scrubber as part of the

In establishing the limitations set coating operation,. the following effluentforth In this section, EPA took into ac- limitations are- to be added to the basecount all information it was able to. col- limitations set forth above:lect, develop and solicit with respect tofactors (such as age and size of plant, • - " ' ts Of product uraw materials, manufacturing processes, of prodct]-products, produced, treatment technology - - ! t.1, itn tionsavailable, energy requirements and costs) -which can affect the industry subcate-- Ae : &crage of d"3 yigorization and~effluent levels, established. - characteristic Maxinmafor naluetideany I day conseutive dayaIt Is, however; possible that datawhich shal notwould affect these limitations have, not eceed__ _been available and, as a result, theselimitations should be adjusted for cer- O and O .n2_ .. _ 0=75:TSA,_ ... 5 . . 0.1250tain plants in this ndustry.-An individ- Munm. -- - .0375 .......... 0.125ual discharger or other interested person Chromnum_....0.02W_.... 0.007Smay submit evidence to the Regional Ad- Hetaveaent. o.00 5.e.Stt -00ti- chromium.ministrator (or to the State, -if the State PIL -_ .............. Withinthe ------------....

ranga 6.0has the authority to issue- NPDES per- - to 9.mits) that factors relating to the equip-ment or facilities involved,- in-the proc- (bi. The lnitationsset forth above iness applied, or other such factors related this sectionshall not applyto any operato !such discharger are fundamentally tio n hal nt a hony leydifferent from the factors considered In tion located in- the Mahoning Valleythe establishment of the guidelines. On which operation would otherwise be-sub-the basis of such evidence or other avail- ject to the provisions of thissection.able Information, -the Regional Adminis- Subpart U--Hot Coatings-Temetrator (or the State) will make a written . Subcategoryfinding that such. factors are or are not- §420.210 -Aplicabilty; description o£fundamentally different for that facility tiehoLcoatings-terne subcategory.compared to those specified in the Devel-opment Document= If such fundamen- -The provislons-of this subpart are ap-tally different factors are found to exist, plicable to process wastewater dischargesthe Regional Administrator or the State resulting from the operations pertinentshall establish for the discharger effluent to the immersion of steel in a moltenlimitations in the- NPDES permit either. bath of lead and tin metals, inclusive ofmore or less stringent than, the limita- the operations preceding, and subsequenttions established herein, to the extent to the dip phasedictated by such fundamentally different §420.2i1- Specialized definition.factors. Such limitations must be apo,proved by the Administrator of the En- For the purpose. of this subpart. (a)

Except as provided. below, the generalvironmental Protection Agency. The Adw definitions, abbreviations and methods ofministrator may approve or disapprove analysis.set forth in 40. CER 401 shall ap-such limitations, specify. other limita- ply to this subpart.tions, or Initiate proceedings to revise - (b) The, term "product" shall meanthese regulations. The following 1imit-- steel materialthat.follows the steps rela-tions establish the-quantity or quality of tive-to the production of a hot dipped,

terne coated product.pollutants or pollutant properties, con- (c) The term "MAhoning Valley" shalltrolled bythis section, which may be dis- mean the watershed drained- by the Maa-charged bya; point-source-subject tothe - honihg -River-upstream, of the Ohio-provisions, of this subpart after applica- Pennsylvania border.

§ 420.212 Effluent limitations guilhtesrepresenting the degree of effluent

Srcduciorr attainable- by- tha applica-tion of the.best practicable controltechnology currently available.

In establishinIr the limitations sotforth in this sectio4, EPA took into ac-count all information It was able to col-lect, develop and solicit with respect tofactors (such as age and size of plant,raw materials, manufacturing processes,products produced, treatment technol-ogy available, ene.gy- requirements andcosts) wlilchcan affectthe industry sub-categorization and effluent levels estab-lished It is, however, possible that datawhich would affect these limitations bvonot been, available and. as a result, theselimitations should be adjusted for cer-tain plants In this industry. An indi-vidual discharger or other interestedperson may submit evidence to the Re-gional Administrator (or to the State, itthe State has the authority to issueNPDES permits) that factors relatingto the equipment or facilities involved,the process applied, or other such fac-tors related to such discharger are fun-damentally- different from the factorsconsidered In the establishment of theguidelines. On the basis of such evidenceor other available information, the Re-gional Administrtoi (or the State) willmake a written finding that such fac-tors are or are not fundamentally differ-ent for that facility compared to thosespecified in the Development Document.If such fundamentally different factoraare found to exist, the Regional Admin-istrator or the State shall establish forthe discharger effluent limitations in theNPDES permit either more or less strin-gent than the limitations establishedherein, to the extent dictated by such

•fundamentally different factors. Suchlimitations must be approved by the Ad-ministrator of the Environmental Pro-tdctlon Agency. The Administrator mayapprove or disapprove such limitations,specify- other limitations, or initiate pro-ceedings to revise these regulations.

(a) The following limitations estab-lish the quantity or quality of pollutantsor pollutant properties, controlled bythis. section, which may be discharged bya point source subject to the. provisionsof this subpart after application of thebest, practicable control technology cur-rently available:

[Metric unitsI, kgL/k, of product: ElngHls unlts,lbJ1,0 0hof product]

1iuent lmitations

Eflftent Average of dtilYcharacteristic Maximum for valUc3 for 30

and 1 day conEcutivo d,%5-shall notsxcc~d-

Olrand greaso.... .31.5......... 0.0379T--- .0.3750 .......... 0. I~~ 0.0037._. M~00123 -

Tin-.... 0.0375.._.... 0.012pH -............. Within tho ..................

Iange JSto9.0..



(b) For those installations that utilizea wet fume hood scrubber as part of thecoating operation, the following effluentlimitations are to be added to the baelimitations set forth above:

iMetricunits, kg/kkg of product; English units, lbi00g b of product]

Efflumtlrnltations

Effluent Average of dailyebaracteristle Maximum for values for 30

any 1 day tonsecutive daysshaflliotexceed-

Orand g 0ea& .... 0125 0.0375TS------------0.3750 .... __. 1Z0Lead ..--- 0.00375.. 0.00125

... .0.0375 . .0125pK -------------- Withint ........ ..

Tango 0.0to 9.0.

(W) The limitations set forth above inthis section shal'not apply to any op-eration located in the Wahoning Valleywhich operation would -otherwise besubject to the provisions of this section.Subpart V-Miscellaneous Runoffs-Stor-

age Piles, Casting, and Slagging Sub--category

1§ 420.220 Applicability; description ofthe -miscellaneous runoffs-storagepiles, casting, and slagging subcato-gory.

The provisions of this subpart are ap-plicable to surface runoff from coal,limestone, and ore storage piles, and todischarges from the casting or slag--ging operations associated with iron andsteel making processes.§ 420.221 Spechlized definitions.

For the purpose of this subpart: (a)Except as provided below, the .generaldefinitions, abbreviation- and methodsof analysis set forth in 40 CFR 401 shallapply to this subpart.

(b) The term "Mahoning Valley" shallmnean the watershed drained by the Ma-honing River upstream of the Ohio-Pennsylvania border.§ 420.222 Effluent limitations guidelines

representing the degree of effluentreductioi attainable by the applica-tion of the best practicable controltechnology currently available.

In establishing the limitations set forthin this section, EPA took into account allinformation it was able to collect, de-velop and solicit with respect to factors(such as age and size of plant, raw mate-rials, manufacturing processes, productsproduced, treatment technology avail-able, energy requirements and costs)which can affect the industry subcate-gorization and effluent levels established.It is, however, possible that data whichwould affect these limitations have notbeen available and, as a result, theselimitations should be adjusted for cer-tain plants in this industry. An individ-ual dischargeir or other interested per-son may submit evidence to the RegionalAdministrator (or to the State, if theState has the authority to issue NPDESpermits) that factors relating to theequipment or facilities involved, theprocess applied, or other such factors re-.

lated to such discharger are fundamen-tally different from the factors consid-ered in the establishment of the guide-lines. On the basis of such evidence orother available information, the Re-gional Administrator (or the State) willmake a written finding that such factorsare or are not fundamentally differentfor that facility compared to those speci-fied in the Development Document. Ifsuch fundamentally different factors arefound to exist, the Regional Administra-tor or the State shall establish for theNPDES permit either more or less strin-gent than the limitations establishedherein, to the extent dictated by suchfundamentally different factors. Suchlimitations must be approved by the Ad-ministrator of the Environmental Pro-tection Agency. The Administrator mayapprove or disapprove such limitations,specify other limitations, or Initiate pro-ceedings to.revise these regulations. Thefollowing limitations establish the quan-tity or quality of pollutants or pollutantproperties, controlled by this section,which may be discharged by a pointsource subJect to the provisions of thissubpart after application of the .bestpracticable control technology currentlyavailable:

(a) Discharges from coal, limestoneand ore storage piles: No limitations areestablished for BPCTCA.

(b) Discharges from casting or slag-ging operations:

There shall be no discharge of process(I.., contact) wastewater pollutants tonavigable waters.

(c) The limitations set forth above inthis section shall not apply to any op-eration located in the Mahonling Valleywhich operation would otherwise be sub-.ject to the provisions of this section.

Subpart W-Comblnation Acid Pickling(Batch and Continuous) Subcategory

§ 420.230 Applicability; description ofthe combination acid pickling (batchand continuous) subcategory.

The provisions of this subpart are ap-plicable to process 'waste water dis-charges resulting from the Immersion orcontinuous movement of steel pieces;e.g., coiled wire, rods, strip, etc.; in a-nitric-hydrofluoric acid bath, in a sul-furic acid bath in line with a nitric-bydrofluoric acid bath, or in a hydro-chloric acid bath in line with a nitric-bydrofluoric acid bath, for the chemicalremoval of scale, and from the rinsingoperations which follow such Immersionor continuous movement. The provisionsof this subpart are meant to apply to theentire pickling operation which Includesthe use of nitric-hydrofluoric acid as anIntegral part of the operation. These pro-visions are also intended to apply towastewaters originating from the opera-tion of fume hood scrubbers associatedwith these plckling operations.§ 420.231 Specialized definitions,.

For the purpose of this subpart: (a)Except as provided below, the generaldefinitions, abbreviations and methodsof analysis set forth in 40 CFR 401 shallapply to this subpart.

(b) The term "product!' shall meansteel material that is pich-ed in a com-bination of nitric and hydrofluoric acidsand follows the steps relative to thecombination acid pickling operations.

(c) The terpis "dissolved chromium","dissolved nichel" or "dissolved iron".shall mean that portion of chromium,nickel or Iron, respectively, determinedutilizing the approved method for totalchromium, total nickel or total iron, re-spectively, following preliminary treat-ment as described in paragraph 4-1.1,page 86, of the Methods for ChemicalAnalysis of Water and Wastes, 1971,EPA, Analytical Quality Control Labora-tory, Cincinnati, Ohio.

(d) The term "Mahoning Valley"shall mean the watershed drained by theMahoning River upstream of the Ohio-Pennsylvania border.

§ 420.232 Effluent limitations guidelinesrepresenting the degree of effluentreduction attainable by the applica-tion of the best practicable controlteebhology currently available.

In establishing the limitations setforth in this section, EPA took into ac-count all information It was .able tocollect, develop and solicit with respect tofactors (such as age arid size of plant,raw materials, manufacturing processes,products produced, treatment technologyavailable, energy requirements andcosts) which can affect the industry sub-categorization and effluent levels estab-Ulshed. It is, however, possible that datawhich would affect these limitations havenot been available and, as a. result, theselimitations should be adjusted for certainplants in this Industry. An Individual dis-charger or other interested person maysubmit evidence to the Regional Admin-istrator (or to the State, if the State hasthe authority to issue NPDES permits)that factors relating to the equipmentor facilities involved, the process applied,or other such factors related to such dis-charger are fundamentally differentfrom the factors considered in the estab-lishment of the guidelines. On thebasis of such evidence or other avail-able information, the Regional Admin-Istrator (or the State) will make a writ-ten finding that such factors are or arenot fundamentally different for thatfacility compared to those specified inthe Development Document. If suchfundamentally different factors- arefound to exist, the Regional Admini-trator or the State shall establish forthe discharger effluent limitations in theNPDES permit either more orless string-ent than the limitations establishedherein, to the extent dictated by suchfundamentally different factors. Suchlimitations must be approved by the Ad-ministrator of the Environmental Pro-tection Agency. The Administrator mayapprove or disapprove such limitations,specify other limitations, or initiate pro-ceedings to revise these regulations. Thefollowing limitations establish thequantity or quality of pollutants or pol-lutant properties, controlled by this sec-tion, which may be discharged by a pointsource subject to the provisions of thissubpart after application of the best

FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL 41, NO. 61--MONDAY, MARCH 29, 1976

13011


practicable control technology currentlyavailable:

(a) For continuous combination acidpickling operations:(Metric units, kg/kkg of product; English units, lb/i,000

lb of product .,




Suspended solids... 0.3129 ----------- 0.1043Oil and grease I ..... 0.1251 ----------- 0.0417Dlssolved 0.0063 .......... 0.0021

chromium.Dissolved iron ---- 0.0126 ----------- 0.0042Fluoride ---------- 0.1878 .......... 0.0626Dissolved nickel .... 0.0030 ----------- 0.0010pit. -...--------- Within the ..................

range 6.0to 9.0.

I Tills load is applichble only when these wastes arecombined with cold rolling wastes (subpt. S) for treat-ment.

(b) For combination acid pickling-batch pipe and tube operations:

Metric units, kgfkkg of product; English units, lb/l,000lb of product]


Effluent Average of dailycharacteristlo Maximum for values for 30

any 1 day consecutive daysshan notexceed-

Suspended solids.._ 0.2190 . 0.073Oil and grease t .-- 0.0876 0.0292Dissolved 0.0045----------- 0.0015

chromium.Dissolved Iron --- 0.0087 ......- 0.0029Fluoride ---------- 0.1314 ----------- 0.0438Dissolved nickel ... 0.0021 ----------- 0.0007pI .....----------- Within the

range 6.0to 9.0.

I This load Is applicable only when these wastes arecombined with cold roiling wastes (subpt. S) for treat-ment.

(c) For combination acid pickling-other batch operations:

[Metric units, kfg/kkg of product- English units, lb/i,000lb of proauct]



any I day consecutivo daysshall notexceed-

Suspended solids... 0.0027 .... 0. 0209Oil and grease I- --- 0.0249 ----------- 0.0083Dissolved 0.0012 ----------- 0.0004

chromium.Dissolved iron ..... 0.0024 ............ 0.0006Fluoride ---------- 0.0375 ----------- 0.0125Dissolved nickel .... 0.0006 ----------- 0.0002pH -------------- Within the ------------------

range 6.0to 9.0.

1 This load Is a plcable only when these wastes arecombined with cod rolling wastes (subpt. S) for treat-ment.

(d) The limitations set forth aboveIn this section shall not apply to anyoperation located in the Mahoning Valleywhich operation would otherwise be sub-ject to the provisions of this section. -

Subpart X-Scale Removal (Kolene andHydride) Subcategory

§ 420.240 Applicability; description ofthe scale removal (kolene and hy-dride) subcategory.

The provisions of this subpart are ap-plicable to process wastewater dischargesresulting from the removal of scale fromsteel by the kolene or hydride molten saltbath methods.§ 420.241 Specialized deflitions.For the purpose ofthis subpart: (a) Ex-

cept as provided below, the general de-finitions, abbreviationg and methods ofanalysis set forth in 40'CFR 401 shallapply to this subpart.

(b) The term "product" shall meanSteel material that follows the steps rela-tive to scale removal operations.(c) The terms "dissolved chromium"

or "dissolved iron" shall mean- that por-tion of chromium, or iron, respectivelydetermined utilizing the approvedmethod for total chromium or total iron,respectively, following preliminary treat-ment as described in .paragraph 4.1.1,page 86, of the Methods for ChemicalAnalysis of Water -and Wastes, 1971,EPA, Analytical Quality Control Labora-tory, Cincinnati, Ohio.(d) The term "Mahoning Valley" shall

mean the watershed drained by theMahoning River upstream of the Ohio-Pennsylvania border.

§,420.242 Effluent limitations guidelinesrepresenting the degree of effluentreduction attainable by the applica-tion of the best practicable controltechnology currently available.

In establishing the limitations setforth in this section, EPA took into ac-count all information it was able to col-lect, develop and solicit with respect tofactors (such as age and size of plant,raw materials, manufacturing processes,products produced, treatment technologyavailable, energy requirements and costs)which can -affect the industry suboate-gorization and effluent levels established.It is, however, possible that data whichwould affect these limitations have notbeen available and, as a result, theselimitations should be adjusted for cer-tain plants in this industry. An individ-ual discharger or other interested per-son may submit evidence to the RegionalAdministrator (or to the State, if theState has the authority to issue NPDESpermits) that factors relating to theequipment or facilities involved, theprocess applied, or other such factors re-lated to such discharger are fundament-ally differentfrom the factors consid-ered in the establishment of the guide-lines. On the basis of such evidence orother available information, the Region-al Administrator (or the State) willmake a written finding that such factorsare or are not fundamentally differentfor that facility compared to those speci-fied in the Development Document. Ifsuch fundamentally different factors arefound to exist, the Regional Adminis-trator or the State shall establish for

the discharger effluent limitations in theNPDES permit either more or lessstringent than the limitations estab-lished herein, to the extent dictated bysuch fundamentally different factors.Such limitations must be approved bythe Administrator of the EnvironmentalProtection Agency. The Administratormay approve or disapprove such limita-tions, specify other limitations, or in-itiate proceedings to revise these regu-lations. The following limitations estab-lish the quantity or quality of pollutantsor pollutant properties, controlled bythis section, which may be dischargedby a point source subject to the pro-visions of this subpart after applicationof the best practicable control tech-nology currently available:

(a) For Kolene descaling operations:

[Metric units, kg/tk-g of product; English tnits, lb/1,000lb of product]

Effluent Ilinltatlons

Effluent Average of dailycharacteristic . Maxiur for values for S0

ally I day cousecutIve daysshall 1ot

xccd-

Suspended solids... 0.1563 2.......... 0.1,Hexavalent 0.003 ........... 0.0001

chromium.Dissolved 0.0030 ......... 0.0010

chromium.Dissolved Iron ...... 0.0003 ........... 0.0021Cyanide ............ 0.0015 ........... 0.0005pi t - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Within tile ..................range 6.0to 0.0.

(b) For hydride descaling operations:

[Metric units, kglkkg of product; English units, lt'i,O1 Olbof produot]

ELffluent Ulmitations

Effluent Averago of dailycharacteristic Maxitnun for values for 30

any 1 day consecutive daysishall 1otexceed-

Susbended solid... 0.3753 ........... 0.1251Hexavalent chr- .000 .) 0....... , 0003

mium.Dissolved chro 0.0075 ........... .00*2

salum.Dissolved Iron ...... 0.0150 ........... 0.0050Cyanide ........... 0. 0039 ........... 0, 0018pit ...............- Within the ...

range 0.0to 9.0.

(c) The limitations set forth above Inthis section shall not apply to any oper-ation located in the Mahoning Valleywhich operation would otherwise be sub-ject to the piovisions of this section.

Subpart Y-Wire Pickling and CoatingSubcategory

§ 420.250 Applicability; description ofthe wire pickling and coating sub.category.

The provisions of this subpart are ap-plicable to process wastewater dischargesresulting from the immersion or contin-uous movement of alloy or stainless steelwire in an acid bath for the chemical re-moval of scale, and from the rinsingoperations which follow such immersionor continuous movement. These provl-


13012

sions are also intended to apply towastewaters originating from the oper-ation of fume hood scrubbers associatedwith pickling operations as well as to thecoating of alloy or stainless steel wirewith copper or other material to assistin subsequent drawing operations.§ 420.251 Specialized definitions.

For the purpose of this subpart: (a)Except as provided below, the generaldefinitions, abbreviations and methodsof analysis seit forth in 40 CPR 401 shallapply to this subpart.

(b) The term "product" shall meansteel wire that follows the steps relativeto the wire coating and pickling opera-tions.

(c) The terms "dissolved chromium","dissolved nickel", "dissolved iron", or."dissolved copper" shall mean that por-tion of chromium, nickel, iron or copper,respectively, determined utilizing the ap-proved method for total chromium, totalnickel, total iron or total copper, respec-tively, following preliminary treatmentas described in paragraph 4.1.1, page 86,of the Methods for Chemical Analysis ofWater and Wastes, 1971, EPA AnalyticalQuality Control Laboratory, Cincinnati,Ohio.

(d) The term '%Mahoning Valley" shallmean the watershed drained by the ma-honing River upstream of the Ohio-Pennsylvania border.§ 420.252 Effluent limitations guidelines

representing the degree of effluentreduction attainable by the applica.tiioh of the best practicable controltechnology currently available.

In establishing the limitations set forthin this section, EPA took into account allInformation it was able to collect, de-velop and solicit with respect to factors(such as age and size of plant, raw ma-terials, manufacturing processes, prod-ucts produced, treatment technologyavailable, energy requirements and costs)which can affect the industry subeate-gorization and effluent levels established.It is, however, possible that data whichwould affect these limitations have notbeen available and, as a result, these lim-itations should be adjusted for certainplants in this industry. An individual dis-charger or other interested person maysubmit evidence to the Regional Admin-istrator (or to the State, if the State hasthe authority to issue NPDES permits)that factors relating to the equipment orfacilities involved, the process applied,or other such factors related to suchdischarger are fundamentally differentfrom the factors considered in the es-tablishment of the guidelines. On thebasis of such evidence or.other available


information, the Regional Administrator(or the State) will make awritten find-Ing that such factors are or are not fun-damentally different for that facilitycompared to those specified In the De-velopment Document. If such funda-mentally different factors are found toexist, the Regional Administrator or theState shall establish for the dischargereffluent limitations In the NPDES permiteither more or less stringent than thelimitations established herein, to the ex-tent dictated by such fundamentally dif-ferent factors. Such limitations must beapproyed by the Administrator of theEnvironmental Protection Agency. TheAdmihistrator may approve or disap-prove such limitations, specify otherlimitations, or Initiate proceedings to re-vise these regulations.

(a) The following limitations establishthe quantity or quality of pollutants orpollutant properties, controlled by thissection, which may be discharged by apoint source subject to the provisions ofthis subpart after application of the bestpracticable control technology currentlyavailable:[Mtric units, k Jkkz of prod1at; ErU1h unito, ItlCO0lb

olprodut)

Eallumt llmtatlonsEflacnt Avg.,_ of daly

erlorctaistlc Maimum for v.luc for sonay 1 day cons.utiv daya

rwail notexccod-

Su.pxdcd solids... 0.3129 ........... 0100OR and grea..0-. (.121...........0- 0117DLuolvcd clo- 0.003 ............. -.0021

ilumn.Dlssolved.ron.. .... 00... 012cyanide -..-......-- ........... a- 0010

do ---------0-11M .......... 0. ODissolved nickel .... 00330 ....... N0010DMsolved copper... 000 ........ ... 0.010pU ................ Within t1e

range 0.0to 9.0

I This 10d Is applicbl only vrhm tht was!cs aoec mbined 'with oeld roelln.- ".atc3 (nbpt. 6) for treat-nucat.

(b) The limitations set forth above inthis section shall not apply to any op-eration located in the Mahoning Valleywhich operation would otherwise be sub-ject to the provisions of this section.

Subpart Z-Continuous Alkaline CleaningSubcategory

§ 420.260 Applicability; description ofthe continuous alkaline cleaning sub-category.

The provisions of this subpart are ap-plicable to process wastewater dis-charges resulting from the continuousmovement of alloy or stainless steelpieces; e.g., strip, etc.; in an alkaline

13013

bath for the removal of rolling oils, etc.and from the rinsing operations whichfollow such continuous movement.§ 420.261 Specihized definitions.

For the purpose of this subpart: (a)Except as provided below, the generaldefinitions, abbreviations andmethods ofanalysis set forth In 40 CFR 401 shallapply to this subpart.

(b) The term "product" shall meansteel material that follows the stepsrelative to the continuous alkaline clean-ing operations. -

(c) The terms "dissolved chromium","dissolved nickel" and "dissolved iron",shall mean that portion of chromium,nickel or iron, respectively, determinedutilizing the approved method for totalchromium, total nickel or total iron, re-spectively, following preliminary treat-ment as described in paragraph 4.1.1,page 86, of the Methods of ChemicalAnalysis of Water and Waste, 1971, EPA

-Analytical Quality Control Laboratory,Cincinnati. Ohio.

(d) The term "Mahoning Valley" shallmean the watershed drained by the Ma-honing River upstream of the Ohio-Pennsylvania border.§ 420.262 Effluent limitations guidelines


In establishing the limitations setforth in this section, EPA took into ac-count all information it was able to col-lect, develop and solicit with respect tofactors (such as age and size of plant,raw materials, manufacturing processes,products produced, treatment technologyavailable, energy requirements andcosts) which can affect the industry sub-categorization and effluent levels estab-lished. It is, however, possible that datawhich would affect these limitations havenot been available and, as a result, theselimitations should be adjusted for cer-tain plants in this industry. An individualdischarger or other interested personmay submit evidence to the RegionalAdministrator (or to the State, If theState has the authority to issue NPDESpermits) that factors relating to theequipment or facilities involved, theprocess applied, or other such factors re-lated to such discharger are fundamen-tally different from the factors consid-ered In the establishment of the guide-lines. On the basis of such evidence orother available information, the Region-al Administrator (or the State) willmake a written finding that such factorsare or are not fundamentally differentfor that facility compared to those spec-


RULES AND REGULATIONS13014

ified in the Development Document. Ifsuch fundamentally different factors arefound to exist, the Regional Administra-tor or the State shall establish for thedischarger effluent limitations in theNPDES permit either more or less strin-gent than the limitations establishedherein, to the extent dictated by suchfundamentally different factors. Suchlimitations must be approved by the Ad-ministrator of the Environmental Pro-tection Agency. The Administrator mayapprove or disapprove such limitations,specify other limitations, or initiate pro-ceedings to revise these regulations.

(a) The following limitations estab-lish the quantity or quality of pollutantsor pollutant properties, controlled by thissection, which may be discharged by apoint source, subject to the provisions ofthis subpart after application of thebest practicable cohtrol technology cur-rently available:

[Metric units, kg/kkg of product; English units, lb/l,000lb oIproduct]

Effluont limitations

Effluent Average of dailycharacteristic Maximum for values for So


Suspended solids..- 0.0156 ........... 0.0052Dissolved 0.0003 ...... 0. 0001

chromium.Dissolved Iron ---- 0.0006 --------- 0. 0002Dissolved nickel-.-- 0.00015 -----..... 0.00005pH --------------- Within the ..................

range 6.0to 9.0.

(b) The limitations set forth above inthis section shall not apply to any opera-tion located in the Mahoning Valleywhich operation would otherwise be sub-ject to the provisions of this section.

[FR Doc.76-8351 Filed 3-26L76;8:45 am]
