The Zero-Discharge Law and the Motion-Picture Film Processing Industry

The short-range effects on the motion-picture processing industry of Public Law 92–500 (Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972) are assessed. The goal of the Act is to see that all industries discharging wastes into navigable waters (1) by mid-1977 use the best practicable technology to reduce pollution, (2) by mid-1983 use the best available technology to further reduce pollution and (3) by 1985 eliminate the discharge of pollutants altogether into such waters. The motion-picture processing industry is seen to be in a good position to meet the 1977 standards with minimal economic dislocation; the later proposed standards are rather controversial and may be tested in the courts, so their potential impact is difficult to assess. It is likely, however, that pretreatment of effluents will be necessary before discharging them into municipal sewers. The sewer limits of 47 large municipalities are considered along with the Preliminary Interim Guidelines that affect the (rather similar) metal finishing industry. Financial assistance and tax incentives are widely available to meet the new standards, and sources are noted. Tables showing Environmental Protection Agency standards, rulings and actions with their effective dates are included.

Print ISSN

0361-4573

Published

1973-07

Content type

Original Research

DOI

10.5594/J08840