Wastewater from industrial and municipal sources must be carefully monitored to protect receiving waters like rivers, lakes, and coastal zones. Regulatory bodies such as the EPA, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) require systematic testing for BOD₅ (Biochemical Oxygen Demand), COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand), and TSS (Total Suspended Solids). These parameters are central to wastewater discharge permits and environmental compliance programs.
Understanding the Parameters
BOD₅ – Biochemical Oxygen Demand
BOD₅ measures the amount of oxygen microorganisms need to break down organic matter in water over five days. It reflects the biological load on aquatic ecosystems and is a key indicator of biodegradable pollutants.
- Typical Permit Limits: Often <30 mg/L for secondary treatment effluent in municipal discharges.
- Why It Matters: High BOD₅ means more organic waste is present, leading to oxygen depletion in natural waters and harming aquatic life.
COD – Chemical Oxygen Demand
COD measures the total oxygen required to chemically oxidize organic and inorganic substances in water. It provides a faster, broader estimate of pollution than BOD₅.
- Typical Range: Industrial COD values vary widely depending on process wastewater.
- Why It Matters: COD includes substances not biodegradable, giving a more complete pollution profile—critical for high-strength industrial effluents.
TSS – Total Suspended Solids
TSS includes solids suspended in water that can be filtered out. It indicates the amount of particulate matter and is often visible in turbid or cloudy effluents.
- Typical Discharge Limit: <30 mg/L for secondary treatment under NPDES/NJPDES/NYSPDES.
- Why It Matters: Suspended solids can carry pathogens, reduce light penetration, and clog aquatic habitats.
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Federal and State Requirements
EPA/NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System): Requires BOD₅, COD, and TSS reporting for facilities with wastewater discharge permits. Effluent limits vary based on permit category and receiving water body.
New York (NYSPDES): The NYSDEC mandates testing of BOD₅ and TSS as part of wastewater permits. COD is often required for industrial facilities.
New Jersey (NJPDES): NJDEP’s regulations mirror federal requirements. Facilities must demonstrate ongoing compliance with effluent limitations through routine testing and reporting.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failing to meet discharge permit limits for BOD₅, COD, or TSS can result in serious legal and financial consequences:
- Monetary Fines: Under the Clean Water Act, violations of NPDES permits can lead to civil penalties of up to $64,618 per day, per violation (as adjusted annually for inflation).
- Mandatory Corrective Actions: Facilities may be ordered to upgrade treatment systems or implement corrective operating procedures.
- Permit Revocation or Restrictions: Repeated or severe violations can result in stricter discharge limits, permit suspension, or loss of operational licensing.
- Public Reporting and Legal Exposure: Violations are often reported in public environmental databases, potentially impacting company reputation and triggering citizen lawsuits.
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What Do the Results Indicate?
- High BOD₅: Indicates excessive organic load, potential violations of permit
- High COD but low BOD₅: Suggests non-biodegradable compounds present
- High TSS: Points to sediment discharge, mechanical inefficiencies, or pretreatment failures
How to Respond to Exceedances
Treatment System Review: Check aeration, clarifiers, filtration units
Source Control: Modify production or reduce pollutant discharge at source
Process Optimization: Improve pretreatment or upgrade system design
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Industries and Sectors Affected
Food & beverage processing
Chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing
Municipal wastewater treatment plants
Landfills and leachate treatment systems
Oil & gas, metal finishing, and paper mills
Why Work with PITS Environmental?
Decades of experience with regulatory testing and industrial compliance
Support for permit reporting (DMRs), trend analysis, and exceedance notifications
Quick turnaround, high accuracy, and personalized support
Final Thoughts
BOD₅, COD, and TSS are not just compliance checkpoints—they’re indicators of operational performance and environmental responsibility. Regular testing enables early detection of treatment issues and helps protect public waterways.
Understanding your regulatory obligations and staying compliant helps avoid costly penalties, supports corporate sustainability goals, and ensures your facility operates with integrity.
Contact PITS Environmental today to schedule compliance testing, verify discharge performance, or request assistance with your next regulatory report.