State Regulations on Effluent Discharge into Rivers or Reservoirs of Brazil: A Comprehensive Review and Analysis

Código

I-EBHE0136

Autores

Isabella Almeida Costa, Ana Luiza Duarte de Abreu, Jorge Enoch Furquim Werneck Lima, Alan Mosele Tonin, Alberonaldo Lima Alves

Tema

WG 2.6: Water systems analysis for integrated planning & management

Resumo

The effluent discharge permit is a water management instrument aimed at regulating and controlling the quantity and quality of effluents discharged into rivers or reservoirs, ensuring the preservation of water resources and public health. In this study, we performed a systematic review of environmental legislation from each federative unit of Brazil, focusing on the technical and legal requirements used in the analysis of effluent discharge permits. The research involved the collection and analysis of the main regulations, identifying common and region-specific information. Key information collected includes the reference streamflow, percentage of the reference streamflow available for effluents discharge permitting, parameters required for discharge analysis, parameters for discharge into lentic environments, parameters used for dilution streamflow calculation, existence of preventive permits, insignificant uses, mixing zones, progressive goals, self-monitoring, time established for user compliance after the normative act publication, specification of effluent type, and permit validity period. Results show that, despite specific variations among states, there are several similarities among state regulations. Most adopt quality standards are based on CONAMA Resolution No. 357/2005 and CONAMA No. 430/2011, with Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and temperature being the most mentioned regulation parameters, along with phosphorus and nitrogen for lentic environments. Additionally, effluent discharge authorization is generally conditioned by the self-purification capacity of the receiving water body, considering its quality and available quantity. Continuous monitoring of effluent and the receiving body is also a common requirement, with mandatory reporting of results to the competent authority. States also specify permit validity, ranging from 3 to 35 years, considering preventive and definitive permits, which can be updated within this period. Ultimately, the developed database offers an important tool for water resource management, providing a comprehensive and comparative view of state regulations. This tool can assist public administrators, researchers, and companies in understanding and complying with legal requirements, promoting more efficient and integrated water resource management. In summary, despite regional specifics, Brazilian states have a robust common legislation for effluent discharge regulation, aligned with federal legislation principles. This uniformity contributes to harmonizing water resource management practices in the country while allowing adaptation to local realities.