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Effluent Guidelines

Leather Tanning and Finishing Effluent Guidelines

""EPA promulgated the Leather Tanning and Finishing Effluent Guidelines and Standards (40 CFR Part 425) in 1974, and amended the regulation in 1977, 1982, 1988 and 1996. The regulatory requirements are incorporated into NPDES permits for direct dischargersHelpdirect dischargerA point source that discharges pollutants to waters of the United States, such as streams, lakes, or oceans., and permits or other control mechanisms for indirect dischargersHelpindirect dischargerA facility that discharges pollutants to a publicly owned treatment works (municipal sewage treatment plant). (see Pretreatment Program).


Pollutants and Subcategories

Regulated Pollutants

The regulated pollutants vary by subcategory, and include:
  • biochemical oxygen demand
  • chromium
  • pH (abnormally high or low)
  • oil & grease
  • suspended solids
  • sulfide

Regulation Subcategories

  1. Hair Pulp, Chrome Tan, Retan-Wet Finish
  2. Hair Save, Chrome Tan, Retan-Wet Finish
  3. Hair Save or Pulp, Non-Chrome Tan, Retan-Wet Finish
  1. Retan-Wet Finish-Sides
  2. No Beamhouse
  3. Through-the-Blue
  4. Shearling
  5. Pigskin
  6. Retan-Wet Finish-Splits
 

Guidance Document


Rulemaking History


Additional Information

For additional information regarding the Leather Tanning and Finishing Effluent Guidelines, please contact Jesse Pritts (pritts.jesse@epa.gov) or 202-566-1038.