EPA promulgated the Soap and Detergent Manufacturing Effluent Guidelines and Standards (40 CFR Part 417) in 1974-1975. Part 417 covers direct and indirect dischargers. The Effluent Guidelines and Standards are incorporated into NPDES permits for direct dischargersdirect 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 dischargersindirect dischargerA facility that discharges pollutants to a publicly owned treatment works (municipal sewage treatment plant). (see Pretreatment Program).

• What is the Soap and Detergent Manufacturing Industry?
• Facilities Covered
• BOD₇ Effluent Limitation
• Rulemaking History
• Additional Information

What is the Soap and Detergent Manufacturing Industry?

Industry facilities manufacture soap, synthetic organic detergents, inorganic alkaline detergents, or any combination. Crude and refined glycerine from vegetable and animal fats and oils are also included.

Excluded from Part 417 coverage are establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing shampoos or shaving products and synthetic glycerine. Also excluded are specialty cleaners, polishing, and sanitation preparations.

Wastewater is generated by steam pretreatment, soap boiling, equipment cleanouts, scrubber waters, scrap reclamation, condensers, still bottoms, and leaks and spills.

These activities are included within NAICS code 325611, Soap and Other Detergent Manufacturing.
 
Note: The NAICS listing is provided as a guide and does not define the coverage of the Soap and Detergent Manufacturing category. For precise definitions of coverage, see the applicability sections in 40 CFR Part 417.

Facilities Covered

The regulation is organized into 19 subcategories:

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BOD₇ Effluent Limitation

Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) is a measure of the oxygen-consuming properties of organic matter. Water with a high BOD indicates the presence of decomposing organic matter and subsequent high bacterial counts that degrade its quality. BOD₇ refers to the oxygen demand as determined by incubation at 20 ºC for a period of 7 days using an acclimated seed. The parameter BOD₇ is used in subparts O, Q, and R.

There is no approved analytical method for BOD₇ in EPA's test procedures regulation at 40 CFR Part 136. There is a method available in Standard Methods, no. SM 5210C, which is called “Ultimate BOD Test” that can be run for 90 days. The example table in the procedure shows results across the time series from 0 to 90 days. The 7-day entry is highlighted.

• Example: Results from Method 5210C (PDF)

Rulemaking History

1975 Amendments

• Documents, including:
  Revised PSES
  • Final Rule (June 30, 1975)
  • Proposed Rule (February 20, 1975)
   
  Initial PSES
  • Final Rule (February 11, 1975)
  • Proposed Rule (April 12, 1974)

1974 Initial Rulemaking

• Documents, including:
  • Final Rule (April 12, 1974)
    • Development Document (April 1974)
      Industry description, wastewater characterization, treatment technologies, regulatory compliance cost estimates, and pollutant loadings for the final rule
  • Proposed Rule (December 26, 1973)

Additional Information

For additional information regarding Soap and Detergent Manufacturing Effluent Guidelines, please contact Paul Shriner (shriner.paul@epa.gov) or 202-566-1076.

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