In Georgia, wastewater discharge for industrial enterprises is strictly regulated by Maximum Allowable Discharge (MAD) norms. In this blog, we will tell you about the main principles that every enterprise using water in its production process should be familiar with.

Maximum allowable discharge norms for each control parameter are determined taking into account the following aspects:

• Background concentration for each control parameter
• Category of water use
• Maximum allowable concentrations of substances present in the receiving water body

The draft MAD norms to be submitted by the enterprise must contain:

• Hydrological and qualitative characteristics of the water body;
• Brief information about the enterprise, such as capacity, characteristics of technological processes, raw materials used, finished products, operating mode, etc.;
• Characteristics of water use at the enterprise, description of wastewater sources, their quantitative and qualitative characteristics;
• Characteristics of wastewater treatment facilities, including design and actual capacity, treatment method, and technological scheme;
• Calculation of MAD norms;
• Measures required to prevent accidental discharges;
• Action plan necessary to achieve MAD norms;
• The project must be accompanied by the general layout plan of the enterprise and a situational map of the enterprise location area.

If background concentrations of pollutants in the water body exceed the allowable limit and dilution will not occur after wastewater discharge, the MAD norms for the discharged water must be set at the level of maximum allowable concentrations established for the receiving water body.

It is worth noting that if the actual concentration of pollutants in the enterprise's wastewater is less than the calculated MAD, this actual figure itself is set as the new norm. Therefore, ensuring data accuracy is critically important, as it directly defines the future obligations of the enterprise.

In the case of industrial wastewater discharge into a seasonal river, MAD norms are established at the level of maximum allowable concentrations defined for the corresponding water category.

In the case of thermal power plants and water cooling systems, the MAD norms of the discharged water must not exceed the background concentration existing at the water intake point.

If an enterprise discharges wastewater into the municipal sewerage or drainage system, the conditions are established by direct agreement with the system owner, which is a subject of separate negotiation and creates the need for monitoring.

Therefore, accurate and continuous monitoring is not only a legal obligation, but also a tool that helps enterprises avoid unnecessary costs and regulatory violations.