VI-226 



characteristics. For example, cooling water discharges may 

 require numerous additional characteristics or parameters 

 such as temperature, heat flux, density, etc., to be added 

 to the minimum listing to describe properly the waste char- 

 acteristics. 



Considerable investigation and study will be needed to 

 define properly waste discharges that should be specifically 

 included in the "significant discharge" category. It should 

 be obvious that a number of considerations are involved in 

 the decision as to whether or not a particular waste dis- 

 charge is "significant." Some of the considerations are: 



(a) The magnitude (flow and pollutant mass emission 

 rates of the discharge as compared to: 



[1] The available dilution and quality require- 

 ments of the receiving waters; 

 [2] The relative magnitude of the discharge as 

 compared to other discharges in the general area; 

 and 



[3] The defined or undefined character of the 

 effect of the waste on the receiving water and 

 beneficial uses. 



(b) The relative cost of conducting the minimum "core" 

 characterization program as compared to: 



[1] The cost of at least secondary treatment for 

 the waste discharge; 



