Where can an operator find information about proper sampling locations?

The NPDES permit provides specific requirements and guidelines for wastewater treatment facilities, including details on sampling locations. This permit is issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or state agencies and outlines the conditions under which a facility must operate. It typically includes sampling requirements such as the type of samples that need to be collected, the frequency of sampling, and precisely where those samples should be taken to ensure compliance with water quality standards.

While local regulations, operational manuals, and industry standards can also contain relevant information, the NPDES permit is specifically tailored to the regulatory obligations of a facility and serves as a primary document for determining sampling protocols. The operational manual may provide general procedures and best practices, but it doesn't necessarily detail sampling locations mandated by the permit. Local regulations can supplement NPDES requirements, but they vary by location and might not contain the specific sampling locations as directly defined in the permit. Industry standards offer widely accepted practices but may not be legally binding or specific to the facility in question. Thus, the NPDES permit is the most reliable source for understanding proper sampling locations required for compliance.