News Release                                      January 13, 2003

Review of Trade & Sewage Effluent Standards in Progress

The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is now in the process of reviewing trade effluent and sewage effluent standards which came into effect in 1997.  Users of these standards and other parties interested in their application are being encouraged to submit written comments to the following address no later than February 14, 2003 to:

The National Water Quality Standards Sub-Committee
National Environment & Planning Agency (NEPA)
10 Caledonia Avenue

Trade effluent and sewage effluent standards are established to ensure the maintenance of ambient water quality at an acceptable level.  These standards ensure that the quality of the receiving water, after mixing with the effluent discharged, is of a quality suitable for its original use, whether it be abstraction for potable water, agriculture, support of aquatic life, bathing or water contact sports.

NEPA is requesting comments from users in order to satisfy the periodic review necessary for keeping the established standards abreast of changing technologies, increasing industrialization and public demand for a cleaner environment.

The standards can be accessed on NEPA’s website at www.nepa.gov.jm