This document presents the findings of an extensive study of the meat packing industry by the Environmental Protection Agency for the purpose of developing effluent limitations guidelines, and Federal standards of performance for the industry, to implement Sections 304 and 306 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 (the 'Act'). The segments of the meat packing industry included in the study were red meat slaughterhouses, packinghouses. Not included were plants that only process meat but do no on-site slaughtering, rendering operations carried out off the site of the packing plant, and all poultry (white meat) processing plants. Effluent limitations guidelines are set forth for the degree of effluent reduction attainable through the application of the 'Best Practicable Control Technology Currently Available', and the 'Best Available Technology Economically Achievable', which must be achieved by existing point sources by July 1, 1977, and July 1, 1983, respectively. Supportive data and rationale for development of the proposed effluent limitations guidelines and standards of performance are contained in this report. Processes, wastes, control technology, and costs are discussed.

"EPA-440/1-74-012-a." Includes bibliographical references (pages 165-168). Issued February 1974.