This document presents the findings of an extensive study of the leather tanning and finishing industry for the purpose of developing effluent limitations guidelines, standards of performance, and pretreatment standards for the industry, to implement Sections 304, 306, and 307 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act as amended. Effluent limitations guidelines contained herein set forth the degree of effluent reduction attainable through the application of the best practicable control technology currently available and the degree of effluent reduction attainable through the application of the best available technology economically achievable; these levels of treatment must be achieved by existing sources by July 1, 1977, and July 1, 1983. The proposed regulations for July 1, 1977, and for new source performance standards are based on preliminary screening, equalization and primary sedimentation, secondary biological treatment and chrome recycle. The recommended technology for July 1, 1983, is preliminary screening, equalization and primary sedimentation, secondary biological treatment and chrome recycle plus sulfide oxidation, nitrification and denitrification and mixed-media filtration. Supportive data and rationale for development of the proposed effluent limitations guidelines and standards of performance are contained in this report as well as processes, wastes, and costs.

"James D. Gallup, Project Officer." "March, 1974"--Cover. Includes bibliographical references (p. 141-146). "EPA-440/1-74-016-a"--Cover.