A study of the major organic chemicals segment of the organic chemicals manufacturing industry was conducted. The purpose of this study was to establish effluent limitations guidelines for existing point source discharges and standards of performances and pretreatment standards for new sources. 41 major product-process segments of the industry were investigated. These product-processes and others significant segments to be covered in the second phase of this study were categorized into four subcategories based on process technology as related to process water requirements. The industry is not readily defined in terms of the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system. However, commodities included under SIC 2815 (Cyclic Intermediates and Crudes) and SIC 2818 (Industrial Organic Chemicals) provide a reasonable approximation and have been used to define the limitations of the industry for the current study. Primary petrochemical processing, plastics, fibers, agricultural chemicals, pesticides, detergents, paints, and pharmaceuticals have been excluded. Processes, wastes, control technology, and costs are discussed.

"EPA-440/1-74-009-a." April 1974 Includes bibliographical references (pages 345-349).