DENR Administrative Order 2008 - XX

Water Quality Guidelines and General Effluent Standards

DENR Administrative Order

No. 2008 - XX

SUBJECT: Water Quality Guidelines and General Effluent Standards of

2008

Pursuant to Section 19e and 19f of the Republic Act 9275, otherwise known as the
Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004, the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR) hereby adopts and promulgates these Water Quality Guidelines
and General Effluent Standards.

Section 1.0 Title

These rules and regulations shall be known as the "Water Quality Guidelines
(WQG) and General Effluent Standards (GES) of 2008".

Section 2.0 Scope and Coverage

The WQG applies to all water bodies in the country: freshwater and marine waters;
and shall be used for classifying water bodies, determining time trends, evaluating
stages of deterioration or enhancement in water quality, and as basis for taking
positive actions in preventing, controlling, or abating water pollution. Moreover,
this WQG shall be used in the process of designating non-attainment areas.

The GES applies to all point sources of pollution discharged to all water bodies in
the country, regardless of discharge volume. Until such time that industry-specific
standards are promulgated, the GES shall be used regardless of the industry
category.

Section 3.0 Definition of Terms

For the purposes of this Administrative Order, the following terms and acronyms
shall have the following meanings:

“Ecotourism” is a form of sustainable tourism within a given natural and/or

cultural area where community participation, conservation, and management of
biodiversity, respect for culture and indigenous knowledge systems and practices,
environmental education and ethics as well as economic benefits are fostered and
pursued for the enrichment of host communities and satisfaction of visitors.

“Flowrate-based Effluent Standards” are standards based on the volume of

effluent discharges.

“Geometric Mean” is the nth root of the product of a series of n numbers. It is a

calculation to determine an average when the set of numbers covers a wide range.
Results of bacteriological testing often cover such a large range.

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“Marine Waters” mean all seas or oceanic areas, from shore to those beyond
continental shelves that generally have salinity greater than 500 parts per million.

“Maximum Allowable Limit” refers to the concentration of a pollutant in water

without causing harmful effects to human, plants, animals, and aquatic organisms.

“Percentile” is the value of a variable below which a certain percent of

observations fall. Therefore, the 80th percentile is the value (or score) below which
80 percent of the observations may be found.

“Pollution” means any alteration of the physical, chemical, and biological

properties of any water resources of the Philippines; or any discharge thereto of any
liquid, gaseous, or solid wastes; or any emission of objectionable odor, as will or is
likely to create or to render such water resources harmful, detrimental, or injurious
to public health, safety, or welfare, or which will adversely affect their utilization for
domestic, industrial, agricultural, recreational or other legitimate purposes.

“Potable Drinking Water” refers to water that is free of microorganisms or

disease-producing bacteria. In addition, the water should not possess undesirable
taste, odor, color, levels of radioactivity, turbidity, or chemicals; and it should pass
the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water (PNSDW).

“Primary Contact Recreation” refers to any form of recreation, where there is

intimate contact of the human body with water, such as swimming, water skiing, or
skin diving.

“Primary Parameters” are the required minimum water quality parameters to be

monitored for each water body.

“Protected Water” refers to a watercourse or a water body, or any segment thereof,

that is classified as a source of public water supply, propagation, and harvesting of
shellfish for commercial purposes, or spawning areas for Chanos chanos and
similar species, or primary contact recreation, or that which is designated by
competent government authority or by legislation as tourist zone, national marine
park and reserve, including coral reef park and reserve.

“Secondary Parameters” are other water quality parameters that shall be used in
baseline assessment as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment and other
water quality monitoring purposes.

“Significant Effluent Quality Parameters” are parameters specific to the

processes of an industry or specific to the quality of a discharge point.

“Strong Wastewater” refers to wastewater whose initial BOD value before

treatment is equal to or greater than 3,000 mg/L.

"Toxicity" refers to the chemical, biological, or biochemical adverse effect(s) of a

pollutant or combination of pollutants on organisms.

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“Treatment” refers to any method, technique, or process designed to alter the

physical, chemical, biological, or radiological character or composition of any waste
or wastewater to reduce or prevent pollution.

“Use Attainability Analysis” is a structured scientific assessment of the factors

affecting the attainment of designated use per water body classification as specified
in Section 4.0 of this Administrative Order.

Section 4.0 Classification of Water Bodies

For the purposes of maintaining water quality according to its intended beneficial
usage, the following classification of water bodies shall be adopted (see Tables 4-1
to 4-3).

Table 4-1 Revised Water Classification and Usage of Freshwater

Classification Intended Beneficial Use

Class AA Public Water Supply Class I – Intended primarily for waters
having watersheds, which are uninhabited and/or otherwise
declared as protected areas, and which require only approved
disinfection to meet the latest Philippine National Standards
for Drinking Water (PNSDW)
Class A Public Water Supply Class II – Intended as sources of water
supply requiring conventional treatment (coagulation,
sedimentation, filtration and disinfection) to meet the latest
PNSDW
Class B Recreational Water Class I – Intended for primary contact
recreation (bathing, swimming, etc.)
Class C 1. Fishery Water for the propagation and growth of fish and
other aquatic resources
2. Recreational Water Class II – For boating, fishing, or
similar activities
3. For agriculture, irrigation, and livestock watering
Class D 1. Industrial Water Supply – For manufacturing processes
after treatment, cooling, etc.
2. Navigation and other similar uses
Note: For unclassified water bodies, classification shall be based on the beneficial
use as determined by EMB.

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Table 4-2 Revised Water Classification and Usage of Marine Waters

Classification Intended Beneficial Use

Class SA 1. Protected Waters – Waters designated as national or local
marine parks, reserves, sanctuaries, and other areas
established by law (Presidential Proclamation 1801 and
other existing laws), and/or declared as such by
appropriate government agency, LGUs, etc.
2. Fishery Water Class I – Suitable for shellfish harvesting
for direct human consumption
Class SB 1. Fishery Water Class II – Waters suitable for commercial
propagation of shellfish and intended as spawning areas
for milkfish and similar species
2. Tourist Zones – For ecotourism and recreational activities
3. Recreational Water Class I – Intended for primary contact
recreation (bathing, swimming, skin diving, etc.)
Class SC 1. Fishery Water Class III – For the propagation and growth
of fish and other aquatic resources and intended for
commercial and sustenance fishing
2. Recreational Water Class II – For boating, fishing, or
similar activities
3. Marshy and/or mangrove areas declared as fish and
wildlife sanctuaries
Class SD 1. Industrial Water Supply – For manufacturing processes
after treatment, cooling, etc.)
2. Navigation and other similar uses
Note: For unclassified water bodies, classification shall be based on the beneficial
use as determined by EMB.

Section 5.0 Water Quality Guidelines

The rules and regulations established in this section are intended to maintain and
preserve the quality of all water bodies based on their intended beneficial usage
and to prevent and abate pollution and contamination to protect public health,
aquatic resources, crops, and other living organisms.

5.1 Guidelines for Water Quality (Freshwater and Marine Waters)

All waters of the country shall be free from:

1) Domestic, industrial, agricultural, or other man-induced non-thermal

components of discharges, alone or in combination with other substances or
in combination with other components of discharges (whether thermal or
non-thermal), which:

a) Settle to form putrescent deposits or otherwise create a nuisance

b) Float as debris, scum, oil, or other matter in such amounts as to form

nuisance

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Water Quality Guidelines and General Effluent Standards

c) Produce color, odor, taste, turbidity, or other conditions in such

degree as to create a nuisance

d) Are acutely toxic

e) Are present in concentrations, which are carcinogenic, mutagenic, or

teratogenic to human beings or to significant, locally occurring wildlife
or aquatic species

f) Pose a serious danger to the public health, safety, or welfare

2) Thermal components of discharges, alone or in combination with other

discharges or components of discharges (whether thermal or non-thermal),
which:

a) Produce conditions so as to create nuisance

b) Increase the temperature of the receiving water body to cause

substantial damage or harm to the aquatic life or vegetation therein,
or interfere with the designated beneficial uses.

The WQG provided for in Tables 5-1 to 5-4 shall be maintained for each water body
classification. For the purposes of this Administrative Order, the parameters
defining the WQG are categorized into two: primary and secondary parameters.

Whereas, primary parameters (Table 5-1) are the required minimum water quality
parameters to be monitored for each water body. Secondary parameters (Tables 5-
2 to 5-4) are other water quality parameters that shall be used in baseline
assessment as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment and other water
quality monitoring purposes.

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Table 5-1 Water Quality Guidelines for Primary Parameters

Parameter Unit Water Body Classification

AA A B C D SA SB SC SD

BOD mg/L 1 3 5 7 15 n/a n/a n/a n/a

Chloride mg/L 250 250 250 350 400 n/a n/a n/a n/a
Color (True) TCU 5 50 50 75 150 5 50 75 150
Dissolved Oxygen(a) mg/L 5 5 5 5 2 6 6 5 2
Fecal Coliform MPN/100mL <2 <2 150 200 400 <2 150 200 400
Nitrate as NO3-N mg/L 7 7 7 7 15 10 10 10 15
pH Range 6.5-8.5 6.5-8.5 6.5-8.5 6.5-9.0 6.0-9.0 7.0-8.5 7.0-8.5 6.5-8.5 6.0-9.0
Phosphate mg/L <0.003 0.5 0.5 0.5 5 0.1 0.5 0.5 5
oC 26-30 26-30 26-30 25-31 25-32 26-30 26-30 25-31 25-32
Temperature(b)
Total Suspended Solids mg/L 25 50 65 80 110 25 50 80 110

Notes:
(a) Samples shall be taken between 9:00AM to 4:00PM.
(b) If the natural level exceeds the guideline, then the natural level concentration prevails. The established
natural concentration as determined by EMB shall be the WQG and provided that the maximum increase in
concentration is only up to 10 percent from the natural concentration.

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Table 5-2 Water Quality Guidelines for Secondary Parameters-Inorganics

Parameter Unit Water Body Classification
AA A B C D SA SB SC SD
Ammonia as NH3-N mg/L 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.75 0.04 0.05 0.05 0.75
Barium(a) mg/L 0.7 0.7 0.7 3 4 0.1 0.7 1 4
Boron(a) mg/L 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.75 3 0.5 0.5 5 20
Fluoride mg/L 1 1 1 1 2 1.5 1.5 1.5 3
Iron(a) mg/L 1 1 1 1.5 7.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 7.5
Sulfate(a) mg/L 250 250 250 275 500 250 250 275 500

Note:
(a) If the natural level exceeds the guideline, then the natural level concentration prevails. The established
natural concentration as determined by EMB shall be the WQG and provided that the maximum increase in
concentration is only up to 10 percent from the natural concentration.

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Table 5-3 Water Quality Guidelines for Secondary Parameters-Toxic Metals(a,b)

Parameter Unit Water Body Classification

AA A B C D SA SB SC SD
Arsenic mg/L 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.04 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.04
Cadmium mg/L 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.005 0.01 0.003 0.003 0.005 0.01
Chromium as Cr+6 mg/L 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.1
Copper as dissolved mg/L 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.04 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.04
Copper
Lead mg/L 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.05 0.1 0.01 0.01 0.05 0.1
Manganese mg/L 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 2 0.4 0.4 0.4 4
Mercury mg/L 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.002 0.004 0.001 0.001 0.002 0.004
Nickel mg/L 0.02 0.02 0.04 0.2 1 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.3
Selenium mg/L 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.04 0.01 0.01 0.1 0.2
Zinc mg/L 2 2 2 2 4 0.04 0.05 0.8 1.5

Notes:
(a) Unless otherwise specified, the above parameters are expressed as total metals
(b) If the natural level exceeds the guideline, then the natural level concentration prevails. The established
natural concentration as determined by EMB shall be the WQG and provided that the maximum increase in
concentration is only up to 10 percent from the natural concentration.

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Table 5-4 Secondary Water Quality Guidelines for Secondary Parameters-Organics

Parameter Unit Water Body Classification

AA A B C D SA SB SC SD
Animal-Vegetable Fat and mg/L <0.2 <0.2 1 2 5 <0.2 1 2 5
Oil (AVFO)
Benzo(a)pyrene (PAH) µg/L 0.7 0.7 0.7 1.5 3 0.01 0.7 1.5 3
BTEX
Benzene mg/L 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.05 0.5 0.01 0.01 0.05 0.5
Toluene mg/L 0.7 0.7 1 4 5 1 1 4 5
Ethylbenzene mg/L 0.3 0.3 0.3 1.5 2 0.2 0.2 1.5 2
Xylene mg/L 0.5 0.5 0.5 1.5 1.8 0.5 0.5 1.5 1.8
Cyanide (Free) mg/L 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.1 0.2 0.02 0.02 0.1 0.2
Malathion µg/L 1 1 1 3 6 1 1 3 6
(Organophosphate)
PCBs(a) µg/L <0.1 <0.1 0.2 0.5 1 0.3 0.3 0.5 1
Petroleum Oil mg/L <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 1 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 1
Phenol & Phenolic mg/L <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.05 0.5 <0.001 <0.001 0.05 0.5
Substances(b)
Surfactants (MBAS) mg/L <0.01 0.2 0.3 1.5 3 0.3 0.3 1.5 3
Trichloroethylene (TCE) mg/L 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.9 2 0.07 0.07 0.9 2
Total Organochlorine µg/L n/a n/a 50 50 50 50 50 50 50
Pesticides (TOP)(c)
Aldrin µg/L 0.03 0.03 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
Chlordane µg/L 0.2 0.2 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
DDT µg/L 1 1 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
Dieldrin µg/L 0.03 0.03 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
Endrin µg/L 0.6 0.6 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

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Parameter Unit Water Body Classification

AA A B C D SA SB SC SD
Heptachlor µg/L 0.03 0.03 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
Lindane µg/L 2 2 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
Methoxychlor µg/L 50 50 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
Toxaphene µg/L 4 4 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

Notes:
(a) PCBs are a class of chemicals, which include Aroclors 1242, 1254, 1221, 1232, 1248, 1260, and 1016, CAS
numbers 53469219, 11097691, 11104282, 11141165, 12672296, 11096825, and 12674112 respectively.
The WQG applies to this set of PCBs.
(b) Phenolic substances include 2-chlorophenol, 2,4-dichlorophenol, and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol
(c) When monitoring for Class AA and A waters, the individual organochlorine pesticides shall be monitored.
For Class B, C, D, SA, SB, SC, and SD, Total Organochlorine Pesticides (TOPs) shall be monitored, which
refers to the organochlorine pesticides listed in Table 5-4 plus BHC (,β, , γ), 4,4’DDD, 4,4’DDE, Endosulfan
(I, II, and sulfate).

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5.2 Guidelines for Groundwater Quality

Groundwater in the country generally are potable sources of drinking water without
the necessity of significant treatment. It is the intent of this Administrative Order
to protect the overall high quality of the country’s groundwater to the level
established by these groundwater quality guidelines and to enhance and restore
the quality of degraded groundwater where feasible and necessary to protect
human health and the environment, or to ensure their suitability as a future
source of drinking water.

In line with this objective, the following are the minimum guidelines for protecting
and preserving groundwater:

1) Groundwater shall be maintained at a quality consistent with its intended

beneficial usage

2) Groundwater shall be free from discharge of any pollutant. No discharges of

any pollutant shall be allowed to areas where groundwater is intended as
source of drinking water

3) No facility shall be allowed to operate in a manner that may result in a

discharge of any pollutant to groundwater that may alter its intended
beneficial usage

4) No solid waste landfills or facilities that are to be used as treatment, storage,

and/or transfer areas or disposal facilities of hazardous waste shall be
established within the areas where the groundwater is designated as supply
of drinking water and where public water is not available to all surrounding
properties

For the purposes of preserving and protecting groundwater quality for its intended
beneficial usage, the WQG set forth in Table 5-5 shall be maintained.

Table 5-5 Groundwater Quality Guidelines

Intended Beneficial Use Groundwater Quality Guidelines

Source of potable drinking water Adopt Class AA WQG
and other domestic use
Bathing and Other Primary Adopt Class B WQG
Contact Recreation
Irrigation, Fish Culture, Adopt Class C WQG
Livestock Watering
Industrial Use Adopt Class D WQG

5.3 Important Considerations

In as much as the WQG are set regardless of the carrying capacity of water bodies,
and to ensure that carrying capacities are not exceeded, the WQG set forth in
Tables 5-1 to 5-4 are:

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1) Annual 80th percentile of at least 10 data sets for primary parameters except
for DO, pH, temperature, fecal coliform, and secondary toxic metals and
organic parameters
2) Annual 20th percentile of at least 10 data sets for DO
3) Range between annual 20th and 80th percentile for pH and temperature of at
least 10 data sets
4) Geometric mean of at least three data sets per quarter for fecal coliform.
Further, maximum allowable limit for fecal coliform is twice the WQG per
sample.
5) Maximum allowable limit for secondary toxic metals and organic parameters

5.4 Anti-degradation and Clean-up Policy

If the concentration of any parameters set forth in this WQG exceeds the numerical
limits for that particular parameter, no addition of that constituent to the naturally
occurring concentration shall be made.

Variance to this policy shall not be made unless it can be affirmatively

demonstrated that a change is justifiable to provide necessary economic or social
development, that the degree of waste treatment necessary to preserve the existing
quality cannot be economically or socially justified, and that the present and
anticipated uses of such water will be preserved and protected.

Section 6.0 General Effluent Standards

Effluent discharges from any point sources shall at all times meet the effluent
standards set forth in Tables 6-2 to 6-6 of this Administrative Order to maintain
the required water quality per water body classification. Until such time that
industry-specific standards are promulgated, the GES specified in this
Administrative Order shall be enforced.

6.1 Significant Effluent Quality Parameters per Sector

For the purposes of streamlining compliance and enforcement of the GES, the
significant effluent quality parameters per sector to be considered for monitoring
purposes are indicated in Table 6-1.

Table 6-1 Significant Effluent Quality Parameters per Sector

PSIC
Industry Category Significant Parameters
Code
A. Agriculture, Hunting, and Forestry

0210 Hog farming Color, pH, BOD, TSS, Nitrate,

Chloride, Phosphate, Fecal Coliform,
Total Coliform, Ammonia-Nitrogen

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PSIC
Industry Category Significant Parameters
Code
029 Animal Farming including Color, Temp, pH, BOD, TSS, Nitrate,
sericulture, vermiculture, frog Ammonia-Nitrogen, Phosphate, Fecal
farming, rabbit farming, Coliform, Total Coliform, AVFO
crocodile/alligator farming, etc.
B. Fishing

063 Prawn culture and farming Color, pH, BOD, TSS, Nitrate,
Ammonia-Nitrogen, Sulfate,
Phosphate
064 Operation of fish farms and nurseries Color, pH, BOD, TSS, Nitrate,
Ammonia-Nitrogen, Phosphate,
Sulfate
065 Mollusks and other crustacean farm Color, pH, BOD, TSS, Nitrate,
operations (except prawn farm Ammonia-Nitrogen, Sulfate
operations)
C. Mining and Quarrying

1010 Gold ore mining and processing Color, pH, TSS, Arsenic, Cadmium,
Cyanide, Lead, Mercury, Copper,
Nitrate, Zinc
1020 Copper ore mining and processing Color, pH, TSS, Arsenic, Cadmium,
Cyanide, Lead, Mercury, Copper,
Nitrate
1030 Chromite ore mining Color, pH, TSS, Arsenic Cadmium,
Chromium, Lead, Mercury, Nitrate
1091 Iron ore mining Color, pH, TSS, Arsenic, Cadmium,
Lead, Iron, Manganese, Nitrate
1092 Manganese ore mining Color, pH, TSS, Arsenic, Cadmium,
Lead, Manganese, Nitrate
1093 Nickel ore mining Color, pH, TSS, Arsenic, Cadmium,
Lead, Nickel, Nitrate
Nickel processing Color, pH, TSS, Arsenic, Cadmium,
Lead, Nickel, Nitrate
1100 Non-metallic mining and quarrying pH, Color, TSS, Nitrate

Coal Mining Color, pH, TSS, Arsenic, Cadmium,

Mercury, Lead, Nitrate
D. Manufacturing

1511 Slaughtering and meat packing Temp, pH, BOD, TSS, Nitrate,
(without processing) Ammonia-Nitrogen, Fecal Coliform,
AVFO
1512 Production, processing and Temp, pH, BOD, TSS, Nitrate,
preservation of meat and meat Chloride, Phosphate, AVFO
products
15131 Canning/packing of fish and other Temp, pH, BOD, TSS, Nitrate, AVFO
marine products

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PSIC
Industry Category Significant Parameters
Code
15132 Drying of fish and other marine Temp, pH, BOD, TSS, AVFO
products
15133 Smoking of fish and other marine Temp, pH, BOD, TSS, AVFO
products
15134 Manufacture of fish paste (bagoong) Temp, pH, BOD, TSS, AVFO
and sauce (patis)
15135 Processing of seaweeds; manufacture Temp, pH, COD, TSS, AVFO
of agar-agar or carageenan
15136 Production of fishmeal/prawn feeds Temp, pH, BOD, TSS, AVFO

15137 Manufacture of unprepared animal Temp, pH, BOD, TSS, AVFO

feeds from fish, crustaceans, and
mollusks, and other aquatic animals
15139 Processing, preserving, and canning Temp, pH, TSS, Nitrate, Ammonia-
of fish, crustacean, and other sea Nitrogen, AVFO
foods, n.e.c.
1514 Processing and preserving of fruits Temp, pH, BOD, COD, TSS
and vegetables
1515 Manufacture of vegetable and animal Temp, pH, COD, TSS, AVFO
oils and fats (oil refining)
152 Manufacture of dairy products Temp, pH, BOD, TSS, Nitrate, AVFO

1541 Manufacture of starches and starch Temp, pH, COD, TSS, Nitrate
products
1542 Production of prepared animal feeds Temp, pH, BOD, TSS, Nitrate,
Ammonia-Nitrogen
1543 Manufacture of grain and vegetable Temp, pH, BOD, TSS, Nitrate,
mill products, except rice and corn Ammonia-Nitrogen
1551 Distillery including Ethyl Alcohol Temp, pH, COD, TSS, Nitrate,
Production from Fermented Materials Ammonia-Nitrogen
1552 Manufacture of wines and spirits Temp, pH, COD, TSS, Nitrate,
Ammonia-Nitrogen
1553 Manufacture of malt liquors such as Temp, pH, BOD, TSS, Nitrate,
beer (brewery), ale, porter and stout Ammonia-Nitrogen
including malt manufacturing
1554 Manufacture of softdrinks and other Temp, pH, BOD, TSS
beverages (Alcoholic or non-alcoholic)
1555 Production of Drinking Water pH, BOD, TSS
(bottling)
156 Manufacture of bakery products pH, BOD, TSS, Nitrate, Ammonia-
Nitrogen, Phosphate, AVFO
157 Sugar milling and refining including Temp, pH, BOD, TSS, Nitrate
muscovado
1580 Production of crude oil, copra cake, Temp, pH, COD, TSS, Nitrate,
meals, and pellets Ammonia-Nitrogen, Phosphate, AVFO,
1591 Manufacture of cocoa, chocolate, and Temp, pH, BOD, TSS, Chloride, AVFO
sugar confectionery

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PSIC
Industry Category Significant Parameters
Code
1592 Manufacture of macaroni, noodles, Temp, pH, BOD, TSS, Chloride, AVFO
couscous, and similar farinaceous
products
1593 Manufacture of desiccated coconut Temp, pH, BOD, TSS, Nitrate,
Chloride, Ammonia-Nitrogen, AVFO
1594 Manufacture of "nata de coco" Temp, pH, BOD, TSS, Nitrate,
Chloride, Ammonia-Nitrogen, AVFO
1595 Coffee roasting and processing Temp, pH, BOD, TSS, AVFO
1596 Manufacture of ice, except dry ice Temp, pH, TSS
1599 Manufacture of other food products Temp, pH, BOD, TSS, Nitrate,
such as tea, liquid powder, infants' or Ammonia-Nitrogen, AVFO
dietetic foods, artificial honey, soups,
vinegar, flavoring extracts and food
coloring, mayonnaise, salad dressing,
table salt
160 Manufacture of tobacco products Color, Temp, pH, COD, TSS
171 Spinning, weaving, and finishing of Color, Temp, pH, COD, TSS, Total
textiles Coliform, Chromium, Copper, Nickel,
Zinc, Phenols, Sulfate, AVFO,
Ammonia-Nitrogen, TCE, Surfactants
1911 Tanning and dressing of leather Color, pH, COD, TSS, Ammonia-
Nitrogen, Total Coliform, Chromium,
Phenols, Sulfate, Phosphate, AVFO
2011 Sawmilling and planning of wood Color, Temp, pH, COD, TSS, Sulfate,
Chromium, Phenols, Boron
2012 Manufacture of veneer sheets; Color, Temp, pH, COD, TSS, Nitrate,
manufacture of plywood, laminated Sulfate, Chromium, Phenols, Boron,
boards, particle boards, and other Arsenic, Benzo(a)pyrene
panels and boards
210 Manufacture of paper and paper Color, Temp, pH, COD, TSS, Nitrate,
products (including paper and Phosphate, Ammonia-Nitrogen,
paperboard manufacturing and Barium, Boron, Chloride
milling)
2101 Manufacture of pulp (abaca) Color, Temp, pH, COD, TSS, Nitrate,
Phenols, Sulfate, Ammonia-Nitrogen
221 Publishing Color, Temp, pH, COD, TSS, Arsenic,
Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, Mercury
222 Printing and service activities related Color, pH, COD, TSS, Cadmium,
to printing Chromium, Copper, Zinc, Petroleum
Oil
2320 Manufacture of refined petroleum Temp, pH, COD, TSS, Phosphate,
products Sulfate, Cadmium, Chromium,
Phenols, Petroleum Oil, BTEX,
Benzo(a)pyrene, Fluoride
NC Extraction of Crude Petroleum and pH, BOD, TSS, Sulfate, Arsenic,
Natural Gas Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Lead,
Mercury, Nickel, Zinc, Phenols,
Petroleum Oil, Barium, Fluoride

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PSIC
Industry Category Significant Parameters
Code
24111 Manufacture of inorganic acids, Color, Temp, pH, COD, TSS, Chloride,
alkalis, and chlorine Ammonia-Nitrogen, Sulfate, Barium,
Cadmium, Chromium, Cyanide, Lead,
Mercury, Boron, Iron, Copper, Nickel,
Zinc, Manganese
24112 Manufacture of inorganic salts and Color, Temp, pH, TSS
compounds
24114 Manufacture of alcohol, except ethyl Color, Temp, pH
24115 Manufacture of organic acids and Color, Temp, pH, BOD, COD, TSS,
organic compounds Nitrate, Chloride, Ammonia-Nitrogen,
Sulfate, Fluoride, Barium, Arsenic,
Cadmium, Chromium, Cyanide, Lead,
Mercury, Iron, Copper, Nickel, Zinc,
Phenols, BTEX
24119 Manufacture of other basic Color, Temp, pH, COD, TSS, Nitrate
chemicals, except fertilizers and
nitrogen compounds
2412 Manufacture of plastics in primary Color, Temp, pH, BOD, COD, TSS,
forms & of synthetic rubber including Phenols, BTEX, Benzo(a)pyrene,
polymers, and synthetic resins Ammonia-Nitrogen, Barium
2421 Manufacture of fertilizers and pH, BOD, COD, TSS, Nitrate,
nitrogen compounds (straight, mixed, Ammonia-Nitrogen, Phosphate,
compound or complex) including Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Lead,
urea, nitric acid, ammonia-nitrogen, Mercury, Fluoride, Phosphate, Copper
ammonium chlorides and nitrates of
potassium
Phosphate fertilizers included
2422 Pesticides and other agro-chemical pH, BOD, COD, TSS, Arsenic,
products including insecticides, Chromium, Mercury, Copper, Phenols,
rodenticides, fungicides, and Petroleum Oil, Iron, Zinc, BTEX, TCE
herbicides manufacturing
2423 Manufacture of paints and paint Color, Temp, pH, BOD, COD, TSS,
products, varnishes and similar Barium, Cadmium, Chromium, Lead,
coatings, printing inks and mastics Mercury, Copper, Nickel, Zinc,
Phenols, Selenium, BTEX, TCE
2424 Manufacture of pharmaceuticals pH, BOD, COD, TSS, Arsenic,
(human or veterinary use), medicinal Chromium, Mercury, AVFO, Phenols,
/ chemicals and botanical products Cadmium, Nitrate, Ammonia-Nitrogen,
Phosphate, Barium, Zinc, BTEX, TCE
2425 Manufacture of soap, detergents, pH, BOD, TSS, AVFO, Surfactants,
cleaning and polishing preparations, Nitrate, Ammonia-Nitrogen,
perfumes and toilet preparations Phosphate, Selenium, Boron
2429 Other chemical products not Color, Temp, pH, COD, TSS, Nitrate,
previously classified including Phosphate, Sulfate, Copper, Zinc,
explosives and fireworks, glue, Phenols, Ammonia-Nitrogen,
gelatin, synthetic fibers, Manganese, Fluoride
photochemical products, unrecorded
media, activated carbon and man-
made fibers

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 DENR Administrative Order 2008 - XX
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PSIC
Industry Category Significant Parameters
Code
251 Manufacture of rubber products Color, Temp, pH, BOD, COD, TSS,
Nitrate, Ammonia-Nitrogen,
Phosphate, Sulfate, Fluoride, Barium,
Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, Mercury,
Nickel, Zinc, Petroleum Oil, Selenium
2520 Manufacture of plastic products pH, Color, BOD, TSS, Phenols,
Barium, BTEX, TCE
2610 Manufacture of glass and glass pH, COD, TSS, Arsenic, Lead,
products including flat glass, Petroleum Oil, BOD, Fluoride, Barium,
containers and glass fibers Cadmium, Selenium
2620 Manufacture of cement Temp, pH, TSS

269 Manufacture of other non-metallic Color, Temp, pH, BOD, COD,

mineral products such as non- Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, Copper,
refractory and refractory ceramic Zinc
articles; clay products; construction
aggregates, asphalt, asbestos, marble
271 Manufacture of basic iron & steel Temp, pH, COD, TSS, Cadmium,
Chromium, Cyanide, Lead, Mercury,
Zinc, Phenols, Petroleum Oil, Sulate,
Ammonia-Nitrogen, Fluoride, Iron,
Manganese, Nickel
2721 Gold and other precious metal Color, Temp, pH, TSS, Ammonia-
refining Nitrogen, Phosphate, Fluoride,
Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium,
Cyanide, Lead, Mercury, Boron, Zinc,
Phenols
2722 Non-ferrous smelting and refining, Temp, pH, TSS, Arsenic, Cadmium,
except precious metals Lead, Mercury, Zinc, Copper, Iron,
Nickel, Manganese, Selenium
2723 Non-ferrous rolling, drawing, and Color, Temp, pH, TSS, Ammonia-
extrusion mills Nitrogen, Phosphate, Fluoride,
Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium,
Cyanide, Lead, Mercury, Boron, Zinc,
Phenols
2724 Manufacture of pipe fittings of non- Color, Temp, pH, TSS, Ammonia-
ferrous metal Nitrogen, Phosphate, Fluoride,
Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium,
Cyanide, Lead, Mercury, Boron, Zinc,
Phenols, Petroleum Oil
2729 Manufacture of basic precious and Color, Temp, pH, TSS, Ammonia-
non-ferrous metal, n.e.c. Nitrogen, Phosphate, Fluoride,
Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium,
Cyanide, Lead, Mercury, Boron, Zinc,
Phenols
2731 Casting/foundry of iron and steel Temp, pH, TSS, Copper, Zinc,
Petroleum Oil

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 DENR Administrative Order 2008 - XX
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PSIC
Industry Category Significant Parameters
Code
2732 Non-ferrous metal casting such as Color, Temp, pH, COD, TSS, Sulfate,
aluminum, copper and zinc alloys Fluoride, Arsenic, Cadmium,
Chromium, Lead, Mercury, Iron,
Copper, Zinc
2892 Manufacture of fabricated metal pH, TSS, COD, Chromium, Cyanide,
products and other metal finishing Cadmium, Lead, Iron, Copper, Nickel,
activities with plating Zinc, Petroleum Oil, Chloride,
Sulfates, Fluoride, Phosphate, TCE
Manufacture of fabricated metal pH, TSS, COD, Lead, Iron, Copper,
products and other metal finishing Nickel, Zinc, Petroleum Oil, Chloride,
activities Sulfates, Fluoride, Phosphate, TCE
29 Manufacture of machinery & Color, Temp, pH, COD, TSS
equipment including household
appliances
30 Manufacture of office, accounting & Color, Temp, pH, COD, TSS, Iron,
computing machinery; electrical Nickel, Zinc, Manganese, Cadmium,
machinery and apparatus; computers Lead, Mercury, Selenium
and peripherals; electric motors,
generators, transformers; including
primary cells and batteries; medical
and optical instruments
32 Manufacture of electronics and pH, COD, TSS, Lead, TCE, Barium,
semiconductors including radio, Fluoride, Nickel
television and communication
equipment and apparatus
33 Manufacture of medical, precision Color, Temp, pH, COD, TSS, Iron,
and optical instruments, watches, Petroleum Oil
and clocks
34 Manufacture of motor vehicles, Color, Temp, pH, COD, TSS, Arsenic,
trailers and semi trailers Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, Mercury,
Iron, Phenols, Petroleum Oil, Barium,
Zinc
35 Manufacture of other transport Color, Temp, pH, COD, TSS, Arsenic,
equipment including ship building, Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, Mercury,
repairing and dismantling; railways Iron, Phenols, Petroleum Oil
and trams; aircraft
36 Manufacture and repair of furniture Color, Temp, pH, COD, TSS, Arsenic,
Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, Mercury,
Phenols
3601 Manufacture and repair of furniture, Color, Temp, pH, Copper
except plastic, to include wood,
rattan, etc
3605 Manufacture of plastic furniture Color, Temp, pH, COD, TSS

3606 Manufacture and repair of furniture Color, Temp, pH, Copper

and fixtures of metal
3609 Manufacture and repair of other Color, Temp, pH, Copper
furniture and fixtures, n.e.c.

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PSIC
Industry Category Significant Parameters
Code
3710 Recycling of metal waste and scrap Color, Temp, pH, BOD, COD, TSS,
Iron, TCE
3720 Recycling of non-metal waste and Color, Temp, pH, BOD, COD, TSS
scrap
391 Manufacture of jewelry and related Color, Temp, pH, COD, TSS, Arsenic,
articles Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, Mercury,
Phenols
4010 Generation, collection, and Color, Temp, pH, BOD, COD, TSS,
distribution of electricity Phosphate, Arsenic, Cadmium,
Chromium, Lead, Mercury
4020 Manufacture of gas; distribution of Color, Temp, pH, BOD, COD, TSS,
gaseous fuels through mains Nitrate, Chloride, Phosphate, Arsenic,
Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, Nickel,
Zinc, Phenols
E. Electricity, Gas and Water Supply

Steam and hot water supply Color, Temp, pH, COD, TSS, Nitrate,
including geothermal power plants Chloride, Phosphate, Arsenic,
Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, Copper,
Nickel, Zinc
Coal Temp, pH, Color, COD (if water source
is surface water), TSS, Arsenic,
Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, Mercury,
Chloride, Boron, Zinc, Sulfate
4030
Geothermal Temp, pH, COD, TSS, Arsenic,
Chloride, Cadmium, Chromium, Lead,
Mercury, Boron
Hydro Temp, pH
Natural gas Temp, pH, COD, TSS
Oil Temp, pH, COD, TSS, Arsenic,
Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, Mercury,
Chloride, Petroleum Oil
4100 Collection, purification and Color, Temp, pH, TSS
distribution of water

G. Wholesale and Retail Trade; Repair of Motor Vehicles, Motorcycles, Personal

and Household Goods
5020 Maintenance and repair of motor Color, Temp, pH, BOD, COD, TSS,
vehicles including washing and Nitrate, Ammonia-Nitrogen,
polishing Phosphate, Petroleum Oil,
Surfactants, Benzo(a)pyrene
5040 Sale, maintenance, and repair of Color, Temp, pH, BOD, COD, TSS,
motorcycles and related parts and Nitrate, Ammonia-Nitrogen,
accessories Phosphate, Petroleum Oil

5050 Retail sale of automotive fuel (fuel TSS, Petroleum Oil, BTEX,
stations and oil depots/terminal) Benzo(a)pyrene

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 DENR Administrative Order 2008 - XX
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PSIC
Industry Category Significant Parameters
Code
H. Hotels and Restaurants

55 Hotels (including motels, dormitories Color, Temp, pH, BOD, COD, Nitrate,
and resorts) Ammonia-Nitrogen, Phosphate, Total
Coliform, AVFO, Fluoride, Boron,
Surfactants

Restaurants Color, Temp, pH, BOD, COD, TSS,

AVFO, Surfactants
I. Transport, Storage & Communication

61 Shipping operations Color, Temp, pH, BOD, COD, TSS,

Nitrate, Petroleum Oil
6343 Grain warehouses Color, Temp, pH, TSS, Ammonia-
Nitrogen
6344 Cold storage Color, Temp, pH, TSS

K. Real Estate, Renting and Business Activities

7011 Real estate buying, selling, renting, Color, Temp, pH, BOD, COD, TSS,
leasing, and operating of self- Nitrate, Ammonia-Nitrogen,
owned/leased apartment buildings, Phosphate, Total Coliform,
non-residential and dwellings - Surfactants
Commercial Buildings like malls
7012 Real estate buying, developing, Color, Temp, pH, BOD, COD, TSS,
subdividing, and selling - Residential Nitrate, Ammonia-Nitrogen,
condominiums Phosphate, Total Coliform,
Surfactants
7013 Cemetery development and sale Color, Temp, pH, BOD, COD, TSS,
(including burial crypt) Nitrate, Ammonia-Nitrogen,
Phosphate, Total Coliform, AVFO,
Surfactants
73 Research and development Color, Temp, pH, BOD, COD, TSS,
laboratories Nitrate, Phosphate, and other
parameters depending on the nature
of their laboratory activities
M. Education

80 Public and private education services Color, Temp, pH, BOD, COD, TSS,
Nitrate, Phosphate, AVFO, and other
parameters depending on the nature
of their activities
N. Health and Social Work

851 Health care facilities (including Color, Temp, pH, BOD, COD, TSS,
hospital, specialty hospitals, medical, Nitrate, Ammonia-Nitrogen,
dental and specialty clinics) Phosphate, Total Coliform, AVFO,
Surfactants

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 DENR Administrative Order 2008 - XX
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PSIC
Industry Category Significant Parameters
Code
O. Other Community, Social and Personal Service Activities

900 Sewage and refuse disposal Color, Temp, pH, BOD, COD, TSS,
sanitation and similar activities Nitrate, Ammonia-Nitrogen,
Phosphate, Fecal Coliform, AVFO,
Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Lead,
Mercury
9301 Washing and (dry-) cleaning of Color, Temp, pH, COD, TSS, AVFO,
clothing and textile Surfactants, Barium
9303 Funeral and related activities Color, Temp, pH, BOD, COD, Nitrate,
Total Coliform, Ammonia-Nitrogen,
AVFO
New Classification (NC)

NC1 Hazardous waste treatment, storage Color, Temp, pH, BOD, COD, TSS,
and disposal facilities Nitrate, Phosphate, and other
parameters depending on the nature
of their activities
NC2 Solid waste management facilities Color, Temp, pH, BOD, COD, TSS,
Nitrate, Chloride, Ammonia-Nitrogen,
Total Coliform, AVFO, Sulfate,
Phosphate, Arsenic, Cadmium,
Chromium, Cyanide, Lead, Mercury,
Copper, Nickel, Zinc, Phenols, BTEX,
TCE, TOPs
NC3 Public markets Color, Temp, pH, BOD, COD, TSS,
Nitrate, Chloride, Ammonia-Nitrogen,
AVFO
NC4 Scrubbing of flue gases from firing Color, Temp, pH, COD, Sulfate,
systems (primarily in scrubbing of Fluoride, Cadmium, Chromium,
flue gases from firing systems. This Mercury, Copper, Nickel
shall not apply to wastewater from
other industrial waste-gas-scrubbing
systems, from cooling circuits of
power stations and industrial
processes
NC5 Effluent from oil water separators of pH, TSS, Petroleum Oil
auxiliary facilities
NC7 Effluent from cooling ponds, cooling pH, Temp, TSS
towers, and similar facilities (Non-
contact cooling system)

6.2 Flowrate-based Effluent Standards

In line with the policy of just and equitable enforcement of compliance and
consistent with the goal of maintaining the quality of water bodies based on their
intended beneficial usages; and considering the toxicity and fate and transport of
these parameters, flowrate-based effluent standards are hereby enforced where

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different effluent standards are applied based on the volume of effluent discharges.
Depending on the volume of effluent discharges, Tables 6-2 to 6-3 shall be enforced
and complied with at all times.

6.3 Effluent Standards Regardless of Volume of Effluent Discharge

Considering the toxicity, carcinogenicity, fate and transport, and bioaccumulation

factors, effluent standards for the parameters listed in Table 6-4 shall be enforced
and complied with at all times regardless of discharge volume.

6.4 Effluent Standards for BOD for Strong Wastewater

For establishments discharging equal to or greater than 3,000 mg/L of BOD per
day and where the receiving water body is Class C, D, SC, or SD in accordance with
Section 4 of this Administrative Order, the applicable effluent standards in Table 6-
5 and Table 6-6 shall at all times be enforced and complied with.

For parameters other than BOD, Tables 6-2, 6-3, and 6-4 shall apply.

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Table 6-2 Effluent Standards(a) for Establishments Discharging >30 m3/day)

Parameter Unit Water Body Classification
AA A B C D SA SB SC SD
Ammonia as NH3-N mg/L NDA 0.5 0.5 0.5 7.5 NDA 0.5 0.5 7.5
Animal-Vegetable Fat and mg/L NDA 2 10 20 50 NDA 10 20 50
Oil
BOD mg/L NDA 20 30 50 120 NDA 30 100 150
COD mg/L NDA 60 60 100 200 NDA 60 200 300
Chloride mg/L NDA 350 350 450 500 NDA n/a n/a n/a
Color (True) TCU NDA 100 100 150 300 NDA 100 150 300
Iron mg/L NDA 5 5 7.5 35 NDA 7.5 7.5 35
Manganese mg/L NDA 2 2 2 20 NDA 4 4 40
Nitrate as NO3-N mg/L NDA 14 14 14 30 NDA 20 20 30
Phenol & Phenolic mg/L NDA 0.01 0.01 0.5 5 NDA 0.01 0.5 5
Substances (b)
Phosphate mg/L NDA 1 1 1 10 NDA 1 1 10
Sulfate mg/L NDA 500 500 550 1,000 NDA 500 550 1,000
Surfactants (MBAS) mg/L NDA 2 3 15 30 NDA 3 15 30
Total Coliform MPN/100mL NDA 3,000 3,000 10,000 15,000 NDA 3,000 10,000 15,000
TSS mg/L NDA 70 85 100 150 NDA 70 100 150
Trichloroethylene mg/L NDA 0.7 0.7 9 20 NDA 0.7 9 20

Notes:
(a) GES values are maximum allowable limit
(b) Phenolic substances include 2-chlorophenol, 2,4-dichlorophenol, and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol

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 DENR Administrative Order 2008 - XX
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Table 6-3 Effluent Standards(a) for Establishments Discharging <30 m3/day)

Parameter Unit Water Body Classification
AA A B C D SA SB SC SD
Ammonia as NH3-N mg/L NDA 0.5 0.5 0.9 13 NDA 0.5 0.9 13
Animal-Vegetable Fat and mg/L NDA 2 10 35 85 NDA 10 35 85
Oil
BOD mg/L NDA 20 30 80 200 NDA 30 175 250
COD mg/L NDA 60 60 175 350 NDA 60 350 500
Chloride mg/L NDA 350 350 700 800 NDA n/a n/a n/a
Color (True) TCU NDA 100 100 250 500 NDA 100 250 500
Iron mg/L NDA 5 5 13 60 NDA 7.5 13 60
Manganese mg/L NDA 2 2 4 35 NDA 4 7 70
Nitrate as NO3-N mg/L NDA 14 14 24 50 NDA 20 35 50
Phenol & Phenolic mg/L NDA 0.01 0.01 0.9 9 NDA 0.01 0.9 9
Substances(b)
Phosphate mg/L NDA 1 1 2 15 NDA 1 2 15
Sulfate mg/L NDA 500 500 900 1,500 NDA 500 900 1,500
Surfactants (MBAS) mg/L NDA 2 3 25 50 NDA 3 25 50
Total Coliform MPN/100mL NDA 3,000 3,000 15,000 25,000 NDA 3,000 15,000 25,000
TSS mg/L NDA 70 85 150 250 NDA 70 150 250
Trichloroethylene (TCE) mg/L NDA 0.7 0.7 15 35 NDA 0.7) 15 35

Notes:
(a) GES values are maximum allowable limit
(b) Phenolic substances include 2chlorophenol, 2,4dichlorophenol, and 2,4,6trichlorophenol

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Table 6-4 Effluent Standards(a) Regardless of Discharge Volume

Parameter Unit Water Body Classification

AA A B C D SA SB SC SD
Arsenic mg/L NDA 0.02 0.02 0.04 0.08 NDA 0.02 0.04 0.08
Barium mg/L NDA 1.5 1.5 6 8 NDA 1.5 2 8
Benzo(a)pyrene (PAH) µg/L NDA 1.5 1.5 3 6 NDA 1.5 3 6
Boron mg/L NDA 2 2 3 12 NDA 2 20 80
BTEX
Benzene mg/L NDA 0.1 0.1 0.5 5 NDA 0.1 0.5 5
Toluene mg/L NDA 3.5 5 20 25 NDA 5 20 25
Ethylbenzene mg/L NDA 1.5 1.5 7.5 10 NDA 1 7.5 10
Xylene mg/L NDA 5 5 15 18 NDA 5 15 18
Cadmium mg/L NDA 0.006 0.006 0.01 0.02 NDA 0.006 0.01 0.02
Chromium as Cr+6 mg/L NDA 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.04 NDA 0.1 0.1 0.2
Copper as dissolved mg/L NDA 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.08 NDA 0.04 0.04 0.08
Copper
Cyanide (Free) mg/L NDA 0.14 0.14 0.2 0.4 NDA 0.04 0.2 0.4
Fecal Coliform MPN/100mL NDA 4 300 400 800 NDA 300 400 800
Fluoride mg/L NDA 2 2 2 4 NDA 3 3 6
Lead mg/L NDA 0.02 0.02 0.1 0.2 NDA 0.02 0.1 0.2
Malathion µg/L NDA 1 1 3 6 NDA 1 3 6
(Organophosphate)
Mercury mg/L NDA 0.002 0.002 0.004 0.008 NDA 0.002 0.004 0.008
Nickel mg/L NDA 0.1 0.2 1 5 NDA 0.2 0.3 1.5
Petroleum Oil mg/L NDA 1 1 1 5 NDA 1 1 5
PCBs(c) µg/L NDA <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 NDA <0.1 <0.1 <0.1
pH Range NDA 6.0-9.0 6.0-9.0 6.0-9.5 5.5-9.5 NDA 6.5-9.0 6.0-9.0 5.5-9.5

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Parameter Unit Water Body Classification

AA A B C D SA SB SC SD
Selenium mg/L NDA 0.02 0.02 0.04 0.08 NDA 0.02 0.2 0.4
Temperature (b) o C change NDA 3 3 3 3 NDA 3 3 3
Zinc mg/L NDA 4 4 4 8 NDA 0.1 1.5 3
Total Organochlorine µg/L NDA <0.001 50 50 50 NDA 50 50 50
Pesticides (TOP)(d)
Aldrin µg/L NDA <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 NDA <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Chlordane µg/L NDA <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 NDA <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Dieldrin µg/L NDA <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 NDA <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
DDT µg/L NDA <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 NDA <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Endrin µg/L NDA <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 NDA <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Heptachlor µg/L NDA <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 NDA <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Lindane µg/L NDA <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 NDA <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Methoxychlor µg/L NDA <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 NDA <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Toxaphene µg/L NDA <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 NDA <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Notes:
(a) GES values are maximum allowable limit
(b) GES values for temperature refer to the temperature difference of the upstream and downstream water for
freshwater. For marine waters, this refers to the difference of the water quality before and after the
dispersion plume of the effluent. Specific sampling locations shall be established based on the EMB Water
and Effluent Quality Monitoring Manual. Sampling locations for temperature monitoring, established and
approved by EMB, prior to this Administrative Order shall remain valid.
(c) PCBs are a class of chemicals, which include Aroclors, 1242, 1254, 1221, 1232, 1248, 1260, and 1016, CAS
numbers 53469219, 11097691, 11104282, 11141165, 1267229s6, 11096825 and 12674112 respectively.
The GES applies to this set of PCBs.
(d) When monitoring for Class AA and A waters, the individual organochlorine pesticides shall be monitored.
For Class B, C, D, SA, SB, SC, and SD, Total Organochlorine Pesticides (TOPs) shall be monitored, which
refers to the organochlorine pesticides listed in Table 6-4 plus BHC (,β, , γ), 4,4’DDD, 4,4’DDE, Endosulfan
(I, II, and sulfate).

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Table 6-5 Effluent Standards for Establishments Discharging > 3,000 mg/L
BOD to Class C and SC

Influent BOD (mg/L) Units C SC

3,000 to <6,667 % treatment 97 97

efficiency
6,667 to <10,000 mg/L 200 200

10,000 to 30,000 mg/L 600 600

>30,000 mg/L 900 900

Table 6-6 Effluent Standards for Establishments Discharging > 3,000 mg/L
BOD to Class D and SD

Influent BOD (mg/L) Units D SD

3,000 to <6,000 % treatment 95 95

efficiency
6,000 to <10,000 mg/L 300 300

10,000 to 30,000 mg/L 1,000 1,000

>30,000 mg/L 1,500 1,500

6.5 Important Considerations

In addition to fulfilling the above-stated requirements, the following provisions shall

be complied with:

1) No effluent shall cause the quality of the receiving water body to fall below
the prescribed WQG in accordance with its classification.

2) No effluent from any point sources shall be discharged into Class AA and SA
waters. Effluent discharging to land shall conform to the Guidelines on the
Procedures and Technical Standards for the Issuance of a Certification
Allowing for the Safe Re-use of Wastewater for the Purposes of Irrigation and
Other Agricultural Uses.

3) To avoid deterioration of the quality of the receiving water body, no new

industrial plant with high waste load potential shall discharge into a water
body where the dilution or assimilative capacity of the said water body
during dry weather condition is insufficient to maintain its prescribed WQG
according to its classification.

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4) No person shall discharge, wholly or partially, untreated or inadequately

treated industrial effluents directly into water bodies or through the use of
bypass canals and/or pumps and other unauthorized means.

5) No establishment or source of water pollution shall be operated without the

control facilities or wastewater treatment system in good order or in proper
operation.

6) No establishment or source of water pollution shall be operated at capacities

beyond the limits of operation or capability of the wastewater treatment
facility to maintain the effluent quality within the standards or pertinent
conditions required by law and/or stipulated in the Discharge Permit.

7) No person shall build, erect, install, or use any equipment, contrivance, or

any means the use of which will conceal and/or dilute an effluent discharge
and which otherwise constitute a violation of any provisions of these
regulations.

Section 7.0 Modification of WQG and GES

Any person may request for the modification of the WQG and GES. The request
shall include a preponderance of clear and scientifically valid evidence having a
probative value to demonstrate that such modification is consistent with these
regulations. In addition, “Use Attainability Analysis” shall be conducted for a
request to upgrade a designated use or lower its classification, which require less
stringent guideline values. Request for modification shall be submitted to the
DENR Secretary.

7.1.1 Modification of Designated Uses

If the DENR Secretary determines that the request for modification of designated
use is appropriate, the DENR Secretary shall initiate promulgation of such
modification in accordance with the Procedural Guidelines for the
Classification/Reclassification of Water Bodies and pertinent provisions of Section
19 and Rule 19.11 of the CWA-IRR.

7.1.2 Addition of Primary Water Quality Parameters

The DENR may at any time set forth more primary water quality parameters and/or
more stringent percentile values than those specified in this Administrative Order.

7.1.3 Modification of WQG Values

Any person may request to modify a class-specific WQG value. If the DENR
Secretary determines that the request for WQG value modification is appropriate,
the DENR Secretary shall promulgate such modification in accordance with Rule
19.5 of the CWA-IRR. In principle, modification of WQG value of a water segment
shall not result in a modification of the designated use of the water segment. Newly
developed WQG value should still protect the existing and designated uses of the
water segment.

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7.1.4 Modification of Significant Effluent Quality Parameters and GES

Values

Any person may request to modify the significant effluent quality parameters per
sector and/or the GES values. If the DENR Secretary determines that the request
is appropriate, the DENR Secretary shall promulgate such modification in
accordance with Rule 19.5 of the CWA-IRR. In principle, modification of the GES
value shall not result to exceedance of the WQG with respect to the designated use
of the receiving water body. Newly developed GES value should still protect the
existing and designated uses of the receiving water body.

Section 8.0 Approved Method of Analysis

For the purposes of this Administrative Order, all water samples, may it come from
surface water, ground water, or domestic, commercial, or industrial effluents shall
be analyzed in accordance with Table 8-1.

Section 9.0 Approval and Periodic Review

These WQG and GES are subject to approval by the DENR Secretary pursuant to
Section 19 of the CWA and shall be reviewed periodically but at least once every five
years, and amended as necessary.

Section 10.0 Grace Period

For establishments with new significant effluent quality parameters and whose
effluent standards have become stringent, a maximum grace period of five (5) years
is hereby given. Such grace period shall be limited to the moratorium on the
issuance of cease and desist and/or closure order against the company’s
operations. However, the grace period shall not be applied when the company’s
operations pose serious and grave threat to the environment or the establishment
fails to institute retooling, upgrading, or establishing environmental management
system (EMS). Establishment that avails of the grace period shall submit periodic
reports to EMB on the steps taken for the establishment of an EMS including
compliance schedule within the prescribed grace period.

Section 11.0 Penalties

Any person or group of persons found violating or failing to comply with any Order
or Decision of the Department and/or the Pollution Adjudication Board or any
provision of this Administrative Order, shall be liable under Section 28 of the CWA.

Section 12.0 Separability Clause

Any section or provision of these regulations declared to be unconstitutional or

invalid by a competent court, the other sections or provisions hereof shall remain to
be in force.

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Section 13.0 Repealing Clause

The 1982 Effluent Regulations and DENR Administrative Orders 90-34, 90-35, and
97-23 are hereby repealed. All other orders, issuances, rules and regulations
inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 14.0 Effectivity

This order shall take effect Thirty (30) calendar days from the date of filing with the
office of the National Administrative Register and Publication in the Official Gazette
or news paper of general circulation.

APPROVED.

Hon. Jose L. Atienza, Jr.

Secretary
Department of Environment and Natural Resources

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List of Acronyms and Abbreviations

AVFO Animal-Vegetable Fat and Oil

BHC Benzene Hexachloride

BOD Biochemical Oxygen Demand

BTEX Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, Xylene

°C Degree Celsius

CAS Chemical Abstracts Service

COD Chemical Oxygen Demand

CWA Clean Water Act

DDD Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane

DDE Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethene

DDT Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane

DENR Department of Environment and Natural Resources

DO Dissolved Oxygen

EMB Environmental Management Bureau

EMS Environmental Management System

GES General Effluent Standards

IRR Implementing Rules and Regulations

LGU Local Government Unit

MBAS Methylene Blue Active Substances

mg/L milligram per liter

mL milliliter

MPN Most Probable Number

n/a Not Applicable

NC New Classification

NDA No Discharge Allowed

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n.e.c. Not Elsewhere Classified

PAH Polyaromatic Hydrocarbon

PCBs Polychlorinated Biphenyls

PNSDW Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water

PSIC Philippine Standard Industrial Classification

TCE Trichloroethylene

TCU True Color Unit

TOPs Total Organochlorine Pesticides

TSS Total Suspended Solids

WQG Water Quality Guideline

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