Define Analytical Methods Approved Under the Clean Water Act?

Analytical Methods Approved Under the Clean Water Act CWA Section 304(h) needs EPA to publish test procedures (analytical methods) suitable for the measurement of pollutants. These process are commonly known as the "304(h) methods". CWA Section 402 ascertain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) to control the discharge of pollutants to surface waters of the U.S. NPDES is implemented by regulations at 40 CFR Parts 100 - 135 and the effluent guidelines and pretreatment regulations at 40 CFR Parts 400 - 500.

The CWA prohibits any discharger of a pollutant apart from in compliance with the Act, including Section 402. EPA regulations implementing Section 402 usually need to facilities that discharge wastewater directly to surface waters of the U.S. to obtain an NPDES permit. The regulations refer to the person or facility that discharges pollutants as "permittee," "discharger," or "applicant".