What kind of materials can be discharged at a permitted wastewater discharge point?

Question

There is a gas company on the shore of the Hudson River. They have a wastewater discharge permit. But today when I was walking nearby I saw big bubbles of some type of gasoline-like substance coming up from the river bed to the surface every several seconds.

Should I report this to someone? Or would gasoline-like substances be permitted under a wastewater discharge permit? I went on the EPA's web site and found the facility, but the jargon made no sense to me and I could not make heads or tails of it. Thanks

This facility is in an area where not a lot of people walk. I was by myself and there was no one nearby to ask. The facility itself is off-limits to the public. And this is not for a class; I am not a student. I am a concerned citizen. So I am not sure where the suggestion to ask my teacher came from.

I can't download their permit and even if I could I don't know who would look at it. I looked up the information on the EPA site about the facility but it just doesn't make sense to me. I understand all the words, but I don't understand them in context and the jargon of the EPA.

Answer 1

I would report it to the facility and see what they tell you it is. Having been in the business many years, it could be hundreds of things, most would not be a problem. It could even be natural. if you don't get a response from the facility, then call the state agency in your state.

Answer 2

Today is earth day. How would you be walking near the facility with others who could not answer your question?

Yesterday I was working on the Bronx River north of Yonkers in Scarsdale.

40 years ago we did nothing to help the community. things change

Answer 3

Report it
No permit allows gasoline to be discharged into a waterway.

Answer 4

Why don't you download their permit and let your teacher take a look at it. After all, what are you learning environmental stuff for?