Circular No. 76/2017/TT-BTNMT on the assessment of wastewater reception capacity and water body load capacity of rivers and lakes

CIRCULAR

REGULATIONS ON THE ASSESSMENT OF WASTEWATER RECEPTIVE CAPACITY AND WATER BODY LOAD CAPACITY

Pursuant to the Water Resources Law 2012;

Pursuant to the Environmental Protection Law 2014;Pursuant to Decree No. 38/2015/NĐ-CP dated April 24, 2015 of the Government on waste management and scrap materials;

At the proposal of the Director General of the Environment Administration, the Director of the Water Resource Management Department, and the Head of the Legal Department;

On the basis of Decision No. 36/2017/NĐ-CP dated April 4, 2017, of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment;

The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment issues this Circular on the assessment of wastewater receptive capacity and water body load capacity.

This Circular stipulates the assessment of wastewater receptive capacity and water body load capacity for rivers, streams, canals, creeks, lagoons, and lakes (hereinafter referred to collectively as the assessment of wastewater receptive capacity and water body load capacity for rivers and lakes).

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Circular applies to state agencies responsible for water resources and environmental management, organizations, and individuals involved in the assessment of wastewater receptive capacity and water body load capacity for rivers and lakes.

Article 2. Applicability

Article 3. Principles for assessing wastewater receptive capacity and water body load capacity for rivers and lakes

1. The assessment of wastewater receptive capacity and water body load capacity must ensure systematicity based on river basins and water sources.

2. For water sources that are rivers, streams, canals, and creeks (hereinafter referred to as rivers), when conducting the assessment of wastewater receptive capacity and water body load capacity, they must be divided into sections of the river for evaluation.

3. The division of river sections, determination of water usage purposes, selection of flow rates, choice of surface water quality parameters, and pollution parameters of various wastewater sources for the assessment of wastewater receptive capacity and water body load capacity for each section of the river must ensure systematicity for each river and river system.

4. The assessment of wastewater receptive capacity and water body load capacity for rivers and lakes must be carried out for each pollution parameter.

5. The assessment of wastewater receptive capacity and water body load capacity for rivers and lakes must be based on the characteristics of water usage purposes, self-purification capacity of water sources, scale and nature of current wastewater sources, and development plans for economic and social growth.

ASSESSMENT OF WASTEWATER RECEPTIVE CAPACITY AND WATER BODY LOAD CAPACITY FOR RIVERS AND LAKES

Chapter II

Article 4. Water Sources Subject to Assessment of Wastewater Receptive Capacity and Water Body Load Capacity

1. Rivers listed in the inter-provincial, intra-provincial river basin directory, and inter-national, inter-provincial, intra-provincial water source directory issued by competent state authorities.

2. Lakes listed in the inter-provincial, intra-provincial water source directory issued by competent state authorities.

3. Water sources not covered by the provisions of Clause 1 and Clause 2 of this Article, the authority approving the wastewater receptive capacity and water body load capacity as stipulated in Clause 1 of Article 15 of this Circular shall consider and decide on the assessment of wastewater receptive capacity and water body load capacity based on the importance of the water source for economic and social development, requirements for water resource protection, environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, and cultural value preservation related to the water source.

3. For water sources not covered by the cases specified in Clause 1 and Clause 2 of this Article, the competent authority approving the wastewater reception capacity and load-bearing capacity as stipulated in Clause 1 of Article 15 of this Circular shall consider and decide on the assessment of the wastewater reception capacity and load-bearing capacity based on the importance of the water source for economic and social development, requirements for protecting water resources, the environment, biodiversity conservation, and cultural values related to the water source.

Article 5. Segmentation of rivers for assessing wastewater reception capacity and river carrying capacity

1. The segmentation of rivers for assessing wastewater reception capacity and river carrying capacity shall be carried out based on the following grounds:

a) The location of inflow and outflow points on the river;

b) The water source function, purpose of water use of the river; locations of water extraction and utilization facilities, wastewater discharge outlets; locations of reservoir and water regulation works on the river;

c) The maximum intrusion length of salinity at 4.0‰ for sections of the river affected by tides;

d) Requirements for conservation and development of aquatic ecosystems, historical, cultural, tourism, and religious values related to water sources;

đ) For transnational and inter-provincial rivers, in addition to the bases specified in Points a, b, c, and d of this Clause, they must also be based on national borders and provincial administrative boundaries.

2. River segments shall be determined as follows:

a) One (01) river segment shall be determined by two (02) adjacent cross-sections with a length of ten kilometers or more, except in cases provided for in Points b and c of this Clause.

In case the river segment has a length less than ten kilometers, it shall be considered based on the degree of flow rate variation, water use purposes, and water source protection requirements to be combined with the adjacent river segment.

b) For river segments affected by tides where the maximum intrusion length of salinity at 4.0‰ occurs, they shall be divided into one segment.

c) In cases where the river flows through urban areas, biodiversity conservation zones, and cultural value conservation zones related to water sources, they shall be considered to be divided into one segment.

Article 6. Determining Water Use Purposes for Assessing Wastewater Reception Capacity and Water Source Carrying Capacity

1. The water use purposes of river segments and lakes shall be determined based on approved water resource planning and environmental protection planning by competent state authorities. Where a river segment or lake has multiple water use purposes, the water use purpose with the highest water quality requirement shall be selected.

2. In cases not provided for in Clause 1 of this Article, based on the actual exploitation and utilization status of the river segment or lake, the competent authority approving wastewater reception capacity and carrying capacity as stipulated in Clause 1 of Article 15 of this Circular shall consider and determine the water use purpose of the river segment for assessment.

Article 7. Parameters for Assessing Wastewater Reception Capacity and Water Source Carrying Capacity

1. The wastewater reception capacity and carrying capacity of each river segment and lake must be assessed for each of the following parameters: COD, BOD5, Ammonia, Nitrate, Phosphate, and other parameters prescribed in Clause 2 of this Article.

2. Based on surface water quality standards, wastewater discharge standards, water use purposes, scale, nature of wastewater, water source protection requirements, and environmental protection requirements for each river segment and lake, the competent authority approving wastewater reception capacity and carrying capacity as stipulated in Clause 1 of Article 15 of this Circular shall consider and decide on specific additional parameters for assessment as appropriate.

Article 8. Methods for Assessing Wastewater Reception Capacity and Water Source Carrying Capacity

1. Methods for assessing wastewater reception capacity and river carrying capacity include:

a) Direct assessment method: assessing wastewater reception capacity and river carrying capacity is conducted based on the maximum limit of each parameter, according to surface water quality standards, flow rate, and analysis results of water quality in the river segment.

The direct assessment method is applied to river segments that have been surveyed and found to have no direct wastewater discharge into them.

b) Indirect assessment method: assessing wastewater reception capacity and river carrying capacity is conducted based on the maximum limit of each parameter, according to surface water quality standards, flow rate, analysis results of water quality in the river segment, and analysis results of wastewater discharges into the river segment.

c) Modeling assessment method: assessing wastewater reception capacity and river carrying capacity is conducted based on the maximum limit of each parameter, according to surface water quality standards, flow rate, analysis results of water quality in the river segment, and analysis results of wastewater discharges into the river segment, and the process of mixing and transformation of pollutants.

d) The assessment of wastewater reception capacity and river carrying capacity shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Article 9 of this Circular.

2. The assessment of wastewater reception capacity and lake carrying capacity applies the methods prescribed in Clause 1 of this Article and is implemented in accordance with the provisions of Article 13 of this Circular.

3. Based on the principles for assessing wastewater reception capacity and water source carrying capacity of rivers and lakes prescribed in Article 3 of this Circular and information and data on flow rates and water quality of rivers, flow rates and water quality of wastewater sources, the competent authority approving wastewater reception capacity and carrying capacity as stipulated in Clause 1 of Article 15 of this Circular shall consider and decide on the application of appropriate assessment methods for each river segment and river system, except in cases provided for in Clause 4 of this Article.

4. For river segments affected by tides as specified in Point b of Clause 2 of Article 5 of this Circular, only the modeling method shall be applied for assessment.

Article 9. Evaluation of wastewater reception capacity and river load-bearing capacity

1. Direct evaluation method:

Evaluation formula: L_tn = (L_tđ -_nn) x F_{"7. A flexible power plant is a thermal power plant using reciprocating internal combustion engines (RICE) or aeroderivative gas turbines (Aero-GT) with fast start-up capabilities, designed in modular form to generate electricity for balancing capacity and maintaining power system stability."}

Where:

a) L_tn: wastewater reception capacity and load-bearing capacity for each pollution parameter, unit of measurement is kg/day;

b) L_tđ: maximum load of water quality parameters for the river section, determined according to the provisions of Article 10 of this Circular, unit of measurement is kg/day;

c) L_nn: current load of water quality parameters in the river water source section, determined according to the provisions of Article 11 of this Circular, unit of measurement is kg/day;

d) F_{"7. A flexible power plant is a thermal power plant using reciprocating internal combustion engines (RICE) or aeroderivative gas turbines (Aero-GT) with fast start-up capabilities, designed in modular form to generate electricity for balancing capacity and maintaining power system stability."}: safety factor, considered and selected within the range from 0.3 to 0.7 based on the completeness, reliability, and accuracy of the information and data used for evaluation, approved by the competent authority responsible for approving wastewater reception capacity and load-bearing capacity as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 15 of this Circular.

2. Indirect evaluation method:

Evaluation formula: L_tn = (L_tđ -_nn -_{organize credit institutions, foreign bank branches are responsible for organizing the implementation of this Circular.}) x F_{"7. A flexible power plant is a thermal power plant using reciprocating internal combustion engines (RICE) or aeroderivative gas turbines (Aero-GT) with fast start-up capabilities, designed in modular form to generate electricity for balancing capacity and maintaining power system stability."}

Where:

a) L_tn: wastewater reception capacity and load-bearing capacity for each pollution parameter, unit of measurement is kg/day;

b) L_td, F_{"7. A flexible power plant is a thermal power plant using reciprocating internal combustion engines (RICE) or aeroderivative gas turbines (Aero-GT) with fast start-up capabilities, designed in modular form to generate electricity for balancing capacity and maintaining power system stability."}: determined according to the provisions of Point b and Point d, Clause 1 of this Article;

c) L_nn: current load of water quality parameters in the river water source section, determined according to the provisions of Article 11 of this Circular, unit of measurement is kg/day;

d) L_{organize credit institutions, foreign bank branches are responsible for organizing the implementation of this Circular.}: load of pollution parameters in the wastewater source, determined according to the provisions of Article 12 of this Circular, unit of measurement is kg/day.

3. Evaluation by modeling method:

Based on the characteristics of the flow of the river section, river, or entire river system, information and data on flow, water quality, and discharge sources, the competent authority responsible for approving wastewater reception capacity and load-bearing capacity as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 15 of this Circular shall consider and decide on selecting an appropriate model for evaluation. The model for evaluation must be calibrated before conducting the evaluation.

4. The evaluation results must meet the requirements specified in Clause 1 and Clause 2, Article 14 of this Circular.

Article 10. Determination of the maximum load of surface water quality parameters

1. Determination formula: L_tđ TTĐ_{qc = A x B x C x D^n} x Q_{"7. A flexible power plant is a thermal power plant using reciprocating internal combustion engines (RICE) or aeroderivative gas turbines (Aero-GT) with fast start-up capabilities, designed in modular form to generate electricity for balancing capacity and maintaining power system stability."} x 86,4

Where:

: Total cost of electricity purchase for the year (VND) from direct and indirect power plants participating in the electricity market, as specified in Clause 2 of this Article;_{qc = A x B x C x D^n}: limit value of surface water quality parameters according to technical standards on surface water quality corresponding to the purpose of using water in the river section, unit of measurement is mg/l;

b)Q_{"7. A flexible power plant is a thermal power plant using reciprocating internal combustion engines (RICE) or aeroderivative gas turbines (Aero-GT) with fast start-up capabilities, designed in modular form to generate electricity for balancing capacity and maintaining power system stability."}: flow rate of the evaluated river section, determined according to the provisions of Clause 2 of this Article, unit of measurement is m³/s;

c) The value 86,4 is the dimensionless conversion factor (converted from units of mg/l, m³/s to units of kg/day).

2. The flow rate of the evaluated river section is decided by the competent authority responsible for approving wastewater reception capacity and load-bearing capacity as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 15 of this Circular, based on the minimum flow rate approved by the competent authority; in cases where the minimum flow rate has not been determined for the evaluated river section, the flow rate is considered and determined within the range from the smallest monthly flow rate to the average of the three (03) smallest monthly flow rates.

Article 11. Determination of the current load of water quality parameters in the water source

1. Determination formula: L_nn TTĐ_nn x Q_{"7. A flexible power plant is a thermal power plant using reciprocating internal combustion engines (RICE) or aeroderivative gas turbines (Aero-GT) with fast start-up capabilities, designed in modular form to generate electricity for balancing capacity and maintaining power system stability."} x 86,4

Where:

: Total cost of electricity purchase for the year (VND) from direct and indirect power plants participating in the electricity market, as specified in Clause 2 of this Article;_nn: result of analyzing surface water quality parameters and determined according to the provisions of Clause 2 of this Article, unit of measurement is mg/l;

of the Members' Assembly approving the change of main office location;_{"7. A flexible power plant is a thermal power plant using reciprocating internal combustion engines (RICE) or aeroderivative gas turbines (Aero-GT) with fast start-up capabilities, designed in modular form to generate electricity for balancing capacity and maintaining power system stability."}: flow rate of the evaluated river section, determined according to the provisions of Clause 2, Article 10 of this Circular, unit of measurement is m³/s;

c) The value 86,4 is the dimensionless conversion factor.

2. The result of analyzing surface water quality parameters is determined at cross-sections of the evaluated river section and based on the average value of the analysis results of at least ten water samples with a sampling frequency of three (03) days/sample, during the period of three (03) months with the smallest flow rate; in cases where there are monitoring data on water quality from hydrological, water resources, and environmental monitoring stations at the evaluated river section, these data may be considered for evaluation. The sampling locations at cross-sections are carried out as follows:

a) At the end cross-section position of the evaluated river section for direct method application;

b) At the start cross-section position of the evaluated river section for indirect method application.

Article 12. Determining the pollutant parameter load in wastewater sources

1. Determination formula: L_{organize credit institutions, foreign bank branches are responsible for organizing the implementation of this Circular.} TTĐ_{organize credit institutions, foreign bank branches are responsible for organizing the implementation of this Circular.} x Q_{organize credit institutions, foreign bank branches are responsible for organizing the implementation of this Circular.} x 86,4

Where:

a) Ct: the result of analyzing the pollutant parameter in the wastewater discharged into the river section, determined according to Clause 2 of this Article, unit of measurement is mg/l;

b) Qt: the maximum flow rate of wastewater discharged into the river section, determined according to Clause 3 of this Article, unit of measurement is m3/s.³/s;

c) The value 86,4 is the dimensionless conversion factor.

The result of analyzing the pollutant parameter in the wastewater is determined based on the average value of at least ten wastewater samples analyzed with a sampling frequency of three days per sample. In cases where the wastewater source has been monitored according to the provisions of the law, such monitoring data shall be considered for evaluation purposes.

3. The maximum flow rate of the wastewater source is determined based on the results of monitoring the flow rate of the wastewater according to the provisions of the law or the maximum flow rate recorded in the wastewater discharge permit issued by the competent authority.

4. In cases where multiple wastewater sources discharge into the river section, the determination of the pollutant parameter load shall be carried out separately for each wastewater source.

5. In cases where the socio-economic development plan has identified the wastewater source, flow rate, and expected pollutant parameters to be discharged into the river section, additional pollutant loads shall be considered and determined for each pollutant parameter. The value of each pollutant parameter for evaluation shall be determined based on the limit values specified in the technical standards for wastewater.

Article 13. Evaluating the wastewater reception capacity and the load-bearing capacity of lakes

1. For reservoirs on rivers:

a) In cases where the reservoir operates on a daily basis, the wastewater reception capacity and the load-bearing capacity of the reservoir shall be evaluated based on the evaluation of the wastewater reception capacity and the load-bearing capacity of the river section with the reservoir according to the assessment methods and formulas stipulated in Article 9 of this Circular;

b) In cases where the reservoir does not operate on a daily basis, the wastewater reception capacity and the load-bearing capacity of the reservoir shall be evaluated using the following formula:

Briefly describe technical improvements, production processes, raw materials, designs; new technology applications such as automation, digitalization, clean technology; management, marketing, distribution solutions; products winning awards or certifications related to innovation…):…_tn = (C_{qc = A x B x C x D^n} Ministry of Science and Technology: The Minister and Deputy Ministers, agencies and units under the Ministry;_nn) x V_h x 10^-³ x F_{"7. A flexible power plant is a thermal power plant using reciprocating internal combustion engines (RICE) or aeroderivative gas turbines (Aero-GT) with fast start-up capabilities, designed in modular form to generate electricity for balancing capacity and maintaining power system stability."}

Where:

Briefly describe technical improvements, production processes, raw materials, designs; new technology applications such as automation, digitalization, clean technology; management, marketing, distribution solutions; products winning awards or certifications related to innovation…):…_tn: the wastewater reception capacity and the load-bearing capacity for each pollutant parameter of the reservoir, unit of measurement is kg;

C_{qc = A x B x C x D^n}: the limit value of the surface water quality parameter according to the technical standard for surface water quality corresponding to the purpose of the reservoir, unit of measurement is mg/l;

C_nn: the result of analyzing the surface water quality parameter of the reservoir, determined according to Clause 2 of this Article, unit of measurement is mg/l;

V_h: the volume of the reservoir, determined based on the reservoir's volume during the dry season, unit of measurement is m3;

F_{"7. A flexible power plant is a thermal power plant using reciprocating internal combustion engines (RICE) or aeroderivative gas turbines (Aero-GT) with fast start-up capabilities, designed in modular form to generate electricity for balancing capacity and maintaining power system stability."}: safety factor, taken as 0.7.

The result of analyzing the surface water quality parameter of the reservoir is determined based on the average value of at least ten reservoir water samples analyzed with a sampling frequency of three days per sample; sampling time is conducted within a period of three months during the dry season; in cases where the reservoir has been monitored for water quality according to the provisions of the law, such monitoring data shall be considered for evaluation purposes.

3. For reservoirs not falling under the provisions of Clause 1 of this Article, the evaluation of the wastewater reception capacity and the load-bearing capacity of the reservoir shall be carried out according to the provisions of Point b Clause 1 of this Article, wherein the safety factor FS is taken as 0.3.

4. For reservoirs specified in Point b Clause 1 and Clause 3 of this Article, based on the characteristics of the reservoir, information on water quality data and pollution sources, the competent authority approving the wastewater reception capacity and the load-bearing capacity stipulated in Clause 1 Article 15 of this Circular shall consider and decide to apply modeling methods for evaluation. The model for evaluation must be calibrated before conducting the evaluation.

5. The evaluation results must meet the requirements stipulated in Clause 3 Article 14 of this Circular.

Article 14. Requirements for the Assessment Results of Wastewater Receiving Capacity and Water Body Load Capacity

1. The assessment results of wastewater receiving capacity and water body load capacity at each river section must be substantiated and clearly explained regarding the segmentation of the river, determination of water usage purposes, determination of flow rate, evaluation parameters, safety factors, and the selection of evaluation methods prescribed in this Circular; the assessment results must clearly indicate whether the river section still has the capacity to receive wastewater or no longer has such capacity for each pollution parameter.

2. The assessment results of wastewater receiving capacity and water body load capacity of rivers must be compiled and presented on a river system diagram; a list of evaluated river sections must be established, wherein each evaluated river section must include the following main contents:

a) Name of the river section, name of the river, name of the river basin;

b) Length of the river section, administrative boundaries where the river section is located;

c) Assessment results of wastewater receiving capacity and water body load capacity of the river section for each evaluation parameter.

3. The assessment results of wastewater receiving capacity and water body load capacity of lakes must be substantiated and clearly explained regarding the determination of lake water usage purposes, determination of lake volume, evaluation parameters, safety factors, and the selection of evaluation methods prescribed in this Circular; the assessment results must clearly indicate whether the lake still has the capacity to receive wastewater or no longer has such capacity for each pollution parameter.

Article 15. Approval of Wastewater Receiving Capacity and Water Body Load Capacity of River and Lake Water Sources

1. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment approves the wastewater receiving capacity and water body load capacity of inter-provincial and international rivers and lakes. Provincial People's Committees (hereinafter referred to as Provincial People's Committee) approve the wastewater receiving capacity and water body load capacity of intra-provincial rivers and lakes.

2. The National Water Resources Management Agency takes the lead and coordinates with the General Department of Environment to advise and assist the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in organizing surveys and assessments of wastewater receiving capacity and water body load capacity of inter-provincial and international rivers and lakes, soliciting opinions from the Ministries of Industry and Trade, Agriculture and Rural Development, Transport, Construction, Culture, Sports and Tourism, Provincial People's Committees, relevant agencies, and units regarding the assessment results of wastewater receiving capacity and water body load capacity of rivers and lakes; compiling and perfecting the dossier, submitting it to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment for consideration and decision-making on approval of wastewater receiving capacity and water body load capacity of river and lake water sources.

3. Provincial Departments of Natural Resources and Environment (hereinafter referred to as Provincial Departments of Natural Resources and Environment) advise and assist Provincial People's Committees in organizing surveys and assessments of wastewater receiving capacity and water body load capacity of intra-provincial rivers and lakes, soliciting opinions from the Departments of Industry and Trade, Agriculture and Rural Development, Transport, Construction, Culture, Sports and Tourism, District, County, City, and Town People's Committees, and relevant agencies and units regarding the assessment results of wastewater receiving capacity and water body load capacity of rivers and lakes; compiling opinions, sending them to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment for comments; perfecting the dossier, submitting it to Provincial People's Committees for consideration and decision-making on approval of wastewater receiving capacity and water body load capacity of river and lake water sources.

4. The dossier for soliciting opinions prescribed in Clause 2 and Clause 3 of this Article includes: draft Decision approving the wastewater receiving capacity and water body load capacity along with the list of evaluated river sections and lakes; report explaining the assessment results of wastewater receiving capacity and water body load capacity of river and lake water sources.

5. Announcing river sections and streams that no longer have the capacity to receive wastewater for each pollution parameter shall be decided by the competent authority approving wastewater receiving capacity and water body load capacity prescribed in Clause 1 of this Article, in accordance with the laws on natural resources, environmental protection, and state secrets protection in the field of natural resources and environment.

Chapter III

IMPLEMENTATION AND EFFECTIVE PROVISIONS

Article 16. Implementation Organization

1. The National Water Resources Management Agency takes the lead and coordinates with the General Department of Environment and Provincial Departments of Natural Resources and Environment to implement, propose the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and Provincial People's Committees to consider and decide according to their respective authorities prescribed in Article 15 of this Circular for the contents prescribed in Clause 3 of Article 4; Clause 2 of Article 6; Clause 2 of Article 7; Clause 3 of Article 8; Point d of Clause 1, Clause 3 of Article 9; Clause 2 of Article 10; Clause 4 of Article 13 of this Circular and the contents prescribed in Clause 2 of this Article.

2. Organize the implementation of the assessment of wastewater receiving capacity and water body load capacity of river and lake water sources every five years before the economic and social development planning period or when the competent authority approving wastewater receiving capacity and water body load capacity of water sources prescribed in Clause 1 of Article 15 of this Circular considers and decides to reassess the wastewater receiving capacity and water body load capacity of water sources if any of the following situations occur:

a) There is a revision to the economic and social development planning related to water usage purposes and wastewater discharge activities into water sources;

b) There is a new project or construction involving water extraction, utilization, or wastewater discharge into water sources that significantly alters the flow regime or water quality of rivers and lakes;

c) At the request of a competent state agency.

3. The National Water Resources Management Agency takes the lead and coordinates with the General Department of Environment to guide and inspect the implementation of this Circular.

4. The General Department of Environment coordinates with the National Water Resources Management Agency to organize investigations, statistics, and establish databases of wastewater discharged into inter-provincial and international rivers.

5. Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, Provincial People's Committees, Provincial Departments of Natural Resources and Environment, and relevant organizations and individuals are responsible for implementing this Circular.

6. In cases where rivers or lakes have not been approved for wastewater reception capacity or load-bearing capacity, the competent state administrative body may base its decision to approve, issue permits, or grant approvals according to the provisions of this Circular on the self-assessment results of the wastewater reception capacity of the water bodies by organizations or individuals who wish to discharge into these water bodies. The number of water samples from rivers or lakes at the receiving area and wastewater (if any) shall range from 1 to 3 samples and shall be determined based on the characteristics of the receiving water body, the nature, and scale of the wastewater source.

Article 17. Implementation Provisions

1. This Circular takes effect from March 1, 2018, and replaces Circular No. 02/2009/TT-BTNMT dated March 19, 2009, issued by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment regarding the assessment of wastewater reception capacity of water sources.

2. During the implementation of this Circular, if there are difficulties or obstacles, organizations and individuals are advised to report them to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment for study and appropriate amendments and supplements./.