The "Measures for the Supervision and Administration of River Outlets" was issued

On November 1, 2024, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment issued the "Measures for the Supervision and Administration of River Outlets" (Order No. 35 of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, hereinafter referred to as the "Administrative Measures").

Strengthening the supervision and management of sewage outlets into rivers is an important starting point for in-depth pollution prevention and control, and plays an important role in promoting green development and protecting and building beautiful rivers and lakes. The Party Central Committee and the State Council attach great importance to the reform of the supervision and management of sewage outlets into rivers, and clearly require "relevant state departments to formulate regulations and technical specifications for the supervision and management of sewage outlets". The "Administrative Measures" make specific provisions on the approval procedures, authority, monitoring and supervision of the establishment of sewage outlets into the river, and are an important document for deepening the reform of the establishment and management of sewage outlets into the river, and establishing and improving a long-term supervision mechanism with clear responsibilities, reasonable settings, and standardized management, which is conducive to accelerating the improvement of environmental governance capacity and the modernization level of the governance system.

The "Administrative Measures" are divided into four chapters with a total of 40 articles, adhering to the principle of "hierarchical classification, differential management, standardized procedures, supervision in accordance with the law, doing a good job in connection and systematic planning", and systematically stipulate the management responsibilities of river outlets, standardizing the setting of river outlets, and strengthening the supervision and inspection of river outlets.

The "Administrative Measures" standardize the definition, division of responsibilities, responsible subjects, and classification of river sewage outlets, clarify management responsibilities, and achieve clear responsibilities; It is proposed that the planning preparation and planning environmental impact assessment should fully consider the control requirements and implementation of sewage outlets into the river, and strengthen source prevention and control; Strengthen scientific research and talent training, financial support, commendation and rewards, and provide support and guarantee for the supervision and management of river outlets.

The "Administrative Measures" stipulate that the establishment of sewage outlets of industrial and mining enterprises, sewage treatment plants in industries and other parks, and sewage outlets of urban sewage treatment plants shall be subject to approval management. Without approval, it is prohibited to discharge sewage through the above-mentioned river outlets; Other river outlets shall submit a registration form for river outlets before they are established. Focusing on the approval and management of river outlets, the "Administrative Measures" stipulate the approval authority, approval procedures, application materials, and setting demonstration requirements, clarify the prohibition of installation, and stipulate changes and cancellations.

The "Administrative Measures" propose that the competent department of ecology and environment under the State Council is responsible for the information management of river outlets across the country, and organizes the establishment and dynamic update of the management ledger of river outlets; The competent departments of ecology and environment and the ecological environment supervision and management agencies of river basins shall strengthen supervision and monitoring and on-site inspections of river outlets in accordance with relevant national regulations and monitoring norms, and promote the investigation and rectification of river outlets; The responsible entity of the river outlet shall regularly inspect and maintain the sewage channels, entrances, and ancillary facilities, carry out standardized construction, set up monitoring and sampling points, inspection wells, signs, etc. in accordance with regulations, and actively disclose relevant information about the river outlet to the public through signage, display screens, QR code signs, or online media. Encourage the public to supervise the discharge of sewage outlets into the river. The Administrative Measures also clarify the penalties for illegally setting up river outlets and failing to set up river outlets in accordance with the requirements of the decision to set up river outlets.

In the next step, take the implementation of the "Administrative Measures" as an opportunity and starting point, vigorously promote the investigation and rectification of river sewage outlets, implement approval and registration in accordance with laws and regulations, and strengthen supervision during and after the event. Accelerate the construction of a relatively complete legal system, a scientific technical system, and a relatively efficient management system for river outlets, and continuously improve the supervision level of river outlets. Comprehensively do a good job in interpretation, special training, and legal popularization, adhere to equal emphasis on supervision and management, guidance and assistance, and promote the implementation of the "Management Measures".

Source: Ministry of Ecology and Environment