Discharge Permit

Discharge Permit

A Discharge Permit (DP) is a regulatory requirement issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-EMB) or the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) for facilities discharging liquid waste or effluents into water bodies. This ensures compliance with water quality standards under the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (RA 9275).

As an experienced environmental consultant, we help businesses secure their Discharge Permits quickly and avoid fines, operational delays, and legal liability.

What Is a Discharge Permit?

A Discharge Permit authorizes a facility to:

  • Legally release treated or untreated wastewater into rivers, streams, or lakes
  • Ensure discharges meet DENR and LLDA water quality standards
  • Implement a monitoring and reporting program to protect public health and the environment

Facilities without a valid DP may face stop orders, fines, or closure.

Discharge Permit Application Process (Step-by-Step)

  1. 1

    Determine Regulatory Jurisdiction

    DENR-EMB for most projects, or LLDA for projects within the Laguna Lake Basin.

  2. 2

    Prepare Application Documents

    Includes project description, wastewater flow rates, pollution control systems, and water quality analysis.

  3. 3

    Submit Application

    Submit to EMB or LLDA along with filing fees and Environmental Management Plan (EMP).

  4. 4

    Site Inspection & Evaluation

    The regulatory body inspects the facility and verifies compliance with effluent standards.

  5. 5

    Approval & Permit Issuance

    The DP is issued with specific conditions and monitoring obligations, usually valid for 1 year.

Why Hire a Discharge Permit Consultant?

A professional environmental consultant:

Prepares DENR/LLDA-compliant documents
Coordinates site inspections
Advises on treatment system upgrades
Integrates DP with other compliance docs
Saves time and prevents fines

DIY applications often result in rejections and repeated inspections.

Our Discharge Permit Consulting Services

We provide:

  • Discharge permit application preparation
  • Wastewater characterization and analysis
  • Pollution control device assessment
  • EMB / LLDA coordination support
  • Renewal and compliance management

Serving clients across Metro Manila, Bulacan, Region III, CALABARZON, and nationwide projects.

Request a Discharge Permit Assessment

Ensure your facility meets Philippine Clean Water Act requirements and avoid operational interruptions.

Request a Quote
Legal Basis

RA 9275 – Philippine Clean Water Act

DENR DAO 2016-08

LLDA DAO 2003-08

Who Needs a Discharge Permit?

Facilities generating industrial, commercial, or domestic wastewater discharged into surface waters.

Examples: Factories, hospitals, hotels, poultry farms, wastewater treatment plants.

Key Documents

Completed DP application form

Facility & process flow diagrams

Wastewater characterization

Lab water quality analysis

ECC (if required)

Validity & Renewal
ValidityUsually 1 year
RenewalBefore expiry
ComplianceSubmit SMR/CMR

Non-renewal can lead to legal enforcement.

Common Rejection Reasons

Incomplete wastewater data

Ineffective treatment systems

Missing lab analysis

Lack of ECC

Failed effluent standards