WHOLE EFFLUENT TOXICITY REGULATION IN MICHIGAN 

Whole-effluent toxicity (WET) is the combined toxic (poisonous) effect of an effluent on aquatic animals (fish, crustaceans, etc.). The State of Michigan regulates WET through a water discharge permit system (NPDES) and other regulatory venues under the authority of Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (P.A. 451) and other state laws.

Permittees or other parties may be required to perform WET tests on wastewater effluents to protect lakes and streams from toxic effects. We have compiled a LIST OF CONSULTANTS who offer WET testing services. Consultants performing WET tests for Michigan dischargers must provide a rigorous level of QUALITY ASSURANCE (click here to see "WD Modifications to ASTM 1193-7").

For ease of reporting and quality assurance, Michigan encourages the use of preformatted WET TEST REPORTING FORMS Forms in Word (.doc) or Forms in Adobe (.pdf).

For additional information on documents and information sources for WET, see the following web sites: 
EPA's Office of Wastewater Managment  http://www.epa.gov/owm/wettest.htm
Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry http://www.setac.org/wetindex.html

Michigan's Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory is the primary state contact for whole-effluent toxicity information. Please contact the Laboratory for additional information at any time.

Information Contacts:

Bill Dimond (517-327-2622) dimondw@michigan.gov or
Diana Butler (517-327-2621) butlerd@michigan.gov
Water Division
815 Filley Street
Lansing, MI 48906
Main Lab Phone (517) 327-2620