Industrial Wastewater Governance and Environmental Compliance: A Review of Regulatory and Policy Approaches
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.67710/jlspa.v1i1.7Keywords:
industrial wastewater, environmental compliance, environmental governance, pollution control, regulationAbstract
Industrial wastewater management is not only a technical issue but also a matter of governance, regulation, and corporate compliance. Weak implementation of environmental standards can increase the risk of water pollution even when treatment technologies are available. This article reviews regulatory and policy approaches to industrial wastewater governance, with particular attention to environmental compliance, monitoring, enforcement, and the responsibilities of industrial actors. A structured literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed studies, regulatory documents, and institutional publications related to industrial wastewater management, pollution control, and environmental governance. The review indicates that effective wastewater governance depends on more than the existence of discharge standards. Regulatory clarity, consistent monitoring, institutional capacity, corporate commitment, transparency, and enforcement mechanisms strongly influence compliance outcomes. The literature also shows that technological improvements in wastewater treatment are more effective when supported by clear regulatory obligations and routine environmental evaluation. In contrast, fragmented regulations, limited supervision, weak enforcement, and differences in institutional capacity may reduce policy effectiveness. This review concludes that industrial wastewater governance requires an integrated approach combining regulatory instruments, monitoring systems, enforcement, technological adaptation, and corporate responsibility. Strengthening coordination between government, industry, and other stakeholders is essential to improve environmental compliance and reduce the long-term impacts of industrial wastewater pollution.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Intan Septarina (Author)
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