The Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) discharge destination — whether the effluent is discharged to the sea or to other water bodies — must be clearly specified and reported by the sampler or the laboratory.

This distinction should be confirmed during wastewater sampling, as the applicable COD limits differ based on the discharge location. Correctly identifying the discharge destination and reporting in ZDHC Gateway ensures the appropriate ZDHC MMCF Guidelines limits are applied.