Highlighting two articles (of many), one for the EU and one for the US, that highlight decades-outdated wastewater environmental standards in industrial sectors such as mining and oil/gas.  The article on the US (actually covering a lawsuit vs. the EPA) points out that wastewater standards for various industries "are supposed to reflect ‘best available standards’” and comply with the ‘Clean Water Act'’’, but don’’t.  Both articles point out that regulations are “decades” out of date reflecting many new challenges for wastewater that have emerged since the original laws and regulations are passed.  Notwithstanding the degregulation trend in the US, it is likely that wastewater challenges will only worsen as resources diminish (thus implying a greater water use/dilution) and the cumulative impact of pollution.

https://euobserver.com/green-economy/ar8096e4bc

https://www.courthousenews.com/epa-sued-over-outdated-industrial-wastewater-standards/