One important result of the Federal Clean Water Act of 1977 (also known as the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1977 or PL 95-217) will be increased emphasis on wastewater management technologies which are classified as “alternative” or “innovative.” Although complete final guidelines for implementing this portion of the act have not been developed, EPA has published proposed changes in the federal construction grants regulations (40 CFR, Part 35) in the Federal Register on April 25, 1978. These regulations are expected to be issued in final form soon. Information presented below is based upon current understanding of how the law and resultant regulations will be interpreted.