Final answer:
Sewage disposal and treatment must comply with relevant environmental rules and regulations designed to minimize environmental impacts and protect public health by reducing pollution.
Step-by-step explanation:
The discharge of sewage into state-approved sewerage systems or its collection, treatment, and disposal in accordance with applicable regulations are governed by environmental rules. These regulations, part of comprehensive environmental laws passed in the United States since the late 1960s, include command-and-control regulation that mandates companies and municipalities manage their waste in ways that minimize environmental impacts. This encompasses treating wastewater to remove contaminants and organic solids, with potential utilization in applications like irrigation after treatment. The introduction of these laws aimed to limit pollution and protect public health, acknowledging the social costs of pollution and the importance of maintaining a healthy environment.