Industrial Pretreatment Program
The Industrial Pretreatment Program was established to monitor and control pollutants in industrial and/or commercial wastewater discharges into the sanitary sewer system, which might interfere with the operation of the wastewater treatment plant or pass through the plant. Selected industries self-monitor pollutants in their wastewater to assure they are within the limits established by the Federal, State and County regulations. At the present time there are two (2) permitted industrial users (IUs) in the program. The County also samples and monitors these industrial discharges to ensure compliance.
In addition to sampling and monitoring industrial wastewater, commercial areas may also be monitored for high-strength or toxic wastewater discharges. An example of a high-strength wastewater discharge may be an improperly maintained restaurant grease interceptor.. Excessive grease discharges may lead to sanitary sewer line blockages and cause sanitary sewer overflows (SOS). SOS will release raw wastewater to the surrounding environment, possibly into lakes or streams. Some other examples of commercial wastewater discharges may include auto repair or car washes, medical facilities or hospitals and printing shops. Slightly toxic wastewater discharges may inhibit biological activity at the wastewater plant and cause an upset or non-compliance. Some pollutants may pass through the wastewater plant uninterrupted and cause a violation to the wastewater permit.. It is important to protect the bacteria and protozoa in the wastewater plant from harmful wastes so they can do their job of breaking down wastewater.