Pretreatment is the reduction, the elimination, or the alteration of pollutants in wastewater to a less harmful state prior to discharge of the wastewater to a sanitary sewer system. The term "pretreatment" refers to the requirement that non-domestic sources control their wastewater before discharge to meet all applicable pretreatment standards and requirements (federal, state and local).

It is an EPA-mandated program (40 CFR 403) that requires HRSD to regulate industrial and other non-domestic wastewater sources that discharge into HRSD’s wastewater collection system, thereby reducing the amount of pollutants released into the environment from HRSD's treatment plants.

All industrial and commercial users located within the HRSD service area must comply with HRSD's Industrial Wastewater Discharge Regulations. In addition, industrial users that perform processes deemed "Categorical" by the EPA and/or Significant by HRSD, must comply with additional requirements.

If you are discharging anything other than domestic wastewater to the sanitary sewer, an HRSD Industrial Wastewater Discharge Permit may be required. If you are unsure or need a permit, Request A Permit Application and HRSD staff will contact you.

If you would like to haul septic, grease control device or port-a-john waste directly to HRSD’s treatment plants, an HRSD Indirect Wastewater Discharge Permit is required. If you are unsure or need a permit, Request A Permit Application and HRSD staff will contact you.

The term Significant Industrial User (SIU) as defined by the EPA means: (1) All industrial users subject to Categorical Pretreatment Standards under 40 CFR 403.6; or (2) Any other industrial user that: discharges an average of 25,000 gallons per day or more of process wastewater, contributes a process waste stream which makes up five (5) percent or more of the average dry weather hydraulic or organic capacity of the Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW); or is designated by HRSD on the basis that the industrial user has a reasonable chance for adversely affecting the POTW's operation or for violating any pretreatment standard or requirement.

To help prevent mercury, a neurotoxin, from entering wastewater, a new federal rule requires dental practices that insert or remove amalgam fillings to install an amalgam separator to capture waste amalgam. The Virginia Dental Rule Compliance Form, which is designed to be filled in electronically, and other resources to help comply are available at www.deq.virginia.gov/permits/water/surface-waters-vpdes/dental-rule . The Dental Rule was developed by EPA, codified at 40 CFR Part 441, and published in the Federal Register on June 14th, 2017. There were two addendums published June 26th, 2017 and July 5th, 2017 to correct compliance dates in the rule. Additional information on the development of the rule can be found on the EPA site, www.epa.gov/eg/dental-effluent-guidelines.

GCDs 50gpm and smaller may be approved to be cleaned by the Food Service Establishment with prior approval from your localities Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) Program. Larger GCDs and outside devices must be cleaned by an HR FOG certified grease hauler who has an approved disposal location. Click HERE to view a reference list of waste haulers who hold a Permit to discharge at HRSD receiving facilities. Please note, this is not an exhaustive list of companies with the capability to clean and maintain grease control devices. Visit http://hrfog.com/ for more information on proper GCD maintenance, required cleaning frequencies, to complete the HR FOG certification or to contact your localities FOG representative. 

Pretreatment & Pollution Prevention (P3) Department Condensate Policy

Construction Dewatering Policy

HRSD Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Composition Instructions and Certification