In my previous blog, I explained about the basic definition and need for the Pretreatment. Now, let’s take a look at the objectives and some definitions:

The objectives of the National Pretreatment Program stated in 40 CFR 403.2:

  • Prevent the introduction of pollutants into a POTW that will interfere with the operation of the POTW, including interference with its use or disposal of municipal sludge.
  • Prevent the introduction of pollutants into POTW that will pass through the treatment works or otherwise be incompatible with such works.
  • Improve opportunities to recycle and reclaim municipal and industrial wastewaters and sludges.

I have bolded a couple of terms above in order to emphasize the terms as key terms used in Pretreatment Program:

Interference:  A discharge which alone or in conjunction with a discharge or discharges from other sources

  • Inhibits or disrupts the POTW, its treatment processes or operations or its sludge processes use or disposal, and
  • Therefore is a cause of violation of any NPDES permit requirement or of the prevention of sewage sludge use or disposal in compliance with any applicable requirements.

Pass Through:  A discharge that exits the POTW into waters of United States in quantities or concentrations which alone or in conjunction with a discharge or discharges from other sources is a cause of a violation of any NPDES permit requirement.

The NPDES permit program was established under the CWA to control the discharge of pollutants from point sources and served as a vehicle to implement the industrial technology based standards for direct discharges and to implement categorical pretreatment standards for indirect discharges under the POTW pretreatment program.

In my next blog I will talk about more regulations and Pretreatment standards.

If you have any questions, please contact me at shrivani@smithmanage.com