Consumer Services & Outreach
Industrial, Commercial and Federal Discharge to Sewer
| Title: | Groundwater/Temporary Discharge Sewers |
|---|---|
| What does it mean? |
All businesses and government agencies discharging process wastewater (e.g., non-domestic wastewater containing pollutants or chemicals used in various business processes or activities other than janitorial) to the public sewer system must report their activities to DC Water's Pretreatment Coordinator. Wastewater discharge permits are required prior to discharging into the sewer system |
| Does this apply to me? | This applies to you if you are an industrial, commercial or federal entity and you would like to discharge or are currently discharging wastewater containing pollutants or chemicals to the public sewer system. |
| When do I apply? | Please allow 90 days for processing if you are applying for a new permit and 30 days if you are renewing an existing permit. |
| What do I need to submit? | Initially, submit a short Wastewater Discharge Questionnaire. This form provides information regarding the business processes and related wastewater discharge. The DC Water Pretreatment Coordinator will review the survey form and notify the entity if a more detailed Wastewater Discharge Permit Application must be submitted. |
| Where do I go and apply? | The application package may be mailed or delivered to: DC Water Telephone: 202-787-4177 To expedite processing, you may fax the application package to (202) 787-4226 with hard copy to follow via mail |
| How long will it take? | New Permit: 90 days Renewal of existing permit: 30 days |
| What do I Receive? | If approved, DC Water will issue one of the following two types of permits: Significant Industrial User Wastewater Discharge PermitThis type of permit is issued to significant industrial users with an average process flow of 25,000 gallons per day or more, users who contribute 5% or more of the total inflow or organic loading to Blue Plains, users with a potential to discharge significant concentrations of regulated pollutants, federally mandated categorical industries, or users who are determined to be in need of regulation. Non-Significant Industrial User Wastewater Discharge PermitThis type of permit is issued to minor industrial/commercial businesses and government agencies that have less than 25,000 gallons per day of process flow and a small potential to cause an upset or pass-through event at Blue Plains. Businesses with contaminated groundwater sump discharges may also be issued this type of permit. These permits are valid for three years. |
| What are DC Water's fees for this? | There is no application or permit fee for this permit. |
| Related Activities: | Permitted facilities that are identified as significant industrial users are inspected and sampled on an annual basis, at a minimum, to help ensure compliance with local regulations. Those facilities with Discharge Notification Letters are typically inspected and sampled less frequently. Non-permitted facilities may also be inspected and sampled at any time by DC Water and must still conform to the wastewater discharge regulations. |
| Additional Info | Permitted facilities, identified as significant industrial users, are inspected and sampled on an annual basis, at a minimum, to help ensure compliance with local regulations. Those facilities with Non-Significant Industrial User Wastewater Discharge Permits are typically inspected and sampled less frequently. Non-permitted facilities may also be inspected and sampled at any time by DCWATER and must still conform to the wastewater discharge regulations. |
| For more Info, call: | Pretreatment Coordinator 202-787-4177 or 202-787-4003 |
| Regulatory Info | NFPA Codes governing the fire suppression system design require a current hydrant flow test. |
| Regulatory Info and other links |
|
My DC Water Login
- Pay bills
- Update Account
- View consumption
- View your Clean Rivers IAC