The PBCWUD Pretreatment Program provides for the regulation of wastewater discharges into the sanitary sewer system. The Department administers the program in accordance with Palm Beach County Ordinance 96-3. The purpose of the program is to prevent the introduction of pollutants into the wastewater collection and treatment system. This is important to prevent interference with the treatment process, avoid damage to the equipment or harm to workers, the public and the environment.
The program requires all new connections to the sewer system to be inspected for applicable pretreatment equipment, such as, oil and grease interceptors (OGI), lint traps, oil/water interceptors, etc. Any change in non-residential customer accounts is reviewed for pretreatment requirements. All industrial users are subject to permits based on the process wastewater discharged into the sanitary sewer system. The program provides for an annual OGI fee of $300 added to the water bill. These permitted users are monitored and sampled for compliance with the local discharge limits listed in the ordinance as well as federal limits listed in the code of federal regulations.
Our OGI Monitoring Program requires all restaurants, food service and auto repair facilities to maintain and clean their grease traps and oil/water separators at least annually. These OGIs are sampled and inspected every six months. If test results indicate the pretreatment limits are exceded, the customer is notified of an applicable monthly surcharge. In order to comply and avoid the surcharge, the customer must have the trap cleaned and provide proof (copy of invoice or manifest) to the Water Utilities Department Pretreatment Coordinator prior to the date indicated on the notification letter.
Last Updated : 02/08/2007
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