Protecting Our Water Resources

Fairfax County’s Branch

THE NATIONAL PRETREATMENT PROGRAM

AND

t t n

a

l

P

l l

o r

t FAIRFAX COUNTY

n

o

C

The Environmental Monitoring Branch op- n

n n

o

i

o

t i

erates a multi-disciplined advanced

t

u

y y

l

c

l

a

e 9 9

control laboratory with state-of-the art equip- o THE INDUSTRIAL SECTION

w S

7

P

h

0

e e

. .

g t

ment and instrumentation. Approximately 2

i

r s

2

J

a

H

, ,

100,000 analyses per year are conducted in a

e

d d

W i

l ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING BRANCH

n

l l

n

o

i o

support of County environmental programs. a

i C

g

r

r

m

. .

t

i h

Our professionals are dedicated to protecting s FAIRFAX COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

V

c

M

u

i

, , d

n n & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

R

n

n

Fairfax County’s water resources while serv- a

I

o

9 9 t

m

r

e e

9

o o

ing the needs and interests of its citizens. h

3

L

9

N T PROTECTING OUR WATER RESOURCES

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING BRANCH INDUSTRIAL WASTE SECTION

What Is The National Pretreatment Program ? What Is The Industrial Waste Section?

The National Pretreatment Program is a component of The Fairfax County Industrial Waste Section (part of the . It requires industrial and commer- Fairfax County Department of Public Works & cial dischargers to treat or control in their Environmental Services) is responsible for implementa- discharge to municipal wastewater collection systems tion of the National Pretreatment Program within Fair- and treatment plants (also known as Publicly Owned fax County. The Section ensures compliance with the Treatment Works or POTW). goals and requirements of the National Pretreatment Program. This is done in part by issuing permits and maintaining an active wastewater sampling and survey program of businesses within the County. Enforcement Is This A New Regulatory Program? Sampling is necessary to monitor and actions are also taken when situations have the potential ensure compliance with pretreatment requirements. to cause endangerment to health, environment or the No. The National Pretreatment Program has been system. around since 1972. Fairfax County is required by law to administer it. Chapter 67.1 of the County code in- What Do I need To Do? BENEFITS OF PRETREATMENT corporates its requirements. INCLUDE:

If your business discharges industrial waste to the sani- Why Is This Program Necessary? • Compliance with Federal, State and Local En- tary sewer, you need to know about the National Pre- vironmental Regulations treatment Program. Examples of industrial waste in- clude water used in manufacturing processes, laboratory • Reduced Treatment and Disposal Costs for Certain industrial discharges can interfere with the op- procedures, X-ray or film developing, printing and cer- Businesses and Taxpayers eration of wastewater treatment plants. Interference tain cleaning activities. can lead to the discharge of untreated or inadequately • Efficient Use of Wastewater Treatment Plants treated wastewater into rivers, lakes, and streams. Even and The majority of dischargers have no pretreatment re- when POTWs have the capability to remove toxic pol- • Improved Health & Safety of Employees lutants from wastewater, these toxics can end up in bio- quirements. But if you do, The Industrial Waste Section solids. If become contaminated by toxic pol- can help you get the information you need. • Cleaner Environment lutants, disposal costs can increase dramatically. Who Should I Contact?

The Fairfax County Industrial Waste Section (Telephone 703-550-9740, ext. 252) can answer your Industrial Waste Section questions. These environmental professionals can pro- Noman M. Cole, Jr. Pollution Control Plant vide you with information about regulatory require- 9399 Richmond Highway ments and pretreatment technologies. If you prefer, Lorton, Va. 22079 they can arrange to visit your facility to discuss how the National Pretreatment Program is applicable to your Phone: 703-550-9740, EXT. 252 operations.