If a particular publicly
owned treatment works
(POTW)–or combination of POTWs owned by the same
entity–must develop an approved pretreatment program, the
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) will require it
through either a TPDES permit or an enforcement
action.
The TCEQ may require an approved pretreatment program when the
POTW (or combination of POTWs) meets these conditions:
-
The total design flow is greater than 5 million gallons per
day;
-
Industrial or commercial customers of the POTW discharge
pollutants into the wastewater system that either pass
through the
treatment plant or interfere with
its operation; or
-
One or more industrial or commercial users of the POTW meet the
definition of "categorical industrial
user."
The TCEQ may also consider the following factors, and require an
approved pretreatment program if one is needed:
-
The nature and volume of industrial wastewater received by the
POTW;
-
Whether contaminants that could have been removed or controlled
by pretreatment have prevented sewage sludge from being used or
disposed of as intended;
-
Whether a pretreatment program will make significant differences
in water quality in the water that receives effluent from the
POTW—for example, in terms of the 303(d) List or with respect to a total maximum daily
load; or
-
The POTW's compliance history.
Contact us if
you have questions.
