Controls for Industrial Users | City of Louisville, CO

Deleterious Waste Control
Dental Amalgam Control
Fats, Oils & Grease Control
Fermented Beverages Control
Healthcare Facilities

Deleterious Waste Control

The City Code was updated in 2022 to add language to define and prohibit, unless authorized through written permission from the City, deleterious waste. Deleterious refers to something that can be or is hurtful, harmful, or injurious to health or the environment. In the case of the City WWTP it could be elevated levels of sediment, nutrients, salinity, and other parameters. Contact the Industrial Pretreatment Program for permission to discharge deleterious waste or more information by calling 303.335.4785 or emailing ECS@louisvilleco.gov.

Dental Amalgam Control

In 2017, the EPA implemented technology-based Pretreatment standards for dental facilities to reduce mercury discharges into sewer systems. The requirements can be found in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 441.

Dental facilities must be in compliance with the requirements specified in 40 CFR Part 441 and the One-Time Compliance Report (Sewer Use Regulations of Municipal Code and form below). The report must be updated within 90 days of any change in ownership. Dental facilities are required to maintain applicable information for the amalgam separator and line cleaner on-site, as well as documentation for inspection of the equipment and for amalgam waste disposal.

Fats, Oils & Grease Control

Wastewater discharges containing fats, oil, and grease (FOG) cause blockages in the sanitary sewer collection line, lead to sewer backups, and create operational problems at the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant. To prevent FOG from entering the sewer, the City requires food preparation establishments to install grease removal equipment. Grease removal devices can include a grease trap or grease interceptor. See FOG Policy for more information.

To ensure that grease removal devices function effectively, food preparation establishments must periodically remove accumulated FOG and food solids from these devices. The City has contracted with Backflow Solutions, Inc. (BSI Online) to help administer the City’s FOG maintenance program. All FOG Maintenance Records must be filed online by either the hauler performing the work or the food preparation establishment at www.bsionline.com. Any questions should be directed to BSI via email (support@backflow.com) or phone (888-966-6050).

Forms

Handouts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between a grease trap and a grease interceptor?

Is grease really a problem?

How often should I clean my grease removal device?

What can I do to comply with the regulations?

If the grease removal device (trap or interceptor) is not maintained regularly it will not provide the necessary grease removal. It is important to have a grease removal device pumped out regularly and send in the required Maintenance Records. It is the food establishments responsibility to ensure proper measures are in place to comply with city codes and standards. The City has a responsibility to prevent grease related problems.

If the maintenance schedule is not followed, negative consequences could include:

The grease removal device developing a noticeable septic smell that may offend customers;
Bugs breeding inside and crawling up the drain into the kitchen;
The grease removal device will becoming ineffective, and resulting in a sewer blockage either in the food establishments sewer line and/or the city sewer main; or
The food establishment being in violation of city code and risk an enforcement action.

What happens if I am out of compliance? Will I be fined?

Can I use bacteria, enzymes, or other products in the grease removal device?

How is the grease trap or interceptor size determined?

Various factors must be considered when sizing the trap or interceptor: not limited to the location of the facility, equipment discharge volumes, number of fixtures, potential expansion, and cleaning frequency.

The device must provide adequate holding time and a still environment so that the wastewater has time to cool allowing time for the grease to rise to the surface where it accumulates until the device is cleaned.

Do I need a grease trap or a grease interceptor?

Fermented Beverages Control

Breweries, wineries, distilleries, and other fermented beverage manufacturers can generate wastewater that contains higher concentrations of organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus than typical domestic wastewater. If not properly managed this wastewater has a greater potential of impacting the sewer system including the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant and is more costly to treat. To reduce pollutants discharged to the sanitary sewer and minimize costs associated with treating this wastewater, Best Management Practices (BMP) have been developed for fermented beverage manufacturers.

Fermented Beverage Manufacturers at a minimum must maintain compliance with all City of Louisville Prohibitive Discharge Standards (Sewer Use Regulations of Municipal Code). Best Management Practices describe what limitations or requirements your business is responsible for meeting and how to comply.

Microbes in fermented beverages have the potential to create films that can adhere to the insides of pipes and interceptors and cause problems in the collection system.

Pipe backup image

Best Management Practices

Brewers Association Wastewater Management Guidance Manual

Healthcare Facilities

In 2019, the EPA implemented a final Rule that prohibits the discharge of any pharmaceutical hazardous waste or Drug Enforcement Agency controlled substance into the sanitary sewer (e.g., no disposal down the drain and no flushing). The Rule is applicable to a wide range of healthcare facilities (including stores, vets, clinics, doctor's and dental offices) and reverse distributors. As of August 21, 2019, no healthcare facility shall discharge any pharmaceutical waste into the City's sanitary sewer system. If your business handles any kind of pharmaceutical or over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapies, it is affected by this regulation. Find out more on the EPA's website.