Pretreatment Program
Industrial wastewater and commercial wastewater are dramatically different than domestic wastewater. They must be treated differently, too.
Like most municipal wastewater service providers, our wastewater treatment facilities and systems are designed and operated for urban, domestic wastewater. Industrial and some commercial wastewater, however, may contain concentrations of metals or organics far above normal domestic wastewater. Even our advanced treatment systems are not designed to remove these contaminants. The City of Vancouver’s Pretreatment Program protects our wastewater collection, treatment facilities and environment from uncontrolled toxic pollutants. Any facility that discharges any non-domestic wastewater to our sanitary sewers must meet Clean Water requirements. This includes commercial establishments, such as restaurants, as well as manufacturers, fabricators, chemical blenders, and others.
The best place to prevent pollution is at the source. Prevention practices keep pollutants out of wastewater. Pretreatment can make wastewater safe to discharge to sanitary sewers. Find out how you can take the right steps for your business to ensure your discharge is safe.
Industrial User Survey
The City of Vancouver requires a completed Industrial Information Form for new or changed businesses identified as having potential to:
- Store certain quantities of hazardous materials, or
- Discharge wastewater other than domestic wastewater to city sewer.
The completed form provides the City with information needed to determine whether an Industrial Wastewater Discharge Permit will be necessary. Please note: You may fill out and print the form online. However, your completed form must be signed and sent by fax to 360-487-7139 or U.S. mail to Industrial Pretreatment, City of Vancouver, P.O. Box 1995, Vancouver, WA 98668.
Dental Mercury Reduction Program
Dental offices that are connected to Vancouver’s sanitary sewer system are required to install and maintain amalgam separators and follow industry-approved Best Management Practices (BMPs). EPA studies show that proper ongoing maintenance is critical to achieving and sustaining reductions in dental mercury. These requirements promote sound operations, a healthy community and environment, and consistency with dental best practices and federal/state guidelines and regulations.
The Dental Facility Annual Self-Certification Form must be completed and submitted by Feb. 28 each year to maintain compliance with the Letter of Discharge permit issued to your dental practice by the City of Vancouver. Follow the link below to complete the annual form.
For new dental facilities or existing dental facilities that have changed ownership, completion of the One-Time Compliance Report for Dental Facilities is required. Complete the form and submit a signed copy to City of Vancouver Industrial Pretreatment, PO Box 1995, Vancouver, WA 98668-1995.=
