Industrial Pretreatment Program

Water is a finite resource; we have all that we will ever get. It is used over and over again, and its cleanliness must be protected.

Introduction

In 1972, the United States Congress passed the "Water Pollution Control Act" with the purpose to "restore and maintain" the quality of our nation's water. The "Water Pollution Control Act" was amended in 1977 and re-titled the "Clean Water Act." As amended, the "Clean Water Act" includes requirements limiting the level of pollutants that industries are allowed to discharge into sanitary sewer systems. Within the Clean Water Act, the United States Congress established the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

In 1978, the EPA established the "General Pretreatment Program Regulations." These regulations, and the subsequent amendments, required the City of Broomfield and over 2,000 other Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW's) nationwide to operate EPA-approved Pretreatment Programs.

What is "Pretreatment"?

The term "Pretreatment" refers to the treatment an industrial discharger often must provide to its wastewater before it reaches the municipal wastewater treatment plant.

The pretreatment program is designed to prevent industrial wastewater discharges from adversely affecting the local municipal wastewater treatment plant's operations and/or its workers. The City and County of Broomfield has both legal and moral obligations to ensure that its wastewater is properly treated and that the resulting biosolids and effluent meet standards for disposal or reuse. The health and economic welfare of the community are of the utmost importance to us. For this reason, Broomfield's Industrial Pretreatment Program is committed to protecting your water resources.

General Pretreatment Regulations are published in Volume 40, Part 403 of the "Code of Federal Regulations" (40 CFR 403). This document is available in many libraries,  online and government offices.

Why does Broomfield need a Pretreatment Program?

The treatment plant uses both physical and biological removal treatment processes. Certain caustic and/or acidic substances can cause extensive and costly damage to piping, pumps, and motors. However, the most common damage is caused by toxic wastes that destroy the delicately balanced biological treatment systems. Such damage can lead to virtually untreated wastes being discharged into Big Dry Creek and causing health hazards to the entire area. 

On December 8, 1981, Broomfield Mayor Walter P. Spader signed into effect Ordinance Number 463, which instituted the City's Industrial Pretreatment Program.

Are there Further Requirements?

All industries are required to report to the Industrial Pretreatment Program any changes in their processes that could result in a change in their discharge. Periodic inspections must be allowed, if requested, to confirm compliance.

View the City and County of Broomfield Municipal Code 13-28 - Wastewater. 

The City and County of Broomfield’s Pretreatment Program manages oil and grease discharges and haulers, the Dental Amalgam Program, Significant Industrial Users, and a robust sampling program. Please see the links below for more information or to fill out a questionnaire. 

Commitment

The health and economic welfare of the community are of the utmost importance. For this reason, the City and County of Broomfield's Industrial Pretreatment Program is committed to protecting your water resources. 

Contact Us

For Further Information, Please Contact:

David Cross
Regulatory Compliance Supervisor 
dcross@broomfield.org
303-464-5768