The National Pretreatment Program is a cooperative effort of federal, state, and local environmental regulatory agencies. The program protects the public and environment from potentially harmful industrial wastes by regulating what businesses can discharge to the water reclamation plants such as the two facilities operated by the City of Melbourne.

Why should a business be concerned about what goes down the drain?

 Serious problems can occur when non-domestic wastewaters are discharged into sanitary sewer systems. The problems include:

• Toxic wastes may interfere with the operation of the treatment plant, eliminating the ability to produce reclaimed water.

• Toxic pollutants may pass through the treatment plant untreated, jeopardizing the quality of the reclaimed water.

• Wastes containing high levels of toxic metal or organic compounds can contaminate the residuals, eliminating the beneficial use as a soil conditioner.

• Highly volatile wastes can explode, causing considerable damage, and some wastes may interact to produce toxic gases which pose  health hazards

Do the regulations apply to all businesses or just "Big Industry"?

Although not all businesses will require a Significant Industrial User Permit or Minor Industrial User Permit, everyone connected to the City of Melbourne Sanitary Sewer System has to comply with the Prohibited Discharge Standards and Local Limits that are described in a City ordinance. The local law reflects state and federal requirements.

How do I know if my business needs a Significant Industrial User Permit?

Please e-mail Monica.Adams@mlbfl.org for a copy of the Industrial Pretreatment Program Wastewater Survey. If a permit is required you will be provided with an application.

Pending Permits