Pretreatment

Pretreatment: Safeguarding Wastewater Treatment and the Environment

At the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority, we recognize the importance of managing wastewater from homes, businesses, and industrial facilities responsibly. Our Pretreatment service plays a critical role in protecting the sewer collection system, the Southside Water Reclamation Plant (SWRP), and the environment.

Responsibility of Users:

Every user has the potential to impact the sewer collection system and the SWRP by improperly disposing of chemicals, solvents, pesticides, or fats, oils, and grease (FOG) down the drain. We emphasize the need for responsible waste management to prevent adverse effects on the treatment process and the receiving stream, the Rio Grande.

Industrial Pretreatment Program:

As mandated by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations (40 CFR 403) and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for the SWRP, our Water Authority Industrial Pretreatment Program ensures compliance with these requirements. The program operates under the legal authority of the Water Authority Sewer Use and Wastewater Control Ordinance (SUO).

Objectives of the Program:

Our Industrial Pretreatment Program serves several crucial purposes:

• Protecting the Rio Grande, the receiving water body
• Safeguarding the biosolids composted at the Soil Amendment Facility
• Preserving the integrity of the sewer collection system
• Ensuring the safety of SWRP workers, including those involved in the collection system
• Preventing pass-through or interference with the wastewater treatment process

Enforcement and Compliance:

Any violations of the SUO are addressed by our Enforcement Response Plan (ERP). We are committed to upholding the regulations, promoting responsible waste management, and maintaining a safe and efficient wastewater treatment system.

Through our Pretreatment service, we strive to create a sustainable and environmentally-conscious approach to wastewater management. By working together, we can protect our valuable water resources and preserve the well-being of our community and ecosystem.