THE PROGRAM

Since 1986, the City of Salisbury has been required by the Maryland Department of the Environment to maintain an industrial pretreatment program. The purpose of the program is to prevent the introduction of pollutants into the municipal wastewater treatment works that have the potential to interfere with the Wastewater Treatment Plant’s ability to maintain compliance with State and Federal requirements.

THE FUNDING

Because the City pretreatment program consists solely of businesses, the costs of implementation and operation of the program are not taxpayer funded. Based on factors such as volume of discharge and potential to discharge pollutants of concern, each business is assessed an annual fee as detailed in the City of Salisbury Resolution 1437 to cover the costs of the program.

THE PROCESS 

New businesses or businesses that have made significant changes are required to submit a Wastewater Discharge Survey. This survey helps determine if a business falls under the requirements of the pretreatment program. Businesses that are required to participate in the program will be scheduled for a site visit, which will allow the business to be placed in the appropriate category: Minor Industrial User or Significant Industrial User. While all industrial users are required to meet the local limits for their wastewater discharge as listed in the City Municipal Code 13.12.070, businesses determined to be Significant Industrial Users are required to apply for a Wastewater Discharge Permit, which may include: more stringent discharge limits, self-monitoring, and reporting requirements. After being placed in the appropriate category, businesses can expect at least one inspection and one discharge sampling event each year. These visits serve to ensure Municipal Code compliance and are unannounced.

THE PARTICIPANTS

Many local businesses participate in the City’s pretreatment program.

• Auto Repair Shops
• Breweries
• Car Washes
• Dental Offices
• Funeral Homes
• Gas Stations
• Healthcare Facilities
• Hospitals
• Hotels
• Laundry Facilities
• Manufacturing Facilities
• Physician’s Offices
• Restaurants
• Schools
• Supermarkets