Pollution Prevention for Industrial Discharges

Industrial Users play a critical role in protecting the sanitary sewer system and downstream water quality. Many pollutants generated through industrial processes cannot be effectively removed by water resource recovery facilities. Reducing or eliminating pollutants before they enter the sanitary sewer is the most effective way to protect treatment infrastructure, receiving waters, biosolids quality, and public health.

This page serves as a central resource for pollutant prevention strategies and best management practices (BMPs) that help Industrial Users minimize the discharge of pollutants to the sanitary sewer system.

Why Pollution Prevention Matters 

Water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) are designed to treat conventional wastewater pollutants such as organic material, nutrients, and solids. They are not designed to remove many industrial contaminants, including persistent, toxic or bioaccumulative substances. Once these pollutants enter the sanitary sewer system, they may:

• Pass through treatment and be discharged to local waterways.
• Accumulate in biosolids.
• Volatilize into the air during treatment processes.
• Interfere with biological treatment processes or damage infrastructure.

Preventing pollutants from entering the sewer system at the source is far more effective and sustainable than managing them after discharge.

Common Pollutants of Concern

Industrial activities can introduce a wide range of pollutants to the sanitary sewer system, including but not limited to:

• Metals
• Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
• Solvents and degreasers
• Fats, oils and grease
• Acids and caustics
• Detergents and surfactants
• Industrial process chemicals
• Laboratory reagents and cleaning solutions

These pollutants may be present due to routine operations, maintenance activities, spills, equipment cleaning or improper disposal practices.

Pollution Prevention and BMPs

Effective pollution prevention focuses on source control, operational improvements, and proper waste handling. Examples of BMPs include:

• Product substitution: Use less toxic or non-hazardous alternatives where feasible
• Good housekeeping: Maintain clear work areas and prevent materials from entering floor drains or sinks
• Waste segregation: Keep process waste separate from domestic waste streams
• Spill prevention and response: Implement spill control plans and ensure staff are trained to respond quickly and appropriately
• Proper disposal and recycling: Use approved disposal or recycling services for chemical wastes and spent materials
• Employee training: Educate employees on sewer protection requirements and pollution prevention practices

The BMP resources linked on this page provide industry-specific guidance to help facilities identify potential pollutant sources and implement effective controls.

Industrial User Responsibilities

Industrial Users are responsible for ensuring that wastewater discharged to the sanitary sewer system complies with applicable local, state, and federal requirements, as well as the WSSC Plumbing and Fuel Gas Code. Pollution prevention supports compliance by reducing the likelihood of:

• Prohibited discharges
• Treatment interference or pass-through
• Future regulatory impacts as standards evolve

Facilities are encouraged to proactively evaluate their operations and adopt pollution prevention measures to minimize environmental impact and regulatory risk

BMPs

• Alcoholic Beverage Producer BMP
• Dental Waste BMP
• Hospital and Healthcare Facility Waste BMP (PDF 215 KB)
• Mobile Power Washer BMP (PDF 335 KB)
• Oil/Water Separator BMP

Industrial Users within the WSSC Water Sanitary District should not use the sanitary sewer for disposal of chemicals or any of the prohibited discharges listed in Section 804 of the WSSC Plumbing and Fuel Gas Code. Review the following sections for county resources for proper disposal of wastes.

Montgomery County 

Montgomery County residents and small businesses can coordinate disposal of hazardous waste items with the household hazardous waste and Ecowise programs. Visit the Montgomery County Hazardous Waste Drop Off Page for more information.

Prince George’s County

Prince George’s County residents can coordinate disposal of household hazardous waste items through the Prince George’s County Household Hazardous Waste Acceptance Site. Prince George’s County businesses that are Small Quantity Generators of hazardous materials will be referred to a contractor. For referral, call the Brown Station Road Sanitary Landfill at 301-952-7625.