Wastewater

Electroplating Process

A close-up of a typical electroplating
operation in Florida.

Pretreatment Process

An example of a pretreatment system designed to remove metals prior to discharge to a publicly-owned domestic wastewater facility in Florida.

Domestic Wastewater Pretreatment Program

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection, in its role as approval authority, oversees the development and implementation of local pretreatment programs in the state. These local pretreatment programs are developed and implemented in accordance with Chapter 62-625, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), § 403.0885, Florida Statutes (F.S.), and the Clean Water Act (33 United States Code, § 1251 et seq.).

About Pretreatment

Pretreatment is the removal, reduction, or alteration of pollutants in industrial wastewater prior to discharge or introduction into a domestic wastewater treatment facility (WWF). Metal finishing and related operations are a common source of industrial wastewater in Florida which typically requires treatment prior to discharge to a WWF.

When a pretreatment program is required:

In general, a pretreatment program may be required if a publicly owned domestic wastewater facility (WWF) receives discharge from Significant Industrial Users and the WWF discharges to either surface waters of the State or various reuse systems in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 62-610, F.A.C. There are currently around 65 active pretreatment programs with more being developed every day.

The goals of a pretreatment program:

To prevent the introduction of pollutants into the WWF that will cause interference with its operation;
To prevent the introduction of pollutants into the WWF that will pass through the WWF, inadequately treated, into waters of the State;
To provide protection for both public health and welfare and WWF workers; and
To promote beneficial reuse and recycling of domestic wastewater and residuals from WWFs.

For additional information about pretreatment in Florida, please see the following links:

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