Wastewater is often contaminated by a variety of harmful pollutants (such as industrial process by-products like copper, lead, nickel, and other heavy metals). Because wastewater treatment systems are not designed to remove all of these substances, they can damage sewers and interfere with the operation of treatment plants; pass through the systems untreated, result in pollution of nearby waters; and increase the costs and environmental risks. The practice of removing pollutants from wastewater before it is discharged into the treatment system is known as "pretreatment."

Salem’s Program

Salem has an award-winning program which fulfills the Federal and State mandated requirements by identifying, permitting, and tracking compliance of affected industry types.

Some of the activities we administer to support this program are:

Communications and Permits

• Provide public outreach and event participation
• Conduct business surveys
• Develop and maintain local discharge limits
• Develop industrial sewer charges and permit fees
• Review Wastewater Discharge permit applications
• Respond to citizen complaints and inquiries
• Write wastewater discharge permits

Inspections and Enforcement

• Respond to sanitary sewer complaints
• Fulfill Schedule E of the City’s National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit
• Enforce the Local Sewer Use Ordinance
• Collect samples and post warning signs
• Inspect and sample permitted industries for compliance
• Take enforcement actions for non-compliance

Standards and Reporting

• Develop and maintain the pretreatment program manual and checklist
• Maintain and procure equipment
• Maintain best management practices
• Maintain industry historical files
• Prepare and submit the annual pretreatment report
• Report sanitary sewer overflows
• Review plans for pretreatment requirements
• Review and approve accidental spill prevention plans

City of Spokane, WA "Will It Flush?" Video