Wastewater Discharge Related to Research Activities
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The wastewater generator discharge permit specifies that non-sewerable materials are not to be disposed of down the drain. All sanitary, process, and laboratory waste is “treated” at the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) prior to discharge into San Francisco Bay.
DISCHARGE LIMITS FOR
NON-HAZARDOUS
MATERIALS
- Sewerable" Discharge Limits are not the same as "hazardous waste" disposal limits set under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) for hazardous waste disposal.
- Non-sewerable hazardous substances include organic solvents, heavy metals or materials classified as toxics, flammables, corrosives (pH 5.0-11.0) or oxidizers.
- Check product labels and MSDS before disposing of materials into lab sinks! Kits, rinsates from staining process, film processor waste, algaecides, biocides, cleaners and organic solvents MAY contain materials that cannot be disposed of down the drain!
- Coomassie Blue Stain and Destain - The standard formula for the reagent has 20-50% methanol and 10% acetic acid and cannot be disposed of in the sink.
SITE-INSPECTIONS AND NON-COMPLIANT DISCHARGES - RWQCP observes practices and procedures for potential sources of accidental discharges to the sanitary sewer and follows up on non-compliant self-monitoring results.
- Use secondary containment for materials stored adjacent to sinks.
- Fumehood Cupsinks - RWQCP recommends taking unused fumehood cupsinks out-of-service. (Plug with a rubber stopper, covered, and labeled as "not available")
- Water aspirators - RWQCP requires that water aspiration devices be removed from water faucets.
- Replace mercury thermometers with non-mercury alternatives at no cost!
- Additional information is available on the Stanford Utilties website.
SCHEDULE FOR PERIODIC SELF-MONITORING OF WASTEWATER - Stanford Utilities coordinates collection of wastewater samples for the presence of non-sewerable materials from sites specified in the permit.
INSPECTION PREPARATION
- Use previous regulatory agency inspection reports as a preparation guide. Record corrections on your quarterly lab and shop inspection form.
- CAP Team member can conduct a site visit to prepare your lab for a wastewater inspection.
- Health and Safety Programs Office (723-0110) is available to answer any additional questions you may have!
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