The University of Arizona is a significant generator of wastewater to the Pima County sewer system and Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW). U of A wastewater is generated from both domestic and industrial sources. The U of A has no on-site wastewater treatment capability, so the campus community must comply with applicable regulations to ensure the continued discharge of wastewater to the POTW.
In Pima County, industrial wastewater is regulated through a comprehensive County Ordinance and Pre-Treatment Program. The Ordinance was first established in 1984, and last revised in 1991. Wastewater treated at the POTW is discharged to the Santa Cruz riverbed, which places the County's treatment program under the authority of the Federal Clean Water Act, specifically the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), administered by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.
System (NPDES), administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A comprehensive Pre-Treatment program to regulate industrial wastewater discharges is a mandatory requirement of the County's NPDES Permit. The lack of effluent dilution from permanent waters in the Santa Cruz river results in Pima County having wastewater discharge regulations that are among the most stringent in the U.S.
The U of A is considered an Industrial User under the Ordinance. Typically, an industrial source is defined as any discharge that is non-domestic in nature. Domestic discharges include wastewater from toilets, urinals and hand washing sinks. Discharges from laboratories, maintenance activities, food preparation, and other non-domestic activities are regulated as industrial sources by the Ordinance. All U of A facilities in Pima County fall under the Industrial Wastewater Ordinance regulatory umbrella.
The University of Arizona currently maintains twelve (12) Industrial Wastewater Discharge Permits that are monitored at sixteen (16) sampling locations. Wastewater sampling and laboratory analysis necessary to demonstrate Permit compliance may be conducted as infrequently as every six months or as often as twice monthly.
U of A policy prohibits any disposal of hazardous waste to the sewer system and POTW. The U of A has made formal notice to Pima County of this prohibition, and can face significant penalties for violation. If a fine is assessed against the U of A, and the source of the illegal discharge can identified, the monetary penalty will be charged to the responsible department.
For specific guidance on the proper disposal of hazardous waste, please see the various links on the Environmental Compliance page or contact the Environmental Safety Officer at 621-1590 or lloydw@email.arizona.edu.
The information below is extracted directly from the County Ordinance. This is NOT an all-inclusive list. Some wastes prohibited from discharge by Pima County are not "hazardous" but must still be handled by RM&S Staff. If you have any question about sink/drain disposal of any material, contact the Environmental Safety Officer at 621-1590 or lloydw@email.arizona.edu for additional information as required.
Industrial wastewater that may be adverse or harmful to the POTW, POTW personnel, POTW equipment, or POTW effluent quality, including, but not limited to:
All contents copyright © 2008. Arizona Board of Regents.