City of Simi Valley, CA
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Sewer Use Ordinance
The Sewer Use Ordinance applies mainly to commercial and industrial businesses that discharge wastewater other than normal sanitary sewage into the City's sewer system.
Businesses That May Require a Permit
Many business types are required to obtain a permit, including:
- Food service establishments
- Auto service facilities
- Auto dealerships
- Retail gasoline stations
- Car washes
- Some medical offices
- Manufacturing facilities
- Laundries
- Grocery stores
Businesses operating within the City are required to complete one or more discharge wastewater applications based on their operations.
Wastewater Discharge Permit Applications
Available applications include:
- Waste Hauler's Discharge Permit Application (PDF)
- Industrial Wastewater Discharge Permit Application (PDF)
- Special Wastewater Discharge Permit Application (PDF)
Industrial Pretreatment Program
The City's Industrial Pretreatment Program is required under the Federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program.
The Industrial Pretreatment Program monitors commercial and industrial waste discharges into the sewer system.
Program Purpose
The program helps prevent toxic and hazardous materials from entering:
- The sanitary sewer system
- The Water Quality Control Plant
Environmental Compliance Inspectors work with local businesses to help ensure hazardous materials are not released into the sewer system.
Waste Discharge Requirements
In May 2006, the State Water Resources Control Board issued Waste Discharge Requirements for Sanitary Sewer Systems to help reduce sanitary sewer overflows.
One requirement of the order was the development of a Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP).
Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP)
The City's SSMP was adopted on April 20, 2008.
The SSMP includes:
- Design and performance provisions
- Overflow Emergency Response Plan
- Fats, Oil, and Grease (FOG) Control Program
- Program audits
Many pretreatment activities performed by the Sanitation Division support implementation of the SSMP. These activities include:
- Inspecting grease interceptors
- Educating businesses and residents about the dangers of grease entering the sewer system
For questions about the SSMP, call (805) 583-6440.
For questions about the FOG Control Program, call (805) 583-6420.
Homes and Businesses
Wastewater from homes and businesses travels through sanitary sewer lines to the Water Quality Control Plant.
At the plant, wastewater goes through treatment processes that remove harmful pollutants before the water is discharged.
Protecting Water Quality
Chemicals and pollutants that enter drains anywhere in the City eventually reach the Water Quality Control Plant.
These pollutants may:
- Interfere with treatment processes
- Pass through the plant untreated
- Harm the environment
- Cause violations of the City's NPDES Permit
Environmental Compliance Inspectors visit permitted businesses throughout Simi Valley to discuss how operations may affect water quality and the local watershed.
The Industrial Pretreatment Program works with the business community to help protect local water resources and the environment.
Business Categories and Pretreatment
Businesses in Simi Valley are categorized based on the processes conducted at their facilities.
Depending on the type of business, wastewater treatment may be required before discharge to the sewer system.
Examples include:
- Grease traps or interceptors for restaurants
- More advanced pretreatment systems for manufacturing facilities
Contact Information
Please contact the Sanitation Division if you have any questions at (805) 583-6440, (805) 583-6420, or email Environmental Compliance.
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