The City of Sequim is developing a Wastewater Source Control Program to ensure waste sent to the City’s wastewater collection system can be adequately treated and the City is in compliance with State and Federal permits, in addition to the local practices of reusing all the highly treated water and solids generated at the City’s Water Reclamation Facility.
The initial program element of a Commercial/Industrial Wastewater User Survey will be completed in October/November of 2014 and will be sent to all commercial and industrial facilities within in the City limits. The entire control program is expected to be in place by May 2015.
Wastewater collected by the City of Sequim collection system is treated to the highest standards on the Olympic Peninsula. The treated water is reused to recharge groundwater, and for recreation and enjoyment including fishing and remote control sailing on the pond at the Reuse Demonstration Site, and for other uses. A portion of the treated water is also discharged into the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The biosolids, which are also treated to a very high standard, are reused on nearby hay fields.
The collection, treatment, and reuse of wastewater in the City are regulated by the City’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System and Reclaimed Water Permit, issued by the Washington State Department of Ecology, consistent with federal and State regulations. Because the treated water (Reclaimed Water) generated by the City is reused, the City is especially interested in making sure that toxic pollutants and other deleterious substances are minimized in the reclaimed water.
The Wastewater Source Control Program will include an update to the City’s current Sewer Use Ordinance, which restricts discharges from commercial and industrial facilities that differ in composition, or have higher concentrations of pollutants than domestic (household) wastewater. In addition to restrictions for toxic pollutants, the ordinance is expected to include restrictions on the amount of fats, oils, and greases allowed to be discharged by restaurants and other food service establishments. It is expected that all commercial/industrial dischargers from both inside and outside the City limits will be subject to these restrictions.
The City of Sequim Public Works Department understands there will be questions about the new program. Please contact Pete Tjemsland, Utilities Manager at 683-4908 or ptem@sequimwa.gov for these inquiries.