Jerome, Idaho dairy processor to ensure wastewater discharges meet federal requirements

"Municipal water systems are designed for a specific type and amount of wastewater," said Ed Kowalski, Enforcement Director for EPA's Pacific Northwest Regional Office. "Discharges from industrial facilities that exceed requirements can impact water quality in downstream waterways and jeopardize the integrity of the treatment facility."

Industrial wastewater discharges must meet federal requirements for pH and temperature under the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Discharges must also comply with conditions set by the waste treatment facility.

Low pH wastewater is corrosive and can compromise the integrity of the wastewater collection system pipes, leading to potential leakage. In addition, low and high pH can negatively affect bacteria and micro-organisms that break down sewage.

The wastewater is treated at the City of Jerome's wastewater treatment plant. From March 2009 to July 2012, E.P.A. found that Idaho Milk Products exceeded the pH limit 138 times.

Municipal wastewater treatment plants are some of the biggest volume dischargers of wastewater to surface waters in the U.S. Industrial facilities that discharge to municipal plants must comply with regulations to minimize difficulties the plants may face in complying with their own discharge limits.

"Look at it this way," said Kowalski. "A city is processing wastewater from residential homes, retail businesses and sometimes from industrial processing operations. Industrial facilities can add a large volume of waste to the system. Companies must ensure their wastewater does not compromise the city treatment plant."

For information on EPA's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits, visit www.epa.gov/npdes

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