Industrial Pretreatment Program
The Industrial Pretreatment Program (IPP) is a federally mandated program designed to control the discharge of pollutants from non-residential sources into the public sewer system, protecting wastewater treatment facilities, workers, public health, and the environment. This program ensures that industrial users comply with local, state , and federal regulations by monitoring and managing the types of waste entering the sewer system.
Business Owners
As part of the program launch, non-residential users are being asked to complete an Industrial Pretreatment Program Questionnaire (pdf, 299 KB). This information will help our pretreatment staff determine whether a facility is subject to the County’s Sewer Use Ordinance (Section 110-66). Based on your responses, we may follow up with a more detailed questionnaire or schedule a site visit.
Submission instructions and address are outlined on the IPP Questionnaire.
If you have questions or need assistance completing the form, please contact the Brevard County Environmental Section via email at Utility.Compliance@BrevardFL.gov or call (321) 633-2091.
We appreciate your cooperation as we work together to support a safe and sustainable utility system.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is required to participate in the IPP?
- Any non-residential user that discharges process wastewater into the public sewer system, especially those classified as Significant Industrial Users (SIUs), must comply with pretreatment regulations.
- What is pretreatment?
- Pretreatment refers to the process of reducing, removing, or altering pollutants in wastewater to make them less harmful before the water is discharged into the sanitary sewer system.
- What is considered “process wastewater”?
- Process wastewater is any water that comes into contact with raw materials, products, or wastes during manufacturing or processing. This excludes domestic wastewater (e.g., from bathrooms or kitchens).
- What are Significant Industrial Users (SIUs)?
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SIUs are defined by the EPA as facilities that:
- Discharge 25,000 gallons or more of process wastewater per day
- Contribute a process waste stream making up 5% or more of the POTW's capacity
- Are designated by the Control Authority due to potential for impact on the system
- What are my responsibilities as an industrial user?
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You may be required to:
- Complete a discharge permit application
- Implement Best Management Practices (BMPs)
- Monitor and sample discharges
- Submit periodic compliance reports
- Notify the utility of changes in operations or discharges
- What are prohibited discharges?
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Discharges that:
- Cause interference or pass-through at the treatment plant
- Are corrosive, explosive, or flammable
- Contain heavy metals, toxic pollutants, or oils in excess of allowable limits
- What happens if I violate pretreatment standards?
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Violations may result in enforcement actions, including:
- Fines
- Cost recovery for damages
- Termination of service
- Legal action, depending on the severity of the non-compliance.
- What is a wastewater discharge permit?
- A discharge permit outlines the conditions under which your facility is allowed to discharge into the sewer system, including limits on pollutants, monitoring requirements, and reporting schedules.
- How often are inspections or sampling conducted?
- The frequency depends on the size and nature of your operation. Some facilities are inspected and sampled quarterly, while others may be subject to annual or unannounced visits.
- What is the purpose of monitoring and reporting?
- Monitoring ensures compliance with permit limits and helps detect any discharges that may harm the system. Reporting provides documentation and transparency for regulatory compliance.
- Can I request assistance or guidance from the County?
- Yes! Our staff can help you understand requirements, apply for permits, and identify cost-effective pretreatment or BMP solutions. Contact (321) 307-1616 for support.
- Do all businesses need to complete a pretreatment survey or questionnaire?
- Yes. All non-residential users must complete an initial survey or questionnaire so we can determine whether your facility is subject to pretreatment requirements.
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