TITLE:

ES&H Manual

 

DOCUMENT ID:

8030 Appendix T1

Discharges to the Sanitary Sewer System

 

 

1.0          Introduction

 

Jefferson Lab’s sanitary sewer system discharges to the Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) wastewater treatment plant in the Denbigh area of Newport News.  The treated wastewater is subsequently discharged to the James River.

 

Some liquid waste, such as oil, chemicals, and/or grease, can cause a shock load on a wastewater treatment facility that, in turn, causes unacceptable effluent to be discharged to surface waters.  To avoid problems, only domestic wastes or wastes specifically allowed by permit should be discharged to drains, sinks, and toilets.  For a list of prohibited discharges refer to ES&H Manual Chapter 6730 Appendix R1 Prohibited Sanitary Sewer Discharges.

 

Wastewater that does not meet HRSD specifications must be disposed of by alternate methods. 

 

Environmental, Safety, Health, and Quality (ESH&Q) Reporting coordinates the provision of requests for special discharges to the sanitary sewer and performs permit-identified reporting.

 

2.0          Industrial Wastewater Release Program

 

The Lab’s Industrial Wastewater Discharge Permit contains compliance conditions and is administered by the HRSD.  The wastewater collection system is grouped into four areas:

·       Area A encompasses the VARC, and has no routine sampling requirement.

·       Area BC includes CEBAF Center and the residence facility, and also has no routine sampling requirement.

·       Area D, the Test Lab, which is monitored for pH at the sampling point Manhole D, encompasses discharges from acid neutralization systems.

·       Area EF encompasses the EEL Building and the structures on the accelerator site.  Manhole EF is monitored for pH.

 

Refer to Table 2 in ES&H Manual Chapter 2420 Permits and Authorizations from External Agencies for permit issues and site responsibilities.

 

A special sampling point, the Hall Floor Drain sump, consolidates potentially activated water discharges from the Experimental Halls and the accelerator tunnel. Discharges from this sampling point are analyzed for tritium and other gamma-emitting radionuclides.  The composite results, shown in relation to the total discharge through Area EF, are maintained in accordance with the HRSD permit.   Refer to ES&H Manual Chapter 8030 Appendix T2 Activated Water Management for more information.

 

HRSD randomly monitors wastewater and Jefferson Lab is subject to punitive actions if we discharge unauthorized materials.

 

Text Box: The HRSD permit contains self-reporting requirements, including when an unusual discharge is noted.  In the case of an unusual discharge, contact 876-1750 to notify the Facility Manager, who will handle external reporting.

 

2.1            Prohibited sanitary sewer discharges

There are certain materials and chemicals that are strictly prohibited by HRSD from disposal down the drain.  If you are uncertain about using any particular substance that could end up down the drain, contact the Jefferson Lab Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) Coordinator at ext. 7882 for assistance.

 

Text Box: A general list of prohibited materials that could be present at Jefferson Lab is located in ES&H Manual Chapter 8030 Appendix R1 Prohibited Sanitary Sewer Discharges.

 

2.2            A broad list of prohibited materials and chemicals

·       Petroleum or mineral based oils

·       Flammable liquids, solids, or gases

·       Toxic or poisonous liquids, solids, or gases

·       Wastes with a pH < 5.0 (such as acids)

·       Solids or viscous substances that may block sewer system lines

·       Excessive discharges of significant quantities of unpolluted rainwater and such.

 

Text Box: NOTE:  Water may not be added to wastewater for the purpose of diluting wastes which would otherwise be unacceptable for discharge.

 

2.3            Important Reminders:

·       Observe the list of prohibited discharges.  If uncertain, ask your supervisor or local ESH&Q staff for guidance.

·       Solid debris from cleaning operations should be separated from the wastewater, if possible, and be put in the regular trash.

 

Text Box: Ordinary sanitary wastewater includes water that contains human or animal wastes, shower water, dishwater, etc.

An HRSD authorized waste stream is a waste stream other than ordinary sanitary wastewater that has received documented approval for discharge to the sewer system.

 

3.0          Process for Obtaining Authorization for Discharges

 

If an activity (a routine process, or a one-time or infrequently performed process) is identified that could generate a sanitary sewer discharge that is not covered by the Lab’s Industrial Wastewater Discharge Permit, then the waste stream should be reviewed and modified to meet HRSD criteria as noted in the box below, or the following steps should be taken to request authorization for discharge to HRSD.

 

Text Box: Before attempting to obtain authorization for discharge on a new or altered waste stream, the best available technology should be used to:
•	reduce the use of toxic or otherwise treatment-sensitive components in the effluent, and
•	minimize the discharge quantity of the waste stream.

 

Text Box: NOTE:  If activated water is involved, contact the Radiation Control Department  (RadCon) at ext. 7417 for disposal.

 

Step 1: Identify Waste Streams and Quantitative Data

Provide the following information to the extent known to ESH&Q staff, who will provide guidance and assistance.

·       activity / process description and location

·       waste stream characteristics – composition and concentration of contaminant

·       quantity generated – daily average volume, batch volume, and frequency

·       quantity discharged each time – frequency, duration of discharge, and time of day performed

·       identify where the waste will be discharged if approved neutralization tank location or sink location

 

Step 2: Share Information

Provide the information to ESH&Q for use in preparing a proposal to HRSD.  ESH&Q will coordinate information transmittal with HRSD and keep the Thomas Jefferson Site Office informed as necessary.

 

Special Notes

·       For nonroutine or unusual requests, the same information must be provided to ESH&Q.

·       Approval is not guaranteed.

·       Discharge of the waste is prohibited until approved by HRSD.  Requests can take from two to thirty days so plan ahead if possible.

·       In the event that the sampled waste is from a routine process that is typically allowed to discharge to the sewer system, and the sampling results show concentrations above regulatory guidelines of a regulated constituent, discharge may still be allowed.

·       Metal-contaminated material discharge is limited by concentration no matter which discharge route (neutralization tank or sink drain) is being used.

·       No matter which disposal route is selected, disposal procedures will be reviewed by ESH&Q staff.

 

Text Box: Process review by HRSD:  HRSD will use the information supplied by ESH&Q Reporting to perform a preliminary review of the process and waste product to determine whether it meets discharge criteria.  If determined unsuitable by HRSD, the Jefferson Lab Hazardous Waste Coordinator (HWC) is available to assist in determining an alternate disposal method.  Otherwise, continue with the next step.

 

Step 3: Determine method to obtain representative samples

A representative ESH&Q staff member and HRSD will likely observe the production process to determine at what point samples to identify actual waste characteristics should be taken.  They will also review the method of collection and disposal, such as whether the waste will be discharged through a neutralization tank system.

 

HRSD will work with Jefferson Lab to determine the total number of preliminary samples required.

 

Step 4: Devise Jefferson Lab-Coordinated Sampling Plan and Discharge Procedure

The waste generator and ESH&Q staff will determine the most appropriate sampling plan for the activity from information provided by HRSD.  ESH&Q staff will provide the sampling plan to ESH&Q Reporting for submittal to HRSD.  Upon notification of approval from HRSD, the waste generator’s department will be responsible for the sampling and analysis.  The HWC can assist with sampling arrangements.

 

Text Box: NOTE: these requirements must be completed for all non-conventional waste streams. To avoid duplication, ESH&Q Reporting will coordinate activities/submissions if similar proposals are planned.

 

Step 5: Waste Stream Characterization (Prior to Disposal)

The waste generator will implement the sampling plan.  Results of the analyses shall be provided to ESH&Q staff, the HWC, and ESH&Q Reporting.  ESH&Q Reporting will transmit the results to HRSD for acceptance.  The HRSD submittal will include any updated information regarding the waste generation process, including variances that could occur.

 

Step 6: HRSD Disposition – Approval or Disapproval

·       If more sampling data is required by HRSD, then submit additional sampling information as described in Step 4.

·       If the data are adequate and the waste stream meets required conditions and can be disposed of through the sanitary sewer, then, if the waste product can be disposed of through the agreed upon path, which is either directly to the sewer system or through the appropriate neutralization system, the final agreement with HRSD may have additional process sampling requirements that will apply. This information will be obtained and provided to ESH&Q Reporting by the dates noted in any agreement.  The waste generator’s log will also note the method by which the product is disposed.

·       If the data are adequate and the waste stream, in the current process, does not meet suitable conditions for sanitary sewer disposal, then as the waste stream is not approved for sewer disposal, consult the HWC for assistance with disposal alternatives.  The HWC may also be able to provide advice on how to alter the process to qualify for sewer disposal or to select an alternate disposal method.

 

Important Contacts:

 

Hazardous Waste Coordinator (HWC)

ext. 7882

ESH&Q Reporting

ext. 7308

Facilities Management

ext. 7400

Radcon

Electrical/Mechanical Maintenance Services Manager

ext. 7417 or 876-1743

ext. 7671

 

4.0          Revision Summary

 

Revision 0.1 – 12/11/12 - Updated to reflect compliance with DOE Order 458.1 Radiation Protection of the Public and the Environment.

Revision 0 - 08/01/03 – Original Content.

 

 

 

ISSUING AUTHORITY

TECHNICAL

POINT-OF-CONTACT

APPROVAL DATE

REVIEW

REQUIRED DATE

REV.

 

 

ESH&Q Division

Bill Rainey

08/01/03

04/28/12

0.1

 

This document is controlled as an on line file.  It may be printed but the print copy is not a controlled document.  It is the user’s responsibility to ensure that the document is the same revision as the current on line file.  This copy was printed on 5/10/2013.