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Overview of Underground Disposal Control Program
Overview of Underground Disposal Control Program
Evaluating Wastes
A plumbing system that allows pollutants to
Businesses are responsible for evaluating the enter ground water and soil can cause serious
waste they generate to determine if it is environmental problems.
hazardous or not. In some cases, a brief
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 520 Lafayette Road North, St. Paul, Minnesota 55155-4194
(651) 296-6300, toll-free (800) 657-3864, TTY (651) 282-5332 or (800) 657-3864
This material can be made available in alternative formats for people with disabilities.
Printed on recycled paper containing at least 20 percent fibers from paper recycled by consumers.
Metro, North and South Districts, Community and Area Wide Program UICP/8-01/July 1999
What cannot be disposed of in sewage Floor drains and shop sink connections
systems? Floor drains and shop sinks connected to on-site septic
• Any hazardous waste systems or dry wells can be pathways for contaminants to
reach ground water sources--especially in vehicle
• Shop sink wastes maintenance and industrial facilities. For this reason, these
• Oily wash water types of connections will not be allowed. This position is
• Industrial process wastes consistent with current federal policy. Floor drains and
shop sinks must be connected to a municipal sewer system
What can be disposed of in sewage systems? or holding tank so that wastes can be treated before they
are discharged to the environment.
• Domestic wastes (such as from kitchens and
bathrooms) Contacts for more information
• Non-contact cooling water (volume may be Hazardous waste management and disposal
limited).
Call the MPCA at (651) 296-6300 or toll-free at
• Vehicle wash water within certain limits. (800) 657-3864.
Disposal of anything else in a sewage system requires
Reducing and recycling wastes
approval from United States Environmental
Protection Agency and the MPCA. For ideas on reducing and recycling wastes, contact your
local trade association or call the Minnesota Technical
Alternatives to on-site sewage system disposal Assistance Program at 612-627-4546 or toll-free at
1-800-247-0015.
A facility owner should consider all alternatives to on-site
disposal. Underground disposal is the least desirable MPCA Web site: http://www.pca.state.mn.us
option and should only be proposed when all other options Connecting to city sewer
are not feasible.
Certain industries must obtain MPCA permits to discharge
Some alternatives might include: to the sewer. Call the MPCA at 651-296-8006 or toll-free
• Change processes to reduce wastes. at 1-800-657-3864.
• Recycle and reuse wastewater. Connecting to a holding tank
• Connect to city sewer. See fact sheet #3 in this series for more information on
• Connect to a holding tank. holding tanks.
• Other solution tailored to business. Car wash and vehicle maintenance facilities
For more ideas on alternatives, see fact sheet 8-02 in this See fact sheet #4 in this series for more specific
series. information on regulations covering car washes and
maintenance facilities.
Allowable disposal
EPA
If alternatives do not exist, the MPCA may approve on-site
Underground Injection Control Program, 312-886-4299.
underground disposal of wastes. The conditions under
which this will be allowed differ according to the nature To find out more about the MPCA’s Underground
and the volume of the waste being disposed. An MPCA Disposal Control Program, please read the other fact
permit or approval may be necessary. Call the MPCA at sheets in this series, or contact Gretchen Sabel, MPCA, at
651-296-7773 for more information on permits. 651-296-7773 (voice); 651-282-5332 (TTY); or call toll-
free at 1-800-657-3864 (voice/TTY).
Waste not appropriate for on-site disposal must be
contained and handled under the MPCA’s hazardous or
solid waste rules. Waste not fitting into either of these
categories will be handled on a case-by-case basis.