Industrial wastewater pretreatment is any procedure or process that controls, reduces or prevents potentially harmful pollutants originating at non-residential properties from entering into ground water or the storm collection system.

Since 1980, the Federal Clean Water Act has required that industrial wastewater pretreatment programs be implemented by local governments. The City of North Las Vegas Industrial Wastewater Pretreatment Program helps to ensure that wastewater dischargers meet federal, state and local discharge limits.

As the City continues to grow and attract diverse industries and businesses, the potential for pollution also grows, as does the importance of an industrial wastewater pretreatment program. By following the regulations, you are:

• preventing the introduction of pollutants into bodies of water

• improving opportunities for the reuse and recycling of wastewater and sewage sludge

• preventing the introduction of pollutants that could cause health or safety problems to the public or environment 

Protecting the pipelines and treatment plant through pretreatment helps ensure the safety of your drinking water.

Who Must Participate In The Pretreatment Program?

Restaurants, automotive repair shops, laundries and car washes are some of the facilities that must install, maintain and use pretreatment equipment that removes oil, grease, sand and other pollutants before they can enter the wastewater collection system.

Also included in the program are commercial facilities that have chemicals on site that could potentially enter the environment through the wastewater collection system, ground water infiltration or the storm water collection system.

Owners of these facilities are required to complete a brief Environmental/Wastewater Survey that indicates the quantities and types of chemical compounds on site and the precautions taken to prevent the chemicals from being discharged into the environment. City Pretreatment Inspectors visit each business on a routine basis to educate the business owner, issue permits and schedule future inspections and sampling.

Prohibited substances

These are some of the substances prohibited from entering into the wastewater collection system:

• Explosive liquids, solids or gases
• Fuels
• Paints
• Solvents
• Acids: Hydrochloric Acid, Sulfuric Acids, Nitric Acid, etc.
• Bases: Sodium Hydroxide, Ammonium Hydroxide, Calcium Hydroxide, Potassium Hydroxide, etc.
• Toxic compounds
• Pesticides
• Heavy metals
• Poisons
• Grease
• Stone
• Rags
• Marble dust 

Storm Water Quality Construction Permits

For construction projects that are 5 acres or greater, a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Construction Permit is required from the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP). Contact NDEP at (775) 687-4670, x3149 for more information.

Design and Construction Standards for Wastewater Collection Systems 

Design and Construction Standards for Wastewater Collection Systems – CNLV Addenda