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King County dental wastewater compliance inspections
The Industrial Waste Program conducts compliance inspections of dental practices that discharge
mercury into the King County sewerage system.
Inspections
During the inspections, which will normally last less than one half hour,
the inspector:
- Will look to see if the dental office has an approved amalgam
separator unit (ASU) properly installed OR has a valid wastewater discharge permit.
- Will check to see that X-ray fixer is properly managed.
- Will check records, such as receipts for equipment and waste removal. (See "Recordkeeping" in
"Best Management Practices" below)
Inspection
follow-up
A typical follow-up
to an inspection would include the inspector evaluating the dental office
for compliance and writing-up an inspection report. If the office is in compliance there will
be no further action.
Minor Problems: If minor problems are noted during the inspection,
King County will follow-up to see if they have been corrected promptly. If so, there will be no
further action.
Major Problems:
If the inspector noted major problems during the inspection, (e.g. no separator or permit in place)
the inspector will set up a compliance schedule for that office. If problems are not corrected
King County will proceed using its Enforcement Response Plan.
Goals of King
County Enforcement Response Plan
- Correct violations as soon as possible.
- Treat all industrial dischargers equitably.
- Eliminate any economic advantage to a business for not complying.
- Recover costs caused by violations.
Best Management Practices (BMPs)
- Follow BMPs in Industrial Waste's Dental Wastewater Discharge Fact Sheet.
- Keep good records.
- Log date, what, how much, serial numbers, name of person who entered transaction.
Keep receipts for three years.
If you have questions or comments, please
e-mail Patricia
Magnuson, telephone her at 206-263-3021, FAX her at 206-263-3001, or write her at
King County Industrial Waste Program, 130 Nickerson Street, Suite
200, Seattle, WA 98109-1658.
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