Inspection Services

The Chemical Control Program inspects all facilities falling into one of four categories: Categorical Users (CLASS 1), Significant Users (CLASS 2), Non-regulated Significant Users (CLASS 3), and Non-significant Users (CLASS 4). The category into which a facility falls depends upon their flow amount in gallons per day and on the discharge contaminants/pollutants. Restaurants and Laundromats generally fall under the Significant User's Category, for example. During the inspection, city inspectors follow a prescribed format according to the Sewer Ordinance.

Inspection Protocols
Inspectors are to identify themselves and may come announced (by appointment) or unannounced. The SCRWA Ordinance provides the authority for the inspector to carry out an inspection. The inspector will want to look at all portions of the facility and operations, including any washing, waste handling, and storage areas. Interior and exterior parts of the facility will be looked at including parking areas and garbage/dumpster storage areas.

Inspections Frequency:
Inspections can be done on varying frequencies, but are generally done at least every year for Class 1 and 2 facilities, and generally every 2, but not to exceed 5 years for Class 3 and 4 facilities. Some facilities do not get inspected if they are determined to have no or potential threat for an industrial waste discharge. This type of facility is not issued a permit certificates.

Sampling:
Inspectors may choose to sample waste streams, or may request a facility to sample its waste stream and send it to a laboratory for analysis. This is to make sure that the inspector and/or facility operator is aware of the kinds of pollutants that are in the waste stream.