Dental Office Amalgam Wastewater Compliance Program

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has promulgated pretreatment standards under the Clean Water Act to reduce discharges of mercury from dental offices into publicly owned treatment works (POTWs). The Dental Effluent Guidelines are codified in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 40, Part 441, Effluent Limitations and Standards for the Dental Category. Existing dental offices (operating prior to the effective date of the rule, July 14th 2017) must comply with the rule by July 14th 2020. Dental offices who began practice after July 14th 2017(New Source) must comply immediately.

This final rule requires dental offices, that replace or remove amalgam, to operate and maintain an amalgam separator and use two Best Management Practices (BMPs) recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA). In addition, this rule requires dental offices to submit a One-Time Compliance Form.

It is the City of Manteca's responsibility under the new regulation to notify all of the dental offices who discharge to its POTW facilities of the regulation requirements and ensure compliance with the new regulation. To comply, the City of Manteca will require all dental offices to submit the aforementioned One-Time Compliance Form. All non-exempt dental offices must also install and maintain an approved amalgam separator. Please find more detailed information below about this program and how to comply.

If you have questions, please contact us at (209) 456-8481or email us at jgreenwood@ci.manteca.ca.us.

Information from the EPA

• Electronic Code of Federal Regulations 40 CFR Part 441
• EPA Dental Effluent Guidelines
• EPA Frequently Asked Questions (November 2017)
• EPA Mercury in Your Environment

Additional Resources

• City of Manteca Frequently Asked Questions
• City of Manteca Dental Amalgam Ordinance
• American Dental Association: Amalgam Separators
• California Dental Association: Sponsored Program-Pure Life
• City of Manteca Environmental Management: Hazardous Materials Program
• California Department of Toxic Substance Control: Hazardous Waste
• California Department of Toxic Substance Control: Fact Sheet

Forms

• City of Manteca's Dental Inspection Log
• City of Manteca's One-Time Compliance Form

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