Regulatory Compliance

  1. Pretreatment Program

Goals of the Pretreatment Program

  • Prevent the introduction of pollutants into the wastewater treatment plant that will interfere with treatment operations
  • Prevent the introduction of pollutants into those plants that will pass through the treatment process and be incompatible with the environment
  • Improve the feasibility of reclaiming the municipal and industrial wastewater, and biosolids (sludge) for land application
  • Provide for the fair and reasonably equitable distribution of all costs associated with operation of wastewater collection and treatment systems

Frederick County Business Sewer Users

New, relocating or expanding businesses which are connected or planning to connect to the Frederick County sewer system are required under the Frederick County’s Industrial Wastewater Pretreatment Ordinance to provide specific information by completing an Industrial Waste Survey.

Commercial Sewer Users

Commercial sewer users with only hand washing and toilet facilities need to complete Section I and II of the Industrial Waste Survey and sign the Certification Statement. Sections II through VII may not apply to all applicants and should be completed only if so directed.

Any commercial sewer user discharging wastewater other than hand washing and toilet flushing may need to submit the following documents in addition to the Industrial Waste Survey:

Additional information concerning the Industrial Pretreatment Program can be found in the Pretreatment FAQ. 

Dental Amalgam

Amalgam contains mercury.  Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that bioaccumulates in fish and shellfish and ultimately affects human health and the environment.

Federal Rule

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has set a national standard that will reduce the discharge of mercury containing dental amalgam from dental practices to sewer plants.  The standard includes mandatory use of amalgam separators or similar devices, and Best Management Practices (BMP's) endorsed by the American Dental Association (ADA). 

Dental Practice Responsibilities

 Depending on your specific practice, different requirements and deadlines must be   achieved.    

See what requirements pertain to your dental practice.

One-Time Compliance Report

Instructions on completing the One-Time Compliance Report

One-Time Compliance Report

Additional Resources

Original Federal Register notice for 40 CFR Part 441

Additional guidelines and a short fact sheet

Should you have questions, please contact Cory Brandt, Industrial Waste Specialist, at 301-600-2511 or email Cory Brandt.

Septic & Sludge Disposal

All septage haulers and those private domestic treatment facilities desiring to dispose of waste at the Ballenger-McKinney Wastewater Treatment Plant must have a valid Liquid Waste Disposal Permit issued by the Pretreatment Program.

Current Disposal Rates

Below are the current disposal rates per ton effective July 19, 2011.

Disposal OptionsRates / Ton
Septage$18.00
Holding Tank$9.75
Grease$24.00
Sludge$9.75
Chemical Toilet$9.75

For further assistance please contact the Pretreatment Office at 301-600-2511. 

  1. Cross- Connection Control
  1. Fats, Oils & Grease (FOG)
  1. Lake Linganore Monitoring
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