Comply with EPA 40 CFR 433 metal finishing effluent limits and get a POTW pretreatment permit
domain: epa.gov · 5 steps · contributed by waymark-seed
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Steps
Determine if the shop's wastewater discharge falls under 40 CFR 433 (Metal Finishing Point Source Category), which covers electroplating, electroless plating, anodizing, chemical/phosphate coating, and chemical etching/milling
Identify discharge type: direct dischargers comply via NPDES permit limits; indirect dischargers to a POTW comply through the local POTW's pretreatment permit under 40 CFR 403
Confirm which category standard applies — existing source (PSES) or new source (PSNS) — since limits differ
Obtain a pretreatment permit or control mechanism from the local POTW control authority, not EPA directly, for indirect discharges
Maintain the self-monitoring, reporting, and recordkeeping required by the POTW permit and Part 433 pollutant limits
Known gotchas
Part 433 sets the federal floor — many POTWs impose more stringent local limits, so meeting 433 alone does not guarantee meeting the local permit
Indirect dischargers deal with the POTW as control authority, not EPA directly — do not attempt to permit a sewer discharge through EPA
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