Health Care Establishments

The Health Care Facility Sector Control Policy establishes City requirements for any Health Care Facility (HCF or facility) that has the potential to discharge wastes and associated pollutants related to the health care sector into the sanitary sewer system. Such wastes can contribute to wastewater treatment plant process interference, pass-through of pollutants into the environment, contaminate biosolids, and impact sewer worker health and safety.

Health Care Facility Application

All HCFs are required to complete a Health Care Facility Application to determine the applicability of BMP requirements. Any facility that has the potential to discharge wastes and associated pollutants related to the health care sector into the wastewater system is required to use the BMPs described in this Policy. This requirement applies to any non-domestic (i.e. commercial or industrial) facility and includes, but is not limited to:

  • Dialysis clinics
  • Funeral homes
  • Hospice facilities
  • Hospitals
  • Long-term care facilities
  • Medical office buildings
  • Outpatient facilities
  • Specialized surgical procedure facilities
  • Veterinary facilities

All forms and applications must be entirely completed and returned with an original wet signature. Digital and electronic signatures will not be accepted per U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations.

Dental Amalgam Rule

Dental Amalgam Rule (PDF)

Dental amalgam is a mixture of mercury, silver, tin, and copper. Mercury, which makes up about 50% of the dental amalgam, is used to bind the metals together to provide a strong, hard, durable filling. However, mercury is a potent neurotoxin that can poison the environment and creates a public health concern.

Dental clinics are the main source of mercury discharges to wastewater treatment facilities. The Federal Dental Amalgam Rule (40 CFR Part 441) is designed to reduce or even eliminate this pollutant from reaching the wastewater treatment facility where it might enter the environment through biosolids or water discharge.

One Time Dental Certification Form

All dental facilities are required to submit a One Time Dental Certification Form (PDF) indicating they are using an approved amalgam separator or equivalent device and best management practices to prevent the discharge of waste amalgam to the sewer system as well as prohibiting the use of oxidizing and acidic cleaning products in their offices. All forms and applications must be entirely completed and returned with an original wet signature. Digital and electronic signatures will not be accepted per EPA regulations.