A Reminder on Cooling Tower Additives
Prohibition of cooling tower additive tri-butyl-tin

Winter/Spring 2005

2

Cooling System Guidelines Booklet Now Available
Guidelines for Managing Water in Cooling Systems announcement and how to obtain a copy

Spring 2003

3

Effects of Cyanide on the Plant
How non-conventional pollutants, like cyanide, cause interference and adversely affect the San Jose/Santa Clara Water Pollution Control Plant

Spring/Summer 2005

2

How Surface Cleaning Affects Creeks and the Bay
Techniques to keep pollutants out of the storm sewer.

Fall 2005

2

Mercury and Your Business
The San Francisco Bay does not meet water quality standards for mercury. The regulatory focus is on determining where the mercury comes from and how best to control the sources. Health concerns and sources of mercury pollution are identified in this article. Recommended that businesses perform a mercury audit of their facilities, develop a mercury control plan and policy for replacing mercury-containing products, and specify mercury-free practices when working with vendors and contractors.

Winter 2001

1-2

Plant Exceeds Tributyl Tin Limit
In December 2000, the Plant exceeded the NPDES permit limit for Tributyl Tin. Dischargers are requested to review their chemical usage, discharge and cleaning practices for the past 2 months to identify and eliminate the sources. Brief explanation of the historical uses of TBT and its prohibition in 1995.

Winter 2001

2

Pollutant Loading from Permitted Industry
Pollutant loading from permitted industry has achieved significant reductions from Industrial Partnerships, the Flow Audit Study Program, and other industrial efforts.

Fall 1999

2

Protect the Bay:  Prevent Pipe Corrosion!
Preventing copper pipe corrosion by using less corrosive fluxes and following good design and plumbing practices.

Fall 2004

3

The Plant: Protecting the Bay
WPCP general info including history, service area, capacity, non-conventional pollutants.

Winter/Spring 2005

1

Industrial User Academy Coming This Spring
Get information on the next Industrial User Academy Training to take place April 19-20, 2006. Registration begins in March 2006.

Winter 2005

4

Training Opportunities
Listings of conferences for industrial users, including the IU Academy, EPA/WEF Basic Pretreatment Courses, AWWA Water Resources Conference, AWWA/WEF Water Reuse Conference and CWEA Annual Conference

Fall 1999

6

Effluent Flow Meters
Common types of effluent flow meters (open channel meters including primary devices such as weirs and flumes and secondary devices such as bubblers or ultrasonic transducers), closed pipe meters such as electromagnetic and paddle wheel, location and calibration requirements for meters, selecting a flow meter for the volume of discharge, effect of wastewater characteristics, pipe diameter and length of straight pipe upstream and downstream.

Fall 2002

1-2

Is Your Effluent Meter Calibrated?
Effluent flow meter calibration requirements for permitted IUs

Winter/Spring 2005

2

pH-meter Requirements
pH-meter requirements, cleaning and calibration, proper record keeping, frequency of checking equipment, recommendations for set points

Summer 2002

1-2

CWEA Industry Awards
CWEA announcement of local award recipients for pollution prevention and energy conservation.

Winter 1999

4

Industrial and Hazardous Waste Plant of the Year Award
Industrial and Hazardous Waste Plant of the Year awards, nomination and application procedures

Summer 2002

3

It's Trade Show Time!
Northern California Plant Engineering and Maintenance Show and Conference location, dates and registration information.

Summer 2000

4

Local Business and Government Teamed Up to Promote Pollution Prevention
National Pollution Prevention Week September 15-21, 2003

Winter 2003

3

Local Businesses Win Awards
CWEA award recipients Novellus and Tyco Electronics

Winter/Spring 2005

3

Notes from the Water Efficiency Workshop
Water Efficiency Workshop summary

Spring 2003

3

Updates
Announcement that Western Regional Pollution Prevention Network (WRPPN) and California Water Environment Association (CWEA) will jointly sponsor a workshop on pollution prevention programs and technologies

Summer 2001

3

Ask Your Inspector
Discusses how to avoid wastewater discharge violations by of keeping spare parts on hand for water treatment equipment.

Winter 2007

2

Source Control Inspections:  Defined
Pretreatment program description of sampling inspections, compliance inspections, annual inspections, permit inspections, spill inspections and closure inspections

Fall 2004

1-2

The Unannounced Inspection
Unannounced inspections and how to prepare for them by updating contacts, having the sampling containers ready and available, maintaining the sampling equipment, keeping the sample point accessible, and documenting unusual events.

Spring 2002

1-2

Watershed Workforce
Describes background and current assignments of a City of San José watershed Protection Division staff member.

Winter 2007

2

Filling Out Permit Applications
A step-by-step tutorial and tips intended to facilitate the filling out of your permit applications.

2006 Issue II

1-2

Completing The Total Toxic Organic Forms
How to complete a Total Toxic Organics (TTO) form; which of 2 forms to use; testing requirements; organic solvent reporting requirements;

Spring 2002

3

Frequently Asked Questions About Applying for a Permit
Wastewater permit FAQs - when and how to apply, where to submit the completed application, contact info

Spring 2003

1-2

STP Fees Explained
Sewage treatment plant fees

Fall 2004

4

Wastewater Discharge Permitting Simplified
Describes changes to the wastewater discharge permit including How compliance is determined, transferability of permits, the time frame for completing new samples after a violation, and changes affecting sampling frequency.

Winter 2007

3

2005 EPA Administrative Order Impacts
New EPA administrative order mandates and potential impacts to IUs

Spring/Summer 2005

1

Administrative Citations
On June 23, 1998, the San Jose City Council adopted Resolution No. 68248 setting forth the administrative citation schedule of thirty-two (32) new fines for viloations related to chapter 15.14, the industrial waste discharge regulations.

Fall 1998

1

California Lawmakers Ease Controls on Silver Waste
On January 01, 1999, California law governing the generation, transportation, and treatment of “silver only” hazardous waste changed to reflect the less-stringent regulations of the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA). As a result, businesses generating exclusively “silver-only” hazardous waste in quantities of less than 100 kilograms or 27 gallons per month are now exempt from most hazardous waste generator requirements as conditionally exempt small quantity generators (CESQG). This includes most offices of dentists and chiropractors.

Spring 1999

7

City Comments on Proposed MP&M Rule
New pretreatment category was established by the EPA for industries that manufacture, rebuild or maintain metal products, parts or machinery (MP&M). City of San Jose submitted comments with data from 29 local dischargers, resulting in the EPA showing interest in the Strategic Goals Program as an alternative to the MP&M rule.

Fall 2001

4

DRAFT Copper and Nickel Action Plans
Article traces the history of the development of the Copper and Nickel Action Plans; starting from the 1996 EPA action which identified the South Bay as impaired for copper, nickel, selenium and mercury, to the establishment of TMDLs and a WMI workgroup to study the effects of ambient copper and nickel concentrations on beneficial uses of the South Bay. Monitoring, triggers and control activities of the plans to reduce releases of copper and nickel into the Bay are also described.

Summer 2000

1-3

EPA Annual Review of Effluent Guidelines
Information on the EPA’s review of effluent guidelines and how it can possibly impact your business.

Winter 2005

3

EPA Opens Four New Compliance Assistance Centers
The EPA opened four online compliance assistance centers to provide updated compliance information, regulations, vendor listings, environmental management software and other resources. Includes a list of websites and online resources by chemcial industry.

Spring 1999

5

EPA Orders Change in Source Control Program
EPA administrative order changes to pretreatment program, include evaluation of local limits, amending permits of metal finishing businesses, more aggressive treatment to prevent intentional discharge of untreated process water and reanalyzing the budget, equipment, and staffing of the pretreatment program.

Winter/Spring 2005

4

EPA Releases Pretreatment Streamlining Final Rule
Highlights the changes that came about from the EPA “pretreatment streamlining” final ruling in October 2005. Changes became effective November 14, 2005.

Winter 2005

2

Industrial Activities Storm Water General Permit
The SWRCB adopted the Industrial Activities Storm Water General Permit (General Permit) on April 17, 1997 replacing the 1991 permit. Facility operators within Santa Clara County must file a Notice of Intent (NOI) and submit an annual fee to the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) to be covered under the General Permit.

Fall 1998

3

Mercury Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Participation Plan
The Water Pollution Control Plant achieved compliance with its mercury limit since March 1996 and has agreed to participate in the region-wide mercury strategy.

Fall 1999

1

New Local Limits for Industrial Users
Describes how changes to local wastewater discharge limits will affect businesses with permits.

Winter 2007

1

Pretreatment Program Changes
As a result of an audit of the pretreatment program, your Source Control inspector may have changed. Procedures, the Enforcement Response Plan, and City inspection and monitoring frequencies are being revised.

Summer 2001

2

Regulation of Storm Water Discharges
Since the passage of the Clean Water Act, attention has shifted to nonpoint sources (NPS) as a major contributor of pollutants to our waters. The California State Water Resources Control Board issues separate NPDES permits to cover construction and industrial activities. The primary purpose of these permits is to reduce or eliminate the discharge of pollutants to storm water through the development of a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).

Fall 1998

2

Stormwater Permit Requirements Take on Teeth
The Stormwater Enforcement Act of 1998 (AB 2019) requires the State Water Resources Control Board and the Regional Water Quality Control Boards to make greater efforts to identify dischargers of storm water and enforce the filing of NOI forms and the submission of annual reports or exemptions by providing incentives and penalizing those facilities which do not comply. Includes a description of what kinds of activities are subject to coverage under the General Industrial Activities Storm Water Permit.

Spring 1999

4

The 1998 Clean Bay Strategy Report
Summary of 1998 South Bay watershed activities: Industrial Recycle/Reuse Program; Flow Audit Study Program; change to the definition of Critical User in the Municipal Codes of San Jose, Santa Clara, Milpitas, Cupertino Sanitary District and West Valley Sanitation District to regulate companies discharging greater than 100,000 gpd; SBWR Phase II Master Plan development; construction of infill and deferred extensions to the SBWR pipeline; and Slow the Flow and Save the Bay Local Business Awareness Campaigns to to encourage employees to purchase ULFTs for their homes.

Winter 1999

1-2

The 1999 Clean Bay Strategy Report
Summary of 1998 South Bay watershed activities: The Water Pollution Control Plant achieved compliance with its mercury limit since March 1996 and has agreed to participate in the region-wide mercury strategy.

Summer 1999

1

The Enforcement Response Plan
Enforcement response plan - investigation and response to non-compliance violations, administrative citations

Summer 2002

4

Update: 2005 EPA Administrative Order Impacts
Article updating the progress made in addressing the EPA Administrative Order since the first article appeared in the Summer 2005 issue of the Tributary Tribune.

Winter 2005

2

Completing a Self Monitoring Report
Detailed instructions for completing a self monitoring report.

Fall 2001

2-3

Composite Sampler O & M
A review of the composite sampling process with emphasis on permit requirements, operational issues, maintenance issues, and consequences for violations.

Winter 2005

1

Consequences of Falsified Self Monitoring Reports
Story about what happened when a chemical manufacturer falsified discharge monitoring reports and was successfully prosecuted by the EPA for violations of the Clean Water Act.

Spring 2002

4

Federal Officials Concerned About Fraudulent Environmental Lab Tests
The trend is part of a wider problem of false environmental tests by private companies on everything from petroleum products to underground storage tanks and soil.

Winter 2003

1

Improving Industrial User Performance
A review of some of the more common Industrial User compliance problems and how to avert them; includes pH monitoring, 24-hour notification of violation, 30 day resample, non-standard waste stream,slug control plan and self-monitoring reports.

Fall 2005

1

New! For Industrial Users Surveillance Monitoring Fact Sheet Now Available
Announcement and highlights of the Surveillance Monitoring fact sheet developed by the City of San José. Includes website where fact sheet can be downloaded.

Winter 2005

2

Proper Lab Analysis Documentation
It is important to select a laboratory trained to analyze wastewater; where to find a list of wastewater pollutants and approved test methods.

Fall 2005

2

Surveillance Monitoring
A description of the types of sewer monitoring activities, both trunkline and surveillance, and how they are used to identify intentional or accidental bypassing of treatment.

Spring/Summer 2005

2-3

Surveillance Monitoring: Lessons Learned
Surveillance monitoring is used to verify the accuracy of an Industrial User's discharge data; citations can occur for violations of pollution limits detected by surveillance monitoring; how to prevent violations with preventative measures such as ongoing training and verifying plumbing lines

Summer 2001

1-2

Tips for Selecting and Monitoring Labs
A number of useful tips.

Winter 2003

1-2

Storm Drain Spills

Fall 2004

2

Stormwater Infiltration Devices (SWIDs)
Stormwater infiltration, its benefits and risks, and reccommended stormwater infiltration devices (SWIDs) are explained.

Spring 1999

3

Watershed Management in the Santa Clara Basin - New Solutions to Old Problems
Brief description of the watershed problems of the Santa Clara Basin and how the Watershed Management Initiative (WMI) was initiated to address them. The WMI is conducting a scientific watershed assessment to document the basin’s environmental conditions and identify sources of pollution. When completed, the assessment will be the foundation for a regional watershed management plan to control pollutants from all significant sources.

Spring 1999

9

2001 Industrial Users Survey Results
Wastewater services survey results summarized.

Summer 2001

3

Building on Success... Slow the Flow Returns
In its second year, the Water Efficiency Program will again offer a $100 rebate per ULFT installed through the Slow the Flow campaign, which educates the community on the impact of indoor water use on the environment and the economy.

Fall 1999

5

City of San Jose - Watershed Grant Program
ESD convened a work group to assist in the definition of program goals, guidelines, application procedures, and the selection criteria and process for the Watershed Grant Program. Almost $300,000 will be awarded from 13 received proposals.

Winter 1999

3-4

Congratulations, Candescent!
Candescent Technologies, a San Jose research facility for flat panel displays, has undertaken an aggressive approach for water conservation which is estimated to save 50,000 gallons of water daily.

Fall 1998

4

Free Water Survey
Free water surveys to encourage water conservation offered by SCVWD with financial assistance provided by WET for implementing recommendations.

Fall 2004

3

Free Water Surveys for Businesses
Describes free water surveys for commercial, institutional and industrial customers in Santa Clara County offered by the Clara Valley Water District to help businesses save water, energy and money.

Winter 2007

4

Get WET With Cooling Tower Modifications
Example cooling tower modification and requirements for a WET rebate

Fall 2002

3

Financial Incentives Program Profiles
Acknowledgement of efforts of 3 companies who utilized the financial incentives program to reduce their wastewater discharges, with water savings and rebate amounts reported.

Spring 2000

2

FLOW AUDIT STUDY Industrial Recycling and Reuse
The 1999 South Bay Action Plan required Tier 1 dischargers to complete a flow audit study. Results were 57 companies were identified as Tier 1 dischargers (over 100,000 gpd). Staff identified over 50 projects to reduce wastewater discharges. A new, updated list of Tier 1 dischargers will be required to complete a flow audit in 2000. All sectors are encouraged to look for ways to reduce wastewater and take advantage of the Plant's available financial incentives.

Spring 2000

1-2

Perseverance Pay$ Off in Water Conservation
WET project story and water savings eligibility requirement

Summer 2002

2-3

Recycled Water Pipeline Extension Underway in Silver Creek and Santa Teresa
Recycled water pipeline extension in Silver Creek and Santa Teresa, pipeline length & capacity, funding sources, partner agencies

Winter 2003

3-4

Siliconix Saves Water and Gets WET
How Vishay Siliconix used the Water Efficient Technologies (WET) program to fund a project which takes reclaim water from the Reverse Osmosis system to use in its cooling towers and scrubbers, saving more than 47,000 gallons of water per day.

Summer 2001

4

South Bay Circuits...  Water Wise Circuit Board Manufacturing
Story about how South Bay Circuits saved $486,068 by conserving and recycling water and reducing chemical use.

Winter 1999

4

SOUTH BAY WATER RECYCLING  A Look Now and in the Future
Article about South Bay Water Recycling features facts about pipeline, number of customers served, uses (current and long term), cost compared to potable water, regulators, and projected diversion to stay ahead of WPCP's 120 mgd trigger.

Spring 2000

3

Spotlight on Headway Technology
How a Milpitas based company used WET financial rebates to invest in new VRTEX and HERO systems to reduce their wastewater discharge.

Fall 2005

3

T. Marzetti Saves Water When Cooling
How the T. Marzetti company utilized the Water Efficient Technologies (WET) program to offset the cost of installing a new closed loop cooling system for their starch cooling process used in the manufacture of salad dressings, with the resulting savings of 24,000 gallons of water per day.

Fall 2001

1

The Future of Water Recycling in the South Bay Begins Taking Shape
Phase 2 Program is evaluating the feasibility of expanding the SBWR system to deliver recycled water to additional customers in the existing service area and Coyote Valley, industrial customers in Alameda County, and agricultural customers in San Benito and Monterey counties. The Stakeholder Advisory committee and general public identified a number of issues for further study related to the long-term strategies, and the selection of specific projects to be implemented during Phase 2.

Fall 1999

3

Update: South Bay water Recycling (SBWR)
The South Bay Water Recycling (SBWR) Program added several new power plants with cooling tower operations and completed improvements to the recycled water system infrastructure.

2006 Issue II

2

Use of SBWR at California Paperboard
California Paperboard has been begun using recycled water for their paperboard manufacturing process and after 6 months has found no negative impacts.

Fall 1999

4

Water Efficient Technologies (WET) Program Update
Announcement of the expansion of WET program countywide and upcoming WET Workshop

Fall 2001

3

WATER EFFICIENCY TECHNOLOGIES  New Name - Same Great Benefits Announcement of name change for the Water Efficiency Program and acknowledgement of recent company successes.

Summer 2000

3-4

Water You Waiting For???
Description of the Water Efficient Technologies rebate program for businesses who implement water saving equipment changes or processes

Winter 2001

4

WET Projects Come in All Sizes
Descriptions of Water Efficient Technology projects varying in scope, cost and amount of water saved; criteria and minimum water savings needed for rebate

Spring 2002

2-3

WET Success Story - Reaction Technology of Santa Clara
Audit water use in order to save money

Winter/Spring 2005

3

WET "Success Stories"
Dynamic Details Success Story

Spring 2003

4