Wastewater Disposal FAQ
1. What chemicals or substances should NOT be put down the laboratory sink or drain?
To meet MWRA requirements and to protect our environment, the following materials should not be put down laboratory sinks or drains:
- Mercury, and mercury containing compounds
- PCB's
- Pesticides
- Phenanthrene
- There is a daily maximum limit for a specific list of pollutants
- Petroleum hydrocarbons
- Highly corrosive substances
- TTO's (Acid/Base Neutral Fraction)
- VOC's (Volatile Organic Chemicals)
- Total Fats, Oils and Grease
- Hazardous Wastes
In addition, the MWRA prohibits the discharge into the sewer of any of the following:
- Groundwater, storm water, surface water, roof orsurface runoff.
- Non-contact Cooling Water, uncontaminated process water such as from backup generators, air conditioning units, and refrigeration compressors.
- Fuel oil, crude oil, lubricating oil or any other oil, grease, or hydrocarbons of petroleum origin in excess of 15 milligrams per liter.
- Any liquid, solid or gas that may creat a fire or explosion hazard.
- Any noxious or malodorous liquid, gas or solid that makes it dangerous for personnel or may cause acute worker health and safety problems.
- Any solid or viscous substance in an amount or size which obstructs or may obstruct the flow in any sewer.
- Any radioactive waste or isotope with a half-life or concentration in excess of any limit established by federal or state law.
- Any Sludge.
- Any substance which causes discoloration such that the color of the wastewater changes noticeably.
- Any Slug (that portion of discharge containing a concentration of a pollutant at least five times greater than the concentration limit for that pollutant.).
2. Who should I contact if I am unsure about disposal or chemicals?
Refer to your local Harvard EH&S office (Cambridge/Allston: 617-495-2060, Longwood: 617-432-1720)
3. What regulations apply to the discharge of wastewater at Harvard University?
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Fuel Gas and Plumbing Codes, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority (MWRA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) all regulate wastewater discharged by Harvard University.
4. How do I obtain wastewater alert labels for my laboratory sinks?
Wastewater labels are available from laboratory facility managers, and from Environmental Health & Safety.
5. What happens to the wastewater after leaving my sink?
All lab wastewater travels through building systems to a pH neutralization system to a series of treatment processes on its way to the MWRA's Deer Island Treatment Plant and eventually to the Atlantic Ocean. Refer to the MWRA website for additional information.
6. How does Harvard University monitor discharges of wastewater?
Harvard University is required to sample on a regular basis, continually for wastewater pH, and periodically for chemicals. Discharge limits for many chemicals are <1ppm.
