Wastewater Practices: General Requirements
Introduction
Permits for wastewater discharge are jointly issued to the University by the MWRA and the DEP. These permits establish specific conditions under which wastewater can be discharged. Harvard maintains separate wastewater discharge permits for each of the campuses in the MWRA system: Cambridge, Rowland Institute, One Kendell Square, and the Harvard Longwood campus. This fact sheet summarizes general regulatory requirements for wastewater discharge and identifies compliance management practices for facility personnel.
Applicable University Policy
Harvard University Environmental and Safety MWRA Management Plan
Applicable Regulation
MWRA Regulation 314 CMR 2.00 "Enforcement and Administrative Penalites"
MWRA Regulation 360 CMR 10.000, "Sewer Use Regulations"
DEP Regulation 257 CMR 2.00, "Certification of Operators of Wastewater Treatment Facilities"
DEP Regulation 314 CMR 12.00 "Operation and Maintenance and Pretreatment Standards"
Summary of Requirements
General: The MWRA requires periodic sampling of wastewater discharge by the University to demonstrate compliance with applicable regulations. At Harvard, the primary contaminants that must be kept out of the wastewater stream include volatile organic compounds, heavy metals and acidic or caustic discharges.
Specific discharge prohibitions: A detailed list of prohibited discharges, including numerical limits for heavy metals, pesticides, solvents, organic and other compounds is included in MWRA regulation 360 CMR 10.000. The following is an abbreviated summary of prohibited discharges:
Wastewater with a pH lower than 5.5 or higher than 12.0.
Discharge of any amount of mercury.
Volatile organics compounds (e.g. chloroform, methylene chloride, benzene, toluene, xylene) in concentrations greater than 1.0 milligram per liter.
Non-contact cooling water, industrial process wastewater or uncontaminated cooling or industrial wastewater.
Substances such as fuel and lube oils, gasoline, kerosene, benzene, toluene, xylene ethers, alcohols, etc. which could cause a fire or explosion in the sewer system.
Noxious substances that could cause a public nuisance or toxic fumes.
Hazardous waste and filter backwash.
Liquids or vapors with a temperature greater than 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
Training
Harvard personnel involved with wastewater discharge activities should be trained to comply with applicable requirements. For further information, see DEP Regulation 257 CMR 2.00 "Rules Regarding Certification of Operators of Wastewater Treatment Facilities."
Reporting
The MWRA and City sewer authorities must be notified of any non-compliant or accidental discharges including spills, upsets, slug loads, etc. EH&S provides telephone and subsequent written notification. Discharge reports include wastewater sampling and analysis results, wastewater pretreatment system operating logs, and maintenance/calibration records for the pretreatment systems.
Reports are generally compiled and submitted by EH&S using data compiled by local operators/maintenance personnel.
Inspections
Inspections may be required by MWRA permit requirements. Wastewater pretreatment systems must be inspected and maintained with specific permit requirements.
Recordkeeping
Wastewater pretreatment system operating, maintenance, and calibration logs must be maintained for three years. Discharge reports must also be maintained for three years.
Records of oil/water separator maintenance and sludge disposal must be maintained for six years.
