The City of Livermore Water Resources Division maintains an inspection and pretreatment permitting program to protect the wastewater system from substances that could potentially interfere with the operation of the system, pass through the treatment process, compromise worker safety, or harm the public health or environment.

Businesses are inspected to verify compliance with sewer regulations and may be required to obtain a wastewater discharge permit. Inspections typically involve verification of the following:

• Pollution control equipment and features installed where required
• Pretreatment equipment and features in good working order
• Operating and maintenance records kept and in order
• Illegal and inappropriate piping connections eliminated
• All wastes contained and disposed of properly
• Outdoor activities controlled to prevent site runoff
• Spill containment and control plan fully implemented
• Best Management Practices (BMPs) employed are sufficient to minimize pollutant discharge

Another essential component of this task promotes incorporation of pollution prevention controls into site designs in order to reduce the number of pollutants in runoff, as well as minimize the volume of runoff leaving the site.

Impervious surfaces such as paved areas and roofs provide efficient collection points for airborne, vehicular, and other pollutants. A rainstorm can quickly sweep these materials into creeks and waterways, and at a velocity that can scour and erode creek bed and bank, further impacting stream habitat. Techniques such as maximizing open space; designing grass swales for rainwater collection, treatment and infiltration; routing of roof leaders to landscaped areas; and use of permeable paving blocks to promote infiltration are a few examples of features that help prevent pollutants from reaching creeks and waterways.

Industrial & Commercial Dischargers

Wastewater discharges to the collection and treatment system are regulated by Livermore Municipal Code Sections 13.32 and 13.36. Businesses and activities that require a discharge permit include:

• Any industrial facility requiring regulation under federal law.
• Facilities that warrant periodic inspection and monitoring to prevent discharge of problem pollutants into the collection system.

Such facilities include product manufacturing, commercial food preparation, photo processing, machinery and equipment repair, and construction site dewatering. Permits generally include sampling and monitoring requirements, and compliance with applicable Best Management Practices. Discharges must comply with specific pollutant limitations known as “local limits.”

Dischargers' Local Limits

No person shall discharge wastewater containing a daily maximum concentration in excess of:

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