September 2014
In This Issue
After-hours Inspections
On-Time Permit Applications
Ask Your Inspector
 
   Watershed Workforce
Zuhayl (Zuha) Lambert
holds a Master of Science Degree in Environmental Studies from San Jose State University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Cultural Anthropology with emphasis in Archaeology from the University of California Santa Barbara.
 
Her work experience is diverse. Her Masters thesis was on the Redwoods and specifically she did research on pygmy Redwoods in Mendocino, CA. Further, she has several years of experience in forestry and tree management. Her career also includes time as an archeologist and she has recovered human remains and prehistoric artifacts in Peru, Watsonville and around Moffat field. In one case she worked with a team who recovered human remains from a plane crash in the 1940s.
 
Zuha has also worked in the City's Landscape Districts, where she worked on tree contracts, soil sampling, habitat restoration, creek cleanups, creek sampling, public outreach and volunteer coordination.
 
Zuha was born and raised in LA and Mexico, and lives in Campbell with her husband, two cats, and dog.
  
Did You Know?

Analytical Results Entered as "ND" on Your SMR May Be Considered a Violation.

 

One method for accurately completing the Analytical Results section of the Self-Monitoring Report (S  MR) is to fill in the Detection Limit data first. The Detection Limit can be found in the analytical report provided by your laboratory and may be listed as "Method Detection Limit" (MDL) or "Detection Limit" (DL).

 

After entering the Detection Limit entry, enter the Results data. The Results data is the actual concentration of the Parameter analyzed. If the Parameter was not detected, enter the value as "less than the Detection Limit" (e.g., <0.010 if the Detection Limit is 0.010); do not enter "ND" or "N/A" and do not write "see attached" on the form in reference to any information. Enter all analytical data in milligrams per liter (mg/L). If your laboratory provided results in micrograms per liter (μg/L), convert the results to mg/L by dividing the result by 1000 (e.g., 10 μg/L /1000 = 0.010 mg/L).

 

An incomplete SMR is a violation of your Permit conditions and may result in an enforcement action. Questions regarding specific SMR requirements or forms can be directed to your Environmental Inspector at (408) 793-5300 or answered by visiting our website, www.sanjoseca.gov/pretreatment.

 

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200 East Santa Clara St. 7th Floor
San Jos�, California 95113
www.sanjoseca.gov/pretreatment
(408) 793-5300

The Tributary Tribune informs the Industrial Users of the Facility's service area, which includes the cities of San Jos�, Santa Clara, Milpitas, Cupertino Sanitary District. West Valley Sanitation District (including Campbell, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Saratoga), County Sanitation District No. 2-3, and Burbank Sanitary District.
  

After-hours Inspections
 Help Us All

 

It's 9:37 p.m. on a Wednesday. You hear, "Knock, Knock!" It's your inspector - Are you ready?

 

To protect the Bay, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires unannounced inspections of industrial users (IU's) be conducted to determine compliance with wastewater discharge regulations. Unannounced inspections can occur anytime, including after-hours, during swing and grave shifts, and on weekends.

 

The City of San Jos�'s Source Control Team, part of the Environmental Services Department's Watershed Protection Division, is one of several groups that protect the public and the South San Francisco Bay from water pollution. In addition to protecting the Bay, through field inspections, the Team performs front-line defense of one of the City's largest assets: the sanitary sewer system and the San Jos�-Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility (Facility). Illegal dumping of heavy metals, toxics, or flammables can cause explosions in the sewer system, injure workers, disrupt Facility operations, and pass through the Facility untreated to pollute the Bay.

 

After-hours inspections generally take less time than your Compliance or Annual inspections because they focus on fewer areas. They frequently include inspection of treatment system operations; review of log sheets, records, and meter readings; and sample collection. If a replicate sample is desired, bottles from your contract laboratory must be available since the City does not give out sample bottles. The Inspectors also walk through your facility.

 

The Source Control Team uses these opportunities to meet and educate IU staff who may not have ever met a Source Control Inspector. The inspector gauges your staff's knowledge about permit requirements and maintaining compliant wastewater discharges. If there appears to be a knowledge gap, the inspector informs your regular contact person.

 

Most unannounced inspections look at permitted metal finishing operations, but any IU business is a candidate. Your business should be prepared during all shifts in case an Inspector shows up. Preparations you should take include training and notifying staff and security that the City conducts after-hours inspections and they will need to provide the inspector access to your facility. Failure to provide access is both a local and federal violation, and may result in enforcement actions against your business.

 

In the past, after-hours inspections have uncovered several cases of illegal activity including dumping of heavy metals (copper, nickel and chromium), and dumping toxics like cyanide and reactive chemistry with high or low pH. Sanitary sewer dumping of oil and grease, flammables, and other organics has also been identified. These cases are referred by the Source Control Team to the Offices of the City and District Attorneys, and in some instances EPA's Criminal Investigations Division, for prosecution.

 

After-hours inspections protect the public and the City's assets and staff. They also protect your business and set a level playing field by ensuring businesses are operating legally. Granting inspectors quick entry for unannounced, after-hours inspections and being prepared will save time for your staff and inspectors alike and can prevent a violation. Our water quality and public health depend on this partnership. If you have questions, please contact your Inspector.

 

Submit Your Permit Application On Time to Maintain Your Legal Right to Discharge

Industrial waste discharge permits must be renewed every five years. Without an up-to-date permit, your facility cannot discharge non-domestic wastewater to the sanitary sewer system. To avoid interruptions in your discharge operation, follow this guideline:

 

Submit your permit renewal application at least 90 days before the expiration of your existing discharge permit.

 

This 90-day period allows time for the your application to be processed and a new permit issued before your old one expires. Without this lead time, you run the risk of preventing your company from legally discharging to the sanitary sewer. City staff cannot extend the date of an existing permit.

Permit application reminders are sent out by the City; however, you are still required to submit a timely application whether or not you receive the reminder.Applications received after their due dates are subject to delinquent fees and enforcement actions.

 

A significant change to your operation also requires a new permit, and you must apply for a new permit 90 days prior to making a significant change including:

  • Adding or deleting process discharge or sample points

  • Changes in average process flow of 20% or more

  • Ownership changes

For permit application questions, contact your Environmental Inspector at (408) 793-5300. Completed applications must be accompanied by the applicable fees. You can download permit applications using this link: Permit Application Form

Ask Your Inspector
Q: How do I set up the composite auto-sampler that is required by my permit?

 

A: Section B.3 of your permit will explain your composite sampler requirements. Follow these tips to ensure consistent compliance and a violation free sample.
  • Ensure all auto-sampler equipment is clean and well maintained. The tubing and receiving bottle can accumulate suspended solids, which could end up in your wastewater sample and result in a violation.

  • If your permit requires you to have a refrigerated composite sampler, the temperature must not exceed 4� C. Make sure your refrigerated sampler clearly and accurately displays the temperature. Portable thermometers are an inexpensive way to stay in compliance.

  • The composite auto-sampler should collect one aliquot every 15 minutes during the facility's discharge hours of operation. If your permit requires you to collect flow proportional samples, you need to maintain the electronic interface equipment between the composite sampler and flow meter.

  • The "Internal Case Humidity" indicates the amount of moisture present inside the control box. The paper indicator should always be blue. If the color changes to pink or white, moisture has accumulated which can damage the electronic circuitry, and it may be time to change your auto-sampler's desiccant. Always follow the manufacturer owner's manual for maintenance, programming, and calibration.

  • Avoid unnecessary penalties by properly maintaining your auto-sampler and documenting all repairs and maintenance - violating permit conditions can cost up to $50,000 per day in civil penalties.