Source Control and Pretreatment Program

The Carmel Area Wastewater District operates a diverse source control program, defined through the district’s Sanitary Sewer Management Program. The source control program was developed to protect the environment, the health and safety of the public and agency employees. This program also protects the operation of the wastewater treatment plant, the wastewater collection system, the quality of biosolids generated from the wastewater treatment process, and to reduce costs associated with the treatment of these pollutants. This is done through the enforcement of regulations that limit the type and amount of pollutants businesses can discharge to the sewer. Source Control Inspectors monitor the results of testing to see if there are any violations of the ordinances by businesses.

Pretreatment Ordinance 2022-02 - Approved March 31,2022

 Permits

 Who must obtain a Permit?

Waste Discharge Permits are issued annually to all businesses with the potential to discharge toxic pollutants, fats, oils, and/or grease into the collection system. The permit includes wastewater discharge limits, monitoring and reporting requirements, as well as other permit conditions. New businesses are required to submit application and plans to the Carmel Area Wastewater District Engineer for plan review and any connection fees to be paid. In addition to any Carmel-by-the-Sea or Monterey County permitting fees, current business owners/restaurants will be required to submit an updated Discharge Permit Application annually of current contact information and changes to restaurant practices. Examples of permitted businesses (but not limited to):

Food service establishments:  (Class IV)

•  Restaurants
•  Bars serving food
•  Golf Course snack bars
•   Nonresidential kitchens such as institutional facilities and hospitals
•   Coffee
•   Bakery
•   Grocery store deli facilities
•   Grocery store meat and produce facilities
•    Beef jerky preparation facilities
•    Olive oil bottling facilities
•    Breweries
•    Other Food packaging facilities

  Service Based Facilities: (Class III)

•     Beauty Salons and Hair Salons
•     Spa and Massage Facilities
•      Laundromats
•      Nail Salons             

    Medical Care and Dental Care Facilities: (Class III)

•       Dental Labs, Surgeries and Offices
•       Laboratories, both Medical and Research
•       Doctor Offices
•       Hospitals
•       Nursing Homes

How is a Permit Obtained? How much does the Discharge Permit Cost?

It is the business owner’s responsibility and obligation to request a Permit from Carmel Area Wastewater District. The business owner can request a Permit by:

1. Completing the application online or downloading it and completing it on your own.  Please see the links on the side of this page for access to both of these ways. 
2. The Discharge Permit fee is $150.00 and is changed annually.
3. Calling or Emailing the Carmel Area Wastewater District Source Control Supervisor.
4. Visiting the Carmel Area Wastewater District Office located at 3945 Rio Road in Carmel, CA 93922.

For more information, the business owner can contact Carmel Area Wastewater District to see if the business falls under the district ordinance.

Carmel Area Wastewater District Lab/Environmental Compliance Supervisor is:

            Ray DeOcampo

            Office: 831-257-0429

            Cell:     831-917-6352

            Email:  deocampo@cawd.org

 Why is a Permit needed?

Control of Fats, Oils, and/or Grease (FOG) is an important necessity by the Federal Government and the State of California as part of the Clean Water Act set up by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency. FOG is any fats, oils or grease produced from animal or vegetable sources. For example, common names include but are not limited to:

            Animal fat

            Vegetable oil

            Cooking grease

But can also include animal and vegetable products disposed of in a garbage disposal.

FOG is technically defined as organic polar compounds derived from animal and/or plant sources that contain multiple carbon chain triglyceride molecules.

  Inspections

Permitted businesses are routinely inspected to see if there have been any operational changes and to determine compliance with permit conditions. A typical inspection includes viewing grease trap or grease interceptor equipment, pretreatment systems, chemicals used, and reviewing documentation such as waste manifests, pretreatment operation and maintenance logs.

 Enforcement

Permit violations may be identified during inspections or by reviewing monitoring data. Enforcement actions may include issuing a Notice of Violation, fines or requiring the installation of pretreatment equipment.

Revision of Fee - Approved Resolution 2019-27:

RES 2019-27 Revising Fee for Industrial Discharge Permits.pdf