Environmental Control

The San Bernardino Municipal Water Department (SBMWD) Water Reclamation Plant (WRP) receives approximately 28 MG of wastewater each day. The wastewater discharged is required to meet the discharge limits specified in San Bernardino Municipal Code (SBMC) Chapter 13.32. These regulations are designed to protect the operation of the WRP and allow the facility to meet the discharge requirements specified in the National Discharge Elimination System Permit issued by the State of California Regional Water Quality Control Board.

The Environmental Control Section is responsible for implementing an approved pretreatment program which is effective in enforcing the regulations included in SBMC Chapter 13.32. The pretreatment program requires all users who discharge wastewater of concern to be issued an industrial wastewater discharge permit. Permitted users are inspected and monitored annually to verify compliance with required regulations. New users are required to complete the plan check process to determine if any pretreatment is necessary to meet required discharge limits. An approved enforcement response plan is referenced when users are determined to be in non-compliance.

The Environmental Control Section operates the Santa Ana Regional Interceptor (SARI) receiving station for the discharge of high strength brine waste which can not be discharged directly to the WRP. The operation of the SARI Station is governed by multiple agreements with oversight agencies that are responsible for the overall operation of the SARI program. The discharge of brine waste at the WRP SARI station is governed by regulations specified in San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District (MUNI) Ordinance 1010 - SARI. Generators and liquid waste haulers of high strength brine waste are permitted, inspected, and monitored by the Environmental Control Section to verify compliance with required regulations.

The Environmental Control Section also operates a septic receiving station for the discharge of domestic liquid waste generated within the San Bernardino service area. Liquid waste haulers who transport domestic liquid waste are permitted, inspected, and monitored by the Environmental Control Section to verify compliance with SBMC 13.32.

The Environmental Control Section provides trusted, quality service through the implementation of numerous programs designed to protect the operation of the WRP as well as the community.

Pretreatment Regulations

Wastewater Discharge Regulations including: Pretreatment Program Ordinance, Enforcement Response Plan, and Pretreatment Program Sewer Fees.

Industrial User Applications

Permit applications for Significant Industrial Users (Large Manufacturing Facilities), Non-Significant Industrial Users (Car Washes, Automotive Repair Facilities, Hospitals, and Dental Offices), and Restaurants (Full Service Sit-Down Restaurants, Fast Food Restaurants, Schools, and Cafeterias).

Plan Check Procedures

Plan Check requirements for all new businesses and tenant improvements at existing businesses, Standard Interceptor Design Requirements, and Spill Containment Requirements.

Pollution Prevention Program

General Pretreatment Program Requirements and Pollution Prevention/Best Management Practice Posters and Brochures for Automotive Facilities and Restaurants. English and Spanish versions of brochures are available.

SARI Program

Santa Ana Regional Interceptor is designed for the disposal of high strength brine wastewater. SARI Ordinance as well as permit applications for Industries and Waste Haulers are available.

Contact SBMWD Environmental Control:

General Inquiries
Plan Check
Pollution Prevention
SARI Program