Facility Inspections

Each permitted industrial discharger annually receives a comprehensive on-site facility inspection as required by Section 3745-3-03(C)(1)(e) of the Ohio Revised Code ORC 3745-3 and Section 403.8(f)(1)(v) CFR 403.8 of the Federal Code of Regulations. Section 925.15 of the Sewer Code authorizes the right of entry for this inspection activity. The inspections are normally scheduled in advance, but they may be unannounced if circumstances warrant. Also, additional inspections are conducted in response to compliance problems, spill events, or other special circumstances.

Prior to the facility inspection, a review of the past year’s wastewater compliance history, discharge permit status, and the status of any required reports is reviewed with the industry. The normal facility inspection focuses on wastewater discharge practices; chemical storage, containment, and handling practices and procedures; a review of pretreatment equipment maintenance and calibration records if applicable, and a general walk-through of the plant manufacturing process with an emphasis on wastewater sources.

The inspection process also allows us to update industries on new and changing environmental rules and regulations. It further allows us to place an emphasis on making industries aware of various pollution prevention measures and offer any assistance we can in identifying and resolving wastewater problems. Information regarding pollution prevention is available at the following websites: US EPA Pollution Prevention and Ohio EPA Pollution Prevention. The City considers this emphasis on assistance and guidance with our permitted industries to be an effective method to build trust, reduce compliance problems, and enhance pretreatment program operations.

Following the site inspection tour, a comprehensive letter summarizing the inspection is sent to the industry. This letter includes a listing of any problems or deficiencies noted during the on-site inspection; details of any actions required of the industry to address these problems/deficiencies. It also includes a summary of the status of any required reports such as the Toxic Organic Management Report (TOMP), Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures Plan (SPCCP), Slug Control Plan, Semi-annual Compliance Reports, and includes the industry’s current BMR and discharge permit status.

Inspection Checklist (238 KB PDF)

Inspection Summary Letter (101 KB PDF)

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