Environmental Control

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The Environmental Control section of the City of Reno, Utility Services Department works to keep our environment safe and free of harmful pollutants in our waterways. Environmental Control administers an industrial pretreatment program for commercial/industrial sewer users to protect the City's treatment and collection system. This includes permitting and inspecting over 1,700 Industrial Users for compliance with wastewater discharge regulations under Reno Municipal Code 12.16. These Industrial Users consist primarily of restaurants, auto shops, and various commercial / industrial facilities, which may employ various pretreatment devices, including grease interceptors and sand-oil interceptors. In short, Reno Environmental Control oversees discharges from Industrial Users (any non-residential facility connecting to the POTW) to ensure that the wastewater is compatible with the sewer lines and the water reclamation facilities.

Significant Industrial Users (high strength, high flow, or Categorical Industrial Users) are subject to specific limitations on wastewater strength, listed under RMC 12.16.565.

Environmental Control staff also protect our waterways by administering various programs related to stormwater protection. This includes performing facility inspections to ensure compliance with stormwater regulations found in Reno Municipal Code. Reno Environmental Control also responds to Service Requests that identify spills and releases that could affect the storm drain system and our waterways. This includes staffing a 24/7 spill line.

To report a spill or possible contamination, please call 775-722-4660. Environmental Control staff will respond to environmental emergencies to oversee and mitigate spills or other threats to the storm drain system.