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The following publications and reports have been produced by or for the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP). Pollution prevention information and programs are supplied to residents as well as businesses within the service area. Forms, applications and permits can be found on the "forms/permits" page. You may make a copy of any document for your own use. However, prior to distribution of any document, in part or in whole, you must first obtain permission by calling the above number. For further information, please call the Environmental Compliance Division at 650-329-2598. Industrial Waste Publications List
The following publications have been produced by or for the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP). Pollution prevention information and programs are supplied to residents as well as businesses within the service area.
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| Dry Cleaners - Dry Cleaning Operations
The Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plan (RWQCP) is concerned about potential dry cleaning waste discharges to the sewer system, and has instituted an educational program to ensure that dry cleaning solvent is not discharged to the sewer or storm drain system.
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
| Medical - Pollution Prevention for Hospitals and Medical Facilities
The RWQCP has reviewed many of the activities at the hospitals within its service area. By evaluating the waste generating activities and the waste management practices at these facilities, the following Best Management Practices (BMPs) have been developed.
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
| Medical - You Wouldn't Do This (Poster)
Even though water used in your home is treated before it is discharged into the Bay, modern treatment facilities are not designed to remove medications.
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
| Photographic - Photoprocessing/X-Ray Source Control Program
Over 75% of the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant’s (RWQCP’s) influent silver originates from some 350 relatively small commercial facilities and institutions including photo shops, printers, graphic artists, photographers, dentists, chiropractors, clinics and others.
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
| Photographic - Pollution Prevention Practices for Printers
The Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) has developed these guidelines for water quality protection in order to minimize discharge of metals and other potential pollutants from printers to both the sanitary sewer and storm drain systems.
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
| Plumbers - Control Program for Copper-Based Root Eradicators
Copper, a highly toxic metal, is present in significant amounts near the Regional Water Quality Control Plant’s (RWQCP’s) outfall in San Francisco Bay. Copper is especially poisonous in very small amounts to aquatic plants and animals such as shellfish in early life stages.
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
| Restaurant/Food Services - Food Handling Facilities Fact Sheet
Recent studies show that food handling facilities are one of the sources of releases of water pollutants to storm drains. Improper discharges of oil and grease, food particles, detergents, solvents, and other cleaning products into the storm drains can pose serious problems to our creeks and the Bay.
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
| Contaminated Groundwater Discharge Fees
The Regional Water Quality Control Plant began accepting treated contaminated groundwater in late 1987. Typically, groundwater is from remediation sites contaminated by industrial solvents or leaking fuel tanks.
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
| Sewer Fees For Toxics
The City of Palo Alto instituted, on a pilot basis, a fee system for key toxic pollutants effective July 1, 1992.
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
Construction Pollution Prevention Publications
Stormwater pollution is a serious problem for wildlife dependent on our waterways and for the people who live near polluted streams or baylands. Construction sites are common sources of storm water pollution. Materials and wastes that blow or wash into a storm drain, gutter, or street have a direct impact on local creeks and the Bay.
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| General Construction and Site Supervision
Construction sites are common sources of storm water pollution. Materials and wastes that blow or wash into a storm drain, gutter, or street have a direct impact on local creeks and the Bay.
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
Copper Pollution Prevention Publications
Commercial and residential sources make up a larger percentage of the total copper loading than ever before. Medical clinics, machine shops, laboratories, other industrial facilities, and residents are being asked to do their part by changing their practices.
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| 2007 Copper Action Plan Report
The purpose of this report is to present the data and information the RWQCP has gathered to address copper control actions.
Revision Date: 06/04/2007 | | |
| Copper Action Plan Report
The purpose of this report is to present the data and information the RWQCP has gathered to address these copper control actions.
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
| Copper Source Identification
Because corrosion by far contributes the greatest amount of copper to the influent load, efforts to reduce copper discharges from corrosion could substantially reduce the observed copper levels.
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
| The Copper Problem
By increasing the level of treatment at the plant, modifying operations, and running an aggressive source control program, the RWQCP has reduced the copper discharged to the Bay more than 10-fold
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
| Dioxins Pollution Prevention Plan
The sources and conveyances of dioxins to the wastewater treatment plant were identified in Dioxins Source Identification (EIP, 1997). Using the sources identified and the recommended source reduction strategies in that report, a pollution prevention plan was developed for the large conveyances of dioxins to the RWQCP.
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
| Dioxins Source Identification
The primary conveyances through which dioxins flow to the Regional Water Quality Control Plant appear to be laundry graywater, storm water inflow, shower water, human waste, and toilet paper. Primary local sources of dioxins appear to be residential wood burning and motor vehicles, particularly diesel-fueled motor vehicles.
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
Facility Requirements and Best Practices
The facility operations involve hundreds of different activities, many of which have hidden environmental consequences. Nearly every facility contributes pollutants that find their way into the stormwater and wastewater systems.
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General Pollution Prevention Publications
Most people don’t realize that emptying oil and other pollutants into a gutter or storm drain contributes to pollution in our creeks and San Francisco Bay. The pollution prevention program works to regulate and educate residents and businesses through public participation, the keys to the success of environmental compliance programs.
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| 2007 Clean Bay Plan
2007 Clean Bay Plan Entire Report With All Appendices. The plan describes the various source control programs which complement the industrial waste program.
Revision Date: 06/04/2007 | | |
| Bay Area Wastewater Treatment Agencies Phone List
Use the Bay Area Wastewater Treatment Agencies Phone List to find the agency that serves your location select your county. Look for the service area that contains your facility.
Revision Date: 06/04/2007 | | |
| Emily Renzel Wetlands Site Restoration Update
The Emily Renzel Wetlands Site Restoration was designed to expand and enhance the growth of pickleweed, which is the habitat for the endangered salt marsh harvest mouse.
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
| Help Save the Bay… Keep Pollution Away
The pollution prevention program uses Flo the Raccoon to assist in getting the word out about pollution problems related to storm drains.
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
| Reclaimed Water Use
The plant provides the water free of charge to permitted operators of tank trucks, including landscapers and construction contractors.
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
| Statistical Analysis of Regional Water Quality Control Plant Data
For three years (1995-1998), the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant collected influent and effluent concentration data for copper, nickel, and zinc on a weekly basis. The purpose of this document is to examine some of the factors that may influence these concentrations.
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
| Urban Runoff Management Plan
Palo Alto strives to implement a comprehensive water quality protection program covering both storm drain and sanitary sewer discharge issues. The comprehensive Urban Runoff Management Plan addresses these issues.
Revision Date: 06/04/2007 | | |
Home Pollution Prevention Publications
Pollution prevention begins at home. Mercury, copper, dioxins and other pollutants are found in the home. Learn how to protect yourself, your family, and the environment from household pollutants.
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| Home Darkroom Use
Home Darkroom Users Drop Off Spent Photochemicals at the Regional Water Quality Control Plant
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
| Pocket Seafood Selector
Pocket Seafood Selector guide to choosing fish that are both eco-friendly and healthy to eat
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
| Swimming Pool And Spa Water Not For Storm Drains
Because storm drains in the Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) service area flow directly to local creeks and south San Francisco Bay with no treatment, toxic pool treatment chemicals can have a detrimental effect on the environment.
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
Industrial Waste Pollution Prevention Publications
In 1990 an Ordinance revision was adopted for the cities within the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) service area requiring the preparation of Waste Minimization (now called "Pollution Prevention") Plans.
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| Cyanide Incident, November 1995
In November 1995, the cyanide in the Regional Water Quality Control Plant’s discharge to San Francisco Bay increased dramatically from typical values of 3 to 4 parts per billion (ppb) to as high as 40 ppb.
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
| Industrial Pollution Prevention
In 1990 an Ordinance revision was adopted for the cities within the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) service area requiring the preparation of Waste Minimization (now called "Pollution Prevention") Plans.
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
| Industrial Waste Enforcement
In 1989, the Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) began implementing enforcement procedures designed to impose monetary penalties. Enforcement since, has resulted in compliance agreements with industries that violated their discharge limits.
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
| Pollution Prevention At Metal Finishers
In 1995, the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) adopted sewer use ordinance provisions that require metal finishing industries to implement pollution prevention.
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
| Pollution Prevention At Specific Plating Company
Specific Plating has dramatically reduced its sewer discharges of copper and nickel. The company’s pollution prevention efforts include both modifications of industrial processes and improved waste handling and treatment techniques.
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
| Pollution Prevention Review: Davila International Circuits, Inc.
This Fact Sheet is one of six that summarize the findings from pollution prevention reviews conducted by the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP). This Fact Sheet summarizes the pollution prevention review of Davila International Circuits, Inc. in Mountain View, California.
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
| Pollution Prevention Review: Electrite Company, Inc.
This Fact Sheet is one of six that summarize the findings from pollution prevention reviews conducted by the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP). This Fact Sheet summarizes the pollution prevention review of Electrite Company, Inc. in East Palo Alto, California.
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
| Pollution Prevention Review: Martex Circuits, Inc.
This Fact Sheet is one of six that summarize the findings from pollution prevention reviews conducted by the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP). This Fact Sheet summarizes the pollution prevention review of Martex Circuits, Incorporated in Mountain View, California.
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
| Pollution Prevention Review: Specific Plating Company
This Fact Sheet is one of six that summarize the findings from pollution prevention reviews conducted by the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP). This Fact Sheet summarizes the pollution prevention review of Specific Plating Company in Palo Alto, California.
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
| Pollution Prevention Review: Symtron Corporation
This Fact Sheet is one of six that summarize the findings from pollution prevention reviews conducted by the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP). This Fact Sheet summarizes the pollution prevention review of Symtron Corporation in Mountain View, California.
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
| Pollution Prevention Review: Technitron, Inc.
This Fact Sheet is one of six that summarize the findings from pollution prevention reviews conducted by the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP). This Fact Sheet summarizes the pollution prevention review of Technitron, Inc. in Mountain View, California.
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
| Wastewater Recycling & Treatment At Space Systems/Loral
Space Systems/Loral (SS/L), a satellite manufacturer located in the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) service area, has implemented a pollution prevention project that reduced its total wastewater discharge by more than 90%, and its copper discharge by 97%.
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
| Wastewater Recycling At Ramlor, Inc.
Ramlor, Inc. has successfully eliminated its discharge of wastewater to the sewer. The company’s pollution prevention efforts include spray rinsing and recycling of treated rinsewater.
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
| Wastewater Recycling At Watkins-Johnson Company Building 5
Watkins-Johnson’s Building 5 wastewater treatment system began processing waste water in February 1994. In April 1996, Watkins-Johnson Company began to use the treatment system to recycle a large fraction of its process waters from its Building 5 semiconductor fabrication operations.
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
| Wastewater Treatment At Martex Circuits Incorporated
Martex Circuits Corporation (Martex) has reduced its sewer discharges of copper and nickel. The company has used a sand filter and better treatment chemicals to improve waste handling and treatment techniques.
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
Mercury Pollution Prevention Publications
The San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board has listed all segments of San Francisco Bay as impaired due to mercury pollution based on exceedance of the Basin Plan numeric objective for mercury in water (0.025ppb), and that fish consumed from San Francisco Bay have mercury levels that may threaten human health.
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| City of Palo Alto Mercury and Dioxin Elimination Policy
To eliminate the use of mercury and its subsequent release to the environment., the City will evaluate pollution prevention opportunities to eliminate mercury and dioxin sources from municipal, commercial, industrial and residential activities.
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
| City of Palo Alto Residential Fluorescent Lamp Recycling Program
The RWQCP initiated a recycling program for these bulbs in conjunction with five local hardware stores and a local fluorescent lamp recycler. Residents simply drop off expired T-8, T-12, tube, compact or U-shaped tubes which are stored in barrels provided by the recycler.
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
| Memorandum - City of Palo Alto Mercury Use
Because adopting a mercury reduction policy could affect future purchases of mercury-containing items, this memorandum identifies mercury-containing items that Palo Alto may be buying.
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
| Mercury Headworks Analysis for 2000
Since 1997 the RWQCP has estimated the relative amounts of mercury from laboratories, hospitals, dental offices, human waste, food waste, industrial processes, stormwater inflow, and miscellaneous other activities. This quantification has been based upon local monitoring data, studies by other wastewater treatment plants, and the scientific literature.
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
| Mercury Pollution Prevention Plan
Over the past few years, the RWQCP has put in place several programs that reduce sources of mercury discharges. Among them are a program to reduce the use of mercury thermometers; best management practices for hospitals and other medical facilities, laboratories and pottery studios; and distribution of a guide to installing graywater systems.
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
| Mercury Sources and Alternatives
Mercury Sources and Alternatives in Health Care SOURCE: Adapted from “Mercury reduction in the health care section” The list contains some common sources of mercury in health care and general information about alternatives. More detailed information on select alternative products can be found in the alternative product section.
Revision Date: 07/25/2007 | | |
| Ree-Cycle Yer Burnt Out Fluorescent Lights!
Significant mercury sources are found in household items like fluorescent lights, thermometers, and thermostats. You can help keep mercury out of the Bay by recycling burned-out fluorescent lights.
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
| SB 633: California’s Mercury Reduction Act of 2001
Eliminating unnecessary mercury sources, such as specific consumer products, is a critical task because of increasingly stringent mercury discharge limits for wastewater treatment plants.
Revision Date: 06/14/2006 | | |
Pesticide Pollution Prevention Publications
In 2001, the City of Palo Alto adopted a reduced-risk pest management policy and drafted an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan for the use of pesticides by City staff and contractors. The goal is to minimize pesticide use and utilize only the least toxic chemicals to accomplish essential tasks. This is to be achieved through an annual quantification of the City's pesticide use and continual improvement of pest control strategies.
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City of Palo Alto Pesticide Use Plans and Reports
In 2001, the City of Palo Alto adopted a reduced-risk pest management policy, and drafted a plan for the use of pesticides by City staff and City contractors in order to minimize pesticide use and utilize only the least toxic chemicals to accomplish essential tasks.
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| City of Palo Alto 2003-2004 IPM Program Update
Integrated pest management (IPM), also known as reduced-risk pest management, encourages long term pest prevention and suppression through a combination of techniques.
Revision Date: 06/06/2006 | | |
| City of Palo Alto 2004 IPM Program Update
Integrated pest management (IPM), also known as reduced-risk pest management, encourages long-term pest prevention and suppression through a combination of techniques.
Revision Date: 06/06/2006 | | |
| City of Palo Alto Integrated Pest Management Plan
The City will ensure that general staff and staff who are responsible for pest control will adhere to both the City-wide and division specific pesticide plan and procedure requirements.
Revision Date: 06/06/2006 | | |
| Creating a Beneficial Bug Tub
One way to encourage visiting beneficials to be permanent pest patrollers is to grow flowers that are good producers of nectar and pollen; with your help they’ll have food when pest populations decline.
Revision Date: 06/06/2006 | | |
| Less-Toxic Pest Management - Ants
The Argentine ant is a frequent invader in California homes. Although they can be pests, ants provide an ecological cleansing and fertilization service of considerable importance. For
Revision Date: 06/06/2006 | | |
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