The federal Clean Water Act requires cities to regulate industries that discharge wastewater or stormwater to the city’s sewer systems. As the City’s sewer and stormwater services provider, Environmental Services sets the pollutant limits and regulates industries to protect the City’s system and our watersheds. 

Businesses that conduct asbestos abatement and structural demolition activities have the potential to discharge asbestos and lead paint particulates as well as other pollutants that, if not treated properly, may jeopardize public health. Discharges from these activities are prohibited from entering the City stormwater system, but may be authorized to enter the sanitary sewer system.

To ensure wastewater discharged to the sanitary sewer from deconstruction activities is properly managed, companies are required to obtain authorization from Environmental Services prior to initiating discharges. Review the fact sheet that further explains Environmental Services' regulatory requirements for asbestos abatement and demolition activities here. For more information, contact the Water Pollution Control Laboratory at 503-823-5600.