environment committee october 14, 2008

Metropolitan CouncilEnvironmental Services

A Clean Water Agency

MCES Response to Pharmaceutical Waste Issues and Other Emerging Pollutants of

Concern in Wastewater

Environment CommitteeOctober 14, 2008

Keith Buttleman – Asst. General ManagerLeo Hermes – Industrial Waste Manager

Environmental Quality Assurance




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Emerging Pollutants of Concern

Endocrine Disruptors




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Pharmaceuticals




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Personal Care Products




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PFCs (Perfluorochemicals)




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MCES Involvement

Healthcare Hazardous Waste Committee

Main Focus:

• Meeting Regulations• Developing Documents• Providing Training




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Metro Area Hospitals

21 hospitals currently have Industrial Discharge Permits

Compliance

Survey of waste management practices




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Problem

Majority of pharmaceuticals present in wastewater is from human excretion




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Additional MCES Involvement

MN Pretreatment Coordination

Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board (SWMCB)

Healthcare Environment Awareness and Resource Recovery Team (HEARRT)

National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA)




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MCES Involvement

Providing written comments to EPA and NACWA

Assisting University of Minnesota Research Projects

Keeping track of these issues via:• Various national organizations• Publications and web sites• Other POTWs and NACWA• Conferences and Webinars




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Ongoing Efforts

Gather and evaluate information

Develop partnerships

Source investigations

2009 Budget monies




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Future Efforts

Potential “Take Back” event

Revisions (proposed) to MCES Waste Discharge Rules

Continued involvement




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