Industrial Pretreatment Ordinance Revision Required

Entities discharging commercial and industrial wastewater to the City infrastructure are encouraged to participate in the Title 11.1 Ordinance Revision discussion. Last night, the City Commission was updated with opportunities for our local businesses and industries to learn about the ordinance revision and provide feedback.

A survey will be available on the City of Bismarck's Industrial Pretreatment Program webpage from Friday, January 24, 2025, through February 24, 2025, to provide information and receive input.

The Local Limits adopted in May 2024 protect the wastewater treatment plant from receiving waste that may pass through to the Missouri River or interfere with operations and are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The industrial pretreatment ordinance revision includes the updated EPA requirements the adopted local limits.

The Industrial Pretreatment Ordinance allows the City of Bismarck to deny or condition businesses from discharging specific pollutants (including but not limited to fats, oils, grease, sand, grit, metals, large volumes of organic materials such as milk, soda, beer, etc.) into the sanitary sewer that may cause:

• Risks to worker health and safety
• Damage to infrastructure
• Interferes with the plant's operations or processes
• Contamination of biosolids or Missouri River water

"Our Industrial Pretreatment Program working together with local businesses is our most effective way to protect our wastewater treatment infrastructure," said Public Works Utility Operations Director Michelle Klose. "We appreciate businesses and industry taking time now to understand and comment on these required changes."

The following timeline is projected for this process. Adjustments may be made and will be posted to the website:

• January 24, 2025 - Form available for public comment
• January 28, 2025 - Presentation at City Commission meeting
• January 29, 2025 - Stakeholder meeting from 3 to 4 PM at the Public Works Large Conference Room, 601 South 26th Street, Bismarck, ND 58504
• February 24, 2025 - Public comment form closes
• February 25, 2025 - Request approval of Ordinance Revision at City Commission meeting

Feedback over the next several weeks is beneficial in finalizing the ordinance revisions to meet the needs of various organizations utilizing wastewater infrastructure throughout Bismarck.

For more information visit the Industrial Pretreatment Program webpage.