Meghan Jacobson, Stormwater/Wastewater Education Coordinator, 509.625.7900
Monday, April 7, 2025 at 1:13 p.m.
Capturing pollutants before they reach the wastewater system is critical to protecting people, infrastructure, and the environment. Each year, City of Spokane recognizes businesses and organizations that prioritize operations to protect the Spokane River by excelling in the management of their wastewater. The following have achieved 100 percent compliance with requirements in the industrial wastewater discharge permits for 2024:
Businesses are required to have industrial wastewater permits either because they produce a large volume of wastewater or because they have the potential to discharge pollutants that can disrupt wastewater treatment processes. The City actively works with businesses and other organizations to prevent harmful or damaging substances from being discharged into the sewer system. The City processed about 33 million gallons of wastewater a day at its Riverside Park Water Reclamation Facility in 2024.
“Excellent wastewater management takes teamwork between our public systems and private users,” says Marlene Feist, Director of Public Works. “Being able to recognize businesses that are committed to the same goal sends a healthy message to our community.”
When businesses meet all of their permit requirements, it helps protect the community from sewer backups and toxic or explosive fumes in the collection system. It also helps to protect the integrity of the sanitary sewer by ensuring corrosive materials are not discharged. Compliance protects the biological processes at the treatment plant and prevents pass through of untreatable pollutants into the Spokane River. When businesses meet pollutant limits in their permits, it also ensures that the biosolids generated at the wastewater treatment plant meet all requirements for land application.
Learn more about the City of Spokane Pretreatment process.
