HELP Meeting Minutes
July 16, 2003
Hosted by Celltech R&D and Sharon Adams

I. Heather Earnheart of Alderwood Water and Wastewater District gave a presentation on "Industrial Pretreatment-Alderwood/King County Requirements."  

A facility may be regulated by both Alderwood Water District and King County Metro as well as the Department of Ecology.  This is dependent upon who regulates your trunk line and where your waste is processed.  Alderwood Water’s area covers south to the King County line and north to South Everett.  Those companies in the Canyon Park area use Alderwood Water trunk lines, however, their waste is processed in King County.  Alderwood Water has the authority to regulate, however, they do not issue permits.

In areas of overlapping jurisdiction, AWWD regulates discharges that affect the collection system (flow, pH, fat, oil, grease) and worker health and safety (toxics).  King County regulates discharges that affect the treatment process (BOD, TSS, Metals).  One parameter that is quite different for the two regulatory agencies is pH.  AWWD’s allowable pH range for discharge is 5.5 to 8.5.  You may go up to 11 with an approved variance.  King County’s upper limit is 12 without approval.  If you are regulated by both AWWD and King County, you must adhere to the most stringent down drain limits for each category.

If your company discharges industrial waste, you must complete the appropriate paperwork for AWWD, King County or both.  AWWD requires you to complete "Sewer Use Survey for Non-Residential Customers."  King County requires you to complete the "Business Declaration Form."  You must also contact these agencies if you change your processes in such a way as to change your discharge.  In case of accidental release, these agencies must be contacted immediately.  

II. Brett Gehrke of Alderwood Water and Wastewater District gave a presentation on "Cross Connection Control Program."

Brett spoke about backflow assemblies.  For background on this topic, refer to WAC 246-290-490 and Alderwood Resolution 2385-2000.  Two types of isolation systems were spoken about, "premise" and "in premise."  Premise isolation is designed to prevent anything in your building from backing up into the public drinking water supply.  In premise isolation is designed to protect your building by preventing industrial waste from backing up into your potable water supply.  AWWD regulates premise isolation.  In premise isolation is regulated by the Uniform Plumbing Code.

All biotech companies are required to have a Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Assembly.  This assembly is located as close to the water meter as possible, no more than 50’.  The device is required to have an annual inspection performed by a contracted company.

For specific questions, please contact Brett directly.

III. Announcement of results of elections

President            Matt Donelan
Vice President        Jesse Mushen
Secretary            Sharon Adams
Treasurer            Donna Hoskins

IV. General discussion-clothing requirements of various companies and enforcement.  This question was raised to the group and it appeared that many companies are struggling with this.  Some have a very stringent policy requiring not only labcoats, but also no bare skin, i.e., no shorts or skirts.  Other companies are attempting to establish a policy.  All agreed that the two biggest factors in enforcement are upper management support and accountability of employee on an annual review system.

V. Next meeting will be on Sept. 17, 2003 at 9 am.  The location will be Amgen, 51 University, Seattle.