BPUB administers local, state, and federal regulations to control pollutants discharged from Commercial and Industrial Users (IUs), which may pass through or interfere with the utility's Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW).
Program Objectives
The pretreatment program administers and enforces regulations to:
Protect Infrastructure
Safeguard BPUB's wastewater collection systems, treatment plants, and workers
Enable Bio-solids Reuse
Allow the beneficial reuse of bio-solids from the treatment process
Support Effluent Reclamation
Enable reclamation of treated effluent for irrigation and other uses
Protect Water Quality
Maintain water quality in the Rio Grande and San Martin Lake
Commercial & Industrial Requirements
Businesses that discharge wastewater must comply with BPUB's pretreatment requirements. The process depends on the type of business and discharge characteristics.
Before connecting to BPUB's collection system, businesses must:
1. Complete a Wastewater Survey
- Industrial & Medical Wastewater Survey - For industrial and medical facilities
- Vehicle Services Survey - For vehicle service businesses
2. Submit Documentation
- Submit the completed survey to the Pretreatment Department
- Include plumbing plans with the submission
- Submit at least 90 days before connecting to BPUB's collection system
3. Evaluation The Pretreatment Department will evaluate the information and determine if applicable pretreatment regulations apply to your business.
Regulatory Framework
The pretreatment program operates under multiple layers of regulatory oversight:
Local Ordinances
The City of Brownsville has adopted ordinances that establish local pretreatment requirements:
This ordinance establishes:
- Discharge prohibitions and limitations
- Permit requirements
- Monitoring and reporting requirements
- Enforcement procedures
State Requirements
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) oversees wastewater pretreatment programs in Texas.
- TCEQ approves local pretreatment programs
- Sets state-specific discharge standards
- Conducts periodic audits of local programs
Federal Requirements
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishes the framework for the National Pretreatment Program under the Clean Water Act.
- Categorical pretreatment standards for specific industries
- General pretreatment regulations (40 CFR Part 403)
- Prohibited discharge standards
Required Forms & Documents
Forms & Applications
Documents & References
Contact the Pretreatment Department
If you have questions about the pretreatment program or need assistance determining your requirements:
Phone:(956) 983-6510