Significant Industrial Users

Many manufacturing businesses are categorized as Significant Industrial Users (SIU) either because they are classified as a categorical industrial user by the US EPA or because the nature of their discharge can significantly impact the Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW). If your business is classified as a Significant Industrial User then your business must be permitted by the City for wastewater discharge.

Permitting Process
The permitting process involves submitting operational information such as what chemicals are used on site and what contaminants might be in your wastewater. Industrial Users which may be classified as Significant Industrial Users are evaluated for inclusion in the Pretreatment Program through review of the Industrial Process Identification & Wastewater Characteristics Survey. For more information on which businesses are required to submit this survey, please contact the City of Arcata Environmental Services Department.

Commercial Cannabis Activity Permit applications must include an Industrial Process Identification & Wastewater Characteristics Survey. Commercial Cannabis Activity Permit
applicants with planned kitchen facilities must also submit a Food Service Establishment Wastewater Survey. For more information on Food Service Establishment compliance, please click the following link to view the Fats, Oils & Grease webpage.

Monitoring Wastewater
Facilities that are permitted are required to monitor their wastewater for certain contaminants and to submit regular reports to the City of Arcata Environmental Compliance Office. To receive a SIU Wastewater Discharge Permit Application, please contact the Environmental Compliance office of the Environmental Services Department or by email.