Which types of slug loadings must industrial users notify the POTW about?

Industrial users must notify the Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) about slug loadings that include corrosive pollutants and oxygen demanding pollutants because these substances can cause significant harm to the treatment processes and the environment.

Corrosive pollutants, such as strong acids or bases, can damage infrastructure and equipment at the treatment facility, leading to costly repairs and potentially disrupting operations. Additionally, oxygen demanding pollutants, like large quantities of organic matter, can severely deplete oxygen levels in the treatment system, harming the beneficial microorganisms that are crucial for effective wastewater treatment.

In contrast, while other pollutants and hazardous wastes can have negative impacts, they may not always present the same immediacy or severity in terms of treatment disruption or infrastructure damage. Therefore, the specific requirement for the notification centers on those categories that pose the most significant risks to the POTW’s ability to process wastewater safely and effectively.