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Industrial wastewater monitoring program

The industrial monitoring program provides the City of Airdrie a way to monitor, track and document effects of industry on city infrastructure and the environment through sanitary sewer discharge, also known as effluent.

Everything you put down the sink, including chemicals and other harmful products, enters the sewer system and becomes part of the effluent. According to the SEWER BYLAW BYLAW NO. B-11/2015 (PDF), effluent must not exceed specific concentrations of restricted substances and cannot contain any prohibited substances. These substances can clog sewer lines, harm the environment and cause damage to public and private infrastructure and property. Any establishment releasing effluent that is over concentration or contains prohibited substances may be subject to fines and/or surcharges.

Sewer Bylaw Effluent Concentration Limits

Testing Parametersewer bylaw limit
FOG 100 mg/L
TSS 300 mg/L
COD 600 mg/L
pH Between 5.5 and 10
Temperature Below 75°C

Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) - is a measurement of the amount of oxygen needed to oxidize the organic matter present in a sample.

Total Suspended Solids (TSS) - is a measurement of the dry weight of particles in a sample that are not dissolved.

Sanitary sewer monitoring

Industrial monitoring staff collect samples from the sanitary/storm systems and analyze them based on parameters set out by City bylaws. These samples may include effluent (wastewater), surface water, storm runoff, soil and air. The data collected helps City of Airdrie staff work with local businesses and institutions to understand what courses of action can be taken to improve wastewater treatment, minimize the impact to infrastructure and improve environmental protection practices.

Maintaining your grease interceptor