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MCES Response to Pharmaceutical Waste Issues and Other Emerging Pollutants of Concern in Wastewater. Environment Committee October 14, 2008. Keith Buttleman – Asst. General Manager Leo Hermes – Industrial Waste Manager Environmental Quality Assurance. Emerging Pollutants of Concern.
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MCES Response to Pharmaceutical Waste Issues and Other Emerging Pollutants of Concern in Wastewater Environment Committee October 14, 2008 Keith Buttleman – Asst. General Manager Leo Hermes – Industrial Waste Manager Environmental Quality Assurance
Emerging Pollutants of Concern Endocrine Disruptors
MCES Involvement • Healthcare Hazardous Waste Committee • Main Focus: • Meeting Regulations • Developing Documents • Providing Training
Metro Area Hospitals • 21 hospitals currently have Industrial Discharge Permits • Compliance • Survey of waste management practices
Problem Majority of pharmaceuticals present in wastewater is from human excretion
Additional MCES Involvement • MN Pretreatment Coordination • Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board (SWMCB) • Healthcare Environment Awareness and Resource Recovery Team (HEARRT) • National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA)
MCES Involvement • Providing written comments to EPA and NACWA • Assisting University of Minnesota Research Projects • Keeping track of these issues via: • Various national organizations • Publications and web sites • Other POTWs and NACWA • Conferences and Webinars
Ongoing Efforts • Gather and evaluate information • Develop partnerships • Source investigations • 2009 Budget monies
Future Efforts • Potential “Take Back” event • Revisions (proposed) to MCES Waste Discharge Rules • Continued involvement