NACWA held its annual National Pretreatment Workshop + Training last week in Nashville, the first time the conference has been held in person since 2019.  Over 180 pretreatment professionals participated in the Workshop, which was held May 18-20, and nearly 100 people attended the training offered on May 17. 

EPA participated in the Workshop, with presentations given by Jan Pickrel, National Pretreatment Team Coordinator, and Doruntinë Rexhepi, Environmental Engineer, with the Office of Science and Technology in the Office of Water.   

PFAS was a major topic of focus from EPA.  Ms. Pickrel provided updates on EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap and the EPA actions that might affect pretreatment programs, including the publication of analytical methods, water quality criteria for aquatic life, and monitoring requirements for pretreatment programs overseen by EPA.  Ms. Rexhepi provided information on the effluent guidelines related to PFAS.   

EPA initiated rulemaking for the Organic Chemicals, Plastics, & Synthetic Fibers category, the Metal Finishing Category, and the Electroplating category to address PFAS discharges.  EPA is studying several industries for PFAS discharges, including landfills, textile mills, and commercial airports.   

The Workshop also included panel presentations on local limits, hauled wastes, wipes, and restaurants and breweries.  A variety of topics were also discussed during roundtable sessions, allowing participants to share their experiences and knowledge with one another.  This was especially important at this year’s Workshop, since the majority of participants were first-time attendees.    

NACWA members with questions about pretreatment, or who would like to join the NACWA Pretreatment & Pollution Prevention Committee, should contact Cynthia Finley, NACWA’s Director of Regulatory Affairs.