Best References: Local Governments and POTWs

Local governments are responsible for a wide variety of programs and services in their communities and challenged by limited resources. Pollution prevention projects undertaken by local programs can both assist with program efficiency and cost effectiveness, and also help to protect the local environment. This sector includes information on sewage and wastewater treatment at POTWs (Publicly Owned Treatment Works), assistance for dischargers to POTWs, assistance for municipal pretreatment programs, solid waste management, "Pay-As-You-Throw" programs, swap shops, building maintenance, cost analysis, urban area programs, and composting of yard trimmings and municipal solid waste.
Date Last Updated: 6/12/2008

Jump to:
Case Studies | Fact Sheets | Articles and Reports | Manuals | Sector Notebook | Web sites |

Case Studies |

Full Title: A Report to the 74th Texas Legislature: Pollution Prevention and Waste Reduction in Texas
URL: /02/01293.pdf
Length: 40 pages
Date: March 1, 1995
Full Work Author: TX Office of Pollution Prevention and Recycling
Abstract: This report describes the status of pollution prevention and waste reduction programs in Texas. It focuses on the results of each program and the progress being made towards the pollution prevention goals. Recommendations are made for ways of extending program services to more businesses and local governments. These ways include improving access to technical services, removing barriers to participation, and offering new incentives for participation.

Section Title: Site Visit Report
Full Title: Governmental Buildings
URL: /09/08029.pdf
Length: 15 pages
Full Work Author: NC DPPEA
Section Author: DPPEA Industrial Assistance Section
Abstract: This report identifies major energy and waste streams generated in four government buildings operated by a North Carolina town and suggests options for saving energy waste and reducing identified waste streams.

Full Title: Pollution Prevention at POTWs - Case Studies
URL: /02/01090.pdf
Length: 20 pages
Date: 1994
Full Work Author: US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics
Abstract: The EPA awarded grants to five states to demonstrate how a municipal POTW, through its pretreatment program and its facility operations, can promote source reduction activities to industrial and business dischargers. This document presents case studies of the five programs carried out under the grant, including the goals and strategies employed by each of the grant recipients and the program accomplishments..

Full Title: Pollution Prevention in POTW's - Two North Carolina Pilot Studies
URL: /03/02248.pdf
Length: 72 pages
Date: February 1994
Full Work Author: Mize, Lindsay L.
Abstract: This report discusses two NC programs (The NC Pollution Prevention Pays Program and the NC Pretreatment Program) that have worked together in an informal relationship for over two years. The document discusses how two cities encouraged pollution prevention in their industrial suppliers.

Fact Sheets |

Full Title: A Fact Sheet For Oil and Grease Definitions
URL: /06/05397.pdf
Length: 2 pages
Full Work Author: North Carolina Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance

Full Title: Fact Sheet - Pay-As-You-Throw Programs (PAYT)
URL: /01/00365.pdf
Length: 9 pages
Date: February 1999
Full Work Author: NC Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance
Abstract: This fact sheet defines and describes Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) programs. Topics included are: benefits of a PAYT program, types of PAYT programs (volume-based/weight-based), PAYT rates, factors to be addressed in implementing PAYT programs, and illegal dumping and other problems. A chart is also provided that shows several North Carolina local governments with PAYT programs for residential solid waste.

Full Title: Municipal Solid Waste Composting: Biological Processing - Fact Sheet 2 of 7
URL: /12/11867.htm
Full Work Author: Richard, Tom L.
Abstract: Composting is in essence a biological process. This fact is sometimes obscured by the wealth of sophisticated technical options available (see Fact Sheet 1). But proper design and management must be based on the needs of microorganisms if the process is to be a success. Neglect or misunderstanding of biological process control can lead to serious problems at composting facilities, and has contributed to facility closings.

Full Title: Municipal Solid Waste Composting: Physical Processing - Fact sheet 1 of 7
URL: /12/11866.htm
Full Work Author: Richard, Tom L.
Abstract: The recent upsurge of interest in composting the organic fractions of municipal solid waste (MSW) builds on largely successful efforts with composting yard trimmings, agricultural wastes, and sewage sludges. While experience with these materials is helpful in considering an MSW composting program, there are a number of challenges unique to MSW which need to be addressed. MSW contains materials which vary widely in size, moisture, and nutrient content, and the organic fractions can be mixed with varying degrees of non-compostable wastes and possible hazardous constituents.

Section Title: Painting and Building Maintenance
Full Title: Pollution Prevention Handbook
URL: /01/00535.pdf
Length: 6 pages
Full Work Author: Department of the Interior
Abstract: This fact sheet presents pollution prevention and recycling options for painting and building maintenance operations. Well-suited for county government and other maintenance departents. Includes a question and answer checklist.

Section Title: Sewage and Wastewater Treatment Plants
Full Title: Pollution Prevention Handbook
URL: /07/06631.pdf
Length: 7 pages
Full Work Author: Department of the Interior
Abstract: This fact sheet discusses pollution prevention, recycling, and source reduction options for sewage and wastewater treatment facilities. A list of state contacts is included.

Full Title: PRO-ACT Fact Sheet - Oil/Water Separators
URL: /07/06019.htm
Date: 08/99
Full Work Author: Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence
Abstract: The purpose of this Fact Sheet is to discuss common types of oil/water separator systems; the characteristics of typical oily wastewater streams; applicable regulations and policies; and pollution prevention practices applicable to these systems. Sources of additional information on the use and maintenance of oil/water separators is also provided.

Full Title: Reuse strategies for local governments
URL: /10/09841.htm
Full Work Author: Virginia Office of Pollution Prevention
Abstract: Fact Sheet. "Reuse," in simplest terms, is a pollution prevention strategy in which a product is used for the same or new purposes without undergoing any physical change. For example, the use of grocery store paper bags as household garbage bags is an example of reuse. However, burning the bag and spreading the ashes in the garden is not reuse as the bag had to undergo a physical change.

Full Title: Swap Shops - Cost-Effective Residential Reuse
URL: /01/00357.pdf
Length: 2 pages
Date: March 1996
Full Work Author: NC Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance
Abstract: This fact sheet offers information on the purposes and benefits of swap shops as well as swap shop designs and their use and maintenance. A sample budget is provided. A case study is also included on 10 swap shops which Chatham County, North Carolina installed at its collection centers.

Full Title: Toxics Use Reduction Case Study - Reformulated Coating at Hampden Papers Reduces Metals in Sewage Sludge
URL: /16/15141.htm
Full Work Author: Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs
Abstract: Hampden Papers reformulated a brass-based coating used on paper products and eliminated its copper discharges from this coating application. The Holyoke, Massachusetts company avoided both potential U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fines of $5,000 per day for wastewater discharge violations, and an alternative solution - construction of a $250,000 to $500,000 waste treatment plant.

Full Title: Waste Stream Assessment
URL: /01/00140.htm
Length: 8 pages
Date: March 1997
Full Work Author: NC Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance
Abstract: This fact sheet reviews options available to local governments for evaluating their waste stream. It focuses on simple assessments of the waste stream and introduces more involved waste assessment activities such as waste sorting.

Section Title: Assessing the Incremental Costs of Implementing New Yard Debris and Scrap Paper Collection Systems; A Case Study from the City of Tigard, Oregon
Full Title: Wastecon 1996: SWANA's 34th Annual International Solid Waste Exposition
URL: /31/30575.pdf
Length: 16 pages
Date: September 1996
Section Author: McConaghy, R.; Mills, L.
Abstract: This paper discusses the experience of the City of Tigard in evaluating the potential for expanding their existing curbside program, operated by three franchised haulers, to include yard debris and scrap paper.

Articles and Reports |

Full Title: Analysis of the Full Costs of Solid Waste Management for North Carolina Local Governments
URL: /01/00369.pdf
Length: 16 pages
Date: February 1997
Full Work Author: NC Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance; Shore, Michael; Duchesne, Matthew et al.
Abstract: This report examines the data collected in a study conducted by the NC Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance on the cost of solid waste collection, disposal, and recycling services for NC local governments. The report's data came from the budgets of 15 local government programs and show the cost-effectiveness of a recycling program in comparison to solid waste collection and disposal.

Section Title: Organic Waste Processing - Combining Raw Materials for Composting
Full Title: BioCycle
URL: /33/32518.pdf
Length: 4 pages
Date: August 1989
Section Author: Willson, George B.
Abstract: This article provides a guide for combining raw materials to create a suitable environment and source of nutrients for proper composting.

Full Title: Biosolids Generation, Use, and Disposal in the United States
URL: /11/10467.pdf
Length: 81 pages
Date: 9/99
Abstract: The purpose of this report is to broaden the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) series of solid waste studies by quantifying the amount of biosolids managed by municipal solid waste (MSW) facilities. Biosolids are the byproduct of municipal wastewater treatment and also are known as sewage sludge. This report focuses on biosolids generated by publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) and the subsequent management practices used by POTWs for treating and then recycling or disposing of biosolids. The quantity of biosolids processed by POTWs and the treatment methods they select are likely to affect MSW decision-makers regarding their involvement in biosolids management.

Section Title: Devising Wastewater Treatment Strategies
Full Title: Environmental Protection
URL: /02/01336.pdf
Length: 2 pages
Section Author: Hornby, Lawrence E.
Abstract: This article describes the basics of the wastewater treatment process (primary, secondary, tertiary), the seven steps for troubleshooting treatment systems, questions to consider to determine troubleshooting success, alternative solutions to treatment problems, and followup questions to consider after the problem is corrected.

Full Title: Final Report: The US EPA Environmental Management System Pilot Program for Local Government Entities
URL: /06/05762.pdf
Length: 136 pages
Date: 01/28/00
Full Work Author: Global Environment & Technology Foundation

Full Title: Los Angeles Pollution Prevention Newsletter
URL: /07/06217.htm
Full Work Author: City of Los Angeles Board of Public Works, HTM Office
Abstract: This city pollution prevention newsletter contains information on local pollution prevention projects, award winning programs, new pollution prevention publications, information on a voluntary soil cleanup program, case studies, and local events. A good example of what a large community can accomplish and how to get information on pollution prevention out to the local regulated community.

Full Title: Pollution Prevention Concepts and Principles
URL: /02/01640.pdf
Length: 18 pages
Date: September 1995
Full Work Author: Phipps, Erica
Abstract: This document introduces the concepts and principles of pollution prevention (P2) and gives a brief overview of P2 activities of government, industry and the general public.

Full Title: The City Of Cincinnati's Pollution Prevention Program - 'Creating an Urban Area Pollution Prevention Strategy'
URL: /02/01457.pdf
Length: 21 pages
Date: September 1996
Full Work Author: City of Cincinnati Office of Environment Management
Abstract: This report presents the lessons learned by the City of Cincinnati about implementing a local P2 program. This manual is an excellent guide to the challenges and barriers faced unique to local governments.

Manuals |

Full Title: Composting, Yard Trimmings and Municipal Solid Waste
URL: /03/02027.pdf
Length: 150 pages
Date: May 1994
Full Work Author: US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response
Abstract: This document presents a comprehensive overview of composting. The basic principles of the process are explained. The technical information needed to plan and administer a composting program as part of an integrated solid waste management program is also presented.

Full Title: Evaluating POTW Capacity, Management, Operation, and Maintenance Programs
URL: /12/11652.pdf
Length: 3 pages
Full Work Author: US EPA Office of Compliance & Region 4

Full Title: Full Cost Accounting for Municipal Solid Waste Management: A Handbook
URL: /02/01435.pdf
Length: 70 pages
Date: September 1997
Full Work Author: US Environmental Protection Agency Solid Waste and Emergency Response
Abstract: Handbook intended to help communities implement full cost accounting in their municipal solid waste services.

Full Title: Guidance Document for Implementing Local Recycling Cooperatives
URL: /06/05819.pdf
Length: 59 pages
Date: March 2000
Full Work Author: Carrie J. Hakenkamp, WasteCap of Lincoln Executive Director
Abstract: This guide is designed to provide readers with the information and tools needed to establish business-recycling cooperatives, or improve the cost-effectiveness and scope of current recycling efforts. Includes information on identifying communtiy, developing partnerships, forming an advisory committee, designing a recycling program, recruiting service providers and businesses to participate, conducting waste assessments, determining funding options, and conducting program monitoring and modification efforts.

Full Title: Guides to Pollution Prevention - Municipal Pretreatment Programs
URL: /01/00738.pdf
Length: 81 pages
Date: October 1993
Full Work Author: EPA, Center for Environmental Research Information
Section Author: Eastern Research Group, Inc
Abstract: Provides an overview of pollution prevention concepts, a way to identify and prioritize industries as candidates for pollution prevention, and outlines a broadly applicable approach to integrating PP concepts into existing pretreatment programs.

Full Title: Local Government Pollution Prevention Toolkit - Tools and models to help local governments implement P2 and protect the Chesapeake Bay, its rivers and streams.
URL: /06/05818.pdf
Length: 120 pages
Date: May 1998
Full Work Author: Prepared for the Chesapeake Bay Program's Toxic Subcommittee and Local Government Advisory Committee by Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.
Abstract: This tool kit is intended to raise awareness of pollution prevention opportunities at the local government level, help in implementating pollution prevention activities through step-by-step instructions, and provide case studies as examples. The roles of the business community and citizens in creating pollution prevention programs is addressed.

Full Title: Pay-As-You-Throw - Lessons Learned About Unit Pricing
URL: /02/01914.pdf
Length: 92 pages
Date: April 1994
Full Work Author: Canterbury, Janice L.
Abstract: This guide is designed to be modular, so that users can use the sections according to their familiarity with unit pricing. It includes an introduction to unit pricing (benefits/barriers/types of communities), information on how to build a consensus and plan for unit pricing, how to design an integrated unit pricing program, and how to implement and monitor the program. Appendices include questions and alternatives generated by the Unit Pricing Roundtable and additional community examples.

Full Title: Pollution Prevention Guidance for Small Business and Local Government
URL: /03/02151.pdf
Length: 88 pages
Date: Revised January 1998
Full Work Author: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation - Pollution Prevention Unit
Abstract: This manual is a tool to help small businesses and local governments evaluate the environmental impacts from sources of pollution in their facilities and communities. It is also useful in developing pollution prevention programs.

Full Title: Promoting Pollution Prevention Among Dischargers to POTW's
URL: /01/00456.pdf
Length: 7 pages
Date: October 1995
Full Work Author: Epstein, Lois N.; Skavroneck, Steven A.
Abstract: This manual discusses how POTWs can identify problematic chemicals and how to target pollution prevention programs to those chemicals.

Full Title: Toward The Virtual Elimination of Mercury From The Solid Waste Stream
URL: /19/18396.pdf
Length: 56 pages
Date: March 2000
Full Work Author: Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection
Abstract: Focuses on collecting mercury from hospitals and schools, and on eliminating future releases of mercury into the environment.

Sector Notebook |

Full Title: Profile of Local Government Operations
URL: /03/02642.pdf
Length: 315 pages
Date: January 1999
Full Work Author: US EPA
Abstract: This document is intended to assist local governments in achieving environmental compliance. Included is information on types of local governments and local government programs, how these programs can impact the environment, what regulatory requirements are applicable, and potential pollution prevention opportunites. Specific programs covered include management of property and construction, pesticide application, water supply and wastewater, solid waste, public safety, and vehicles.

Full Title: Solid Waste Management
URL: /32/31274.pdf
Length: 368 pages
Date: August 1994
Abstract: The purpose of this chapter is to introduce basic solid waste management options and techniques.

Web sites |

Full Title: Broward County, Florida: Pollution Prevention Section
URL: http://www.co.broward.fl.us/pprd/pp_what.htm
Full Work Author: Broward County, Florida
Abstract: This site gives information about Broward County, Florida's pollution prevention program. Included are full text documents of the Pollution Prevention and Best Management Practices published by the state of Florida's environmental program. Includes information about the county program, fact sheets and technical publications, calendar, links, and more. A good example of a local government P2 program.

Full Title: Great Lakes Regional Pollution Prevention Roundtable
URL: http://www.glrppr.org/
Full Work Author: Great Lakes Regional Pollution Prevention Roundtable
Abstract: The Great Lakes Pollution Prevention Resource Center is a professional organization dedicated to promoting information exchange and networking to P2 professionals. A good source of information for a wide variety of topics and information, based in the Midwest.

Full Title: Mercury Pollution Prevention
URL: http://p2e2center.org/
Full Work Author: The Delta Institute
Abstract: A web site to help wastewater treatment plants implement mercury reduction programs. Based on work with two Ohio communities, this site was funded by a grant from the U.S. EPA to the Delta Institute in Chicago.

Full Title: National Environmental Training Center for Small Communities
URL: http://www.nesc.wvu.edu/netcsc/netcsc_index.htm
Full Work Author: West Virginia University
Section Author: National Environmental Services Center
Abstract: Assists small communities by providing training and training-related information and referral services in the areas of wastewater, drinking water, and solid waste.

Full Title: National Pollution Prevention Roundtable
URL: http://www.p2.org/
Full Work Author: National Pollution Prevention Roundtable
Abstract: This site provides many information resources that relate to pollution prevention, including publications, legislative information, descriptions of listservers, and information on specific industries. The site also contains links to pollution prevention programs, information on events and conferences, workgroups, and opportunities for membership.

Full Title: P2 List Servers
URL: http://www.great-lakes.net/lists/
Full Work Author: Great Lakes Regional Pollution Prevention Roundtable
Abstract: A list of pollution prevention list servers, which allow participants to discuss a variety of topics from mercury reduction to regulatory integration to general p2 technical assistance. A great resource for the staff of local pollution prevention programs.

Full Title: Pollution Prevention at POTWs - Resource List
URL: http://www.epa.gov/toxteam/potwp2.htm
Full Work Author: Toxics Reduction Team, EPA Region 5
Abstract: On-line resource list for POTWs. Includes information on mercury reduction from dental offices and medical facilities, and a variety of more general pollution prevention guides

Full Title: Pollution Prevention for Wastewaters
URL: http://twua.org/p2/Index0.html
Full Work Author: The Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission and Texas Water Utilities Association
Abstract: A good source for POTWs that are interested in encouraging pollution prevention in their industrial suppliers. It gives information on pollutant sources, general and industry specific tips, a glossary of terms, and pollution prevention background and definitions. One page also lists the top ten pollutants of concern to POTWs, with info on the sources of each pollutant, and P2 opportunities for industries that emit the pollutant in their wastestreams.

Full Title: Strategic Goals Program Homepage
URL: http://www.strategicgoals.org/
Full Work Author: National Metal Finishing Strategic Goals Program
Abstract: Contains all the information a facility, local government program, or POTW needs to implement the National Strategic Goals Program for Metal Finishers. Includes a guidance manual, links, sample programs, and media and marketing tools. The toolbox contains excellent fact sheets on tank design and rinsing, and filtration systems for metal plating lines. Assistance and financing info also available.

Full Title: Technology Fact Sheets: Municipal Technologies
URL: http://www.epa.gov/owm/index.htm
Full Work Author: US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Wastewater Management
Abstract: This site contains fact sheets on different topics related to POTWs, including combined sewage overflows treatment, storm water, disinfection, biological treatment, water efficiency, decentralized systems technology, and collection systems.

Not find anything you like? Search P2 Infohouse for other technical P2 documents.

To read .pdf files, you'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader 

Content provided by N.C. Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance and Waste Reduction Resource Center through a grant from the EPA.