Boiler Discharge Maintenance

Wastewater (including complete blow-down) from boiler systems should only be discharged to the sanitary sewer system if pollutants are within Drainage Bylaw 18100 restricted limits. Other sources of wastewater produced in maintaining or cleaning boiler systems must also meet the Bylaw's restricted limits. The main parameters of concern are:

Molybdenum
Nitrite/ Nitrates
Phosphate
Zinc
Boron
Copper
BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand)
COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand)
pH
Temperature
Total Suspended Solids
Oil and Grease
Hydrocarbons

To establish if parameters are within the restricted limits, a sample can be collected from the flow monitoring point for the property such as a manhole. If no manhole is available, an alternative sampling location should be established, such as a clean-out for the building.

In the case of ensuring compliance with restricted metals and hazardous waste limits (nitrite/nitrates, phosphate, pH, molybdenum, zinc, boron, and copper), samples should be collected directly from the point of discharge from the boiler. Since these parameters have the potential to cause adverse impacts on the wastewater treatment process, there needs to be efforts to remove these at the source.

Outdated additives and test reagents shall be recycled as per manufacture specifications to ensure compliance with Drainage Bylaw 18100 and the Municipal Solid Waste Regulations.

Restricted concentrations:

pH of less than 6.0 and not greater than 11.50
Temperature > 75° C
Suspended solids - 5000 mg/L
Copper - 1.0 mg/L
Oil & grease - 500 mg/L
BOD - 10, 000 mg/L - elevated by Glycol (Ethylene, Propylene)
COD - 20, 000 mg/L - elevated by Glycol (Ethylene, Propylene)
Molybdenum - 5.0 mg/L
Boron - 500 mg/L
Nitrite - 100 mg/L
Nitrate/Nitrite combined - 1000 mg/L
Total Phosphorus - 200 mg/L
Zinc - 2 mg/L
Hydrocarbons - 100 mg/L

Dilution with domestic water for the sole purpose of meeting these limits is prohibited.

Any person who releases or permits the release of wastewater such that concentrations exceed the limits, shall immediately report the release. This should be reported to 780-412-4500 and the owner of the premises from which release originated and any other person that may be directly affected by the release.

If you experience a drainage services spill, please contact 780-412-4500.

Store all chemicals – large and small amounts – in secondary containment (bermed area)
Identify locations of floor drains and sumps in mechanical/boiler rooms
Have spill kits on hand to clean up any spilled material to prevent it from entering into the drainage system
Possibly plug floor drains if not in use to prevent any spilled chemicals from entering the sewer system
Ensure all chemical containers have covers securely fixed
Conduct routine inspections to check for leaks in the steam line and traps
Replace boiler treatment agents with products that do not contain ingredients outlined on the restricted parameters list

the name of the person causing or permitting the release;
the location of the release;
the name of the person reporting the release;
the date and time of the release;
the type of material released and any associated hazards;
the volume of material released; and
corrective action taken or anticipated to control the release.

Boiler discharge maintenance

Restricted concentrations: