The purpose of the Indirect Discharge Request (IDR) is to track the monitoring and permitting of industries that discharge wastewater to publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) and assure compliance with pretreatment standards.

IDRs apply to new and existing industries that discharge industrial waste to POTWs. Industrial waste means any liquid, gaseous, or solid waste substance resulting from any process or industry, manufacturing trade or business, or from development of any natural resources.

An IDR is required prior to discharge for a new industry, or prior to an increase in flow or to a change in wastewater characteristics for an existing industry.

The following fees are required with an IDR application:

1) When plans and specifications are submitted relative to the construction or installation of industrial waste pretreatment facility ....................…………………….....................$1,000

2) When plans and specifications are not required with the IDR..…………………..........$50

Plans and specifications must be signed by a civil, sanitary or chemical engineer registered in New Hampshire, and are required for the design of pretreatment systems.

Municipal Approval

An authorized municipal official, responsible for the operation and physical condition of the municipal wastewater treatment plant, and related sewers and pumping stations must sign the IDR application form. The signature ensures that the official and his or her staff have reviewed the information submitted by the industry, have evaluated it, and found it compatible with the POTW. It also signifies that worker safety is assured and that the discharge will not interfere with the operation of the facility, or pass through the POTW causing violations of water quality standards, the NPDES permit or sludge quality criteria. It is important that the treatment plant operator and person responsible for industrial pretreatment evaluate the material and get all information needed to approve the discharge, such as flows and pollutant concentrations anticipated.

Industry Information Required and Local Permit Administration

Industrial dischargers must obtain a permit from their respective municipality. Requirements of the local sewer use ordinance, state pretreatment standards and those of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) will be incorporated into the permit. Permits are issued for a maximum of five years and shall include monitoring and compliance requirements.

For more information about the New Hampshire Industrial Pretreatment Program contact:

NH Department of Environmental Services
Water Division, Wastewater Engineering Bureau
PO Box 95
Concord, NH 03302-0095

(603) 271-2052