Mercury Reduction Program

Dental amalgam contains mercury and dental wastewater has been identified as a major source of mercury discharges into sanitary sewer systems. In 2017, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promulgated pretreatment standards to reduce discharges of mercury from dental offices into publicly owned treatment works (POTWs). The regulation is codified as 40 CFR 441 and can be found on the EPA’s Dental Effluent Guidelines webpage. 

USD is required to reduce the amount of mercury entering the Bay and has actively managed a Mercury Reduction Program since 2008. USD’s Wastewater Treatment Plant is capable of removing only a portion of amalgam and mercury in wastewater and much of the toxic metal finds its way back into our environment. In an effort to minimize the discharge of amalgam and mercury into our sewer system, USD’s Environmental Compliance team conducts inspections of all dental offices in the Tri-Cities and requires the use of approved Best Management Practices for handling and disposal of mixed amalgam wastes. 

USD’s Ordinance 36 Section 2.02 describes the requirements for dental facilities in Fremont, Newark and Union City that remove or place amalgam fillings. If your dental office is contacted by USD staff to schedule an inspection, you may review the Dental Inspection Checklist form linked below. This form lists the items our inspectors will check during the inspection. 

If you have opened a new dental practice in the Tri-Cities, or if you have recently assumed ownership of an existing dental practice, please contact USD within 90 days. Per EPA requirements, we will ask you to complete and submit a One-Time Compliance Report. 

USD does not require a Wastewater Discharge Permit for dental offices at this time. 

Other Information and Forms for Dentists  

• One-Time Compliance Report Required by 40CFR441
• BAPPG Amalgam Separator List – Sept 2012  
• Dental Inspection Checklist
• Dental Amalgam Waste Mail Back Services
• Mercury in the Environment