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Wastewater discharge authorization for biotechnology
Information and resources about biotechnology industrial waste authorization.
All biotechnology operations that send their wastewater to the King County sewer system need to follow the same regulations and best management practices as described in the Laboratory Waste Management Guide for managing their wastewater.
Some operations also need formal authorization to send their wastewater to the sewer.
Who needs formal authorization?
| Authorization may not be required | Authorization required |
|---|---|
| Bench (laboratory) scale operations with a daily discharge volume of process wastewater less than 25,000 gallons per day | Bench (laboratory scale operations with a daily discharge volume of processed wastewater of at least 25,000 gallons per day |
| Pilot scale operations | |
| Full scale operations |
Definitions
Bench (laboratory) scale operations
Bench scale operations (laboratory scale) are biotechnology industry sector operations primarily engaged in research and development of biotech products.
Pilot scale operations
Pilot scale operations are biotechnology industry sector operations engaged in the manufacturing of biotech products for phases, I, II, and III clinical trials and testing.
Full scale operations
Full scale operations are U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) licensed biotechnology industry sector operations engaged in the manufacturing of products for commercial sale.
Process water
Process water is defined as any water which, during manufacturing or processing, comes into direct contact with or results from the production or use of any raw material, intermediate product, finished product, by product, or waste product. This includes water used to wash down or disinfect production equipment or floors; and cooling water, if it comes in contact with the product you are producing.
How to get formal authorization
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Complete the standard Industrial Waste Program Survey
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Include the Delegation of Signatory Authority form (if necessary)
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Complete the Biotechnology Supplementary Questionnaire
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Submit forms with required signatures to King County Industrial Waste
Print and sign the application. Scan the signed documents and email it to the King County Industrial Waste program at info.KCIW@kingcounty.gov.
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What happens after you submit your discharge authorization permit?
Wait to hear from the King County Industrial Waste program. They will review your forms and let you know next steps.
You may be asked to complete a Standard Industrial Waste Program Wastewater Discharge Permit Application.
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Reporting
Your permit or letter of authorization to discharge wastewater into the sewer system may require self-monitoring.
Visit the KCIW self-monitoring forms page for more information