What serious problems can originate from industrial wastewater discharges in the operation of a POTW agency?

Industrial wastewater discharges can create a variety of serious issues for a Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) agency, particularly the risk of fires and explosions in collection systems. When industrial facilities discharge wastewater containing hazardous substances or flammable materials, these contaminants can accumulate within the sewer system. This buildup can lead to dangerous situations such as combustible gas formation, which can ignite and cause fires or explosions.

POTWs are often not designed to handle the hazardous characteristics of certain industrial discharges, which may include volatile organic compounds or other flammable materials. If a fire or explosion occurs within the collection system, it can endanger the safety of workers, disrupt service, and result in significant environmental damage. Furthermore, addressing these emergencies can divert resources and focus away from standard operations, potentially impacting the overall effectiveness of wastewater treatment processes.

This highlights the importance of stringent regulations and monitoring of industrial discharges to protect both the infrastructure of the treatment facilities and the surrounding community.