Inside Columbia Water's Wastewater Compliance Division

Columbia Water’s Wastewater Compliance Division is a small group with tremendous responsibility on their shoulders. The division serves our community by maintaining regulation requirements for the City of Columbia’s Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Management Program, Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) Compliance, and Industrial Pretreatment.

The FOG Department primarily aids Food Service Establishment (FSE) owner/operators by ensuring compliance with City regulations regarding grease traps and interceptors. The team assists FSEs in understanding their options for grease management, aiming to prevent grease-related SSOs in Columbia.

The Compliance Department acts as the frontline responders to SSOs, ensuring corrective actions are implemented promptly. They serve as a vital link between Wastewater Maintenance and the public, informing citizens about SSOs and their impact on water bodies, ensuring compliance with SC Department of Health and Environmental Control and providing community safety in the Midlands.

The Industrial Pretreatment Department monitors industries discharging to the Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant, verifying compliance with permit requirements. They safeguard plant operations and prevent environmental harm by ensuring proper treatment of industrial discharges before returning them to the river, protecting both nature and the community.

Submitted by Soneika (Sunni) Santiago, Wastewater Compliance Administrative Specialist

Photo - Industrial Pretreatment Team (L to R): John Moneghan – 4 years (Pretreatment Inspector, Sr.), Courtney Singleton – 2 years (Pretreatment Inspector) and Clement “Dean” Goff – 3 years (Septage Receiving Technician).