Frequently Asked Questions

Not all industries discharging wastewater into the City of Shreveport's sewer collection system will be required to obtain an industrial user permit.

Each industry must be evaluated individually based on several factors including characterization of waste, amount of discharge flow, and whether or not the facility is subject to any categorical regulations.

The first step is to submit a completed Application form, which can be downloaded from the previous page. When filling out the application form, be sure the include all information that is requested and that the information is as complete and updated as possible.

Once the application has been submitted to the pretreatment office, an inspector will contact you to discuss the application further.

Attached to the industrial user application form is a fee schedule for permit fees ($1000 for five-year significant permit, $500 for five-year non-significant permit, $200 for temporary).

In addition to the permit fee the facility will be required to test their wastewater at set intervals outlined in the permit. The cost of the periodic sampling events will vary greatly depending on how many and what kinds of parameters are listed in the facility's permit as well as the lab chosen to do the work. There are several independent labs in the Shreveport area to choose from.

Industries permitted by the city test as often as four times a year and as little as once a year.

It depends of how the industry is classified (general, non-significant, or significant industrial user). The parameters that will be required to test for depend solely on the characterization of the waste being discharged.

That determination will be made based on the information that is submitted in the application form

Included in the City's Ordinance Section 94-142 is an outline of various violations and methods of handling them. Enforcement actions range from notice of violations, compliance schedules, to administrative orders and fines.

The size of a grease trap depends largely on the type of business and how much waste is produced. The more waste produced usually means the bigger the grease trap will need to be. Consider the following in sizing a grease trap:

• Type of food being prepared
• Seating capacity
• Retention time needed for efficient removal of grease
• Frequency of maintenance
• Accessibility of trap
• Equipment connected to the trap

The City of Shreveport's Ordinance Section 94-213 gives the following formulas for determining the minimum size of interceptors:

• 12 hour operation or less
  • Seating Capacity X 7 gallons = Minimum size of interceptor
• Over 12 hours of operation
  • Seating Capacity X 7 gallons X 2 = Minimum size of interceptor

To be effective, grease traps must be cleaned out regularly and the contents completely removed. The frequency of cleaning the grease trap and pumping out grease and solids will depend the nature and volume of the wastewater.

Inside traps should be cleaned weekly:

• Bail out any water to facilitate cleaning
• Dip the grease out of the trap and put in a water tight container
• Scrape grease from all sides and lid
• Place grease container in trash receptacle

Clean grease trap the day before trash is picked up to avoid nuisance complaints. Outside traps should be inspected monthly.

• Use a "dip stick" to measure grease layer
• Contact pumper to clean out trap
• Be sure the pumper scrapes all sides and that all trap contents are removed
• Inspect the trap for potential problems while it is empty

The State of Louisiana and the City of Shreveport now require certain industrial facilities that have Storm Water Associated With industrial activity to be covered by a permit. The rules that define who needs a permit can be found at Title 33 Section 3241. B. 14. a-k. of the Louisiana Administrative Code. The rules may appear somewhat complex and confusing; however, the list below is a simplified guide to assist you to determine if your facility needs a permit. The list uses "SIC" codes to determine if you may need a storm water permit. If you do not know your facility's SIC code, the Standard Industrial Classification Index from the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety & Health Administration can help you. Or, just call us at 673-6583 we'll be glad to assist. • 1011 thru 1499, mining and mineral extraction • 2011 thru 3999, manufacturing • 4011* thru 4581*, transportation *If facility has vehicle maintenance shops, equipment cleaning operations, fueling, or air port de-icing operations. • 5015, automobile junkyards • 5093, metal scrap yards • 5171, petroleum bulk stations Additionally, the following types of facilities are required to have storm water permits: • Hazardous waste treatment, storage, or disposal facilities. • Landfills, land application sites, and open dumps. • Steam electric power generating facilities, including coal handling sites.

The state offers coverage for facilities with storm water associated with industrial activity under the State Multi-Sector General Permit. To get coverage under this permit, you must complete a Notice of Intent (NOI). The NOI requires information regarding the owner / operator of the facility, location of the facility (including longitude and latitude), receiving waters, SIC code, existing permits, and other information. The completed NOI is then sent to the DEQ, with a copy going to the City of Shreveport. Once the permit certification has been sent to your facility, you are required to send a copy of it to: City of Shreveport Storm Water Section P.O. Box 31109 Shreveport, LA 71130 Obligations Under the Permit The applicant must develop and maintain a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWP3) as a requirement of this permit. The EPA has developed a guidance manual to assist in the development of your SWP3, entitled Storm Water Management for Industrial Activities, Developing Pollution Prevention Plans and Best Management Practices. Completion of the SWP3 is required when the NOI is submitted. A copy or a synopsis of the SWP3 must be sent to the city at the address above.