Food Processing Wastewater Management Options and Required Authorizations
Food processing wastewater includes wastewater generated
from beer and wine making, slaughtering/processing operations, and milk product
manufacturing (i.e. cheese, ice cream, yogurt).
The scale of processing can vary from large-scale/commercial where food processing source materials come from offsite sources, to
small-scale/on-farm food processing operations. On farm food processing
typically uses source materials raised or grown onsite. Small-scale/on-farm food processing
includes beer, wine and other beverage production, producers who participate in
MDA’s Poultry and Rabbit Program, and milk product manufacturing.
The following summarizes management options along with
authorization information. Depending on
the management option, authorization may be from Maryland Department of
Environment (MDE), Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), or the County
Environmental Health Department.
Options
For Onsite Management Of Food
Processing Wastewater
Subsurface Discharge
Discharge into a subsurface disposal system will likely involve a co-review of the quality and quantity of the proposed discharge by your local county environmental health department and MDE's Wastewater Permits Program. Pretreatment of wastewater may be required prior to discharge into subsurface disposal systems, such as a conventional septic system. For more information, contact MDE at 410-537-3778 or your
local approving authority.
Land Application
Large-scale/Commercial Operations: Land application approval for large-scale/commercial operations is via an MDE-issued Groundwater Discharge Permit which more information can be found
here.
Small-scale/On-farm Operations: An Exemption from obtaining an MDE-issued Groundwater Discharge Permit for land applying food processing wastewater may be applied for if these requirements are met. This Exemption is conditional with managing and land applying wastewater in compliance with Maryland Department of Agriculture's Nutrient Management Regulations (Code of Maryland Regulations 'COMAR' 15.20.04 to 15.20.08). Installation of a holding tank is also required as part of the Exemption process. Holding tank requirements can be found
here. An application for Exemption can be found
here.
Exemption Documents:
