King County local discharge limits: organic compounds

Anyone considering the discharge of wastewater containing organic compounds should first consult with the Industrial Waste Program.

In sewer lines, organic compounds such as solvents, cleaners, thinners, pesticides, and laboratory chemicals may cause toxic gases and fumes, which may harm sewer workers.

KCIW has developed screening levels for certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These VOC screening levels (PDF 27KB) are provided as guidance to industrial users of the King County sewer system and are not an authorization to discharge. The authorization to discharge industrial wastewater comes in the form of a discharge authorization or waste discharge permit issued by KCIW.

Never dispose of organic compounds by dumping them in the sewer, down a storm drain, or in the garbage. Businesses must dispose of them in a way that is safe for the environment. For information, check the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County's Business Waste Line.