The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Dental Category (40 CFR Part 441) effective July 14, 2017.  The Rule applies to wastewater discharges to Baltimore’s municipal sanitary sewerage system from dental facilities including dental schools and clinics, permanent or temporary offices, home offices, and dental facilities owned and operated by the military and federal, state, or local governments.

Every dental facility meeting certain criteria must submit a one-time report certifying compliance with the Dental Amalgam Rule. Existing sources must comply with the standards by July 14, 2020, and submit a one-time compliance report certifying such by October 12, 2020.  Dental dischargers whose first discharge to the sanitary sewer occurs after July 14, 2017, must be in compliance immediately.  Certain regulatory exclusions may apply.

Dental facilities must complete the Dental Amalgam Certification Assessment Form and indicate if any of the regulatory exclusions apply.

Existing and new sources not eligible for regulatory exclusions can satisfy the one-time reporting requirement by completing the Dental Amalgam Certification Assessment Form.

Any questions can be directed to the Pollution Control Section at 410-396-9695.

Downloads & Links for more information

Dental Amalgam Assessment Form      EPA FAQs       EPA Fact Sheet     40 CFR 441