Pursuant to North Shore City District Bylaw 2000 (Part 9, Trade Waste)

SCHEDULE ONE
ACCEPTABLE DISCHARGE CHARACTERISTICS

(A) Physical
(B) Chemical
(C) General Chemicals
(D) Toxic Pollutants
(E) Organic Compounds
(F) Inhibitory Chemicals/Compounds

Introduction
(i) The nature and levels of the characteristics of any wastewater discharged to the
wastewater system shall comply at all times with the following requirements, except
where the nature and levels of such characteristics are varied by North Shore City
Council as part of an individual consent to discharge wastewater.

(ii) North Shore City Council shall take into consideration the combined effects of
wastewater discharges and may make any modifications to the following acceptable
characteristics for individual discharges North Shore City Council considers are
appropriate.

(iii) The nature and levels of any characteristic may be varied to meet any new resource
consents under the Resource Management Act 1991 or other legal requirements
imposed on North Shore City Council.
Remarks in this column
(A) Physical Characteristics
are for guidance only
1. Flow
Flows larger than the
3 guideline values will be a
(i) The 24-hour volume shall be less than 5 m .
"conditional" trade waste
consent.
(ii) The maximum instantaneous flow rate shall be less than 2.0 L/s.

Higher Temperatures:
2. Temperature • cause increased damage to
sewer structures
The temperature shall not exceed 50 °C. • increase the potential for
anaerobic conditions to
form in the wastewater
• promote the release of
gases such as H2S and NH3
• can adversely affect the
safety of operations and
maintenance personnel
A lower maximum
temperature may be required
for large discharges.
3. Solids

(i) Non-fecal gross solids shall have a maximum dimension, which Gross solids can cause
shall not exceed 15 mm, and gross solids shall have an sewer blockages.
acquiescent settling velocity, which shall not exceed 50
mm/minute.

(ii) The suspended solids content of any wastewater shall have a High-suspended solids
maximum concentration, which shall not exceed 2000 g/m3. can cause sewer
blockages.

(iii) The settable solids content of any wastewater shall not exceed 50
ml/L.

(iv) The total dissolved solids concentration in any wastewater shall be A high total dissolved solid
subject to the approval of North Shore City Council having regard reduces effluent disposal
to the volume of the waste to be discharged, and the suitability of options and may contribute to
the wastewater system and the treatment plant to accept such soil salinity. Where potential for
waste. such problems exists, a limit of
10,000 g/m3 may be used as a
(v) Fibrous, woven, or sheet film or any other materials which may guideline.
adversely interfere with the free flow of wastewater in the
wastewater system or treatment plant shall not be present.

Oils and greases can cause sewer

4. Oil and Grease blockages, may adversely affect
the treatment process, and may
(i) There shall be no free or floating layer. impair the aesthetics of the
receiving water. Where the
treatment plant discharges to
(ii) Oil and grease can be mineral oil, fat or grease. This may be sensitive receiving water, lower
unavoidably emulsified and may be, in the opinion of the values should be considered.
Wastewater Authority, not biodegradable. The oil and grease In terms of oil and greases,
content of trade waste shall not exceed 200 g/m3 when the biodegradable refers to the bio-
emulsion is stable at a temperature of 15°C and when the emulsion availability of the oil and greases
is in contact with and diluted by a factor of 10 by raw sewage and the biochemicals thereby
throughout the range pH 6.0 to pH 10.0. produced, and means the oil and
grease content of the waste
decreases by 90% or more when
(iii) A trade waste with oil, fat or grease unavoidably emulsified, which the wastewater is subjected to a
in the opinion of the Wastewater Authority is biodegradable shall simulated wastewater treatment
not exceed 500 g/m3 when the emulsion is stable at a temperature process which matched the WWA
treatment system.
of 15°C and when the emulsion is in contact with and diluted by a
factor of 10 by raw sewage throughout the range pH 4.5 to pH 10.0 If quick break detergents are being
used, it should be ensured that the
(iv) Emulsified oil, fat or grease shall not exceed 100 g/m3 when the occupier is using proper separation
emulsion is unstable at a temperature of 15°C and when the systems. If not, oil will reappear
emulsion is in contact with and diluted by a factor of 10 by raw in drainage systems as a free layer.
Some organic liquids are denser
sewage throughout the range pH 4.5 to pH 10.0
than water and will settle in sewers
and traps.
5. Solvents and other Organic Liquids

(i) There shall be no free layer (whether floating or settled) of

solvents or organic liquids.

(ii) Refer Schedule Two Group 1 Substances for information on

dissolved solvents and other organic liquids.

6. Emulsions of Paint, Adhesive, Rubber and Plastic Latex emulsions vary

considerably in their
For the purposes of this sub-clause: properties and local treatment
works may need additional
'Latex emulsion' means an emulsion containing paint, adhesive, restrictions depending on the
rubber, plastic, or similar material. experience of the specific
treatment plant and the
'Treatable' in relation to emulsion wastewater, means the Total quantity of latex to be treated.
Organic Carbon content of the waste decreases by 90% or more
when the wastewater is subjected to a simulated wastewater
treatment process which matches North Shore City Council’s
treatment system.

(i) Latex emulsions, which are not treatable, may be discharged into Latex emulsions will
the wastewater system subject to the total suspended solids not coagulate when unstable and
exceeding 1000g/m3. can sometimes cause sewer
blockage. Latex emulsions
(ii) North Shore City Council may require pre-treatment of latex are stable when dilute or in
emulsions if the emulsion wastewater unreasonably interferes with the correct pH range.
the operation of North Shore City Council’s treatment plant.

(iii) Latex emulsions of both treatable and non-treatable types, shall be

discharged to the wastewater system only at a concentration and
pH range that prevents coagulation and blockage at the mixing
zone in the wastewater system.

7. Radioactivity

Radioactivity levels shall not exceed National Radiation Refer National Laboratory
Laboratory guidelines. Code of safe practice for the
use of unsealed radioactive
8. Color materials NRL.C1

No waste shall have color or coloring substance that causes the Color may cause aesthetic
discharge to be colored to the extent that it impairs wastewater impairment of receiving
treatment processes or compromises the final effluent discharge waters, and adverse affects on
consent. lagoon treatment processes
and ultra-violet disinfection.
Where potential for such
problem exists, a level of
color that is rendered not
noticeable after 100 dilutions
may be used as a guideline.
9. Transmissivity
Where UV disinfection is used
Due to the use of UV light disinfection at the Council’s special conditions may apply
Wastewater Treatment Plant, the acceptability of discharges will be
based on transmissivity testing at 254 nm. The discharge will be
diluted at 10:1 with distilled water and tested at 254nm. The result
must have a transmissivity of 50% or more, equivalent to an
absorbance of 0.3010 or less.

ACCEPTABLE DISCHARGE CHARACTERISTICS FOR:

(B) Chemical Characteristics In setting of restrictions for
chemical characteristics North
Shore City Council will be
mindful of the production of
harmful or noxious waste
streams from some tests, such
as chemical oxygen demand
and total Kjeldahl nitrogen.
The need to set out restrictions
and therefore the requirement
to undertake the associated
testing must be determined by
North Shore City Council.
1. pH Value
Extremes of pH:
The pH shall be between 6.0 and 10.0 at all times.
• can adversely affect
biological treatment
processes
• can adversely affect the
safety of operations and/or
maintenance personnel
• cause corrosion of sewer
structures
• increase the potential for the
release of toxic gases such
as H2S and HCN
2. Organic Strength The loading on a treatment
plant is affected by
The Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) of any waste shall not Biochemical Oxygen
exceed 1000 g/m3 nor 10kg per day as a mass limit. Demand (BOD) rather than
Chemical Oxygen Demand
(COD). For any particular
waste type there is a fixed
ratio between COD and
BOD. For domestic
wastewater it is about 2.5:1
(COD:BOD), but can range
from 1:1 to 100:1 for trade
waste. Therefore BOD is
important for the treatment
process and charging, but
because of the time taken for
testing, it is often preferable
to use COD for monitoring.
However, the use of COD
testing must be balanced by
the possible environmental
effects of undertaking such
tests due to the production of
chromium and mercury
wastes. Where a consistent
relationship between BOD
and COD can
be established the discharge
may be monitored using the
COD test.
High COD may increase the
potential for the generation of
sulphides in the wastewater.

3. Inhibitory Chemicals

At the choice of North Shore City Council no waste being diluted

at a fixed ratio to wastewater, nominated by Council, shall inhibit
the performance of the wastewater treatment plant such that the
Council is significantly at risk or prevented from achieving it’s
Resource Consent Conditions

4. Maximum Concentrations

The maximum concentrations permissible for the chemical

characteristics of an acceptable discharge are set out in the
following tables:

Characteristic Maximum Concentration
g/m3
MBAS (Methylene blue
active substances)
Ammonia - (as N)
-Ammonium ion
Kjeldahl nitrogen
Total phosphorus
Sulphate
(measured as SO4)
(with good mixing)
Sulphite - (as SO2 )
Sulphide -
as H2S on acidification
Chlorine - (as Cl2 )
- Free chlorine
- hypochlorite
Dissolved Aluminium
Acceptable Discharge Characteristics for:
(C) General Chemical Characteristics
Mass Limit kg/d Remarks
300 1.5 MBAS is a measure of anionic surfactants.
High MBAS can:
- adversely affect the efficiency of activated
sludge plants
- impair the aesthetics of receiving waters
High ammonia::
200 1.0 -may adversely effect the safety of operations &
maintenance personnel
-may significantly contribute to the nutrient load
to the receiving environment.
200 1.0 High Kjeldahl nitrogen may significantly
contribute to the nutrient load of the receiving
environment. A value of 150 g/m3 should be
used as a guideline for sensitive receiving
waters.
150 0.75 High phosphorus may significantly contribute
(as P) to the nutrient loading of the receiving
environment. A value of 50 g/m3 should be
used as a guideline for sensitive receiving
waters.
Sulphate:
500 2.5 -may adversely affect wastewater system
structures.
-may increase the potential for the generation of
sulphides in the wastewater if the sewer is
prone to become anaerobic.
15 0.075 Sulphite has potential to release S02 gas and
thus adversely affect the safety of operations &
maintenance personnel.
It is a strong reducing agent and removes
dissolved oxygen thereby increasing the
potential for anaerobic conditions to form in the
wastewater.
Sulphides in wastewater may:
5 0.025 -cause corrosion of wastewater system
structures, particularly the top non-wetted
part of a sewer.
- generate odors in sewers, which could cause
public nuisance.
-release the toxic H2S gas which could
adversely affect safety of operations and
maintenance personnel.
Chlorine:
3 0.015 -can adversely affect the safety of operations &
15 maintenance personnel.
-can cause corrosion of wastewater system
structures.
300 1.5 Aluminium compounds, particularly in the
presence of calcium salts, have the potential to
 precipitate as a scale, which may cause a sewer
blockage.

Dissolved Iron 300 1.5 Iron salts may precipitate and cause a sewer
blockage. High concentrations of ferric iron
may also present color problems depending on
local conditions.

Boron - (as B) 25 0.125 Boron is not removed by conventional

treatment. High concentrations in effluent may
restrict irrigation applications. Final effluent use
and limits should be taken into account.

Bromine - (as Br2) 5 0.025 High concentrations of bromine may adversely

affect the safety of operations & maintenance
personnel.

Fluoride - (as F) 30 0.15 Fluoride is not removed by conventional

wastewater treatment, however pre-treatment
can easily and economically reduce
3
concentrations to below 20 g/m .

Cyanide - weak acid 1 0.005 Cyanide may produce toxic atmospheres in the
dissociable (as CN) sewer and adversely affect the safety of
operations & maintenance personnel.
 Acceptable Discharge Characteristics for
(D) TOXIC POLLUTANTS – HEAVY METALS +

Toxic Pollutant Maximum Mass Limits

Concentration Kg/d
g/m3
Antimony as Sb 5.0 0.025 Heavy metals have the potential
to:
Arsenic as As 5.0 0.025
Barium as Ba 5.0 0.025 - impair the treatment process
Beryllium as Be 0.005 0.0001 - impact on the receiving
environment
Cadmium as Cd 0.5 0.001 - limit the reuse of sludge and
effluent
Chromium as Cr 5.0 0.050
Cobalt as Co 5.0 0.025 Where any of these factors are
critical
Copper as Cu 5.0 0.050 local acceptance limits are applied
Lead as Pb 5.0 0.025
Manganese as Mn 5.0 0.025 The concentration for chromium
includes
Mercury as Hg 0.10 0.0001 all valent forms of the element.
Molybdenum as Mo 5.0 0.025
Silver as Ag 2.0 0.010 Chromium (VI) is considered to
be more
Nickel as Ni 5.0 0.025 toxic than chromium (III), and for
a
Selenium as Se 5.0 0.025 discharge where chromium (III)
makes up
Thallium as Th 5.0. 0.025 A large proportion of the
characteristic,
Tin as Sn 5.0 0.025 higher concentration limits may
be acceptable. Specialist advice
should be sought.
Zinc Zn 5.0 0.025
+

Note
Total (above) refers to wherever several compounds are grouped into a generic type, the sum of
individual concentrations and mass quantities is not to exceed the maximum listed.
 Acceptable Discharge Characteristics for:
(E) Organic Compound Characteristics

Compound Maximum Mass Limit Remarks

Concentration Kg/d
g/m3
Formaldehyde - (as HCHO) 50 0.25 Formaldehyde in the sewer
atmosphere can adversely affect the
safety of operations & maintenance
personnel.

Phenolic Compounds - 50 0.25 Phenols may adversely affect

(as phenols) biological treatment processes.
excluding chlorinated phenols They may not be completely
removed by conventional treatment
and subsequently impact on the
environment.

Chlorinated Phenols 0.02 0.001 Chlorinated phenols can adversely

affect biological treatment process
and may impair the quality of the
receiving environment.

Petroleum Hydrocarbons 30 0.15 Petroleum hydrocarbons may

adversely affect the safety of
operations & maintenance
personnel.

Halogenated Aliphatic Compounds+ 1 0.001 Because of their stability and

chemical properties these
compounds:
may adversely affect the treatment
processes.
- may impair the quality of the
receiving environment.
- may adversely affect the safety
of operations & maintenance
personnel,

Monocyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons 5 0.025 These compounds (also known as

benzene series) are relatively
insoluble in water, and are normally
not a problem in trade waste. They
may be carcinogenic and may
adversely affect the safety of
operations maintenance personnel.

Polycyclic (or polynuclear) 0.05 0.001 Many of these substances have

Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) been demonstrated to have an
adverse effect on the health of
animals, some are also persistent
and are not degraded by
conventional treatment processes.

Halogenated Aromatic Because of their stability,

Hydrocarbons (HAHs) persistence and ability to
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) 0.002 0.0001 bioaccumulate in animal tissue
Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBBs) 0.002 0.0001 these compounds have been
severely restricted by health and
environmental regulators.
Pesticides (general)+ Pesticides:
(includes insecticides, herbicides, 0.2 0.001 • may adversely affect the
fungicides and excludes treatment processes.
organophosphate, organochlorine • may impair the quality of the
and any pesticides not registered for receiving environment.
use in New Zealand) • may adversely affect the safety
of operations & maintenance
personnel.

Organophosphate Pesticides*+ 0.1 0.0005

* Excludes pesticides not registered for use in New Zealand.

+ These compounds shall be accepted up to the given maximum concentration only
when specifically approved

Acceptable Discharge Characteristics for :

(F) Inhibitory Chemicals/Compounds

After dilution with de-chlorinated water at a ratio of 15 to
1 of wastewater, a discharge which has an acute result
when subjected to Whole Effluent Toxicity Testing will be
deemed to have Inhibitory Chemicals.
Whole Effluent Toxicity Testing will be undertaken using
organisms selected by NSCC.
No waste being diluted at a ratio of 100 to 1 of wastewater
shall inhibit the performance of the wastewater treatment
process such that NSCC is significantly at risk or
prevented from achieving its environmental statutory
requirements.