Mount Pleasant council adopts updated pretreatment ordinance for industrial wastewater

The Mount Pleasant City Council unanimously approved Ordinance 2025-3 on a motion from Council Member Hagerman, updating the city's pretreatment program for industrial wastewater discharges.

City leaders said the changes bring the municipal code into compliance with current state and federal requirements and create a permitting process for businesses that discharge industrial waste into the city's wastewater collection and treatment system.

At the meeting, a city staff presenter said the ordinance amends sections 51.2 through 51.32, repeals sections 51.32 through 51.44, and adds section 51.61 to the city's pretreatment program. The presenter said the ordinance has not been updated in roughly 20 years and “will allow the city's environmental officer and/or his designee to maintain the integrity of the current water system in any future growth.”

Juan Ramirez, identified by staff as the city's pretreatment coordinator, was named as the staff contact who will manage permit reviews and inspections. Council members asked about scope and practical effects on local businesses; staff said existing businesses would be asked to complete a discharge-permit application to document current practices and that the city would work with businesses to address any accuracy or compliance issues.

A council member asked whether the ordinance would apply to Pilgrim’s wastewater plant on the other side of town; staff replied that facility is independent and not covered by the city's permit program. Staff also discussed grease interceptor provisions in the draft and said recommended grease trap sizing may increase from 500 to 1,000 gallons for new businesses, with periodic pumping intervals built into the requirements.

Council Member Hagerman made the motion to approve Ordinance 2025-3; the motion was seconded by Council Member Carbel and recorded as approved unanimously.

The ordinance creates a discharge-permit application requirement for new and existing businesses, gives the environmental office authority to review changes in chemicals or processes, and establishes inspection and recheck authority to maintain compliance and protect the new wastewater treatment plant the city is building. The city said the permit process will require businesses to notify staff if they plan to change the chemicals they discharge, typically with a 30-day notice requirement.

City staff indicated they will coordinate with the building and code department to align grease-trap sizing recommendations with building code and to incorporate that coordination into enforcement and permitting.

Council members and staff said the new ordinance is intended to protect the municipal wastewater infrastructure while working with local businesses to reduce contamination risks. No effective or implementation date was specified at the meeting.