EPA Issues Amalgam Separator FAQs

Last month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) posted responses to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the new amalgam separator rule on the EPA’s website. The FAQ document provides detailed answers to various questions such as “Who must comply with this rule?” and “What are the compliance deadlines?”

On June 9, 2017, the EPA issued final rule on effluent limitations for dental offices to reduce the discharge of mercury and other metals from dental offices down the sewer drain to publically owned treatment works (POTWs). EPA’s new technology-based pretreatment standards under the Clean Water Act require dental offices to install/use amalgam separators and follow two additional best management practices recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA).

The five-page document can be downloaded here, or can be downloaded from OSHA Review’s website.

For our OSHA Review Subscribers: The November/December 2017 issue of OSHA Review provides detailed information about EPA’s new amalgam separator rule.

Since 1992, OSHA Review, Inc. has provided dental professionals with comprehensive programs to support regulatory compliance and infection control. We are a registered continuing education provider in the state of California, specializing in Dental Practice Act, infection control, and OSHA training.