Dental Facilities
Dental amalgam used in dentistry to fill cavities consist of a mixture of metals including mercury. Mercury-containing dental amalgam can find its way into the environment when fillings are placed or removed, and waste amalgam materials enter the wastewater system.
Requirements
The City of Hayward requires dental facilities to obtain a dental wastewater discharge permit. The permit requires dental facilities to install an approved amalgam separator and implement best management practices (BMPs).
How do I comply?
Dental Facilities can adhere to City's requirements with the following steps:
- Submit the Self-Certification of Amalgam Management Requirements due within 30 days of receiving the form
- Install an ISO 11143 certified amalgam separator device for each vacuum suction system within 90 days prior to discharging to the sanitary sewer.
- Submit the Self-Certification of Amalgam Separator Installation due within 30 days of installation.
Exempt Facilities
Dental offices that only perform amalgam placement or removal three days or fewer per year are exempt from requirements, as well as facilities that perform following functions:
- Orthodontics
- Periodontics
- Oral and maxillofacial surgery
- Radiology
- Oral Pathology or oral medicine
- Endodontics
- Prosthodontics
Where do I need to submit my self-certification forms?
Self-certification forms can be submitted via email to wpsc.staff@hayward-ca.gov , or via mail to 24499 Soto Road, Hayward, CA 94544.
Questions?
Call Water Pollution Source Control at 510.881.7900 or email us at wpsc.staff@hayward-ca.gov.
