The Code of Practice for Photo Imaging Operations is a regulation for managing waste materials generated by routine photo imaging procedures. Photo imaging operations operating in the City of Abbotsford are required to follow the Code of Practice.
Routine dental procedures can generate harmful waste materials such spent processing solutions, disinfectants, cleaning agents and rinse solutions. Although the volume of these materials discharged from individual operations may be small, the cumulative amount of waste from all photo imaging operations within the Abbotsford/Mission service area has the potential to have a significant impact on the environment and solids waste recycling efforts.
Wastewater from photo imaging operations may contain elevated concentrations of silver, iron, sulphate, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD). Elevated levels of heavy metals discharged to the sanitary sewer system or to septic fields can pose a significant risk to the environment. If the heavy metals accumulate in the biosolids at the JAMES Treatment Plant, the options for reuse and recycling are limited. Heavy metals can also accumulate in septic fields and tanks resulting in restricting future land use and the landowner may be liable for clean-up costs.
By following the Code of Practice, photo imaging operations will significantly reduce the amount of contaminants that end up at the JAMES Treatment Plant and eventually in the Fraser River.
Related Documents: