Oily Water

If you can't cut down on oils and grease in your wastewater, decide which type of treatment or management system will work for you. Disposal contractors will be able to advise you on testing and treatability.

Oil/Water Separators: Some oily wastewater can be treated with an oil/water separator (a separation vault or a coalescing plate interceptor). Oil/water separators are effective for non-emulsified wastewater only.

Chemical Treatment or Ultrafiltration: If your oily water is emulsified (that is, soap or strong agitation make the oil stay in small droplets that won't float to the top of the water), try chemical treatment or ultrafiltration.

Disposal Facility: If you can't treat oily wastewater chemically with ultrafiltration or with an oil/water separator, the oily wastewater should be transported to a treatment facility for oily water. Oily wastewater usually doesn't designate as hazardous waste unless a hazardous substance (such as a solvent) has been added or the process involves heavy metals.