The term "pretreatment" refers to the requirement that non-domestic sources discharging wastewater to Marion's sewer system control their discharges and meet limits established by the EPA and the City of Marion on the amount of pollutants allowed to be discharged.  The control of the pollutants may require treatment prior to discharge to the sewer system (therefore, the term "pretreatment").  Limits may be met by the non-domestic sources through pollution prevention techniques (ex: product substitution, recycling or reusing of materials) or treatment of the wastewater.

Marion's Pretreatment Program monitors industries and other non-domestic sources by sampling their wastewater effluent and inspecting their facilities.  Several industries monitor their own effluent on a routine basis and report the results to the Utility.  The samples collected are analyzed for the pollutants regulated by Marion's Sewer Use Ordinance and the Federal Code of Regulations.  Should the limits of these parameters be exceeded, the responsible party would be notified.  The Utility would then work with them on locating the source of the problem and help to bring them back into compliance.

The industries in Marion have always been willing to cooperate with the Utility on meeting these goals.  Marion's Pretreatment Program has worked diligently with industries and other non-domestic sources on preventing adverse effects from happening to the Mississinewa River and have eliminated a substantial amount of pollutants from being introduced into the sewer system and the environment.  Marion's Pretreatment Program is dedicated to continuing it's goal of keeping our environment safe for everyone.

For more information, call Pam Kirklin, Pretreatment Coordinator at

(765) 664-2391, ext 128