What You Need to Know:

Amalgam Separators and Vac Lines

 

Where do I start?  Decision Tree for EPA Amalgam Separation Rule handout

 

• By October 12, 2020, all dental offices must submit one-time Compliance Report to comply with EPA Clean Water Act

• Annual reporting requirements differ by State and municipality

Oregon

• Complete Dental Discharger Certification (Compliance Report). 

• Submit Dental Discharger Certification and include proof of installation of amalgam separator (if office not on waiver list) to

• By January 15 each year, submit Dental Discharge Certification with Equipment & Amalgam Waste Management Log to DentalAmalgam@portlandoregon.gov.

 

Washington

• Visit the State’s site to One-Time Compliance Report instructions to determine where to submit Compliance Report.

• In municipalities where dental office served by municipal pre-treatment program, submit Compliance Report to that municipal office.

• Carefully note due dates for annual certification form.  EX:  Vancouver WA requires annual submission by Feb 28.

 

Tips

• Physical signature required on Compliance Form. Keep copy for your records.

• Keep records for 3 years: amalgam inspections, replacement and recycling of amalgam separation cartridges plus solid amalgam (waste buckets)

• Solmetex offers free records for cartridges and buckets sent to them. 

  • Learn more here

 

​

Vacuum Lines

• By law, any vacuum lines attached to an amalgam separator must be maintained with cleaners between 6 - 8 pH. 

• Bleach and other chemical cleaners break down amalgam and contaminate water.

 

Reach recommends BioPure™, an all-natural cleaner

• Breaks down and digests organic matter

• Helps reduce waste in amalgam cartridges, extending their lifespan and saving money

 

Optimizing Vacuum Line Performance

Step 1: BioPure Restore

• Start daily treatment of the 2 operatories closest to vac pump for 10 days. 

• Then add 2 more operatories and repeat process until all operatories treated.

 

Step 2:  BioPure Maintain

• Twice weekly treatment for all operatories.

• Cost-effective when compared to other products requiring daily use.