September 2, 2014
The Metro Wastewater Reclamation District (Metro District), which serves the Denver metro area, has implemented new amalgam control requirements for dental offices in its service area. By February 19, 2015, dental offices served by the Metro District will be required to implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) for placement, removal and disposal of dental amalgam. These dental offices will also be required to install amalgam separators by August 19, 2015. The Metro District service area includes most of the Denver metro and surrounding suburban areas. Click here to see the cities and sanitation districts affected.
Under the new requirements, once BMPs and amalgam separators have been implemented in a dental office, the office will need to submit certification forms to let the Metro District know that the requirements have been met. Exemptions from these requirements are available for dental offices that never place or remove amalgam or teeth containing amalgam.
The CDA was made aware of the Metro District’s interest in an amalgam separator requirement in June 2013. Since that time, the CDA has been involved in providing feedback on draft rules to ensure that they are consistent with ADA policy on amalgam waste and as reasonable for dental offices as possible. The CDA was successful in achieving a year implementation timeline for dental offices that must install amalgam separators, and in helping to ensure that maintenance and recordkeeping requirements were the least burdensome necessary to accomplish the Metro District’s environmental needs.
Resources:
Metro District Requirements
Please visit the Metro District’s website for up-to-date forms and information on requirements (see the “PreTreatment Documents” in the left sidebar), including:
• Rules and Regulations for the Dental Amalgam Control Program
• Dental Amalgam Control Program Advisor
• BMP Certification Form
• Amalgam Separator Installation Certification Form
• Waiver Request Form – please contact the Metro District for authorization and resources
Contacts for questions concerning the Metro District’s Dental Amalgam Control Program:
Scott Caldwell (303-286-3182)
Suzanne Renter (303-286-3128)
CDA Member Amalgam Separator Benefit: SolmeteX
Since 2009, the CDA has worked with SolmeteX to provide amalgam separators at special CDA member pricing to interested dental offices. SolmeteX is the CDA’s endorsed amalgam separator distributor. SolmeteX provides amalgam separators, installation support and waste disposal/recycling services. As a member benefit, CDA members receive a free Hg5 collection container (a $189 value) and an Hg5 recycle kit (a $126 value) when they order an Hg5 amalgam separator system. To find a SolmeteX dealer, click here.
As an additional benefit available to CDA members, SolmeteX has created a certificate login that contains training and inspection logs dental facilities can use with their amalgam separator operations and maintenance plans. Download the employee training log and visual inspection log, or visit www.solmetex.com/dentalcerts.
Click here to view SolmeteX’s product offerings. You can locate an amalgam separator vendor by clicking here.
Best Management Practices: ADA
• Topic Overview
• BMP Brochure
• BMP Policy