What to know
- We regulate industrial wastewater discharges across Los Angeles to prevent hazardous chemicals from entering municipal sewers.
- Flammable or hazardous materials like gasoline are strictly prohibited from sewer discharge.
- Routine air testing at key sewer stations prevents objectionable sewer odors from reaching neighborhood streets.
- In the rare event of a sewer overflow, environmental monitoring teams immediately test affected areas to protect public health.
Program Overview
A clean environment begins underground. LA Sanitation & Environment (LASAN) regulates, monitors, and controls industrial wastewater discharges from more than 16,000 commercial and industrial users across the City of Los Angeles. Through custom discharge permits, rigorous sampling, and air quality testing at sewer stations, our Sewer and Odor Control Testing Program protects underground infrastructure, prevents illegal chemical dumping, and stops sewer odors before they impact local neighborhoods.
Industrial Pretreatment & Enforcement
Businesses that discharge non-hazardous commercial wastewater must hold a specific LASAN Industrial Waste Discharge Permit. Our inspectors and chemists test industrial discharges for:
- Heavy metals and cyanides
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semivolatiles (pesticides, PCBs)
- Dissolved sulfides, chlorides, oil, and grease
Hazardous materials such as gasoline, solvents, or toxic industrial waste are strictly prohibited from entering the sewer system. Routine sampling allows the City to prosecute illegal dischargers and prevent hazardous reactions inside municipal sewer mains.
Sewer Odor Control
Preventing sewer odors is a major priority for LASAN. We operate and test specialized chemical air scrubbers located along major sewer trunks and pumping stations citywide.
Our technicians routinely analyze air samples for volatile organics, sulfur compounds, and total organic carbon (TOC) at key stations, including:
- North Coastal Outfall Sewer (NCOS) and North Outfall Sewer (NORS)
- East Valley Interceptor Sewer (ECIS) and North Outfall Treatment Facility (NOTF)
- Mission/Richmond, Woodbridge/Radford, MLK/Rodeo, Humboldt, Mission/Jesse, Fairfax/Venice, and Sierra Bonita air scrubber sites
- Ballona Pumping Plant and Dacotah Pumping Plant
Emergency Overflow Monitoring
In the rare event of a sewage overflow or pipe blockage, LASAN environmental monitoring teams deploy immediately. Scientists sample surrounding storm drains and receiving waters to track containment, guide cleanup operations, and ensure public safety.
Questions and Reporting Sewer Odors
Have questions about industrial waste permits or wish to report a sewer odor in your neighborhood? Contact our 24-hour Customer Care Center at 1-800-773-2489 or submit a ticket via MyLA311.