If your facility operates air compressors, you’re generating condensate—and that condensate is subject to EPA regulation under the Clean Water Act. Improper disposal isn’t just an environmental issue. It’s a financial one.
A single condensate discharge violation can cost more than your entire compressed air system.
This guide covers what procurement and facilities teams need to know about EPA condensate requirements, the real cost of violations, and how to ensure your operation stays compliant.
What Is Compressed Air Condensate?
Air compressors pull in ambient air, which contains moisture. As this air is compressed and cooled, water vapor condenses into liquid. This condensate collects in receivers, dryers, and filters throughout your compressed air system.
The problem: condensate isn’t just water. It contains:
- Lubricating oils from the compressor
- Particulates from the intake air
- Hydrocarbons and other contaminants
Discharging untreated condensate into drains, sewers, or the environment violates the Clean Water Act—and triggers significant penalties.
EPA Penalty Structure: The Real Numbers
The EPA doesn’t issue warnings for condensate violations. Penalties are immediate and substantial:
| Violation Type | Penalty Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minor discharge violation | $10,000 – $25,000 | Per violation |
| Ongoing discharge | $25,000+/day | Continues until resolved |
| Negligent violations | Up to $50,000/day | Plus potential criminal charges |
| Knowing violations | $50,000+/day | Plus imprisonment up to 3 years |
These aren’t theoretical numbers. In 2024, facilities across manufacturing, automotive, and food processing sectors faced enforcement actions for condensate-related violations.
Clean Water Act Requirements for Compressed Air Systems
The Clean Water Act (CWA) establishes clear requirements for industrial facilities:
Maximum Discharge Concentration
Treated condensate must contain less than 15 parts per million (ppm) oil-in-water before discharge. This applies whether you’re discharging to:
- Municipal sewer systems
- Storm drains
- Any waters of the United States
Treatment Requirements
Raw condensate typically contains 500-2,000+ ppm of oil. Reaching the <15 ppm threshold requires proper treatment equipment—specifically, an oil-water separator designed for compressed air condensate.
Documentation Requirements
The EPA requires facilities to maintain:
- Equipment specifications and certifications
- Maintenance and service records
- Discharge monitoring data (if required by permit)
- Proof of proper treatment capability
During an audit, inspectors expect to see this documentation immediately available.
Why Traditional Approaches Fail
Many facilities attempt to manage condensate through methods that don’t meet regulatory requirements:
Hauling Condensate Offsite
Some facilities collect condensate in drums and pay for hazardous waste hauling. While technically compliant, this approach costs $500-2,000+ per pickup—and a single missed pickup can result in overflow violations.
Undersized or Outdated Separators
Equipment that worked five years ago may not handle today’s compressor load. Separators without proper certification or documentation create audit liability.
No Maintenance Program
Oil-water separators require regular service to maintain <15 ppm discharge. Most separators need service every 4,000 operating hours. Without a maintenance program, discharge quality degrades—often without visible indication until an audit or environmental incident.
The Compliance Partnership Approach
Joruva’s Compliance Partnership model addresses the gaps that create regulatory exposure:
Equipment That Exceeds Standards
Joruva Oil-Water Separators are certified to discharge <15 ppm oil-in-water. Our Reactis additive technology extends service intervals to 6,000 hours—50% longer than industry standard—reducing maintenance burden and ensuring consistent performance.
Documentation Included
Every Joruva system ships with a complete Compliance Documentation Package:
- Equipment certifications and specifications
- Discharge certification (<15 ppm verified)
- Maintenance schedule and service log templates
- Audit preparation checklist
- Common auditor questions and prepared responses
Ongoing Support
Unlike buy-and-disappear distributors, Joruva provides:
- Proactive service reminders before intervals expire
- Pre-audit preparation calls with our compliance team
- Documentation review and updates
- Regulatory change alerts
What Procurement Teams Should Evaluate
When sourcing oil-water separation equipment, look beyond purchase price:
| Factor | Questions to Ask |
|---|---|
| Discharge certification | Is the equipment certified for <15 ppm discharge? |
| Documentation | Does the vendor provide audit-ready compliance documentation? |
| Service intervals | How often does the unit require service? What’s the cost? |
| Ongoing support | What compliance support exists after purchase? |
| Total cost | Factor in service, hauling, and potential violation costs |
Next Steps
If your facility operates compressed air systems, assess your current condensate management:
- Audit your current equipment. Is your separator sized correctly? Is it certified for <15 ppm discharge?
- Review your documentation. Could you produce discharge certifications and maintenance records during an unannounced inspection?
- Calculate your true cost. Include hauling, service, downtime, and potential violation exposure.
Joruva’s team can help you evaluate your current state and identify the right solution for your facility. Request a quote or call (888) 567-8782 to speak with our compliance team.
Joruva Industrial is a direct-to-end-user manufacturer of oil-water separators, air compressors, and air dryers. Our Compliance Partnership model provides ongoing EPA compliance support—not just equipment sales. Learn more about our Compliance Partnership.
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