Information and data on a user obtained from
reports, questionnaires, permit applications, permits and monitoring
programs and from inspections shall be available to the public or
other governmental agency without restriction unless the user specifically
requests and is able to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the City
that the release of such information would divulge information, processes
or methods of production entitled to protection, such as trade secrets
of the user. When requested by the person furnishing a report, the
portions of a report which might disclose trade secrets or secret
processes shall not be made available for inspection by the public
but shall be made available upon written request to governmental agencies
for uses related to this chapter, the national pollutant discharge
elimination system (NPDES) permit, state disposal system permit and/or
the pretreatment programs; provided, however, that such portions of
a report shall be available for use by the state or any state agency
in judicial review or enforcement proceedings involving the person
furnishing the report. Wastewater constituents and characteristics
will not be recognized as confidential information.
No provisions contained in this chapter shall
be deemed to prevent any special agreement or arrangement between
the City and any person whereby wastewater of unusual strength or
characteristic may be accepted by the City for treatment which will
not violate or cause the City and/or the user to violate federal or
state pretreatment requirements or standards or to violate discharge
standards and which will not be harmful to the system. Under no circumstances
shall federal or state pretreatment requirements or standards be waived.