Oil-water separator and sediment trap

Apply for a permit from the City for an oil-water separator or sediment trap.

Definition

Oil-water separator

An oil-water separator is:

  • Equipment used to separate oil and water mixtures into their separate components
  • Available in many types and for various industries and businesses, including:
    • Auto repair shops
    • Parking garages and ramps

Sediment trap

A sediment trap or basin is a settling pond formed by:

  • Excavation
  • An embankment that intercepts and retains sediment-laden runoff from a construction site

We require soil samples if the vessel:

  • Has been damaged
  • Permitted car fluids and oils to enter the ground

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) explains rules for managing these wastes.

See MPCA fact sheet

Mechanic working on car with floor drain nearby

Requirements

Follow City requirements for an oil-water separator or sediment trap.

Soil sample

If you have a leak:

Access cover

When you install a trap and separator, make it accessible for:

  • Service
  • Maintenance

Maintenance schedule

  • Clean devices annually or as required.
  • Keep records of service and other maintenance activities for a minimum of three years.

See Minneapolis Ordinance 48.270

Additional permits

Your work may require additional permits. Do your due diligence to make sure you get all needed permits.

Contact Environmental Health Permit with questions

Application

See Oil-water separator and sediment trap application

Fee

See Environmental permit fees

Submit your application  

Submit your application to Environmental Health Permit

Minneapolis skyline

Pollution Control Annual Registration (PCAR)

This permit type also requires annual pollution control registration.
See PCAR details

Request accessible format

If you need help with this information, please email 311, or call 311 or 612-673-3000.

Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Contact us

 

Minneapolis Health Department

Environmental Health Permit

 

Email Environmental Health Permit

 
 

Phone
612-673-2301

 

 
 

Address

Make payment in person at:

Public Service Building
Minneapolis Service Center
505 Fourth Ave. S., Skyway level
Minneapolis, MN 55415

Mail a payment to:

Minneapolis Environmental Health
505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 520
Minneapolis, MN 55415

 

Thomas Frame

Environmental Engineer
Minneapolis Health Department

Email Tom Frame

Environmental Services Information

Health Department

 

Email Environmental Services Information