Pretreatment Program


​Silver Best Management Practices (BMPs)

​Silver Recovery Requirements

For each user category there are recommended technology options and specified percentage levels of silver that need to be recovered from the silver-rich solution generated. These recommended technologies and required silver recovery amounts are:

Small--95% Silver RecoveryLarge--99% Silver Recovery
  1. Terminal electrolytic unit followed by at least one metallic replacement cartridge (MRC)
  2. In-line electrolytic unit with at least one metallic replacement cartridge
  3. Two or more MRCs with manufacturer-specified flow control
  4. Alternative technology providing at least 95% silver recovery
  5. Off-site management
  1. Terminal electrolytic unit followed by at least one metallic replacement cartridge (MRC)
  2. In-line electrolytic unit with two metallic replacement cartridges
  3. Evaporation/Distillation Unit (used in conjunction with off-site management.
  4. Ion Exchange Technology
  5. Alternative technology providing at least 99% silver recovery
  6. Off-site management

It is important to note, the silver recovery percentage amounts required under the BMP program deal only with the silver-rich solutions generated at your facility.

Requirements for Participating in Silver BMP Program

  • All facilities must maintain records in a designated logbook verifying the volume of total process effluent or the amount of silver-rich solution they generate (see discussion of Category Determination above).
  • Facilities adopting the BMP must annually submit a Silver BMP Letter of Participation by January 31st each year. A Silver BMP Letter of Participation  is included and a copy should be retained with your records for a minimum of three years.