(A) For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
BYPASS.
The intentional diversion of wastestreams from any portion of a user's or customer's treatment facility.
SEVERE PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Substantial physical damage to property, damage to the treatment facilities which causes them to become inoperable, or substantial and permanent loss of natural resources which can reasonably be expected to occur in the absence of a bypass.
SEVERE PROPERTY DAMAGE
does not mean economic loss caused by delays in production.
(B) A user or customer may allow any bypass to occur which does not cause pretreatment standards or requirements to be violated, but only if it also is for essential maintenance to assure efficient operation. These bypasses are not subject to divisions (C) and (D) of this section.
(1) If a user or customer knows in advance of the need for a bypass, it shall submit prior notice to the town at least ten days before the date of the bypass, if possible.
(2) A user or customer shall submit oral notice to the town of an unanticipated bypass that exceeds applicable pretreatment standards as soon as possible, but no later than 24 hours from the time it becomes aware of the bypass. The written submission shall contain a description of the bypass and its cause; the duration of the bypass, including the exact date and times; if the bypass has not been corrected, the anticipated time it is expected to continue; and the steps taken or planned to reduce, eliminate, and prevent reoccurrence of the bypass. The town may waive the written report on a case-by-case basis if the oral report has been received within 24 hours.
(C) Bypasses are prohibited, and the town may take an enforcement action against a user or customer for a bypass, unless:
(1) The bypass was unavoidable to prevent loss of life, personal injury, or severe property damage;
(2) There were no feasible alternatives to the bypass, such as the use of auxiliary treatment facilities, retention of untreated wastes, or maintenance during normal periods of equipment downtime. This condition is not satisfied if adequate back-up equipment should have been installed in the exercise of reasonable engineering judgment to prevent a bypass which occurred during normal periods of equipment downtime or preventative maintenance; and
(3) The user or customer submitted notices as required under division (B) of this section.
(D) The town may approve an anticipated bypass, after considering its adverse effects, if the town determines that it will meet the three conditions listed in division (C) of this section.
(Ord. 99-04, passed 2-16-99)