A. Definitions: For the purposes of this section:
BYPASS: The intentional diversion of waste streams from any portion of a user'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. Essential Maintenance: A user may allow any bypass to occur which does not cause pretreatment standards or requirements to be violated, but only if it is for essential maintenance to assure efficient operation. These bypasses are not subject to the provision of subsections C and D of this section.
C. Notice Of Bypass:
1. If a user knows in advance of the need for a bypass, it must submit notice to the POTW, at least ten (10) days before the date of the bypass, if possible.
2. A user must submit oral notice to the city of an unanticipated bypass that exceeds applicable pretreatment standards within twenty four (24) hours from the time it becomes aware of the bypass. A written submission will also be provided within five (5) days of the time the user becomes aware of the bypass. The written submission must contain a description of the bypass and its cause; the duration of the bypass, including exact dates and times, and, if the bypass has not been corrected, the anticipated time it is expected to continue; and steps taken or planned to reduce, eliminate, and prevent reoccurrence of the bypass. The POTW may waive the written report on a case by case basis if the oral report has been received within twenty four (24) hours.
D. Bypass Conditions:
1. Bypass is prohibited, and the POTW may take an enforcement action against a user for a bypass, unless:
a. Bypass was unavoidable to prevent loss of life, personal injury, or severe property damage;
b. 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 backup 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 preventive maintenance; and
c. The user submitted notices as required under subsection C of this section.
2. The POTW may approve an anticipated bypass, after considering its adverse effects, if the POTW determines that it will meet the three (3) conditions listed in this subsection D. (Ord. 3374 §2, 2010)