(a) Geothermal heat pumps. It is recognized that residential buildings in the City may be constructed, or be retrofitted with geothermal heat pumps. It is recognized that these climate control systems use substantial amounts of water. It is also recognized that this water, which for the purposes of this chapter shall be identified as sending water, can cause excess wetness or flooding on nearby properties, resulting in undesirable conditions. It is further recognized that if sending water mixes with other water, which for the purpose of this chapter shall be identified as receiving water, it can have a potentially detrimental impact on the ecosystem in and around the receiving waters, resulting in undesirable conditions.
(b) Drainage. Owners of buildings in the City equipped with geothermal heat pump systems must install a closed loop system that will continuously process (heated or cooled) sending water and circulate it through the enclosed or sealed heat pump system, with no discharge of returning water out of the heat pump.
(c) Discharge of water. No sending water from a geothermal heat pump system shall be directly or indirectly discharged out of the closed loop system.
(d) Liability. The owner of a geothermal heat pump system shall be fully responsible for the proper operation and for the maintenance of the geothermal heat pump system, and shall he liable for any damage caused by any discharge of sending water from the system.
(e) Penalty. Violation of this Section shall be deemed a municipal civil infraction and punishable by a fine commensurate with the amount or amounts established by the Ionia City Council, as set forth in the Codified Ordinances.
(Ord. No. 466. Passed 6-2-09.)