The intent of this chapter is to establish rules and regulations governing the installation, use, and discharge of sump pumps or other groundwater conveyance systems, and to establish the penalty structures required to enforce said rules and regulations. The rules and regulations governing the use of sump pumps or other groundwater conveyance systems are being established:
1. To set forth uniform requirements for the installation, use, and discharge of sump pumps or groundwater conveyance systems.
2. To prevent the introduction of clean surface water, including but not limited to, water from roof or cellar drains, springs, basement sump pumps, and French drains.
1. It is unlawful for any owner, occupant, or user of any premises to direct into or allow any storm water, surface water, groundwater, well water, or water from industrial or commercial air conditioning systems (residential properties may have a 20 gallon per day maximum discharge from air conditioning systems) to drain into the wastewater collection system. No rainspout, or other form of surface drainage, and no foundation drainage or sump pump shall be connected or discharged into any wastewater collection system.
2. Any new or existing construction in which a sump pump has been or will be installed shall be required to install a rigid pipe connection discharge in accordance with this chapter. It is unlawful to maintain any connection with the sanitary sewer carrying roof water, groundwater, surface water, or any other natural precipitation.
3. Exemptions.
A. Seasonal Waiver. Exemptions may be granted in the form of a seasonal waiver, which would allow the property owner to temporarily discharge directly into the wastewater collection system between the dates of October 15 and April 15. The seasonal waiver shall allow a City employee or designated representative to certify that, prior to April 15 of each subsequent year, their discharge water connection has been removed from the City wastewater collection system. Failure to provide such certification shall place the seasonal waiver holder in violation and subject to the surcharge penalty as required under Section 100.06. Seasonal waiver requests shall be submitted on the official form provided by the City.
(1) The owner of the property may place a pipe connecting the sump pump to the sanitary sewer, which must have a shut-off valve.
(2) City employees or designated representatives, on or around April 15 of each year will have right of entry to inspect the system to verify that the valve is closed so no prohibited water is discharged into the sanitary sewer.
(3) The owner has granted permission for City employees or designated representatives to inspect the connection at any time between October 15 and April 15 to verify compliance with this section. Such inspections shall be made between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and only when a resident of the premises is on site.
(4) Failure to allow such an inspection or to allow City employees or designated representatives entry for verification of compliance shall result in the surcharge penalty pursuant to Section 100.06.
B. Non-Seasonal Waiver. Exemptions may be granted in the form of nonseasonal waiver for a particular property owner who can demonstrate undue hardship because of unique or extenuating circumstances. A non-seasonal waiver would allow the property owner to discharge directly into the sanitary sewer system without seasonal restrictions. The non-seasonal waiver request shall be submitted to the City in writing and, at a minimum, identify the property for which the waiver is being requested, the name of the property owner or applicant, and detailed description of the circumstances justifying the request. Non-seasonal waiver requests shall be submitted on the official form provided by the City.
1. A discharge pipe shall be installed through the outside foundation wall of the building with rigid pipe (plastic, copper, or galvanized), one inch inside diameter minimum, without valves or quick connections that would alter the path of discharge. The discharge shall be directed away from the foundation wall.
2. No discharge shall be directed so as to impact neighboring properties.
3. Where a sump pit exists in any building, it shall have a pump installed with rigid piping as specified above.
4. Any plumber who knowingly installs a sump pump or piping that is not in conformance with this chapter will be subject to a fine amount set by resolution of the Council.
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