(a) Actions Required for Industrial Users During Accidental Discharge.
(1) Dischargers shall immediately notify the Director upon the accidental discharge of wastes in violation of this chapter. Accidental discharges include slugloads, bypasses, and other discharges which could cause problems to the POTW, treatment processes, or the receiving waters. The notification shall include all of the following:
A. A description of the accidental discharge and its cause.
B. The location of discharge.
C. The period of accidental discharge, including:
1. The exact dates and times; and
2. If the accidental discharge is not corrected at the time of the notification, the anticipated time the noncompliance is expected to cease.
D. The type(s) of waste involved.
E. The concentration and volume discharged.
F. Any corrective actions, including any steps taken or planned to reduce, eliminate, and/or prevent recurrence of the accidental discharge.
(2) This notification shall be followed, within five (5) days of occurrence, by a detailed written statement describing the causes of the accidental discharge and the measures being taken to prevent future occurrence. This notification must be signed and certified in accordance with Section 924.14(c).
(3) Such notification shall not relieve Dischargers of liability for any fines provided for in Section 924.99, or for any expense, loss or damage to the sewer system, treatment plant or treatment process, or for any fines imposed on the City on account thereof. An Industrial User shall be responsible for accidental discharges caused by employees, contractors, subcontractors, or any and all individuals permitted upon the premises. Any Discharger who has an accidental discharge of prohibited materials shall be liable for any expense, loss or damage to the POTW or expenses incurred by the City in the cleanup of the substance.
(b) Dischargers shall furnish and permanently post notices in conspicuous places advising employees whom to call in case of an accidental discharge in violation of this chapter. In addition, Dischargers shall make all of the following available to their employees:
(1) Copies of this chapter;
(2) Existing Industrial Waste Discharge Permits;
(3) Other relevant wastewater information related to the process existing at this facility; and
(4) Notices which may be furnished and updated by the City directed toward more effective water pollution control.
(c) Prevention of Accidental Discharges.
(1) Each Discharger shall provide protection from accidental discharge of prohibited or regulated materials or substances established by this chapter. Any direct or indirect connection or entry point for persistent or deleterious wastes to the Discharger’s plumbing or drainage system shall be eliminated. Where such action is impractical or unreasonable, the Discharger shall appropriately label such entry points to warn against discharge of such wastes in violation of this chapter.
(2) If the Director determines that facilities are required to prevent accidental discharge of prohibited material, such facilities shall be installed and maintained at the Discharger’s expense.
A. Detailed plans showing these facilities and operating procedures to provide this proteciton shall be submitted to the Director for review and shall be approved by the Director before construction of these facilities.
B. Review and approval of such plans and operating procedures shall not relieve the Discharger from the responsibility to modify these facilities as necessary to meet the requirements of this chapter.
C. The Director’s approval of these plans does not relieve the Discharger from the responsibility to submit to Ohio EPA an application for a Permit-to-Install, as required by OAC 3745-42.
(d) Accidental Discharge Control Plan and Slug Discharge Control Plan.
(1) The Director shall evaluate whether each Significant Industrial User needs a written accidental discharge/slug discharge control plan or other action to control Slug Discharges at least once per Industrial Waste Discharge permit cycle. For new Significant Industrial Users, the Director will complete this evaluation within one (1) year of being designated a Significant Industrial User. The Director may require any Industrial User to develop, submit for approval, and implement such a plan or take such other action that may be necessary to control Slug Discharges.
(2) An accidental discharge/slug discharge control plan must address at minimum, the following:
A. Description of discharge practices, including non-routine batch discharges;
B. Description of stored chemicals;
C. Procedures for immediately notifying the Director and the POTW of any accidental or Slug Discharge, as required by the ordiance;
D. Procedures for providing follow-up written notification to the Director within five (5) days; and
E. Procedures to prevent adverse impact from any accidental or Slug Discharge. Such procedures shall include but are not limited to:
1. Inspection and maintenance of storage areas.
2. Handling and transfer of materials.
3. Loading and unloading operations.
4. Control of plant site runoff.
5. Worker training.
6. Building of containment structures or equipment.
7. Measures for containing toxic organic pollutants, including solvents; and
8. Measures and equipment for emergency response.
(e) Immediate Notification of Facility Changes Affecting Potential for Slug Loading.
(1) All Industrial Users shall notify the POTW immediately of changes at its facility affecting potential for a slug discharge.
(2) All Dischargers shall notify the POTW immediately of all discharges that could cause problems to the POTW, including any slug loadings.
(Ord. 12966/2020. Passed 10-14-20.)