Chapter 13.15
SEWERS
Sections:
13.15.030 Nonlimitation of powers.
13.15.040 Civil and criminal penalties.
13.15.050 Mandatory connection.
13.15.060 Subdivisions and other developments.
13.15.100 Pretreatment and discharge permit requirements.
13.15.110 Wastewater discharge prohibitions and limitations.
13.15.120 When permits shall not be issued.
13.15.130 Revocation of permits.
13.15.140 Pipes to be kept in good repair.
13.15.150 Quality of service pipe.
13.15.160 District to have free access.
13.15.200 Ownership of connecting lines.
13.15.010 Purposes.
Sewer facilities and services to all of the residents of the city are provided through the South Valley Sewer District (“district”). The district provides sewer treatment through the Jordan Basin Water Reclamation Facility (JBWRF) and/or the South Valley Water Reclamation Facility (SVWRF). In order to preserve and promote the health, safety and welfare of its residents, and in cooperation with the district, the city has determined that regulation of sewage disposal within and by the city is necessary and desirable. It is also in the public interest that the city participate in achieving a degree of uniformity in the area served by the JBWRF and the SVWRF and to enable those facilities to comply with applicable state and federal law. [Ord. 13-18 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 7-19-05-1 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 9-16-97-1 § 2. Code 1997 § 14-2-11.]
13.15.020 Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter and unless the context specifically requires otherwise, the following words shall have the following meanings:
“Building permit” means any permit issued pursuant to Chapter 15.05 RCC.
“Cesspool” means a pit or hole in the ground used for final sewage disposal.
“City” means Riverton City, a municipal corporation organized and existing under the laws of the state of Utah.
“Discharge” means to cause a substance to enter the sewer system by any means, whether directly or indirectly.
“District” means South Valley Sewer District, an improvement district organized and existing pursuant to Title 17B, Chapter 2a, Part 4, Utah Code Annotated 1953.
“Final sewerage disposal” means the depositing of sewage in the earth, water or elsewhere, under circumstances which, in time, cause oxidation together with dissipation or absorption of sewage.
“Industrial user” means any user of the sewer system that discharges wastewater from commercial and/or industrial processes.
“Occupant” means any person in possession of the property mentioned, either by claim or of right or with the consent or acquiescence of the owner of such property.
“Ordinary domestic sewage” means sewage of the type and contents commonly discharged from homes, as distinguished from businesses or industries.
“Outhouse” means building or other structure located over a cesspool.
“Owner” means any person holding or claiming title, legal or equitable, to the property mentioned, whether alone or in conjunction with others.
“Privy vault” means a structure for containing sewage prior to final sewage disposal, unless such structure is located in a vehicle.
“Prohibited substance” means any substance listed, described, or referred to as prohibited in RCC 13.15.110.
“Septic tank” includes any means of final sewage disposal, which is located principally underground, but does not include the public sewer system.
“Sewage” means liquid or waterborne waste.
“Sewer system” means the facilities owned or used by the district for collecting, transmitting, treating, and disposing of sewage, whether located in or out of the city.
“Sludge” means either:
(a) The accumulated solid slurry separated from liquids such as water or wastewater during processing; or
(b) Deposits on bottoms of streams or other bodies of water; or
(c) The precipitate resulting from chemical treatment, coagulation, or sedimentation of waste or wastewater.
“Substance” means any physical matter, including any solid, liquid or gas whatsoever.
“Surface water” means any water running, standing or found on or within five inches of the surface of the ground.
“Treatment” means the processes employed by the district and/or SVWRF whereby sewage is rendered less harmful or objectionable, and/or less of a health hazard.
“Treatment plant” means the JBWRF and SVWRF treatment facilities used for treatment.
“Utah Code” means the Utah Code Annotated 1953, as amended. [Ord. 13-18 § 1 (Exh. A); amended during 2011 recodification; Ord. 7-19-05-1 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 9-16-97-1 § 2. Code 1997 § 14-2-12.]
13.15.030 Nonlimitation of powers.
Nothing in this chapter is intended to restrict or limit the extent or exercise of any power conferred on the district or the SVWRF by the laws of Utah. In delegating certain regulatory authority to the district or the SVWRF, the city does not affect any authority the district or SVWRF may have independent of the city to regulate the same or similar matters, except as may be agreed by the city and the district in a written interlocal cooperation agreement. [Ord. 13-18 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 7-19-05-1 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 9-16-97-1 § 2. Code 1997 § 14-2-13.]
13.15.040 Civil and criminal penalties.
Civil and criminal enforcement of this chapter shall be governed by the applicable provisions of Title 19, Chapter 5, Utah Code Annotated 1953, or a successor statute. A violation of any provision of this chapter not covered by the Utah Code Annotated constitutes a class B misdemeanor, carrying with it the punishments permitted by law. [Ord. 13-18 § 1 (Exh. A); amended during 2011 recodification; Ord. 7-19-05-1 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 9-16-97-1 § 2. Code 1997 §§ 14-2-14, 14-2-15.]
13.15.050 Mandatory connection.
(1) Mandatory. The owner or occupant of real property on which a building has been or is being constructed shall connect such building to the sewer system within 60 days after receiving written notice from the district or city that facilities of the sewer system are available for connection to the building, if any part of such facilities is situated within 300 feet of any point of any property line of such property.
(2) Subsequent Use of Private Systems. If connection to the sewer system is required pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, the owner or occupant hereby required to connect shall immediately plug any septic tank or privy vault, remove any outhouse, fill with earth any cesspool located on his property, and make no further use of those or any other privately owned facilities for final sewage disposal. Any cesspool, outhouse, or unplugged septic tank or privy vault on property required to be connected to the sewer system is hereby declared to be a public nuisance.
(3) Construction of Private System. No person shall construct or cause to be constructed a septic tank or other privately owned means of final sewage disposal on property required to be connected to the sewer system by subsection (1) of this section.
(4) Conditions. Nothing in this section as adopted shall be construed as creating any obligation on the part of the district or the city to connect any property to the sewer system or retain any connection to the sewer system. The district may impose reasonable conditions and requirements for sewer connection without affecting the obligation of a private person to either connect to the sewer system, discontinue use of a private system, or otherwise comply with this section. [Ord. 13-18 § 1 (Exh. A); amended during 2011 recodification; Ord. 7-19-05-1 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 9-16-97-1 § 2. Code 1997 § 14-2-16.]
13.15.060 Subdivisions and other developments.
No subdivision plat, planned unit development, industrial park, or commercial development shall be approved or recommended by the city planning commission, nor shall a building permit or certificate of occupancy be issued for any lot or part thereof or for the whole thereof, unless the city shall have first received a signed document from the district approving the sewer aspects of the proposed development. [Ord. 13-18 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 7-19-05-1 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 9-16-97-1 § 2. Code 1997 § 14-2-17.]
13.15.070 Damage.
No person shall intentionally or negligently cause any damage to the sewer system. [Ord. 13-18 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 7-19-05-1 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 9-16-97-1 § 2. Code 1997 § 14-2-18.]
13.15.080 Manholes.
No person shall open a manhole of the sewer system without first receiving authorization to do so from the district. [Ord. 13-18 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 7-19-05-1 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 9-16-97-1 § 2. Code 1997 § 14-2-19.]
13.15.090 Runoff.
No owner or occupant shall permit a condition to exist on his or her property whereby surface water, storm drainage, cooling water, or groundwater is discharged into the sewer system, nor shall any person install or create such a condition. [Ord. 13-18 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 7-19-05-1 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 9-16-97-1 § 2. Code 1997 § 14-2-20.]
13.15.100 Pretreatment and discharge permit requirements.
(1) Those persons required to pretreat wastewater in order to comply with federal pretreatment standards, the district and/or the SVWRF pretreatment rules and regulations and any permits issued thereunder shall provide, operate and maintain the necessary pretreatment facilities in accordance with the district’s pretreatment rules and regulations.
(2) Industrial users required to apply for a discharge permit pursuant to the district’s pretreatment rules and regulations shall obtain such permit prior to discharging into the sewer system. Applications shall be in the form prescribed by the district. [Ord. 13-18 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 7-19-05-1 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 9-16-97-1 § 2. Code 1997 § 14-2-21.]
13.15.110 Wastewater discharge prohibitions and limitations.
(1) Generally. No person shall discharge into the sewer system any substance or in a manner which, under ordinary circumstances, either is harmful or detrimental to or interferes with the sewer system without treatment, thereby creating a significant health hazard or diminishing the quality of the environment.
(2) Discharge Prohibition. No person shall discharge into the sewer system any substance in any manner which violates the wastewater discharge prohibitions and limitations contained within Chapter 2, Section 2.2, of the district’s pretreatment rules and regulations currently in force and as amended from time to time, which are incorporated by this reference as a part hereof as though fully set forth herein, together with any schedules or appendices which are a part of Chapter 2, Section 2.2, of the district’s pretreatment rules and regulations.
(3) Immediate Reporting. Immediately upon discharging a prohibited substance or upon discovering that a prohibited substance has been discharged, the person performing or discovering such discharge shall immediately notify the staff of the district of the discharge by the most rapid available means, if such person knows or reasonably should have known that (a) the substance was discharged, and (b) the discharge of substance was prohibited. Notification pursuant to this subsection does not relieve the person notifying of any liability, except liability for violation of this subsection.
(4) Preventing Accidental Discharge.
(a) Generally. Every person conducting an activity which creates a substantial risk that a prohibited substance will be discharged into the sewer system shall provide adequate protection against accidental discharge of such a prohibited substance by either (i) implementing procedures or practices which tend to reduce the likelihood of such a discharge, and/or (ii) installing facilities designed to prevent such accidental discharge. The district and/or the SVWRF may identify persons required to provide such protection and direct them to comply with this subsection.
(b) District May Require. The district pretreatment coordinator is hereby authorized to specify particular procedures, practices, and/or facilities which shall be implemented by any person:
(i) If the district pretreatment coordinator finds that there is a substantial risk of a discharge prohibited by this section if preventive measures are not undertaken; and
(ii) If such procedures, practices and/or facilities substantially reduce the risk of discharge prohibited by this section; and
(iii) If the cost of implementing such procedures, practices, and/or installing such facilities is found by the district to be reasonable in light of both the potential damage to the sewer system and/or the environment if an accidental discharge occurs, and the effectiveness of the equipment in preventing such an accidental discharge.
(c) Plans. In every case where facilities are required to be installed pursuant to this subsection, the district engineer is hereby authorized to require submission of detailed plans for the required facilities and their operation before construction of the facilities is begun.
(5) Preventative Requirements.
(a) Reports. Within five days after the discharge of a prohibited substance, the person who discharged such substance shall file with the district board a written report describing:
(i) The nature and content of the discharge;
(ii) The cause(s) of the discharge; and
(iii) Remedial measures to be taken by the discharger to prevent similar discharges in the future.
The district pretreatment coordinator may inspect the site of the accidental discharge and interview any person involved in the discharge in order to ascertain or confirm what happened and assure that remedial measures adequate to prevent future accidents are carried out as represented.
(b) District May Require Changes. If (i) a person has discharged a prohibited substance, and (ii) it is likely that the same person will again discharge a similar prohibited substance in the future if preventive measures are not undertaken, then the district treatment facility manager is hereby authorized to require the person who discharged the prohibited substance to make change(s) in equipment, facilities, procedures or practices, which change(s) (i) have the effect of substantially reducing the risk of a similar discharge in the future, and (ii) are found by the district treatment facility manager to be reasonable in cost in light of the potential damage to the system and environment arising out of a similar prohibited discharge in the future. Nothing in this subsection relieves any person of any liability, except liability for violation of this subsection.
(6) Self-Monitoring and Reporting. The district treatment facility manager is hereby authorized to require that persons discharging into the sewer system, other than persons discharging only ordinary domestic sewage, monitor and report their sewage discharges in a manner and to the extent necessary to:
(a) Provide adequate compliance with and enforcement of the district’s pretreatment rules and regulations;
(b) Assess the source of the components of the sewage transmitted, treated, and disposed of by the district or the SVWRF;
(c) Charge reasonable fees and surcharges to dischargers based on actual discharges or reasonable classifications of discharges.
The district’s pretreatment coordinator is further hereby authorized to require that such monitoring and reporting be performed at the expense of the person discharging. Every person required to monitor and report pursuant to this section shall monitor and report as required by the district’s pretreatment coordinator rules and regulations and in conformity with this section.
(7) Compliance Monitoring. The district’s pretreatment coordinator is hereby authorized to sample and analyze the sewage of and inspect the facilities of persons discharging into the sewer system in order to determine or verify compliance with this section. The district is further authorized to require the installation of reasonable facilities, such as manholes, to enable such sampling. However, nothing in this section limits any power that the district or the SVWRF may have to investigate or enforce compliance with other sections of this chapter or through means not specified in this subsection.
(8) Strict Liability. Any person violating any provision of this section shall be guilty without regard to fault, knowledge, intent, or the state of mind of the person committing the violation.
(9) Nuisance. Any condition or situation which causes a violation of this section is hereby declared to be a public nuisance and may be abated as provided by law. [Ord. 21-05 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 13-18 § 1 (Exh. A); amended during 2011 recodification; Ord. 7-19-05-1 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 9-16-97-1 § 2. Code 1997 § 14-2-22.]
13.15.120 When permits shall not be issued.
Permits to connect to the district sewer system shall not be issued unless the plumbing in the house or building to be connected is in accordance with the provisions of the building and plumbing codes of the city. [Ord. 13-18 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 7-19-05-1 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 9-16-97-1 § 2. Code 1997 § 14-2-23.]
13.15.130 Revocation of permits.
Any required construction permits for sewer connections or installations shall be issued to the plumber who is to do the work or to the owner of the property, subject to the inspection by the district. The superintendent may at any time revoke a permit because of defective work or because of undue delay in completing the permitted work. [Ord. 13-18 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 7-19-05-1 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 9-16-97-1 § 2. Code 1997 § 14-2-24.]
13.15.140 Pipes to be kept in good repair.
All users of the sewer services shall keep their service pipes, connections, and other apparatus in good repair and protected from frost at their own expense. No person, without permission of the city, shall be allowed to dig into the street for the purpose of removing or repairing any sewer service pipe or main. [Ord. 13-18 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 7-19-05-1 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 9-16-97-1 § 2. Code 1997 § 14-2-25.]
13.15.150 Quality of service pipe.
All service and other pipes used in conjunction with the sewer services of the district shall be of such material, quality and specifications as the district may from time to time by resolution provide and shall be installed at such distances below ground as may be specified by the regulations of the district. All work, alterations or extensions affecting sewer pipes shall be subject to the acceptance of the district, and no connections with sewer mains shall be made without first obtaining a permit therefor from the district. [Ord. 13-18 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 7-19-05-1 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 9-16-97-1 § 2. Code 1997 § 14-2-26.]
13.15.160 District to have free access.
The district and its designees shall at all ordinary hours have free access to places supplied with sewer services from the district’s sewer system for the purpose of examining the apparatus, ascertaining the sewer service being used and the manner of its use. [Ord. 13-18 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 7-19-05-1 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 9-16-97-1 § 2. Code 1997 § 14-2-27.]
13.15.170 Trial sewer survey.
In order to determine the feasibility of connecting a basement or proposed basement to a sanitary sewer, the owner or plumber may make an application for a trial sewer survey, the cost of which shall be as established from time to time by resolution of the district. The result of trial sewer survey shall not constitute a permit to connect to the sewer and is merely for information purposes. [Ord. 13-18 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 7-19-05-1 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 9-16-97-1 § 2. Code 1997 § 14-2-28.]
13.15.180 Prohibited uses.
(1) Inflammables. It shall be unlawful for any person to injure, break or remove any part or portion of any sewer appliance or appurtenance, or to discharge into a sewer any inflammable gas, gasoline or oil, any calcium carbide or residue therefrom, or any liquid or other inflammable gas when in contact with water, sewage or fire. Oil separators installed in any building where volatile fluids are used must not be connected directly or indirectly with a sewer.
(2) Waste Pipes from Enumerated Establishments. The contents of waste pipes from water filters, gas engines, air compressors, vacuum or dry cleaners, garages, wash racks, stores or warehouses containing inflammable substances, car barns, buildings for the stabling or keeping of horses, cows and other animals, or plants using milk or processing milk products, and all similar establishments shall not be disposed of through connection with a sanitary sewer unless such contents are discharged into settling tanks properly trapped and vented. The construction of such tanks must be approved by the district pretreatment coordinator, and must be subject to his inspection, approval, or condemnation before cement is poured and at all times thereafter until completion of such construction. Upon condemnation by the district pretreatment coordinator, the sewage from the tanks shall not be allowed to flow into the sewer until satisfactory alterations have been made and the construction approved by the district pretreatment coordinator.
(3) Obstructive Material. It shall be unlawful for any person to empty or discharge into the public sanitary sewer any garbage, refuse or other similar matter or substance likely to obstruct the sewer, or any substance, solid or liquid, other than the waste products for which the sewer is provided.
(4) Drainage Waters and Destructive Materials. It shall be unlawful for any person to connect with a public sanitary sewer any drain or pipe which discharges rain water, cellar or surface water, acids, alkalis, lye or other injurious liquids, or the contents of any spring, flowing well, creek, ditch, or other watercourses. No boiler or heating plant shall be directly connected to the sanitary sewer. The overflow from boilers or heating plants, when cooled to a temperature not to exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit, will be allowed to run a sump, which sump shall be connected to the sewer. The discharge of the contents of waste pipes from water filters, gas engines, air compressors, vacuum or dry cleaners, garages, wash racks, stores or warehouses which contain inflammable substances, buildings for the stabling or keeping of horses, cows and other animals, and all similar establishments shall not be made into or connected with a sanitary sewer unless such contents are discharged into settling tanks properly trapped and vented. Settling tanks shall be constructed of a material approved by the district pretreatment coordinator and shall be at all times subject to his inspection and approval or condemnation. Upon condemnation by the district pretreatment coordinator, the sewage from said tanks shall not be allowed to flow into sewer until satisfactory alterations have been made and the construction approved by the district pretreatment coordinator. [Ord. 13-18 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 7-19-05-1 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 9-16-97-1 § 2. Code 1997 § 14-2-31.]
13.15.190 Regulations.
The district may adopt regulations controlling the manner and circumstances under which the sewer system may be used in addition to the regulatory provisions set forth expressly in this chapter. [Ord. 13-18 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 7-19-05-1 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 9-16-97-1 § 2. Code 1997 § 14-2-32.]
13.15.200 Ownership of connecting lines.
Unless provision is expressly made for ownership of mains or lines by the owner of the adjacent property by means of a written agreement, all lines and mains connecting the sewer system to a landowner’s or resident’s premises which are situated on the public way between the main and the property line shall be deemed to be the property of the municipality and subject to its absolute control and supervision even though actual installation may have been performed by the owner or resident of the premises. [Ord. 13-18 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 7-19-05-1 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 9-16-97-1 § 2. Code 1997 § 14-2-33.]
13.15.210 Sewer manholes.
It shall be unlawful for any person to open any manhole without permission from the district. [Ord. 13-18 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 7-19-05-1 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 9-16-97-1 § 2. Code 1997 § 14-2-34.]
13.15.220 Destruction.
It shall be unlawful for any person to destroy, deface, injure or interfere with the operation of any part or appurtenance of the sewer system. [Ord. 13-18 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 7-19-05-1 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 9-16-97-1 § 2. Code 1997 § 14-2-35.]