[HISTORY: Adopted by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Totowa as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Storm sewers — See Ch. 349.
Streets and sidewalks — See Ch. 361.
Water — See Ch. 407.
Individual sewage disposal systems — See Ch. 477.
[Adopted 8-4-1970 by Ord. No. 957 (Ch. 108, Art. I, of the 1974 Code)]
A. 
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
BOD (BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND)
The quantity of oxygen utilized in the biochemical oxidation of organic matter under laboratory procedure in five days at 20° C. expressed in parts per million by weight.
BOROUGH
The Borough of Totowa.
GARBAGE
Solid wastes from the preparation, cooking and disposing of food, and from the handling, storage and sale of produce.
INDUSTRIAL WASTES
The liquid wastes from individual processes as distinct from sanitary sewage.
MAIN OR TRUNK SEWER
The sewers laid longitudinally along the center line or other parts of the street, roadway right-of-way areas, or other rights-of-way or easements, which are controlled by public authority.
NATURAL OUTLET
Any outlet into a watercourse, pond, ditch, lake or other body of surface or groundwater.
PERSON
Any individual, firm, company, association, society, corporation or group.
pH
The logarithm of the reciprocal of the weight of hydrogen ions in grams per liter of solution.
PLUMBING SYSTEM
All the plumbing work within residences, business buildings, institutions and industrial establishments within such buildings and to a point five feet outside of said buildings, which will convey sewage from within said buildings through service connections leading to main or trunk-line sewers.
PROPERLY SHREDDED GARBAGE
The wastes from the preparation, cooking and dispensing of food that has been shredded to such degree that all particles will be carried freely under flow conditions normally prevailing in public sewers with no particle greater than 1/2 inch in any dimension.
PUBLIC SANITARY SEWER
A sewer in which all owners of abutting properties have equal rights of use and is controlled by public authority.
SANITARY SEWER
A sewer which carries sanitary sewage only and to which storm, surface and subsurface ground waters are not permitted to be admitted.
SEWAGE
Water-carried wastes from residential, commercial and industrial establishments.
SEWERAGE WORKS
All facilities for collecting, pumping and disposing of sanitary sewage.
SEWER EXTENSIONS
That part of the sewerage system that runs from the main or trunk line sewer, including all necessary fittings, to the connecting point outside of all residential buildings, business buildings, institutions and industrial establishments. No sewer extension will be permitted to enter into any existing manhole on main or trunk line sewers, but must be connected into an existing T- or Y-fitting on the main or trunk line sewer, or provisions made to construct a T- or Y-connection into said main or trunk line to accommodate such extension, or where an existing service extension has been made to the curbline and said extension can be used if the same will accommodate the further extension of the same to the points to be serviced for sewage discharge.
SUPERVISOR
The Borough Engineer of the Borough of Totowa or his authorized deputy, agent or representative.
SUSPENDED SOLIDS
Solids that either float on the surface of or are in suspension in water, sewage or other liquids and which are removable by laboratory filtering.
WATERCOURSE
A channel in which a flow of water occurs, either continuously or intermittently.
B. 
Word usage. The term "shall" is mandatory, "may" is permissive.
A. 
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, company, association, society, corporation or group to place, deposit or permit to be deposited in an unsanitary manner, upon public or private property within the Borough of Totowa, or in any area under the jurisdiction of said Borough of Totowa, any human or animal excrement, garbage, industrial wastes or other objectionable waste.
B. 
It shall be unlawful to discharge any sewage or waste materials into any natural outlet or watercourse within the Borough of Totowa or in any area under the jurisdiction of said Borough of Totowa, which said sewage or waste materials are more fully defined as being sanitary sewage, industrial wastes, garbage or other polluted waters or materials, except where suitable private treatment plant facilities are privately constructed and maintained under the jurisdiction of the New Jersey State Board of Health authorities, and said treatment plants must be maintained and operated by private owners.
C. 
The owners of all residential buildings, business buildings, institutions, industrial establishments, recreational areas or places where the disposal of sanitary sewage is prevalent, situated in the Borough of Totowa and abutting on any street, alley or right-of-way in which there is now located or may in the future be located a public sanitary sewer of the Borough, will hereby at their own expense be required to install suitable toilet facilities and other required plumbing and to connect such facilities directly with the proper public sewer in accordance with the provisions of this article within 90 days after the date of official notice to do so, provided that said public sewer is within 100 feet of the property line of properties to be served.
D. 
In areas having no public sewer facilities available, or no plans being made for immediate future main or trunk line sewer construction, the construction of private cesspools with disposal tanks or disposal beds, private treatment plants, constructed strictly in accordance with the requirements of the New Jersey State Board of Health authorities, will be permitted, at the owner's expense, to be operated and maintained by said owner or owners, and when a public sewer is constructed in these particular areas, it shall become necessary to make connections into the said public sewer within a period of 90 days after date of official notice to do so, except in cases where treatment plants have been constructed by the owner or owners which have been authorized and permitted by the New Jersey State Board of Health authorities.
A. 
No unauthorized person, firm, company, association, society, corporation or group shall uncover, make any connections with or opening into, use, alter or disturb any public sewer or appurtenance thereof without first obtaining a written permit from the Superintendent of Sewers.
B. 
All costs and expense incident to the installation and connection shall be borne by the owner. The owner shall indemnify the Borough from any loss or damage that may directly or indirectly result during construction.
C. 
A separate and independent connection shall be provided for every building, except where one building is located at the rear of another on an interior lot and no separate sewer is available or can be constructed to the rear building through an adjoining alley, court, yard or driveway, in which case the connection from the front building may be extended to the rear building employing the proper alignment and gradients for sewer cleanouts or other fittings as directed by the Superintendent of Sewers, and old pipe extended only at the discretion of the Superintendent of Sewers. If not sufficient, the entire line is to be enlarged.
D. 
A portion of the existing outside piping of the plumbing system may be used in connection with the new connection only when the existing outside pipe has been found, upon examination and test by the Superintendent of Sewers, as meeting the requirements of this article.
E. 
Whenever possible, the connections shall be brought to the building at an elevation below the basement or cellar floor. No connection shall be laid parallel to or within three feet of any bearing wall of a building which might be weakened by such installation. The depth shall be sufficient to afford protection from frost, and laid at a uniform grade from the main or trunk line sewer, or a can-connection already installed at the curbline, and in as straight alignment as possible. Changes in direction shall be made only with properly curved piping, and fittings, and cleanouts provided as directed by the Superintendent of Sewers.
F. 
In all buildings in which the plumbing is too low to permit a gravity flow into the public sewer or sewer extension, sanitary sewage to be carried by such drain shall be lifted by approved artificial means of pumping equipment and discharged into the said sewer extension.
G. 
The Borough will not be responsible for the maintenance of any sewer extension or connection from the trunk line to the curb of the property and the sewer line running from the curb or property line to the building served. The property owner shall maintain and clean the sewer extensions or connections at their own expense and responsibility.
[Amended 5-28-2002 by Ord. No. 10-2002]
A. 
Classes of permits.
(1) 
There shall be three classes of public sewer connection permits:
(a) 
Residential dwellings.
(b) 
Business buildings and institutions.
(c) 
Industrial establishments.
(2) 
In each case the owner or owners shall make application on a special form provided by the Borough.
B. 
Permit.
[Amended 5-25-1976 by Ord. No. 7-76]
(1) 
Permit application.
(a) 
Industries seeking a wastewater discharge permit shall complete and file with the Borough an application in the form prescribed by the Borough and accompanied by the applicable fees. The applicant may be required to submit, in units and terms appropriate for evaluation, the following information:
[1] 
Name, address and SIC (Standard Industrial Classifications) number of applicant.
[2] 
Volume of wastewater to be discharged.
[3] 
Wastewater constituents and characteristics, including but not limited to those mentioned in § 320-7C through F, as determined by a laboratory approved by the Borough.
[4] 
Time and duration of discharge.
[5] 
Average and thirty-minute peak wastewater flow rates, including daily, monthly and seasonal variations, if any.
[6] 
Site plans, floor plans, mechanical and plumbing plans and details to show all sewers and appurtenances by size, location and elevation.
[7] 
Description of activities, facilities and plant processes on the premises, including all materials, processes and types of materials which are or could be discharged.
[8] 
Each product produced by type, amount and rate of production.
[9] 
Number and type of employees and hours of work.
[10] 
Any other information as may be deemed by the Borough to be necessary to evaluate the permit application.
(b) 
The Borough will evaluate the data furnished by the user and may require additional information. After evaluation and acceptance of the data furnished, the Borough may issue a permit, subject to terms and conditions provided herein.
(2) 
Permit conditions. Permits shall be expressly subject to all provisions of this article and all other regulations, user charges and fees established by the Borough. The conditions of permits shall be uniformly enforced by the Borough in accordance with this article and applicable state and federal regulations. Permits may contain the following:
(a) 
The unit charge or schedule of user charges and fees for the wastewater to be discharged to the community sewer.
(b) 
The average and maximum wastewater constituents and characteristics.
(c) 
Limits on rate and time of discharge or requirements for flow regulations and equalization.
(d) 
Requirements for installation of inspection and sampling facilities.
(e) 
Pretreatment requirements.
(f) 
Specifications for monitoring programs, which may include sampling locations, frequency and method of sampling, number, types and standards for tests and reporting schedule.
(g) 
Requirements for submission of technical reports or discharge reports.
(h) 
Requirements for maintaining plant records relating to wastewater discharge as specified by the Borough and affording Borough access thereto.
(i) 
Mean and maximum mass emission rates or other appropriate limits when incompatible pollutants are proposed or present in the user's wastewater discharge.
(j) 
Other conditions as deemed appropriate by the Borough to ensure compliance with this article.
(3) 
Duration of permits. Permits shall be issued for a specified time period, not to exceed five years. A permit may be issued for a period less than a year or may be stated to expire on a specific date. If the user is not notified by the Borough 30 days prior to the expiration of the permit, the permit shall be extended one additional year. The terms and conditions of the permit may be subject to modification and changes by the Borough during the life of the permit as limitations or requirements as identified in § 320-7 are modified and changed. The user shall be informed of any proposed change in his permit at least 30 days prior to the effective date of change. Any changes or new conditions in the permit shall include a reasonable time schedule for compliance.
(4) 
Transfer of a permit. Permits are issued to a specific user for a specific operation. A permit shall not be reassigned or transferred or sold to a new owner, new user, different premises or a new or changed operation.
(5) 
Revocation of permit. Any user who violates the following conditions of the permit or of this article or applicable state and federal regulations is subject to having his permit revoked:
(a) 
Failure of a user to factually report the wastewater constituents and characteristics of his discharge.
(b) 
Failure of the user to report significant changes in operations or wastewater constituents and characteristics.
(c) 
Refusal of reasonable access to the user's premises for the purpose of inspection or monitoring.
(d) 
Violation of the conditions of the permit.
C. 
Fees for sewer tie-in or connection.
[Amended 11-12-1974 by Ord. No. 1027]
(1) 
Residential dwelling: $25.
(2) 
Business buildings and institutions: $35.
(3) 
Industrial establishments: $50.
A. 
Main or trunk line sewers. All pipe shall be circular in shape, having an inside diameter of not less than eight inches, cement-asbestos type with rubber-ring joints, Class 2400, installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, laid on a gradient of not less than 0.50%. Extra-heavy cast-iron pipe (bell-and-spigot type) with leaded joints shall be used under or through bridges, culverts, watercourses or other areas deemed necessary by the Borough Engineer. All pipes must be laid to a proper line and grade and in accordance with plans and profiles approved by the Borough Engineer. In areas which may require larger main or trunk line sewers, the determination will be made by the Borough, employing an engineering study which must conform to and be approved by the New Jersey State Board of Health authorities before final approval can be given for the plans, profiles, specifications and construction of the same.
B. 
Sewer extensions. All pipe to be used shall be circular in shape, having an inside diameter of not less than four inches nor more than six inches. Cement-asbestos pipe, Class 2400 with rubber-ring joints, installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, laid on a gradient of not less than 1/4 inch per linear foot or as directed by the Borough Engineer, or extra-heavy cast-iron pipe (bell-and-spigot type) jointed with lead, sulphur, tyseal or equal jointing compounds, except that lead joints shall be used exclusively within an area of 10 feet of a water service pipe. No pipe shall be laid to a grade having a cover less than 30 inches from the top of the pipe to the finished surface elevation of land areas or paved areas, except in extreme cases where a minimum depth cannot be maintained. Where extensions are laid at a depth shallower than 30 inches, the entire pipe must be encased in concrete having a thickness of not less than six inches around the entire perimeter of the pipe. Services from the sewer main to a point one foot inside the curb may be either cement-asbestos or cast-iron pipe. Services from one foot inside the curb to the building being served shall be heavy-duty cast-iron pipe.
C. 
Cleanouts. Cleanouts must be installed on all extensions to points to be served lying between the main or trunk line sewer and the building or structure to be served. They shall be constructed on extensions, inside of the street or right-of-way lines, before reaching the point of connection to the building or structure to be served, at a point designated by the Borough Engineer and are not to exceed a distance of 50 feet from the main or trunk line sewers. They shall also be constructed at all deflection points of the sewer extension if a uniform straight alignment cannot be maintained. The cleanout shall consist of a long-turn Y and a straight vertical pipe with a cast-iron frame and cover at the top, brought up to a point within three inches below the finished surface grade. The entire cleanout shall be encased in concrete, having a minimum thickness of four inches around the entire perimeter of the pipe and fittings.
[Amended 11-12-1974 by Ord. No. 1027]
D. 
Manholes. Manholes shall be of standard design, having a minimum inside diameter of 48 inches, circular in shape and in accordance with the New Jersey State Highway Department specifications. Manholes may be constructed with solid concrete blocks, bricks or precast concrete, with a heavy-duty cast-iron circular frame and cover. The cover shall not be less than 24 inches in diameter, and steps shall be provided on the inside wall for means of entering and leaving the manhole. When concrete blocks or bricks are used for manhole construction, the inside and outside walls must be covered with smooth-troweled cement-mortar plaster having a thickness of not less than 1/2 inch, using a one to two cement mortar plaster.
E. 
Laterals. The cost of construction and maintenance of sewer laterals, that is the sewer line running from the trunk line to the curb or property line and the sewer line running from the curb or property line to the building served, shall be the obligation of the abutting property owner.
[Added 5-28-2002 by Ord. No. 10-2002]
A. 
Trenches. All trenches shall be constructed to proper widths, alignment and grades in a careful manner, properly sheathed where required, and where unsuitable and unstable conditions are found in trenches upon which pipe is to be laid, proper methods of subbase materials, planking, etc., shall be employed as directed by the Borough Engineer. All piping shall be laid to a straight alignment and grade. When rock is encountered in trenches where pipe is to be laid, the same shall be excavated to a depth of at least six inches below the bottom of the pipe, and at least six inches around the entire perimeter of the pipe, and proper subbase materials placed under the pipe to support the same as directed by the Borough Engineer.
B. 
Joints. Joints for cement-asbestos pipe shall be the standard rubber-ring coupling type and installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Other jointing materials and methods may be used only upon approval of the Borough Engineer. All joints and connections shall be made gastight and watertight. Cast-iron pipe joints shall be firmly packed with jute, hemp or equal yarning material, and hot-poured with melted lead, sulphur or other approved similar compounds to a depth of not less than one inch. The jointing compound shall be run in one pouring and caulked tight. No paint, varnish or other coatings shall be permitted until after the joint has been tested and approved by the Superintendent of Sewers. Material for hot-poured joints shall not soften sufficiently to destroy the effectiveness of the joint when subjected to a temperature of 160° F. nor be soluble in any of the wastes carried by the drainage system. When hot lead joints are made, they shall be properly caulked with caulking irons around the entire perimeter of the joint.
C. 
Excavated material. During construction of main or trunk line sewers, sewer extensions or connections, the excavated materials must be piled in a compact heap, so placed as to cause the least possible inconvenience to public foot travel or vehicular travel, and so as not to obstruct any driveway entrances, storm drains, and fire hydrants.
D. 
Backfilling. In backfilling all trenches, the material for the two feet immediately on the top of piping shall be selected so that it contains no stones or other foreign matter. This backfill material can consist of clean earth, sand or stone dust, and must be properly tamped before backfilling of the remainder of the trench takes place. The remainder of the trench is to be backfilled with proper material approved by the Borough Engineer, in a workmanlike manner, tamping and filling in eight-inch layers so as to avoid any settlement.
E. 
Roadway surface. When the trench has been filled to the proper height or grade, the materials in roadway areas are to be placed and heavily rolled or tamped using materials and a method of application acceptable to the Borough Engineer.
F. 
Other requirements. Nothing in this section shall be construed as abrogating any of the existing requirements of the Borough relating to the excavation and backfilling of trenches, but the requirements herein contained shall be in addition hereto.
G. 
Notice to Borough Engineer. Prior to any construction of main or trunk sewers, sewer extensions or connections, the Borough Engineer must be given 24 hours' notice in order that they may supervise such work. If the Engineer or Superintendent has not been given ample notice, they may require the completed work to be uncovered for examination and inspection at the owner's own expense.
H. 
Approval of plumbing system. Before any portion of the existing plumbing system outside of buildings is to be connected to the sewer extension, the owner shall prove to the satisfaction of the Superintendent of Sewers that said plumbing is clean and conforms in every respect to these rules and regulations.
I. 
Tests. The Borough Engineer may apply any appropriate tests to the pipes, fittings, manholes, etc., for main or trunk line sewers, sewer extensions and connections, and the contractor will be required at his own expense to furnish all necessary tools, labor and materials to make such tests, and shall remove any defective materials or correct defective work when so ordered by the Borough Engineer.
J. 
Performance of work by contractors. For main or trunk line sewers and sewer extensions to curblines, only qualified sewer contractors will be permitted to perform the construction work required. In cases where sewer extensions or connections are made from either the main or trunk line sewer in streets or right-of-way areas, or from a curbline extension, only a qualified licensed plumber or a sewer contractor approved by the Sewer Committee and Borough Engineer can perform the construction as specified in this article.
K. 
Bond. All sewer contractors or licensed plumbers performing these services must furnish the Borough with an acceptable bond in favor of the Borough, said bond shall be not less than $500 per house connection, to guarantee the work and provide for proper barricades, lights and other means and measures to protect the public and Borough against responsibility from any damages or lawsuits that might arise due to the negligence or actions of either the contractor or licensed plumber. The bond or bonds shall remain in effect until such time as the Borough Engineer is fully satisfied with all of the workmanship, restoration of roadways, curbs, sidewalks, etc., and said bond or bonds will only be released upon the recommendation of the Borough Engineer to the Borough.
A. 
No person, firm, company, association, society, corporation or group shall discharge or cause to be discharged any stormwater, surface water, groundwater, roof runoff, subsurface drainage, cooling water, unpolluted industrial process waters or water from private or public swimming pools into any Borough public sanitary sewer.
B. 
Stormwater and all other unpolluted drainage shall be discharged to such sewers as are specifically known as storm sewers or to natural outlets or watercourses; provided, however, that any Borough Board of Health or New Jersey State Board of Health requirements are not violated.
C. 
Except as hereinafter provided, no person, firm, company, association, society, corporation or group shall discharge or cause to be discharged any of the following described waters or wastes to any public sanitary sewer:
(1) 
Any liquid or vapor having a temperature higher than 150° F.
(2) 
Any water or waste which may contain more than 100 parts per million by weight of fat, oil, grease.
(3) 
Any gasoline, benzene, naphtha, fuel oil or other flammable or explosive liquid, solid or gas.
(4) 
Any garbage that has not been properly shredded.
(5) 
Any ashes, cinders, sand, mud, straw, shavings, metal, glass, rags, feathers, tar, plastics, wood, paunch manure or any other solid or viscous substance capable of causing obstruction to the flow in sewers or other interference with the proper operation of the sewage works.
(6) 
Any waters or wastes having a pH lower than 5.5 or higher than nine or having any other corrosive property capable of causing damage or hazard to structures, equipment and personnel of the sewage works.
(7) 
Any waters or wastes containing a toxic, poisonous or radioactive substance in sufficient quantity to injure or interfere with any sewage treatment process, constitute a hazard to humans or animals or create any hazard in the receiving waters of the sewage treatment plant.
(8) 
Any waters or wastes containing suspended solids of such character and quantity that unusual attention or expense is required to handle such materials at the sewage treatment plant.
D. 
Grease, oil and sand interceptors.
[Amended 4-8-2008 by Ord. No. 03-2008]
(1) 
Grease, oil and sand interceptors shall be provided when, in the opinion of the Borough Engineer, they are necessary for the handling of liquid wastes containing grease in excessive amount or any flammable wastes, sand or other harmful ingredients, except that such interceptors shall not be required for private living quarters or private dwellings. All interceptors shall be of a type and capacity approved by the New Jersey State Board of Health and the Borough Engineer and shall be easily accessible for cleaning and inspection. Grease and oil interceptors shall be constructed of impervious materials capable of withstanding abrupt and extreme changes in temperature. They shall be of substantial construction, watertight and equipped with easily removable covers, which, when bolted in place, shall be gastight and watertight.
(2) 
Plumbing; grease interceptors.
(a) 
Grease interceptors and removal/retention equipment shall be installed on the process-discharge piping from all restaurants and fast-food facilities.
(b) 
When the developed length of piping from the connection point within the building of the interceptor at the exterior of the building exceeds 30 feet, a second interceptor must be installed within the building.
E. 
Where installed, all grease, oil and sand interceptors shall be maintained by the owner at his own expense and be in continuously efficient operation at all times.
F. 
The admission into the public sewers of any waters or wastes having the following characteristics shall be subject to the review and approval of the Superintendent of Sewers or the Borough Engineer:
(1) 
A five-day biochemical oxygen demand greater than 300 parts per million by weight.
(2) 
Containing more than 350 parts per million by weight of suspended solids.
(3) 
Containing any quantity of substances having the characteristics described in Subsection C above.
(4) 
Having an average daily flow greater than 2% of the average daily sewage flow of the Borough.
G. 
Preliminary treatment.
(1) 
Where necessary, in the opinion of the Superintendent of Sewers or Borough Engineer, the owner shall provide, at his expense, preliminary treatment as may be necessary to:
(a) 
Reduce the biochemical oxygen demand to 300 parts per million and the suspended solids to 350 parts per million by weight;
(b) 
Reduce objectionable characteristics or constituents to within the maximum limits provided for in Subsection C above; or
(c) 
Control the quantities and rates of discharge of such wastes or waters.
(2) 
Plans, specifications and any other pertinent information relating to proposed preliminary treatment facilities shall be subject for submission for the approval of the Borough Engineer and of the Water Pollution Control Commission of the State of New Jersey, and no construction of such facilities shall be commenced until said approvals are obtained in writing.
(3) 
Major contributing industries shall comply with federal pretreatment standards that have been or will be promulgated and any other applicable requirements promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency in accordance with Section 307 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 (P.L. 92-500). A "major contributing industry" is defined as any user whose classification is identified in the Standard Industrial Classifications (SIC) Manual in any of Divisions A, B, D, E and I and who has a discharge flow of 50,000 gallons or more per average workday; has a flow greater than 5% of the flow in the Borough's wastewater treatment system; has in his wastes toxic pollutants in toxic amounts, as defined in standards issued under Section 307(a) of the Federal Act; or is found by the Borough to have significant impact, either singly or in combination with other contributing industries, on the treatment or collection system.
[Added 5-25-1976 by Ord. No. 7-76]
(4) 
Effluent limitations promulgated by the Federal Act shall apply in any instance where they are more stringent than those in this article. Under Section 307(b) of the Act, federal pretreatment standards are designed to achieve two purposes: to protect the operation of publicly owned treatment works and to prevent the discharge of pollutants which pass through such works inadequately treated. Users in industrial categories subject to effluent guidelines issued under Section 304(b) of the Federal Act, which users are discharging incompatible pollutants to publicly owned treatment works, are required to adopt the best practicable control technology currently available, as defined by the Administrator pursuant to Section 304(b) of the Federal Act. Where the Borough treatment works was designed to and does achieve substantial removal of pollutants other than BOD suspended solids, pH and fecal coliform bacteria, it is not appropriate to require the industrial user to achieve best practicable control technology currently available, since this would lead to an uneconomical duplication of treatment facilities. While the term "substantial removal" is not subject to precise definition, it generally contemplates removals in the order of 80% or greater. Minor incidental removals in the order of 10% to 30% are not considered substantial. For some industrial categories it may be necessary to define pretreatment guidelines for problems that may arise as a result of the discharge into publicly owned treatment works. However, any adjustments required for particular industrial categories should be considered in connection with the Borough's requirements, rather than in the national pretreatment standard. The limitations on wastewater strength in § 320-7 of this article may be supplemented with more stringent limitations:
[Added 5-25-1976 by Ord. No. 7-76]
(a) 
If the Borough determines that the limitations in Subsections C through F may not be sufficient to protect the operation of the Borough's treatment works; or
(b) 
If the Borough determines that the limitations in Subsections C through F may not be sufficient to enable the Borough's treatment works to comply with water quality standards or effluent limitations specified in the Borough's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.
H. 
Where preliminary treatment facilities are provided for any waters or wastes, they shall be maintained continuously in satisfactory and effective operation by the owner at his own expense.
I. 
When required by the Borough Engineer, the owner of any property served by a building sewer carrying industrial wastes shall install a suitable control manhole in the building sewer to facilitate observation, sampling and measurement of the wastes. Such manhole, when required, shall be accessible and safely located and shall be constructed in accordance with plans approved by the Borough Engineer. The manhole shall be installed by the owner at his own expense and shall be maintained by him so as to be safe and accessible at all times.
J. 
All measurements, tests and analyses of the characteristics of waters and wastes to which reference is made in Subsections C, F and G above shall be determined in accordance with Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Sewage and shall be determined at the control manhole provided for in Subsection I above or upon suitable samples taken at said control manhole. In the event that no special manhole has been required, the control manhole shall be considered to be the nearest downstream manhole in the public sewer to the point at which the building sewer is connected.
K. 
No statement contained in this section shall be construed as preventing any special agreement or arrangement between the Borough and any industrial concern whereby an industrial waste of unusual strength or character may be accepted by the Borough for treatment, subject to payment therefor by the industrial concern.
L. 
The owner or owners of any industrial establishment which discharges its waters or wastes into the Borough of Totowa public sanitary sewers shall permit the Borough Engineer or the Superintendent of Sewers to enter upon the premises of said establishment at any time for examination, inspection of sewers and related appurtenances which are connected with the public sewer.
M. 
When industrial establishments, business buildings, institutions or other users of the public sewers are required to pay for sewage disposal on a quantity metered basis, the owner or owners shall install an approved type of measurement device, properly constructed at an accessible place, and shall permit the Superintendent of Sewers the right of access for examinations, meter readings, etc. These measuring devices and related appurtenances shall be constructed and maintained by the owners at their own expense and be kept in proper working order at all times.
N. 
Disposal into the sewer system of any pollutant by any person is unlawful except in compliance with federal standards promulgated pursuant to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 (FWPCAA) and any more stringent state and local standards.
[Added 5-25-1976 by Ord. No. 7-76]
O. 
Discharge reports.
[Added 5-25-1976 by Ord. No. 7-76]
(1) 
The Borough may require that major contributing industries, and other industries as deemed necessary by the Borough, discharging or proposing to discharge wastewater into a community sewer file a periodic discharge report. The discharge report may include, but not be limited to, the nature of the process, volume, rates of flow, mass emission rate, production quantities, hours of operation, number and classification of employees or other information which relates to the generation of waste, including wastewater constituents and characteristics in the wastewater discharge. Such reports may also include the chemical constituents and quantity of liquid or gaseous materials stored on-site, even though they may not normally be discharged. In addition to discharge reports, the Agency may require information in the form of wastewater discharge permit applications and self-monitoring reports.
(2) 
The Borough may revoke any wastewater discharge permit or terminate, or cause to be terminated, wastewater service to any premises if a violation of any provision of this article is found to exist or if a discharge of wastewater causes or threatens to cause a condition of contamination, pollution or nuisance.
No unauthorized person, firm, company, association, society, corporation or group shall maliciously, willfully or negligently break, damage, destroy, uncover, deface or tamper with any structure, appurtenance or equipment which is part of the public sewers.
A. 
Fees for sewer usage shall be as follows:
(1) 
Residential dwellings: $400.
(2) 
Business buildings and institutions: $600.
(3) 
Industrial establishments: $800.
B. 
User charge system.
[Added 6-24-1997 by Ord. No. 15-97]
(1) 
Regulation of sewer use. The use of all sanitary sewers in the Borough of Totowa shall be in compliance with the Rules and Regulations of the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commissioners.
(2) 
User charge system. The Borough of Totowa does hereby adopt and enact a user charge system for the use of the sanitary sewers in the Borough of Totowa. The annual user charge shall be computed on the previous calendar year's usage and the current calendar year's flow charge rate and billed in accordance with the procedures as set forth in Subsection B(7).
(3) 
Credit against user charge. There shall be allowed as a credit against the annual user charge levied an annual credit equivalent to the user charge resulting from 400,000 gallons of flow for all residential usage, other than hotels, motels and apartments, which provision is hereinafter made. With respect to hotels and motels, the annual credit shall be 200,000 gallons of flow with respect to every eight rooms used for residential occupancy. With respect to apartments, the annual credit shall be equivalent to 400,000 gallons of flow with respect to each separate and individual living unit within the apartment complex. Such credit shall be computed using the flow charge rate imposed by the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commissioners upon the Borough of Totowa for the current calendar year. Such credit shall not be accumulated from year to year, nor shall such credit reduce the charge otherwise payable under this subsection to less than $0 for any year.
(4) 
Availability of credit. The credit extended by Subsection B(3) hereby shall be available to each property using the sanitary sewers of the Borough of Totowa.
(5) 
Private water wells. All privately owned water wells which are connected to water systems eventually discharging into the sanitary sewers of the Borough of Totowa shall be subject to the following provisions:
(a) 
The owners of wells existing at the date of adoption of this subsection shall notify the Municipal Clerk of the Borough of Totowa, in writing, of the existence and location of such wells within 30 days after the date of passage of this subsection.
(b) 
The owners of wells constructed or completed after the adoption of this subsection shall notify the Municipal Clerk of the Borough of Totowa, in writing, of the existence and location of such wells within 30 days of the first usage of such well.
(c) 
The Borough Engineer of the Borough of Totowa may inspect such well to determine the usage thereof. If, in the opinion of the Borough Engineer, such well's actual water production, together with the other water usage of the owner thereof, exceeds 400,000 gallons of water per year, the Borough Engineer shall transmit his opinion, in writing, to the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Totowa. After receiving such opinion, the Borough Council may require the owner of such well to install and maintain a water meter thereon, at the owner's expense, by adoption of a resolution.
(d) 
If a water meter is required by resolution as provided in Subsection B(5)(c) above, the owner must install such meter within 60 days of adoption thereof. If the owner shall fail to do so, the Borough Council of the Borough of Totowa may, by resolution, provide for the installation of such meter and add the cost thereof to the user charge levied under this subsection.
(6) 
Conformance with certain ordinances required. Before any sewer shall be permitted to flow into any sanitary sewer of the Borough of Totowa, the Plumbing Subcode Official shall first determine that such sewer and associated drains function properly, in accordance with all applicable rules, regulations and ordinances of the Borough of Totowa.
(7) 
Billing procedures. Billing for the user charges imposed by Subsection B(2) hereof shall be in accordance with the following procedures:
(a) 
In April of each year, the Municipal Clerk shall attend to the preparation of bills computed on the previous calendar year's usage and the current calendar year's flow charge rate.
[Amended 3-28-2000 by Ord. No. 2-00]
(b) 
Bills shall be mailed by the Municipal Clerk of the Borough of Totowa to the owners of all properties incurring charges not later than April 15 of each year.
[Amended 3-28-2000 by Ord. No. 2-00]
(c) 
Bills are due and payable to the Borough of Totowa within 30 days for industrial users who are billed directly by Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission. If such charges are not paid in full within that time period, the unpaid charges shall be deemed delinquent from such date and such unpaid charges shall become a lien upon the properties incurring them as of that date.
[Amended 3-28-2000 by Ord. No. 2-00; 12-14-2004 by Ord. No. 19-2004]
(d) 
All user charges which become delinquent under the provisions of Subsection B(7)(c) and B(7)(d) above shall bear interest and penalties from the date of delinquency at the same rate as all charges for general taxation and shall be collected and enforced in the same manner as general taxation.
[Amended 12-14-2004 by Ord. No. 19-2004]
(e) 
No charge levied by Subsection B(3) shall be invalid by reason of any error or omission in stating the name of the owner or owners of the property affected by such charge, if such property or properties have actually incurred such charges.
[Amended 12-14-2004 by Ord. No. 19-2004]
(f) 
No charge levied by Subsection B(2) shall be invalid by reason of the failure of a property owner to receive a bill. Every owner is put on notice to ascertain from the Borough of Totowa the amount which may become due for such charges.
[Amended 12-14-2004 by Ord. No. 19-2004]
(8) 
Availability of copies of rules and regulations. Not fewer than three copies of the rules and regulations of the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commissioners shall be on file with the Office of the Municipal Clerk of the Borough of Totowa for public inspection during the Borough's business hours. In addition, copies of such rules and regulations are available from the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commissioners for the costs of publication thereof.
(9) 
Mayor and Clerk authorized signatories. The Mayor and Clerk of the Borough of Totowa are hereby authorized to act as signatories upon and to execute on behalf of the Borough of Totowa any amendment of the existing service agreement with the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commissioners, which embodies the intent and purpose of the subsection.
The Superintendent of Sewers and any other duly authorized deputy, agent or representative of the Borough bearing proper credentials and identification shall be permitted to enter upon all properties for the purpose of inspection, observation, measurement, sampling and testing in accordance with the provisions of this article.
[Added 10-13-1987 by Ord. No. 12-87[1]]
A. 
Fees.
(1) 
Upon filing the application for a sewer permit, the applicant shall pay a fee of $50 for each commercial and industrial structure and a fee of $500 for significant industrial users as defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Regulations plus a sum equal to all costs incurred or involved to cover examination and processing by the municipality. Such additional fees shall be billed to the applicant upon ascertainment of the amount thereof by the municipality and shall be payable by the applicant prior to any determination by the municipality as to the granting or denial of the permit.
(2) 
Existing residential sewer connection. The fee required for permits to make connections to any sanitary sewer in the municipality for homes existing and with a certificate of occupancy issued prior to the effective date of this article shall be $100 for each family unit provided for in any dwelling, home or apartment building. This section shall only be applicable to existing residential units that are not presently connected to the sewer system.
(3) 
New residential sewer connection. The fee required for permits to make house connections to any sanitary sewer in the municipality shall be $1,000 for each family unit or as provided in Subsection C, Rate schedule, for in any dwelling, home or apartment building, and the sum of $50 for inspection service per family unit, prior to the issuance of the permit. This fee shall be paid prior to a certificate of occupancy being issued, regardless as to whether or not a building or sewer permit has been issued prior to the effective date of this article. In addition to the user fee, the sum of $50 for inspection service shall be paid prior to the issuance of a sewer connection permit.
(4) 
Commercial and industrial sewer connections. The fee required for permits for any commercial or industrial connection shall be as follows:
(a) 
"Commercial and industrial sewer connections," for purposes of this article, are defined as to include but not be limited to industries, businesses, commercial establishments, offices, stores, shopping centers, private schools, churches, post offices, hospitals, service stations, theaters, restaurants, luncheonettes, diners, laundromats and car wash facilities.
(b) 
For each square foot of floor area, the fee shall be $1 per square foot for the first 10,000 square feet and $0.50 per square foot thereafter.
(c) 
In addition to the fee above set forth, there shall be an additional charge of $250 for inspection service prior to the issuance of the sewer connection permit.
(d) 
All fees shall be paid prior to a certificate of occupancy being issued, regardless of whether or not a building or sewer permit has been issued prior to the effective date of this article.
(5) 
This section shall additionally be applicable to users outside the municipal boundaries of the municipal sanitary sewer system.
(6) 
In the event that any developer, as a condition of site plan approval, shall agree to pay the Borough a sum of money greater than the fees charged hereunder, then and in that event the fees to be charged said developer shall be as agreed upon as a condition of site plan approval, but in no case shall the fee be less than the scheduled fee.
(7) 
The Mayor and Municipal Council shall have the discretion in cases of hardship to permit payment of the fees established hereunder over a three-year period, in equal semiannual payments of principal and interest, at an annual interest rate up to a maximum presently permitted to be charged for unpaid municipal real estate taxes. Such unpaid charges shall be a lien on the premises, and the Borough shall, in addition to any other remedy it may have at law for collection of the same, have the right to discontinue sewer service to the subject building or buildings.
B. 
Application for users.
(1) 
Application for the use of the sanitary sewer system by such users shall be made to the Borough Clerk, and information shall be supplied by the applicant as required by that office.
(2) 
Where sewage flow originates from an establishment not described in the rate schedule, Subsection C, annexed hereto, the Borough reserves the right to establish special equitable rate categories within the limitations of law.
(3) 
All sewerage charges shall be payable to the Borough of Totowa at the office of the Tax Collector, Municipal Building, Totowa, New Jersey 07512. Bills shall be paid by personal check or money order; if paid in person during normal business hours, bills may be paid in cash.
(4) 
The payment of all sewerage service charges shall be the responsibility of the property owner. The failure of a tenant, lessee or customer, other than the property owner, to pay any sewerage service charge or to transmit any such charge or bill to the property owner shall not relieve the property owner of his responsibility to pay said bill or the right of the Borough to collect such charges according to the remedies prescribed by law.
(5) 
If any sewerage service charge is not paid within 30 calendar days of post date of the bill, an interest penalty shall begin to accrue at the same rate as is charged on unpaid municipal taxes.
(6) 
In the event of nonpayment of any sewerage service charge for a period of 90 days after the date when such charge becomes delinquent, the Borough may cause the service to be discontinued, and the same shall not be restored until full payment has been made of all outstanding charges and penalties thereon plus the actual costs of disconnecting and reconnecting the service connection. Discontinuation of service, however, shall not abrogate the right of the Borough to use whatever remedies are permitted by law to collect outstanding charges and penalties.
(7) 
The word "family" under Subsection C, Rate schedule, shall mean permanent occupants of a dwelling unit consisting of two or more rooms with private kitchen or sanitary facilities. Other residential use shall fall under Subsection C(3).
C. 
Rate schedule.
[Amended 9-19-1989 by Ord. No. 7-89]
(1) 
Residential.
(a) 
Single-family.
[1] 
New construction: $1,000.
[2] 
Inspection fee: $50.
[3] 
Sewer permit: $50.
[4] 
Additions to existing structures:
[a] 
Under 500 square feet: no charge.
[b] 
Over 500 square feet: $0.50 per square foot.
(b) 
Two-family.
[1] 
New construction: $900 per unit.
[2] 
Inspection fee: $50.
[3] 
Sewer permit: $50.
[4] 
Additions to existing structures: same as Subsection C(1)(a)[4].
(c) 
Three-or-more-family units.
[1] 
New construction: $800.
[2] 
Inspection fee: $50.
[3] 
Sewer permit: $50.
[4] 
Additions to existing structures: same as Subsection C(1)(a)[4].
(2) 
Business and industrial.
(a) 
New construction: $1 per square foot for the first 10,000 square feet and $0.50 per square foot thereafter.
(b) 
Inspection fee: $250.
(c) 
Sewer permit: $50.
(d) 
Additions to existing structures:
[1] 
Up to 5,000 square feet: $0.75 per square foot.
[2] 
Up to 7,500 square feet: $0.70 per square foot.
[3] 
Over 7,500 square feet: $0.50 per square foot.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance was amended 9-19-1989 by Ord. No. 7-89 to provide that said Ord. No. 12-87 took effect on the date of publication which occurred on 10-13-1987 and shall not be applied retroactively to any property owner who had a valid building permit in effect prior to the adoption of the ordinance.
[Adopted 10-28-1986 by Ord. No. 7-86 (Ch. 108, Art. II, of the 1974 Code)]
Whenever used in this article, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
DOMESTIC SEWAGE
Waste and wastewater from humans or household operations.
[Added 4-12-2005 by Ord. No. 11-2005]
FLOTABLE OIL
Oil, fat or grease in a physical state such that it will separate by gravity from wastewater by treatment in an approved pretreatment facility. Wastewater shall be considered free of flotable fat if it is properly pretreated and the wastewater does not interfere with the collection system.
ILLICIT CONNECTION
Any physical or nonphysical connection that discharges domestic sewage, noncontact cooling water, process wastewater, or other industrial waste (other than stormwater) to the municipal separate storm sewer system operated by the Borough of Totowa, unless that discharge is authorized under a NJPDES permit other than the Tier A Municipal Stormwater General Permit (NJPDES Permit Number NJ0141852). Nonphysical connections may include, but are not limited to, leaks, flows or overflows, into the municipal separate storm sewer system.
[Added 4-12-2005 by Ord. No. 11-2005]
INDUSTRIAL WASTE
Nondomestic waste, including, but not limited to, those pollutants regulated under Section 307(a), (b), or (c) of the Federal Clean Water Act [33 U.S.C. Section 1317(a), (b), or (c)].
[Added 4-12-2005 by Ord. No. 11-2005]
MUNICIPAL SEPARATE STORM SEWER SYSTEM (MS4)
A conveyance or system of conveyances (including roads with drainage systems, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters, ditches, man-made channels, or storm drains) that is owned or operated by the Borough of Totowa or other public body, and is designed and used for collecting and conveying stormwater.
[Added 4-12-2005 by Ord. No. 11-2005]
NATURAL OUTLET
An outlet, including storm sewers and combined sewer overflows, into a watercourse, pond, ditch, lake or other body of surface or ground water, including the Passaic River or any of its tributaries.
NJPDES PERMIT
A permit issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to implement the New Jersey Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NJPDES) rules at N.J.A.C. 7:14A.
[Added 4-12-2005 by Ord. No. 11-2005]
NONCONTACT COOLING WATER
Water used to reduce temperature for the purpose of cooling. Such waters do not come into direct contact with any raw material, intermediate product (other than heat) or finished product. Noncontact cooling water may, however, contain algaecides, or biocides to control fouling of equipment such as heat exchangers, and/or corrosion inhibitors.
[Added 4-12-2005 by Ord. No. 11-2005]
PERSON
Any individual corporation, company, partnership, firm, association, or political subdivision of this state subject to municipal jurisdiction.
[Added 4-12-2005 by Ord. No. 11-2005]
PROCESS WASTEWATER
Any water which, during manufacturing or processing, comes into direct contact with or results from the production or use of any raw material, intermediate product, finished product, byproduct, or waste product. Process wastewater includes, but is not limited to, leachate and cooling water other than noncontact cooling water.
[Added 4-12-2005 by Ord. No. 11-2005]
SANITARY SEWER
A sewer that carries liquid- and water-carried wastes from residences, commercial buildings, industrial plants and institutions, together with minor quantities of ground-, storm- and surface waters that are not admitted intentionally.
SANITARY WASTE
Waste derived principally from dwellings, office buildings and sanitary conveniences and which, when segregated from industrial wastes, may come from industrial plants or commercial enterprises.
SEWAGE
The spent water of a community the preferred term is "wastewater."
SEWER
A pipe or conduit that carries wastewater or drainage water.
STORM DRAIN (sometimes called "storm sewer")
A drain or sewer for conveying water, groundwater, subsurface water or unpolluted water from any source.
STORMWATER
Water resulting from precipitation (including rain and snow) that runs off the land's surface, is transmitted to the subsurface, is captured by separate storm sewers or other sewerage or drainage facilities, or is conveyed by snow removal equipment.
[Added 4-12-2005 by Ord. No. 11-2005]
STRENGTH OF WASTE
A measurement of suspended solids and/or biochemical oxygen demand and/or chemical oxygen demand and/or any other parameter determined by Passaic Valley Sewer Commission as a fair indicator of the relative use, other than volumetric, of Passaic Valley Sewer Commission facilities by industrial wastes.
[Amended 4-12-2005 by Ord. No. 11-2005]
A. 
It shall be unlawful to discharge into any natural outlet within the municipality any wastewater or other polluted waters, except where suitable treatment has been provided and where a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit has been obtained from the appropriate governmental authority, where required.
B. 
The spilling, dumping or disposal of materials other than stormwater to the municipal separate storm sewer system operated by the Borough of Totowa is prohibited. The spilling, dumping, or disposal of materials other than stormwater in such a manner as to cause the discharge of pollutants to the municipal separate storm sewer system is also prohibited.
C. 
Exceptions to prohibition.
(1) 
Water line flushing and discharges from potable water sources.
(2) 
Uncontaminated groundwater (e.g., infiltration, crawl space or basement sump pumps, foundation or footing drains, rising groundwaters).
(3) 
Air-conditioning condensate (excluding contact and noncontact cooling water).
(4) 
Irrigation water (including landscape and lawn watering runoff).
(5) 
Flows from springs, riparian habitats and wetlands, water reservoir discharges and diverted stream flows.
(6) 
Residential car-washing water, and residential swimming pool discharges.
(7) 
Sidewalk, driveway and street wash water.
(8) 
Flows from fire-fighting activities.
(9) 
Flows from rinsing of the following equipment with clean water:[1]
(a) 
Equipment used in the application of salt and deicing materials immediately following salt and deicing material applications. Prior to rinsing with clean water, all residual salt and deicing materials must be removed from equipment and vehicles to the maximum extent practicable using dry cleaning methods (e.g., shoveling and sweeping). Recovered materials are to be returned to storage for reuse or properly discarded.
(b) 
Rinsing of equipment, as noted in the situation above, is limited to exterior, undercarriage and exposed parts; it does not apply to engines or other enclosed machinery.
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).
No person shall make connection on roof downspouts, foundation drains, areaway drains or other sources of surface runoff or groundwater to a building sewer or drain, which in turn is connected directly or indirectly to a public sanitary sewer, unless approved by the municipality for the purpose of disposal of polluted surface drainage.
The governing body shall appoint or designate some suitable person to administer this article.
All users of the wastewater facilities shall comply with the requirements of the written rules and regulations of the Passaic Valley Sewer Commission, which have been adopted and which from time to time shall have been adopted, which regulations shall become effective upon filing of certified copies in the office of the Municipal Clerk after the effective dates of this article.
Violations of any of the provisions of this article or any permit issued under the authority of the within ordinances may result in the termination of the permit and/or the termination of the authority to discharge into the system.
No ordinance heretofore adopted by the municipality shall be affected by this article, except that if any provisions of prior ordinances are in conflict with the provisions of this article, the provisions of this article shall control.