[Adopted 7-26-1999 by L.L. No. 2-1999[1]]
[1]
Editor's Note: This local law repealed former Art. II, Sewer Use, adopted 5-13-1996 by L.L. No. 2-1996, as amended.
This article shall be known as the "On-Site Individual Wastewater Treatment System Law of the Town of East Bloomfield."
This article shall govern the treatment of sewage by regulating all on-site individual wastewater treatment systems (hereinafter referred to as a wastewater treatment system).
The purpose of this article is to promote the health, safety and general welfare of the community, including the protection and preservation of the property of its inhabitants by regulating wastewater treatment systems so that human sewage and other wastes are disposed of in a manner that will not create a health hazard, adversely affect the environment, create a nuisance or impair the enjoyment or use of property.
Enactment of this article is pursuant to Article 2 of the Municipal Home Rule Law and Article 3 of the Public Health Law.
In addition to the definitions contained in the New York State Public Health Law and Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, which are incorporated herein by reference, the following words and terms shall be defined as follows:
ADEQUATELY FUNCTIONING
A wastewater treatment system inspected pursuant to § 105-23B of this article that is determined by the Code Enforcement Officer as not posing a public health threat by virtue of aboveground seepage or contamination of surface or ground water. For the purpose of this article, an adequately functioning system shall always include a watertight vessel.
CHANGE OF USE
A use of land with an associated building and wastewater treatment system that is modified so as to likely cause an increase in hydraulic loading (e.g., change from an existing commercial use to residential use; change of an existing residential use to commercial use; change of a commercial use to a different type of commercial use). A change of use shall also include the removal and replacement of a manufactured or mobile home dwelling.
CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
The official designated by this article as having the authority to enforce the provisions of this article.
CONVEYANCE OF REAL PROPERTY
The transfer of the title of real estate from one to another, in the form of a deed or other legal instrument, filed in the office of the Ontario County Clerk.
DESIGN PROFESSIONAL
A person licensed or registered in the State of New York and authorized by New York State Education Law to design the systems described in 10 NYCRR Appendix 75-A.
EAST BLOOMFIELD TOWN BOARD
The municipal corporation charged with authority to act as the Local Board of Health as defined by New York State Public Health Law.
MINOR ALTERATIONS
Routine maintenance and repairs to the wastewater treatment system, including but not limited to the following: replacement of septic tank covers or baffles, replacement of distribution box covers, replacement of cracked pipes, pumping of the septic tank and replacement of mechanical pumps and devices. Minor alterations shall not include replacement of a septic tank, distribution box or any addition, alteration or rearrangement of drainage piping. Like examples of minor alterations not specifically listed in this definition shall be determined by the Code Enforcement Officer.
NEW CONSTRUCTION
Any building constructed or placed on an undeveloped site requiring the installation of a wastewater treatment system and currently not utilizing the same.
ON-SITE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM PERMIT
A written permit issued by the Code Enforcement Officer.
ON-SITE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM
A complete system of piping, watertight vessels or other facilities for the on-site collection, transport and treatment of sewage.
SEWAGE
The combination of human and household waste with water which is discharged to the plumbing system, including the waste from a flush toilet, bath, shower, sink, lavatory, dishwashing or laundry machine or the water-carried waste from any fixture, equipment or machine.
A. 
It shall be unlawful to install, construct, alter, replace, enlarge, extend or otherwise modify any wastewater treatment system unless a wastewater treatment permit is issued by the Code Enforcement Officer, except as specifically exempted in § 105-16 of this article.
B. 
It shall be unlawful to change the use of real property or expand a building or dwelling, including its use, by greater than 50% without an inspection of the wastewater treatment system by the Code Enforcement Officer, pursuant to § 105-23A and B of this article.
C. 
It shall be unlawful to use or maintain any wastewater treatment system that is not adequately functioning.
D. 
It shall be unlawful to discharge anything but sewage into a wastewater treatment system. Surface and subsurface water, including roof, cellar, foundation and storm drainage, shall not be discharged into the wastewater treatment system and shall be disposed of so as to in no way affect the proper functioning of the system.
A. 
Individual household systems. Any wastewater treatment system for new individual household construction shall be designed and built according to the requirements of this article and the requirements, as they may from time to time be amended, of the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) standards for sewage disposal for individual household systems. Those design requirements are found in Appendix 75-A of Part 75 of Title 10 of the New York Code of Rules and Regulations (10 NYCRR).
B. 
Intermediate-sized sewerage systems. Any wastewater treatment system for new commercial, industrial or institutional construction, as well as cluster housing or other multihome developments, shall be designed and built according to the requirements of this article and the requirements, as may be from time to time be amended, of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) standards for sewage disposal for intermediate-sized sewerage facilities. Those design requirements are found in NYSDEC manual Design Standards for Wastewater Treatment Works: Intermediate-sized Sewerage Facilities.
A. 
Individual household systems. Any installation, construction, alteration, replacement, enlargement, extension, repair or other modification of an existing on-site individual household wastewater treatment system shall be designed and built according to the requirements of this article and the requirements, as they may from time to time be amended, of the NYSDOH standards for sewage disposal for individual household systems. Those design requirements are found in Appendix 75-A of Part 75 of Title 10 of the New York Code of Rules and Regulations (10 NYCRR).
B. 
Intermediate-sized sewerage systems. Any installation, construction, alteration, replacement, enlargement, extension, repair or other modification of an existing intermediate-sized sewerage system shall be designed and built according to the requirements of this article and the requirements, as may from time to time be amended, of the NYSDEC standards for sewage disposal for intermediate-sized sewerage facilities. Those design requirements are found in NYSDEC manual Design Standards for Wastewater Treatment Works: Intermediate-sized Sewerage Facilities.
A. 
Minor alterations to wastewater treatment systems shall not require a wastewater treatment permit, provided that such repairs are made with like or similar materials so as to replace existing conditions in need of repair and are done in a safe and sanitary manner.
B. 
The design standards found in § 105-15 of this article shall not apply to existing wastewater treatment systems legally installed, repaired or approved by the Code Enforcement Officer prior to the date of adoption of this article and after the dates identified in Subsection B(1) and (2) identified below or those systems determined by the Code Enforcement Officer to be adequately functioning.
(1) 
Individual household wastewater treatment systems legally installed or repaired prior to December 1, 1990.
(2) 
Intermediate-sized wastewater treatment systems legally installed or repaired prior to January 1, 1988.
On sites with topographic, physiographic or other limitations, the Code Enforcement Officer shall utilize current technology and design methods to remedy failed or improperly functioning systems, provided that applicable state standards, to the greatest extent possible, are complied with. In considering site limitations, the Code Enforcement Officer shall take the following into consideration:
A. 
Distance separations to drinking water supplies and watercourses.
B. 
The imminent health hazards resulting from a currently failed system.
C. 
Existing lot line setbacks and area requirements as related to individual properties.
D. 
The extent to which the limitations are self-created.
Wastewater treatment systems shall be maintained in good working order. There shall be no activities or conditions permitted which would interfere with the proper operation of wastewater treatment systems. It is specifically prohibited to construct or place buildings, to install paving, to plant trees or shrubs, to regrade or place fill, to allow crossing by vehicles, to install aboveground pools or to install driveways or parking areas over sanitary disposal fields.
In addition to approvals required herein, a review and approval by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) or the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), if appropriate, shall be required for the following conditions:
A. 
Any realty subdivision as defined by Article 11, Title II of the New York State Public Health Law or Article 17, Title 15 of the New York State Environmental Conservation Law.
B. 
Any alternative system as defined by Appendix 75-A of Part 75 of Title 10 of the New York Code of Rules and Regulations (10 NYCRR).
C. 
Any facility required to be permitted by the NYSDOH.
D. 
Any on-site individual wastewater treatment system or other system with effluent in excess of 1,000 gallons per day.
A. 
The Code Enforcement Officer shall have the right to require that the property owner retain the services of a design professional to conduct site and soil appraisals (percolation tests and deep holes) and to design and certify that the wastewater treatment system meets the requirements of this article and the standards of applicable state laws.
B. 
The East Bloomfield Town Board shall have the right to contract with the Ontario County Soil and Water Conservation District through its Uniform Inspection Procedures Program for site and soil appraisals and inspections performed pursuant to § 105-23A of this article.
C. 
Wastewater treatment systems that are defined as an alternative system pursuant to 10 NYCRR Appendix 75-A shall be certified by a design professional.
A. 
The Code Enforcement Officer shall be permitted by the property owner to make a physical inspection of the lands for which a wastewater treatment system permit or inspection has been requested in order to determine that all of the requirements of this article have been complied with.
B. 
The Code Enforcement Officer, upon complaint or show of cause, shall be permitted by the property owner to make a physical inspection of the lands for which a wastewater treatment system is believed to be a cause or potential cause of pollution or health hazard.
A. 
Application material. Applications for wastewater treatment system permits shall be by the property owner or a duly authorized agent, accompanied by the appropriate fee, to the Code Enforcement Officer, which shall include the following information:
(1) 
The name, address and telephone number of the applicant.
(2) 
Specific location of the property on which the wastewater treatment system is located or proposed, including the Tax Map number for said property.
(3) 
A sketch plan on a tape location map or survey map of the premises on which the wastewater treatment system is located or proposed, showing the location of wells, springs and other sources of water supply, and the location of all watercourses on the premises.
(4) 
Evidence to demonstrate that there is no public sewer available into which the sewage can be discharged or that it is impractical to discharge sewage into a community sewerage system.
(5) 
Documentation of substantiating data relating to site conditions, percolation tests, deep hole data and topography of land.
(6) 
The Code Enforcement Officer may conduct such investigations, examinations, tests and site evaluations as it deems necessary to verify information contained in the application.
B. 
Administrative review.
(1) 
The Code Enforcement Officer shall not issue a wastewater treatment system permit unless all pertinent site data has been submitted, verified and certified as required by this article; all permit fees have been paid and that the wastewater treatment system complies with all specifications of state and local laws.
(2) 
The Code Enforcement Officer may disapprove an application if it is determined that any of the following requirements have not been met:
(a) 
That the wastewater treatment system, as proposed, will not conform to the requirements of state and local laws.
(b) 
That the applicant has failed to supply all the data necessary to make a determination as to whether or not such wastewater treatment system conforms to state and local laws.
(c) 
The applicant has failed to pay all necessary fees.
(3) 
When the Code Enforcement Officer shall deny the application for a wastewater treatment permit, within seven working days after taking such action, the Code Enforcement Officer shall furnish the applicant with a written notice of denial setting forth in detail the reason for such action.
(4) 
No certificate of occupancy shall be issued and no persons shall occupy any building unless the wastewater treatment system has been approved in accordance with the provisions of this article.
C. 
Inspection certifications.
(1) 
Installation of the wastewater treatment system shall be under the direct supervision of the Code Enforcement Officer.
(2) 
The applicant shall be prohibited from covering any component of the system without proper authorization. Any change of construction approved by the Code Enforcement Officer shall be noted on the original drawings before the system is backfilled. As-built plans shall be provided to the Code Enforcement Officer.
(3) 
The Code Enforcement Officer may, by written notice, order all work stopped on any wastewater treatment system which is in violation of this article.
D. 
Fees. The fees for any permit or inspection performed pursuant to this article shall be determined from time to time by the East Bloomfield Town Board.
A. 
Circumstances requiring inspection of existing systems. The authority having jurisdiction shall conduct an on-site inspection of an existing wastewater treatment system as follows:
(1) 
Prior to a change of use. (See Definitions.) The owner of the property shall arrange for a wastewater treatment system inspection before any change of use is undertaken. The Code Enforcement Officer shall determine whether the change represents an increased hydraulic loading to the system. In instances where a site plan approval, special use permit or variance is required, the Code Enforcement Officer shall incorporate the wastewater treatment system inspection report into the review process of the appropriate Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals or Board of Appeals.
(2) 
Property owners may request a wastewater treatment inspection for real estate transactions or other certifications to lending institutions, purchase offer conditions of buyers of real property, or other requests, or investigations.
(3) 
Expansion greater than 50%. The owner of the property shall arrange for a wastewater treatment system inspection as an integral part of the building permit application process. The Code Enforcement Officer shall determine whether expansion of the building or dwelling, including its use, represents an increased hydraulic loading to the system. For the purpose of this article, an existing wastewater treatment system shall be defined as an accessory structure and, as such, subject to regulation pursuant to Part 1230 of Subchapter E, Conversions, Alterations, Additions and Repairs to Existing Buildings of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code.
B. 
Inspection procedure. All existing on-site wastewater treatment systems requiring an inspection pursuant to this article shall be performed by the authority having jurisdiction in accordance with the specifications established as follows:
(1) 
The septic tank, inspection ports, distribution boxes or other distribution devices shall be uncovered and accessible to the Inspector. In the event that any component of the system cannot be reasonably located, the Inspector shall so note on the inspection report.
(2) 
Sanitary disposal fields shall be staked out or otherwise identified by general area of location.
(3) 
At the discretion of the Code Enforcement Officer, the septic tank shall be pumped at the expense of the property owner in order to ensure that the tank is not leaking and that the inlet and outlet baffles are in place and properly functioning.
(4) 
At the discretion of the Code Enforcement Officer, drop and distribution boxes shall be checked for blockages.
(5) 
Verify connection of all drains to an appropriate disposal system.
(6) 
All outside areas, to include nearby lawns, slopes, hillsides, ditches and watercourses, swales and the shoreline of ponds, lakes and wetlands, shall be observed for aboveground seepage and to note the quantity and general quality of surface water where it occurs.
(7) 
Conduct dye testing and other methods as may be necessary to determine system function.
C. 
Report of findings.
(1) 
Upon completion of the inspection, the Code Enforcement Officer shall document all procedures and furnish the owner with a report of findings.
(2) 
The report of findings shall contain, at a minimum, the location, address, name of owner, representative present, dates of testing/inspection, procedures used, observations and sketches showing fixture, drain and system layout to adequately document the wastewater treatment system inspection.
A. 
Upon discovery of a wastewater treatment system which is not adequately functioning or determined to have been illegally installed, the Code Enforcement Officer shall immediately notify the property owner in writing of the failure or unacceptable condition. It shall be the responsibility of the property owner to forward notice of such report to other involved or interested parties. As part of the report, the Code Enforcement Officer shall determine a course of corrective action and establish a reasonable time frame for completion of necessary remedies.
B. 
Upon receipt of such notice, the property owner shall be given 30 days to obtain a wastewater treatment permit.
C. 
Remedy of a wastewater treatment system which is not adequately functioning or determined to have been illegally installed shall require the property owner to submit an application for a wastewater treatment permit in accordance with § 105-22A of this article.
A. 
Complaints shall be made to the Code Enforcement Officer with supporting information that a wastewater treatment system may be deficient (i.e., observed failure to ground water, surface water or aboveground seepage, odor or otherwise creating a public nuisance).
B. 
Upon receipt of a bona fide complaint or upon personal observation of said wastewater treatment system, the Code Enforcement Officer shall notify the property owner and the inhabitants of said property in writing, within seven business days of receipt of the complaint or personal observation, that an inspection pursuant to § 105-23B of this article is required. A copy of such notice shall be sent to the Clerk of the East Bloomfield Town Board.
A. 
Appeals of any actions, omissions, decisions or rulings of the Code Enforcement Officer shall be made to the Clerk of the East Bloomfield Town Board and must be instituted within (30) days of the act, omission, decision or ruling from which relief is sought.
B. 
Within 30 days of receipt of a written appeal of an action, omission, decision or ruling of the Code Enforcement Officer, the East Bloomfield Town Board, convening as the Local Board of Health, shall give notice of a public hearing to be held on the appeal.
C. 
Within 30 days of final adjournment of a public hearing, the East Bloomfield Town Board shall affirm, modify or deny the action, decision or ruling of the Code Enforcement Officer or correct any omission, approve or approve with conditions or disapprove the appeal.
D. 
The decision of the East Bloomfield Town Board shall be in writing and shall contain findings and the factual basis for each finding from the record of the hearing, which shall support the decision of the East Bloomfield Town Board. The East Bloomfield Town Board's discretion in considering an appeal under this article shall not extend to granting variances from this article but shall rather be limited to reviewing the Code Enforcement Officer's interpretation or applications of the terms hereof. Variances from the substantive requirements (e.g., septic tank sizes, setback distances, etc.) remain under the jurisdiction of the NYSDOH and the NYSDEC.
In any instance where a wastewater treatment system is located, installed, constructed, altered, enlarged or extended in violation of this article, or in any instance where this article is otherwise violated, the East Bloomfield Town Board may maintain an action or proceeding in the name of the municipality in a court of competent jurisdiction to compel compliance with the terms of this article or to restrain by injunction the violation of this article.
Any violation or threatened violation of any of the provisions of this article, in addition to other remedies herein provided, the East Bloomfield Town Board may institute any appropriate action or proceeding to prevent unlawful construction, alteration, repair or reconstruction, to restrain, correct or abate such violation to prevent the use of the wastewater treatment system or to prevent any illegal act, conduct, business or use regarding such wastewater treatment system.
Any permit or approval granted under this article which is based upon or is granted in reliance upon any material misrepresentation, or upon failure to make material fact or circumstances known, by or on behalf of an applicant shall be void.
Any person who violates any provision of this article shall be subject to a fine not to exceed the sum of $250 or by imprisonment of not more than 15 days, or both. Each week such violation continues after notification to the person in violation shall constitute a separate violation. Such violation notice shall be served by certified mail, return receipt requested, or by personal service.