[Ord. 1998-8, 12/2/1998, Art. I]
Unless the context specifically and clearly indicates otherwise,
the meaning of terms and phrases used in this Part shall be as follows:
The sewage drainage system from a building constructed on
any improved property to the lateral serving such improved property,
including any grinder pump or pressure sewer or similar apparatus
or facilities installed by the Township or the owner and which are
located on such improved property.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Any property within the sewered area of this Township upon
which there is erected a structure intended for continuous or periodic
habitation, occupancy, or use by human beings or animals and from
which structure sanitary sewage and/or industrial wastes shall be
or may be discharged.
Any improved property located in this Township, used or intended
for use, wholly or in part, for the manufacturing, processing, cleaning,
laundering, or assembling of any product, commodity, or article, or
any other improved property from which wastes, in addition to or other
than sanitary sewage, shall be discharged.
Any and all wastes discharged from an industrial establishment,
and/or wastewater having characteristics which may have the potential
to be detrimental to the sewer system.
That part of the sewer system extending from a sewer to the
curbline, or if there is no curbline, to the property line, or if
no such extension is provided, then "lateral" shall mean that portion
of, or place in, a sewer that is provided for connection of any building
sewer.
Any person vested with ownership, legal, or equitable, sole
or partial, of any improved property.
Any individual, partnership, company, association, society,
trust, corporation, municipality, municipality authority, or other
group or entity.
Normal water-carried household and toilet wastes from any
improved property.
Any pipe or conduit constituting a part of the sewer system,
used or usable for sewage collection purposes.
All facilities owned or operated by this Township, as of
any particular time, for collecting and transmitting sanitary sewage
and/or industrial wastes discharged by an improved property within
the sewered area of this Township, other than a building sewer or
a lateral.
That geographic area of this Township served by the sewer
system and designated, from time to time, by the Board of Supervisors
of this Township.
Any street, road, lane, court, cul-de-sac, alley, public
way, or public square.
The Township of Douglass, Berks County, Pennsylvania, a political
subdivision of the commonwealth, acting by and through its Board of
Supervisors, or, in appropriate cases, acting by and through its authorized
representatives.
[Ord. 1998-8, 12/2/1998, Art. II]
1.
Requirements for Connection.
A.
The owner of any improved property located in the sewered area of
this Township which is adjoining and adjacent to the sewer system
shall connect such improved property with and use such sewer system,
in such manner as this Township may require, within 60 days after
notice to such owner from this Township to make such connection, for
the purpose of discharging all sanitary sewage and industrial wastes
from such improved property; subject, however, to such limitations
and restrictions as shall be established herein or otherwise shall
be established by this Township, from time to time.
B.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection 1A, this Township shall
not require any commercial or industrial business to connect to the
sewer system when such commercial or industrial business is operating
a sewer treatment plant under mandate of any agency of the federal
or state government. This exemption shall last as long as such sewer
treatment plant continues to meet the specifications and standards
mandated by such federal or state agency and for 45 days thereafter.
If, during the days immediately subsequent to the day a business'
sewer treatment plant is determined to be below federal or state mandates,
repairs cannot be made to bring the system back up to satisfactory
condition, this Township may require such business to connect to the
sewer system. In such case, the full costs of connection to, and any
necessary refurbishing of, the sewer system shall be borne by such
business.
C.
The exemption provided for in Subsection 1B shall not be available
in any situation where the business seeking to use it had notice,
either actual or constructive, prior to construction of its sewage
treatment plant, of this Township's intention to construct a sanitary
sewer system, and to require that business to connect with the sewer
system.
2.
All sanitary sewage and industrial wastes from any improved property, after connection of such improved property with a sewer, as required under Subsection 1, shall be conducted into such sewer; subject, however, to such limitations and restrictions as shall be established herein or otherwise shall be established by this Township, from time to time.
3.
No person shall place, shall deposit, or shall permit to be placed or to be deposited upon any public or private property within this Township any sanitary sewage or industrial wastes in violation of Subsection 1. No person shall discharge or shall permit to be discharged to any natural outlet any sanitary sewage or industrial wastes in violation of Subsection 1, except where suitable treatment has been provided that is satisfactory to this Township.
4.
No privy vault, cesspool, sinkhole, septic tank, or similar receptacle shall be used or shall be maintained at any time upon an improved property that has been connected to a sewer or that is required under Subsection 1 to be connected to a sewer. Every such privy vault, cesspool, sinkhole, septic tank, or similar receptacle in existence shall be abandoned and, at the discretion of this Township, shall be cleansed and shall be filled with a noncompactable material (e.g., sand), at the expense of the owner of such improved property, under the direction and supervision of this Township; and any such privy vault, cesspool, sinkhole, septic tank, or similar receptacle not so abandoned and, if required by this Township, not cleansed and filled, shall constitute a nuisance, and such nuisance may be abated, as provided by law, at the expense of the owner of such improved property.
5.
No privy vault, cesspool, sinkhole, septic tank, or similar receptacle
at any time shall be connected to a sewer.
6.
The notice by this Township to make a connection to a sewer, referred to in Subsection 1, shall include a reference to this Part, including any amendments and/or supplements at the time in effect, or a summary of each section thereof, and a written or printed document requiring the connection in accordance with the provisions of this Part and specifying that such connection shall be made within the time limitations described herein. Such notice may be given or served at any time after a sewer is in place that can receive and can convey sanitary sewage and industrial wastes for treatment and disposal from the particular improved property. Such notice shall be by personal service or by registered mail.
[Ord. 1998-8, 12/2/1998, Art. III]
1.
No person shall uncover, shall connect with, shall make any opening
into or shall use, shall alter or shall disturb, in any manner, any
sewer or any part of the sewer system without first obtaining a permit,
in writing, from this Township.
2.
Application for a permit required under Subsection 1 shall be made by the owner of the improved property served or to be served or by the duly authorized agent of such owner.
3.
No person shall make or shall cause to be made a connection of any
improved property with a sewer until such person shall have fulfilled
each of the following conditions:
A.
Such person shall have notified the Secretary or other designated
representative of this Township of the desire and intention to connect
such improved property to a sewer.
C.
Such person shall have given the Secretary or other designated representative
of this Township at least 24 hours' notice of the time when such connection
will be made so that this Township may supervise and inspect or may
cause to be supervised and inspected the work of connection and necessary
testing.
D.
If applicable, such person shall have furnished satisfactory evidence
to the Secretary or other designated representative of this Township
that any tapping fee, and any other applicable fee or charge that
may be charged and imposed by this Township against the owner of each
improved property who connects such improved property to a sewer,
has been paid.
4.
Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, each improved property
shall be connected separately and independently with a sewer through
a building sewer. Grouping of more than one improved property on one
building sewer shall not be permitted, except under special circumstances
and for good sanitary reasons or other good cause shown, but then
only after special permission of this Township, in writing, shall
have been secured and only subject to such rules, regulations, and
conditions as may be prescribed by this Township.
5.
All costs and expenses of acquisition, construction, operation, and
maintenance of a building sewer and of the lateral serving any improved
property shall be borne by the owner of the improved property served
thereby, unless otherwise provided by this Township. All costs and
expenses of connection of a building sewer to a lateral, and connection
of a lateral to a sewer, including such costs and expenses of acquiring,
installing, operating and maintaining a grinder pump or similar apparatus
approved by this Township, shall be borne by the owner of the improved
property so connected, unless otherwise provided by this Township.
Each such owner shall indemnify and shall save harmless this Township
from all loss or damage that may be occasioned, directly or indirectly,
as a result of construction, connection, operation, or use of a building
sewer or of a lateral.
6.
A building sewer and the appropriate lateral shall be connected to
a sewer at the location designated by this Township. If this Township
furnishes the lateral, the building sewer shall be connected, to the
sewer at the place where the lateral is located. The owner of each
improved property shall provide this Township any information requested
pertaining to the existing or proposed location of a building sewer
and of the lateral. The invert of a building sewer at the point of
connection shall be at the same or a higher elevation than the invert
of the sewer. A smooth, neat joint shall be made and the connection
of a building sewer and lateral, or other designated point of connection,
shall be made secure and watertight.
7.
If the owner of any improved property located within this Township which is adjoining and adjacent to, or whose principal building is within 150 feet from, any part of the sewer system, after 60 days' notice from this Township requiring the connection of such improved property with a sewer, in accordance with Subsection 1, shall fail to connect such improved property and use the sewer system, as required, this Township may enter upon such improved property and construct such connection and may collect from such owner the costs and expenses thereof in the manner permitted by law.
[Ord. 1998-8, 12/2/1998, Art. IV]
1.
Where an improved property, at the time connection to a sewer is
required, shall be served by its own sewage disposal system or sewage
disposal device, the existing house sewer line shall be broken on
the structure side of such sewage disposal system or sewage disposal
device and attachment shall be made, with proper fittings, to continue
such house sewer line as the building sewer and from there to the
lateral and the sewer, in the manner approved by this Township.
2.
No building sewer or any lateral constructed by the owner shall be
covered until it has been inspected and approved by this Township.
If any part of a building sewer or lateral is covered before so being
inspected and approved, it shall be uncovered for inspection at the
cost and expense of the owner of the improved property to be connected
to a sewer.
3.
Every building sewer and every lateral serving any improved property
shall be operated and maintained by the owner of such improved property
in a sanitary and safe operating condition to the continuing satisfaction
of this Township.
4.
Every excavation for a building sewer or for a lateral shall be guarded
adequately with barricades and lights to protect all persons from
damage and injury. Any street, sidewalk, and other property disturbed
in the course of installation of such facilities shall be restored,
at the cost and expense of the owner of the improved property being
connected, in a manner satisfactory to this Township.
5.
If any person shall fail or shall refuse, upon receipt of a written
notice of this Township, to remedy any unsatisfactory condition with
respect to a building sewer or with respect to a lateral, within 60
days of receipt of such notice, this Township may refuse to permit
such person to discharge sanitary sewage and industrial wastes into
the sewer system until such unsatisfactory condition shall have been
remedied to the satisfaction of this Township. In the event of a condition
with respect to said facilities which threatens health or property,
this Township may specify a lesser time or other manner of notice
of such condition.
6.
This Township reserves the right to adopt, from time to time, additional
rules, and regulations as it shall deem necessary and proper relating
to connections with a sewer and with the sewer system, which additional
rules and regulations, to the extent appropriate, shall be and shall
be construed as part of this Part.
[Ord. 1998-8, 12/2/1998, Art. V; as amended by Ord. 2009-3,
8/31/2009]
Any person, firm or corporation who shall violate any provision
of this Part, upon conviction thereof in an action brought before
a magisterial district judge in the manner provided for the enforcement
of summary offenses under the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure,
shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $1,000 plus costs
and, in default of payment of said fine and costs, to a term of imprisonment
not to exceed 90 days. Each day that a violation of this Part continues
or each section of this Part which shall be found to have been violated
shall constitute a separate offense.
[Ord. 1998-8, 12/2/1998, Art. VII]
It is declared that enactment of this Part and the provisions
hereof are necessary for the protection, benefit, and preservation
of the health, safety, and welfare of inhabitants of this Township.
[Ord. 1999-2, 7/14/1999, § 1]
Unless the context specifically and clearly indicates otherwise,
the meaning of the terms and phrases used in this Part 2B shall be
as follows:
Ammonia nitrogen as determined pursuant to the procedure
set forth in the latest edition of Standard Methods for the Examination
of Water and Wastewater, published by American Public Health Association,
Inc.
The quantity of oxygen, expressed in ppm by weight, utilized
in the biochemical oxidation of organic matter under standard laboratory
procedure for five days at 20° C. The standard laboratory procedure
shall be that found in the latest edition of Standard Methods for
the Examination of Water and Sewage published by the American Public
Health Association, Inc.
Includes, as applicable, each of the following: a "commercial
establishment," "commercial building," a "dwelling unit" and "industrial
establishment," and an "institutional establishment."
See § 18-219 et seq.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2022-02, 8/8/2022]
The Board of Supervisors of the Township.
The sewage drainage system from a building constructed on
any improved property to the lateral serving such improved property,
including any grinder pump or pressure sewer or similar apparatus
or facilities installed by the Township or the owner and which are
located on such improved property.
An access opening in the drainage system utilized for the
removal of obstruction.
A sewage line which transports the sewage of a multiple unit
structure or a multiple family unit structure and which line is not
owned by Douglass Township, its successors, or assigns; but is connected
to a sanitary sewer lateral.
Any room, group of rooms, building or enclosure, or group
thereof, connected, directly or indirectly, to the sewer system and
used or intended for use in the operation of a business enterprise
for the sale and distribution of any product, commodity, article,
or service, which maintains separate toilet, sink, or other plumbing
facilities in the room or group of rooms utilized for such business
enterprise.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The physical joining of any structure's sewage line to the
sanitary sewage lateral.
The ordinance enacted by this Township requiring all owners
of any improved property located in the Township, which is adjoining
or adjacent to a sewer, to connect to such sewer and use the same
in such manner as this Township may ordain [Part 2A].
Normal water-carried household and toilet wastes discharged
from any improved property.
The Township of Douglass, Berks County, Pennsylvania, a political
subdivision of the commonwealth, acting by and through its Board of
Supervisors, or, in appropriate cases, acting by and through its authorized
representatives.
The work of constructing any structure's sewage line and
connecting the same to the sanitary sewer lateral.
Any room, group of rooms, house trailer, apartment, condominium,
cooperative, or other enclosure connected, directly or indirectly,
to the sewer system and occupied or intended for occupancy as living
quarters by an individual, a single family or other discrete group
of persons, excluding institutional dormitories.
Any room, group of rooms, building, or other enclosure connected,
directly or indirectly, to the sewer system and used or intended for
use, in whole or in part, for educational purposes, including both
public and private schools or colleges.
The Environmental Protection Agency of the United states
of America.
The unit of measure by which the user charge and the tapping
fee shall be imposed upon each improved property, as determined in
this Part 2B or in any subsequent ordinance of the Township, which
shall be deemed to constitute the estimated, equivalent amount of
domestic sanitary sewage discharged by a single-family dwelling unit,
being 50,000 gallons of sewage flow per year.
Solid wastes resulting from preparation, cooking, and dispensing
of food from handling, storage and sale of produce.
Any property within the sewered area of this Township upon
which there is erected a structure intended for continuous or periodic
habitation, occupancy, or use by human beings or animals and from
which structure sanitary sewage and/or industrial wastes shall be
or may be discharged and is subject to the Connection Ordinance [Part
2A].
An "individual unit" as herein defined, devoted to family
residential use.
Each and every single residential, industrial, or commercial
structure or establishment devoted to a single family or business
use including the separate structures comprising a multiple unit structure.
Any improved property located in this Township, used or intended
for use, wholly or in part, for the manufacturing, processing, cleaning,
laundering or assembling of any product, commodity or article, or
any other improved property from which wastes, in addition to or other
than sanitary sewage, shall be discharged.
Any and all wastes discharged from an industrial establishment,
and/or wastewater having characteristics which may have the potential
to be detrimental to the sewer system.
Any room, group of rooms, building, or other enclosure connected,
directly or indirectly, to the sewer system, including institutional
dormitories and educational establishments, which do not constitute
a commercial establishment, a dwelling unit or an industrial establishment.
All pipes, connections, and fittings within the interior
walls of any structure used for the transmission of waste or other
sewage matter.
A person whose metered or estimated consumption of water
is in excess of 22,500 gallons per calendar quarter in the case of
a dwelling unit, or any commercial establishment, educational establishment,
institutional establishment, or industrial establishment, regardless
of water consumption or volume of domestic sanitary sewage or industrial
wastes discharged.
That part of the sewer system extending from a sewer to the
curb line or if there shall be no curb line, to the property line,
or if no such extension is provided, then "lateral" shall mean that
portion of, or place in, a sewer that is provided for connection of
any building sewer.
Sometimes used interchangeably with "sewer system" shall
be defined to mean only the main lines constructed and owned by Douglass
Township, its successors or assigns.
Any improved property in which shall be located more than
one billing unit.
One physical structure, comprised of two or more separate
units possessed of separate inside or outside entrances, whether designed
for individual unit ownership, or collective ownership, or rental.
Any improved property upon which there shall exist any combination
of a dwelling unit, commercial establishment, industrial establishment,
educational establishment or institutional establishment.
Any person vested with ownership, legal or equitable, sole
or partial, of any improved property.
Any individual, partnership, company, association, society,
trust, corporation, or other group or entity, including municipalities,
municipality authorities, school districts, and other units of government.
The logarithm of the reciprocal of the concentration of hydrogen
ions, expressed in grams per liter of solution, indicating the degree
of acidity or alkalinity of a substance.
See § 18-217 et seq.
[Amended Ord. No. 2022-02, 8/8/2022]
Parts per million, parts water, by weight.
Garbage that has been chopped to such a degree that all of
its particles will be carried freely under normal gravity sewer flow
conditions, with no particle greater than 1/2 inch in any dimension.
A fitting or device which provides a liquid seal to prevent
the emission of sewer gases without materially affecting the flow
of sewage or waste water through the trap.
The normal water-carried household and toilet wastes discharged
from any improved property.
Any pipe or conduit constituting a part of the sewer system
used or usable for collection domestic sanitary sewage and/or industrial
wastes.
All facilities owned or operated by this Township, as of
any particular time, for collecting and transmitting sanitary sewage
and/or industrial wastes discharged by an improved property within
the sewered area of this Township, other than a building sewer or
a lateral.
That geographic area of this Township served by the sewer
system and designated, from time to time, by the Board of Supervisors
of this Township.
Includes any street, road, lane, court, cul-de-sac, alley,
public way, or public square, including such streets as are dedicated
to public use, and such streets as are owned by private persons.
A pit at lowest point into which water is drained in order
to be pumped out of the facility.
Fees against the owner of any improved property in the area
served by the sewer system which actually connects or is required
to be connected pursuant to the connection ordinance then in effect
requiring such connection or which otherwise connects to the sewer
system per the Second Class Township Code, 53 P.S. § 65101
et seq.
Total phosphorus as determined pursuant to the procedure
set forth in the latest edition of Standards Methods for the Examination
of Water and Wastewater, published by the American Public Health Association,
Inc.
Solids determined by evaporating at 100° C. a mixed sample
of wastewater as determined pursuant to the procedure set forth in
the latest edition of "Standard Methods for the Examination of Water
and Wastewater," published by the American Public Health Association,
Inc. Total solids include floating solids, suspended solids, settleable
solids and dissolved solids, as defined below:
SUSPENDED SOLIDSSolids determined by standard laboratory procedure in the waste.
SETTLEABLE SOLIDSSolids that settle in an Imhoff cone from a standard sample of waste.
DISSOLVED SOLIDSSolids that are dissolved in the waste and cannot be removed by filtration but can be determined by evaporation.
Douglass Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania, a political
subdivision of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania acting by and through
its Board of Supervisors or, in appropriate cases, acting by and through
its authorized representatives.
Any poisonous substance, including copper, cyanide, chromium,
beryllium, cadmium, lead, nickel, tin and zinc irons, and any phenolic
bodies or radioactive isotopes.
The sewage treatment and disposal system facilities acquired
and constructed by the Township of Amity, Berks County, Pennsylvania,
together with all appurtenant facilities and properties, and together
with any additions, improvements, enlargements, and/or modifications
thereto from time to time acquired or constructed.
Any person who contributes, causes or permits the contribution
of wastewater into the sewer system or the treatment plant from an
improved property.
The monthly rental or charge imposed by the Township hereunder,
as amended from time to time, against the owner of each improved property,
for the use or availability of use of the sewer system.
A pipe installed to vent the sewage drainage system.
[Ord. 1999-2, 7/14/1999, § 2]
See Ord. 1998-8, Article II, §§ 2.01-2.06, as amended, [Chapter 18, Part 2A].
[Ord. 1999-2, 7/14/1999, § 3; as amended by Ord.
2009-3, 8/31/2009]
1.
Connection. No person shall connect any improved property with any
part of the sewer system without first making application for and
securing a connection permit, in writing, from the Township, as provided
for in the Connection Ordinance [Part 2A]. Such application shall
be made on a form to be provided by the Township.
2.
Alteration or Conversion. No person, persons, firms, or corporation
desiring to alter or convert the use of any facility connected to
the sewer system for a purpose different from its former use shall
be and is hereby required to secure a certificate of permit. Said
permit will be issued for the altered or converted use only after
Douglass Township, by and through its agents, servants and employees
have been afforded an opportunity to inspect the altered or converted
premises and the use thereof. Douglass Township will ascertain, as
a condition to issuing said certificate of permit, that the use and
connection meet all of Douglass Township's requirements. Douglass
Township reserves the right to terminate or refuse to permit the use
of its facilities unless said certificate of permit has in fact been
secured. In interpreting this provision, "purpose" shall be construed
to mean the use to which the premises are intended to be employed
such as the type of products sold or manufactured or type of service
provided thereon or therein.
3.
Bond. Any person, persons, firm, or corporation desiring to undertake
any work under a certificate of permit shall furnish a performance
bond naming Douglass Township, Berks County, Board of Supervisors
as obligee and conditioned on the faithful performance of all work
in a good workmanlike manner in conformance with the certificate of
permit and the Douglass Township, Berks County, resolutions, rules
and regulations. No work shall be commenced without said bond having
been first posted and approved by Douglass Township, Berks County,
its agents, servants or employees. The bond shall be in the amount
of $3,000 or, in the discretion of Douglass Township, Berks County,
a greater amount if the work covered in the certificate of permit
is of a substantial nature. The bond herein provided shall be subject
to forfeiture to the extent determined by Douglass Township, Berks
County, in its sole discretion for negligent or willful failure to
complete the work undertaken in a workmanlike manner or failure to
comply with the ordinances, rules and regulations of Douglass Township,
Berks County.
4.
Fee. The fee for each certificate of permit shall be in an amount
as established from time to time by resolution of the Board of Supervisors.
5.
Plumber/Firm. Any person, persons, firm, or corporation desiring
to undertake any work to and/or within the Douglass Township sanitary
sewer systems shall provide a Certificate of Insurance naming the
Board of Supervisors of Douglass Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania,
as certificate holder and as additional insured.
[Ord. 1999-2, 7/14/1999, § 4]
1.
No person shall connect any improved property with any part of the
sewer system without first making application for and securing a connection
permit, in writing, from the Township, as provided for in the Connection
Ordinance [Part 2A]. Such application shall be made on a form to be
provided by the Township.
2.
A tapping fee and connection fee are hereby imposed against the owner
of any improved property to be served by the sewer system which actually
connects or is required to be connected pursuant to the connection
ordinance then in effect requiring such connection.
3.
Determining the Tapping and Connection Fees.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2014-03, 8/11/2014; and by Ord. No. 2022-02, 8/8/2022]
A.
The tapping fee and connection fee shall be set by written resolution
of the Board of Supervisors.
B.
In the event that an improved property, or use thereof (including
number of occupants), changes in a manner that causes the number of
EDUs applicable to such improved property calculated hereunder to
increase, an additional tapping fee based on such additional EDUs
shall be immediately due and payable.
4.
The tapping fee and connection fee shall be due and payable the earlier of: (A) the time application is made to the Township to make connection to the sewer system, as provided in Subsection 1 hereof, or, if applicable, the date when the Township shall connect any such improved property to the sewer system, at the costs and expense of the owner, when such owner shall have failed to make such connection as required by the connection ordinance in effect requiring such connection, or (B) in the case of improved properties required to be connected following initial construction of the sewer system, the date which is 60 days after the date of issuance by the Township of a written notice to connect. Owners of an improved property which is attributed an additional number of equivalent dwelling units as defined by the Township rate structure herein shall pay a corresponding additional tapping fee at the time of being attributed with the new EDU computation.
5.
The calculation and itemization of the maximum lawful tapping fee
shall be in accordance with a study prepared by the Township's consulting
engineer.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2022-02, 8/8/2022]
6.
All tapping fees and connection fees shall be payable to the Treasurer
of the Township or to such other officer or representative of the
Township as shall be authorized, from time to time, by the Township,
to accept payment thereof.
7.
Payment of tapping fees and connection fees imposed by the Township
pursuant to this section shall be enforced by the Township in any
manner appropriate under laws at the time in effect.
[Ord. No. 2022-02, 8/8/2022[1]]
1.
A user charge is hereby imposed upon the owner of each improved property
which is or shall be connected to the sewer system, for use of the
sewer system, whether such use is direct or indirect, and for services
rendered by the Township in connection therewith, and shall be payable
as provided herein.
A.
At the discretion of the Township, such user charge may be imposed
upon the owner of an improved property who fails or refuses improperly
to connect such improved property to the sewer system, as compensation
for the availability of service by the Township in connection with
the sewer system.
B.
The user charge shall be payable by the owner of each improved property commencing the earlier of: (1) the date of actual, physical connection of an improved property to the sewer system, or (2) 60 days from the date of issuance of the notice to connect described in Chapter 18, Part 2A; or such other date established by the Township for commencement of the payment of the user charge.
C.
The user charge applicable to any improved property constituting a dwelling unit or large consumer shall be calculated, imposed and collected on the basis of the method provided in this § 18-215. Each improved property shall be charged a user charge as a specific amount per equivalent dwelling unit applicable to such improved property, as determined by the Township from time to time. The number of equivalent dwelling units applicable to each improved property shall be determined as follows:
(1)
Based on description of property.
|
Description of Improved Property
|
Unit of Measurement
|
Number of EDUs Per Unit of Measurement
|
|---|---|---|
|
Residential dwelling unit (year-round or seasonal)
|
Each single family dwelling unit
|
1
|
|
Retail store, professional offices or other commercial establishment
|
1 to 10 employees
|
1
|
|
Hotel, motel or boarding house (not including restaurant facilities)
|
1 to 4 rental rooms
|
1
|
|
Each additional 4 rooms or fraction thereof
|
1
| |
|
Restaurant, club, tavern or other retail food or drink establishment
|
1 to 10 customer seats
|
1
|
|
Each additional 10 seats or fraction thereof
|
1
| |
|
Beauty parlor or barber shop (attached to or part of a dwelling
unit)
|
First chair
|
1
|
|
Each additional chair
|
1
| |
|
Educational/institutional establishment
|
Per each 10 pupils, faculty, administrators and staff
|
1
|
|
Church
|
Each property
|
1
|
|
Fire company
|
Each property
|
1
|
|
Community hall
|
Each property
|
1
|
|
Laundromat
|
First 2 washing machines
|
1
|
|
Each additional washing machine
|
1
| |
|
Funeral home
|
Each property
|
2
|
|
Industrial establishment
|
1 to 10 employees
|
1
|
|
Each additional 10 employees or fraction thereof (or based on
the volume of wastewater generated)
|
1
|
(a)
The number of equivalent dwelling units applicable to commercial
establishments and industrial establishments shall be computed on
the basis of the average daily number of full and part-time employees
[including the owner(s) or employer(s)] for the calendar month preceding
the date of the monthly billing. The owners of such facilities shall
be responsible for advising the Township in writing of the number
of employees upon connection to the sewer system and upon request
of the Township. The number of equivalent dwelling units applicable
to educational and institutional establishments shall be computed
on the highest monthly average daily attendance of occupants, pupils,
faculty, administrators and staff for the 12 months preceding the
date of the monthly billing. The owners of such facilities shall be
responsible for advising the Township in writing of the number of
pupils, faculty, administrators and staff in attendance as an average
daily figure upon request of the Township. No tapping fees shall be
reimbursed by the Township for subsequent reductions in the number
of EDUs constituting a particular improved property. If the use or
classification of any improved property changes within a billing period,
the user charge for such billing period may be prorated by the Township.
The owner of the improved property shall be responsible for advising
the Township in writing of any such change affecting the user charge
payable hereunder. The appropriate credit or additional charge shall
appear on the statement for the next succeeding billing period. The
user charge per equivalent dwelling unit shall be set from time to
time by resolution of the Board of Supervisors.
(2)
Metered rate basis.
(a)
User charges for any improved property, in the sole discretion
of the Township, may be determined by a metered rate basis calculated
according to:
(b)
In either of the foregoing cases, such user charges shall be
computed in accordance with a metered rate schedule to be established
by the Township.
(3)
Estimated rate basis. Equivalent dwelling units may be based
upon the Township's estimate of potable water consumed by any
improved property per billing period.
D.
In the case of a multiple use improved property sharing a common
connection to the sewer system or a common structure, each such classification
of improved property shall pay a separate user charge, as though it
was housed in a separate structure and had a direct and separate connection
to the sewer system, computed in accordance with Subsection 1C above.
E.
The owner of any improved property which shall discharge domestic
sanitary sewage and/or industrial wastes into the sewer system in
excess of a total flow of 300 gallons per day per equivalent dwelling
unit with a peak flow rate in excess of 750 gallons per day for any
ten-minute period, per equivalent dwelling unit calculated under Subsection
1C above, as determined or reasonably estimated by the Township, shall
pay a volume surcharge. The owner of any improved property which shall
discharge domestic sanitary sewage or industrial wastes to the sewer
system having a B.O.D. greater than 300 ppm, or a suspended solids
content greater than 300 ppm, or a dissolved solids content greater
than 500 ppm, or a total solids content greater than 800 ppm, or a
total phosphorous as P content greater than 10 ppm or an ammonia nitrogen
as N content greater than 30 ppm, shall, in the discretion of the
Township, pay a strength of waste surcharge, in additional to the
applicable user charges. Surcharges shall be paid in addition to all
user charges computed in accordance with provisions of this section
and shall be computed on such basis as this Township may from time
to time adopt. The strength of domestic sanitary sewage and/or industrial
wastes to be used for establishing the amount of surcharge shall be
determined periodically at the discretion of the Township either:
(1) by suitable sampling and analysis of such wastes for a consecutive
three-day period during a time of normal plant operation; or (2) from
estimates made by the Township; or (3) known from relationships of
products produced to strengths of such wastes for those industries
where such factors have been established. In establishing such waste
strengths for surcharge purposes by analysis, analyses shall be made
in accordance with procedures outlined in the 23rd edition of "Standard
Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater" published by
the American Public Health Association.
F.
The owner of any improved property discharging domestic sanitary sewage and/or industrial wastes into the sewer system shall furnish to Township, including by way of the application for permit described in Chapter 18, Part 2A, all information deemed essential or appropriate by the Township for the determination of all applicable user charges and surcharges. The costs of obtaining such information shall be borne by such owner of the improved property. In the event of the failure of the owner to provide adequate information, the Township shall estimate the applicable user charge and surcharges based upon available information, until such time as adequate information is received. There shall be no rebate of past payments if the owner's refusal to provide such information results in overpayment.
G.
Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to prohibit the Township
from entering into separate or special agreements with owners of improved
property or other persons with respect to the user charge or surcharge
to be imposed in those cases where, due to special or unusual circumstances,
the user charge set forth herein shall be deemed by the Township,
in its sole discretion, to be inequitable, or where it is in the best
interests of the Township to do so.
H.
User charges and surcharges, as applicable, shall be payable on a
monthly basis, on the first day of each month, and shall cover a billing
period consisting of the immediately preceding month. Owners of improved
property that shall be first connected to the sewer system during
any monthly period shall pay a pro-rata user charge for service for
the balance of the monthly period, plus any applicable surcharges.
I.
Payments of user charges and any applicable surcharges shall be due
and payable upon the applicable billing date, at the office of the
Township, in the appropriate amount, computed in accordance with this
Part, which shall constitute the net bill. If any user charge or any
applicable surcharge is not paid within 30 calendar days after the
applicable billing date, an additional sum of 10% shall be added to
such net bill. Payment made or mailed and postmarked on or before
the last day of such thirty-calendar-day period shall constitute payment
within such period. If the end of such thirty-calendar-day period
shall fall on a legal holiday or on a Sunday, then payment made on
or mailed and postmarked on the next succeeding business day which
is not a legal holiday shall constitute payment within such period.
Any and all payments received on account of delinquent accounts shall
be applied first to the oldest outstanding gross bill, including any
accumulated late fees.
J.
It shall be the responsibility of each owner of an improved property
to provide the Township with, and thereafter keep the Township continuously
advised of, the correct mailing address of such owner. Failure of
any owner to receive a bill for charges due and payable shall not
be considered an excuse for nonpayment, nor shall such failure result
in an extension of the period of time during which the net bill shall
be payable.
K.
No officer or employee of the Township is authorized to reduce, vary
or exempt charges imposed herein or by other provisions of this Part
without official action by the Township's Board of Supervisors.
Every owner of improved property shall remain liable for the payment
of user charges and surcharges until the later of: (1) the receipt
by the Township of written notice by such owner that the property
has been sold, containing the correct name and mailing address of
the new owner, or (2) the date on which title to the improved property
is transferred to a new owner. Failure to provide notice renders an
owner continuously liable for any charges that may accrue until such
time as the Township has been properly notified of any change in ownership
as described above.
[Ord. 1999-2, 7/14/1999, § 5]
1.
Physical Inspection.
A.
Any person, firm, or corporation undertaking to make a connection
to the Douglass Township sewage system shall:
(1)
Notify the Plumbing Inspector of Douglass Township of the date
and time on which he proposes to start work on each and every connection.
(2)
No work shall be covered until it has been inspected and approved
by the Plumbing Inspector.
(3)
Give the Plumbing Inspector notice two days in advance of any
requested inspection.
B.
In the event, any person, firm, or corporation covers any work without first having the same inspected and approved, it shall be uncovered to afford inspection. The owner of the improved property shall be responsible for all costs and expenses involved in uncovering the facilities to permit inspection. See § 18-205.
2.
Posting. Any person, firm, or corporation doing work on sanitary
sewer laterals to be connected or connected in any fashion to the
Douglass Township sanitary sewer system shall post a sign on the premises
on which the installation is being made or repaired. The sign shall:
A.
Be visible from a public street serving the premises.
B.
Not have dimensions less than two feet by 1 1/2 feet.
C.
Have lettering not less than four inches in height.
D.
Shall identify by name, address, and telephone number the person,
persons, firm, or corporation doing the work.
E.
Shall list the certificate of permit number. All signs shall be removed
on completion of the work, inspection, and acceptance.
[Ord. 1999-2, 7/14/1999, § 6]
[Ord. 1999-2, 7/14/1999, § 7]
1.
The duties of the Plumbing Inspector shall include the following:
A.
The approval and/or rejection of all plans, the issuance of all permits,
the collection of all fees for certificates of permit and the issuance
of receipts therefor, the making of all required inspections, the
supervision of all appropriate tests, the determination of faulty
work and materials including the correction and replacement thereof.
The Plumbing Inspector's responsibility in exercising these powers
is to assure full and faithful compliance of this and other resolutions,
rules, and regulations promulgated by Douglass Township from time
to time.
B.
The prevention of any and all infractions of the Douglass Township
resolutions, rules, and regulations as well as any and all federal,
state, and Township laws, regulations, and ordinances that are applicable
to the use and operation of the Douglass Township sewer system and
facilities.
C.
Upon identifying himself, the Plumbing Inspector shall be given access
to any structure of area for the purpose of carrying out his duties.
It is implied that the Plumbing Inspector shall schedule timely inspections.
If the Plumbing Inspector is denied access to premises for inspection
the matter shall be referred to the Douglass Township Board and any
other appropriate government officials. Use of the Douglass Township
facilities shall be denied until the matter is resolved to the satisfaction
of Douglass Township.
D.
The Plumbing Inspector shall prepare written reports concerning all
violations of Douglass Township resolutions, rules, and regulations
observed by him or brought to his attention and which are not resolved
forthwith.
E.
The Plumbing Inspector is hereby authorized and directed to take
such action as is necessary and appropriate to correct and abate any
unlawful or objectionable conditions or acts that may be in violation
of Douglass Township's resolutions, rules, and regulations. Plumbing
Inspector is further authorized and directed to issue a written notice,
in triplicate, to a property owner or any person or persons in control
thereof of any violations or infractions of Douglass Township rules
and regulations. Such notice shall be prepared, in triplicate, and
a copy retained by the Plumbing Inspector and a copy filed with Douglass
Township. The notice should stipulate a deadline. Failure of the property
owner, tenant or person or persons in control thereof to comply with
such notice shall be promptly reported to the Douglass Township Board
for appropriate action.
[Ord. 1999-2, 7/14/1999, § 8]
1.
Establishment.
A.
A Board of Standards composed of the members of Douglass Township,
the Township Engineer and any additional member or members as appointed
by Douglass Township from time to time is hereby established.
2.
Purposes. The purpose of the Board of Standards shall be:
3.
Procedures.
A.
The Plumbing Inspector shall administer and enforce the standards
promulgated by the Board of Standards. If not in conflict with specific
standards promulgated by the Board of Standards, the Plumbing Inspectors
ruling and interpretations will not be reviewed by the Board of Standards.
No variance from this Board's rules and regulations will be valid
unless approved by formal action of the Board of Standards.
B.
The Plumbing Inspector, without further consultation with the Board
of Standards:
(1)
May suggest or direct the method or plan to be adhered to where
unusual situations are brought to his notice but in no event shall
be lay out or design any work to be done under the Board's standards.
(2)
Shall retain and file records of all plans which shall become
the property of Douglass Township and shall be incorporated in Douglass
Township records.
(3)
Shall retain copies of all inspections, tests, receipts for
fees, permits, complaints, and other relevant records, communications,
and replies; a complete set of which shall become the property of
Douglass Township and shall be incorporated in Douglass Township records.
C.
Applications for directions, approvals, and information not specifically
covered by Douglass Township's rules and regulations or standards
shall be submitted in writing to the Plumbing Inspector who, in turn,
shall make a written response thereto; copies of the same shall be
incorporated as part of Douglass Township's records. Special authorizations
or changes shall not be deemed as establishing precedent or permanent
methods of operation unless the Board of Standards expressly adopts
rules and regulations to apply in all cases of a like nature.
[Ord. 1999-2, 7/14/1999, § 9]
The Plumbing Inspector shall have available drafts or pilot
drawings demonstrating approved types of installation. The drafts
or drawings will illustrate a schedule of approved traps or other
special devices permitted.
[Ord. 1999-2, 7/14/1999, § 10]
In the event a person feels aggrieved by a decision or ruling
of the Plumbing Inspector, said party may request an exception thereto
by filing the same with the Board of Standards. Requests for an exception
shall be in writing and filed in triplicate. The Board of Standards
will have final discretion in granting or refusing the exception.
[Ord. 1999-2, 7/14/1999, § 11; as amended by Ord.
2009-3, 8/31/2009]
1.
No person shall uncover, shall connect with, shall make any opening
into or shall use, shall alter, or shall disturb, in any manner, any
sewer or any part of the sewer system without first obtaining a permit,
in writing, from this Township.
2.
Application for a permit required under Subsection 1 shall be made by the owner of the improved property served or to be served or by the duly authorized agent of such owner.
3.
No person shall make or shall cause to be made a connection of any
improved property with a sewer until such person shall have fulfilled
each of the following conditions:
A.
Such person shall have notified the Secretary of other designated
representative of this Township of the desire and intention to connect
such improved property to a sewer.
C.
Such person shall have given the Secretary or other designated representative
of this Township at least 24 hours' notice of the time when such connection
will be made so that this Township may supervise and inspect or may
cause to be supervised and inspected the work of connection and necessary
testing.
D.
If applicable, such person shall have furnished satisfactory evidence
to the Secretary or other designated representative of this Township
that any tapping fee, and any other applicable fee or charge that
may be charged and imposed by this Township against the owner of each
improved property who connects such improved property to a sewer,
has been paid.
4.
Except as otherwise provided in this section, each improved property
shall be connected separately and independently with a sewer through
a building sewer. Grouping of more than one improved property on one
building sewer shall not be permitted, except under special circumstances
and for good sanitary reasons or other good cause shown, but then
only after special permission of this Township, in writing, shall
have been secured and only subject to such rules, regulations and
conditions as may be prescribed by this Township.
5.
All costs and expenses of acquisition, construction, operation, and
maintenance of a building sewer and of the lateral serving any improved
property shall be borne by the owner of the improved property served
thereby, unless otherwise provided by this Township. All costs and
expenses of connection of a building sewer to a lateral, and connection
of a lateral to a sewer, including such costs and expenses of acquiring,
installing, operating and maintaining a grinder pump or similar apparatus
approved by this Township, shall be borne by the owner of the improved
property so connected, unless otherwise provided by this Township.
Each such owner shall indemnify and shall save harmless this Township
from all loss or damage that may be occasioned, directly or indirectly,
as a result of construction, connection, operation, or use of a building
sewer or of a lateral.
6.
Requirements of Lateral Connection.
A.
A building sewer and the appropriate lateral shall be connected to
a sewer at the location designated by this Township. If this Township
furnishes the lateral, the building sewer shall be connected to the
sewer at the place where the lateral is located. The owner of each
improved property shall provide this Township any information requested
pertaining to the existing or proposed location of a building sewer
and of the lateral.
B.
The invert of a building sewer at the point of connection shall be
at the same or higher elevation than the invert of the sewer. A smooth,
neat joint shall be made and the connection of a building sewer and
lateral, or other designated point of connection, shall be made secure
and watertight.
7.
If the owner of any improved property located within this Township which is adjoining and adjacent to, or whose principal building is within 150 feet from any part of the sewer system, after 60 days' notice from this Township requiring the connection of such improved property with a sewer, in accordance with § 18-202, shall fail to connect such improved property and use the sewer system, as required, this Township may enter upon such improved property and construct such connection and may collect from such owner the costs and expenses thereof in the manner permitted by law.
8.
It shall be unlawful to do any drainage work in Douglass Township
before a plan thereof has been filed, approved, and a fee paid to
and permit granted by the Plumbing Inspector.
9.
There shall be a separate plan for each building, public or private,
or any addition thereto, or alterations thereof, accompanied by specification
showing the locations, size, and kind of pipe and traps, which plans
and specifications shall be filed with the Plumbing Inspector. All
applications for change in plan must be made in writing.
10.
Plumbers, before commencing the construction of work for any building
in of Douglass Township shall submit to the Plumbing Inspector plans
and specifications legibly drawn. Where two or more buildings are
located together, and on the same street, and the drainage work is
identical for each, one plan will be sufficient for six houses.
11.
Any connections other than single family residences shall have a
drawing approved by the Board of Standards before a permit is issued.
12.
It shall be obligatory upon any persons constructing or owning any
drain, soil pipe, passage, or connection between a sewer and any structure,
in like manner the duty of the owners of all structures and all parties
interested therein or thereat, to cause and require such drain, soil
pipe, passage, or connection to be adequate for its purpose. Such
facility shall comply with the general summary specifications prescribed
by Douglass Township.
13.
Fees and Costs.
A.
The installation of all sanitary sewer laterals and their connection to the main sewer lines of Douglass Township shall be made by Douglass Township and shall be installed in accordance with Systems Design Engineering, Inc., Drawing B-99-0428-2, dated April, 1999, for Sanitary Sewer "Lateral Connection to Main." Any owner, developer, or builder desiring the installation of the sanitary sewer lateral and its connection to the main sewer lines shall apply to Douglass Township for a permit in the normal manner and accompanied by a fee in an amount as established from time to time by resolution of the Board of Supervisors representing advance cost for advertisement, bids, etc., for said sanitary sewer lateral construction and connection. Upon the receipt of bids and prior to the issuance of the necessary permit referred to in § 18-213 and prior to the awarding of the said contract, the owner, developer, or builder shall pay, in full, less the deposit, the cost of their proposed sanitary sewer lateral installation plus advertising costs and engineering costs and any other associated costs.
B.
Should any owner, developer, or builder apply for said permit, but
then fail to authorize the construction of said work and/or to secure
the said permit, the application deposit shall be forfeited to Douglass
Township in such an amount as deemed necessary to cover all costs
incurred.
14.
In addition to the rules and regulations governing the installation,
repair and connection of sanitary sewer laterals as outlined herein,
the installation of all sanitary "collector lines" and their connection
to a sanitary sewer lateral or main sewer line shall conform to the
"Summary Specifications for the Installation of Sanitary Sewers to
Connect to Douglass Township Sanitary Sewers."
[Ord. 1999-2, 7/14/1999, § 12]
1.
General.
A.
No privy vault, cesspool, sinkhole, septic tank, or similar receptacle
shall be used or shall be maintained at any time upon an improved
property that has been connected to a sewer or that is required to
be connected to a sewer.
B.
Every such privy vault, cesspool, sinkhole, septic tank, or similar
receptacle in existence shall be abandoned and, at the discretion
of this Township, shall be cleansed and shall be filled with a noncompactable
material (e.g., sand), at the expense of the owner of such improved
property, under the direction and supervision of this Township; and
any such privy, vault, cesspool, sinkhole, septic tank, or similar
receptacle not so abandoned and, if required by this Township, not
cleansed and filled, shall constitute a nuisance, and such nuisance
may be abated, as provided by law, at the expense of the owner of
such improved property.
C.
If the existing building sewer line is not a plastic pipe material
or is a plastic pipe material but is not in good condition or is not
watertight, the existing building sewer line shall be replaced with
new plastic pipe to within five feet of where it exits the house.
2.
Where an improved property, at the time connection to the sewer system
is required, shall be served by its own sewage disposal system or
sewage disposal device, the existing house sewer line shall be broken
on the structure side of such sewage disposal system or sewage disposal
device and attachment shall be made, with proper fittings, to continue
such house sewer line as a building sewer.
3.
When any building is razed or demolished, any drainage or sewage
system is abandoned or dismantled, before any drainage plumbing is
disturbed or removed, the sewer connection shall be disconnected at
the curb or property line and properly sealed. Notice shall be given
to the Plumbing Inspector. His approval of the work done and materials
used, is required.
4.
Sewers, drains, and materials previously in use may be used in connection
with drainage only when pipe material is plastic, watertight, and
in a sanitary condition and satisfactory to the Plumbing Inspector.
[Ord. 1999-2, 7/14/1999, § 13]
In all new construction, materials must be free from defects,
be of good quality and have the producers certification as to grade,
weight, gauge, and quality. It must meet the standards required by
the Board of Standards. The construction, assembling, repairs, and
alterations of drainage work must be executed in a thorough workmanlike
manner with proper regard to alignment, uniform grades, and security
of fastenings and supports. All joint and connections shall be uniform
and well made, using fittings of such type and angle to avoid distortion
and strain. They shall be watertight and gas tight. All materials
used shall be new. No male joint shall be used which is too small
or too large a diameter. All connections to the sanitary sewer laterals
shall be made using a properly fitted pre-molded donut as manufactured
by Fernco Joint Sealer Co., or approved equal.
[Ord. 1999-2, 7/14/1999, § 14]
1.
All structure sewage lines shall be not less than four inches in
diameter, and as shown on Systems Design Engineering, Inc. Drawing
B-99-0423-1, dated April, 1999, for "Typical Building Sewer Installation."
This line shall be properly trapped with not less than one double
vented running trap to allow for cleaning, venting and sealing. The
connection of such trap shall be of the type that will allow removal
of the said trap. The running trap shall be placed 10 feet back from
the curb line or right-of-way. If 10 feet of space is not available,
the location of the trap, shall be approved by the Board of Standards.
2.
The sewer connections from and including all running traps to curb
line must be service weight cast iron soil pipe and fittings. The
sewer connection from all structures to the running trap shall consist
of cast iron soil pipe and fittings, not less than service weight
or Schedule 40 plastic pipe.
3.
All plastic pipe shall be marked with the appropriate identification
of a quality control agency recognized in duly authenticated reports
as approved by the Board of Standards.
4.
Structure sewage lines shall have a minimum grade of 1/4 inch per
foot. Where possible a uniform grade shall be maintained.
5.
Joints for bell and spigot cast iron soil pipe and fittings shall
be made by caulking with lead and oakum or by use of a compression
gasket that is compressed when the spigot is inserted into the hub
of the pipe.
6.
Every joint in plastic piping shall be made with approved fittings
by solvent welding.
7.
All joints shall be watertight and root-proof.
8.
If the structure sewage line is installed in the same trench as the
water service, the line shall be tested with a ten-foot head of water
of equivalent.
9.
Structure sewage lines shall be installed below recorded frost penetration
by not less than three foot zero inches below grade.
10.
Drainage from structures shall, wherever the sewer lateral is of
sufficient depth, be kept at a depth of at least 12 inches below the
basement or cellar floor for a distance of five feet inside the exterior
wall.
[Ord. 1999-2, 7/14/1999, § 15]
1.
The running trap shall be a four inches by four inches double four-inch
hub vented running trap. The vent pipe and clean out shall be terminated
not less than four inches above grade, shall be capped, and shall
be service weight cast iron.
2.
When the running trap falls in a sidewalk area or under any slab
construction of a permanent material, the vent and clean out for the
running trap shall be extended to grade level. It shall be fitted
with adjustable boxes with brass covers not less than 1/4-inch thick
and held in place with 5/16-inch brass screws. The vent cover shall
be grated and the clean-out shall be solid.
3.
Traps must be protected from siphonage and air pressure on the inlet
side of the trap by special vent pipes of a size not less than four
inches in diameter.
4.
The clean-out connection shall be not less than four inches in diameter.
[Ord. 1999-2, 7/14/1999, § 16]
1.
Traps must be protected from siphonage and air pressure by special
vent pipes. They shall be not less than four inches in diameter. Any
vent pipe shall be brought no less than four inches above grade except
where it is located in a paved or concrete area in which event is
shall be necessary for at least the cap to be above grade.
2.
Any clean-out connection shall not be less than four inches in diameter.
Any clean-out connection shall be brought not less than four inches
above grade and shall be capped.
[Ord. 1999-2, 7/14/1999, § 17]
1.
Clean-outs shall be installed in the structure sewage line in such
manner, number and position as to permit cleaning such lines in their
entire length. In no case shall there be less than two clean-outs
in each structure sewage line if it exceeds 50 feet in length, nor
shall they be spaced more than 50 feet apart if its length exceeds
100 feet.
2.
Brass screw caps for clean-outs shall be extra heavy and not less
than 1/8-inch thick. The screw cap must have a solid square nut, not
less than one-inch thick or where flush with floor an approved recessed
means of removal. The body of clean-out ferrule shall at least equal
in weight and thickness the caulking ferrule for the same size pipe.
[Ord. 1999-2, 7/14/1999, § 18]
All structures which cannot be drained to the structure sewage
line by gravity flow shall be discharged into a tightly covered and
properly vented sump. The sump shall be located so as to receive the
sewage by gravity flow, from which sump the liquid shall be lifted
and discharged into the building sewer system by automatic pumps.
The capacity of the sump shall be such that the maximum storage period
under any condition shall not be greater than three hours. If a sufficient
number of automatically flushed fixtures are not installed to accomplish
this change in contents of the sump, a special automatic flushing
device accomplishing the same shall be provided. The said sump shall
be designed and equipped so that the entire contents thereof will
be discharged during the emptying operation. Minimum sump sizes shall
be established by the Board of Standards for any particular installation.
In every case an approved check valve shall be placed in the discharge
line or lines to the building sewer system. The connection from the
discharge line to the building sewer system shall be by means of a
"wye," with the "wye" branch on top. All soil or waste pipes leading
to a sump shall be vented the same as if direct connection with the
structure sewage line had been established. All building sumps shall
have gas tight covers except that float control or switch rods shall
operate without binding. Such covers shall be designed and constructed
with sufficient strength to bear normal traffic and use without hazard
or damage.
[Ord. 1999-2, 7/14/1999, § 19]
1.
General.
A.
No industrial waste of any character shall be discharged into the
sewer system without prior permission of Douglass Township. Garage,
auto service stations, or any plants handling oil, gasoline or any
products that might give off any fumes or vapors that could cause
dangerous or explosive elements are prohibited from discharging such
elements into the sewer system.
B.
Industrial waste shall not contain material injurious to the sewer
system or biochemical treatment. Waste will not be allowed into the
sanitary sewer system.
2.
Prohibited Wastes.
A.
No person shall discharge or shall cause to be discharged into the
sewer system any storm water, surface water, spring water, ground
water, roof runoff, subsurface drainage, building foundation drainage,
cellar drainage, or drainage from roof leader connections.
B.
Except as otherwise provided, no person shall discharge or cause
to be discharged into the sewer system any matter or substance:
(1)
Having a temperature higher than 140° F. or less than 32°
F.
(2)
Containing more than 50 mg/L of fat, oil, or grease.
(3)
Any liquids, solids, or gases which by reason of their nature
or quantity are, or may be, sufficient either alone or by interaction
with other substances to cause fire or explosion or be injurious in
any other way to the treatment plant or to the operation of the treatment
plant. At no time shall two successive readings on an explosion hazard
meter, at any point of discharge into the system (or at any point
in the system), be more than 5% nor any single reading over 10% of
the lower explosive limit (LEL) of the meter. Prohibited materials
include, but are not limited to, gasoline, kerosene, naphtha, benzene,
toluene, xylene, ethers, alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, peroxides,
chlorates, perchlorates, bromates, carbides, hydrides and sulfides
and any other substances which the Township, the commonwealth or EPA
has notified the user is a fire hazard to the sewer system.
(4)
Containing any solid wastes with particles greater than 1/2
inch in any dimension, resulting from preparation, cooking and dispensing
of food and from handling, storage and sale of produce, which wastes
commonly are known as garbage, which have not been ground by household
type garbage disposal units or other suitable garbage grinders.
(5)
Containing any solids or viscous substances which may cause
obstruction to flow in the sewer system or other interference with
the proper operation of the treatment plant such as, but not limited
to: animal guts or tissues, paunch manure, bones, hair, hides or fleshings,
feathers, entrails, whole blood, feathers, ashes, cinders, sand, spent
lime, stone or marble dust, metal, glass, straw, shavings, grass clippings,
rags, spent grains, spent hops, waste paper, strings, wood, plastics,
gas, tar, asphalt residues, residues from refining or processing of
fuel or lubricating oil, mud, glass grinding or polishing wastes,
dental floss, wood, or other fibers.
(6)
Having a pH lower than 6.0 or higher than 9.0, or having any
other corrosive property capable of causing damage or hazards to structures
or equipment of the sewer system or any sewer or to any person engaged
in operation and maintenance of the sewer system.
(7)
Containing toxic or poisonous substances in sufficient quantity
to injure or to interfere with any sewage treatment process, to constitute
hazards to humans or animals or to create any hazards in waters which
shall receive treated effluent from the sewer system.
(8)
Containing dyes or other materials with objectionable color,
from any source that will result in a treatment plant effluent exceeding
limits in compliance with applicable state or federal regulations.
(9)
Any substance which may cause the treatment plant's effluent
or any other product of the treatment plant, such as residues, sludges
or scums, to be unsuitable for reclamation and reuse or to interfere
with the reclamation process. In no case shall a substance discharged
to the treatment plant cause the Township to be in noncompliance with
sludge use or disposal criteria, guidelines or regulations affecting
sludge use or disposal developed pursuant to the Solid Waste Disposal
Act, 42 U.S.C. § 6962, the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. § 7401
et seq., the Toxic Substances Control Act, 15 U.S.C. § 2601
et seq., or commonwealth criteria applicable to the sludge management
method being used.
(10)
Containing radioactive substances and/or isotopes of such half-life
or concentration that will result in a treatment plant effluent exceeding
limits in compliance with applicable state or federal regulations.
(11)
Having a chlorine demand in excess of 12 mg/l at a detention
time of 20 minutes.
(12)
Prohibited by any permit issued by the commonwealth or the EPA.
(13)
Containing wastes which are not amenable to biological treatment
or reduction in existing treatment facilities, specifically nonbiodegradable
complex carbon compounds.
(14)
Having a B.O.D. content greater than 300 ppm (except as authorized
under subparagraph (21).
(15)
Having a suspended solids content greater than 300 ppm (except
as authorized under subparagraph (21).
(16)
Having a total phosphorus as P content greater than 10 ppm (except
as authorized under subparagraph (21).
(17)
Having an ammonia nitrogen as N content greater than 30 ppm
(except as authorized under subparagraph (21).
(18)
Having any waste containing toxic or poisonous substances in
excess of the following limits, measured at the point of discharge
to the sewer system:
|
Substance
|
Maximum Concentration
ppm
|
|---|---|
|
Arsenic
|
0.05
|
|
Cadmium (as Cd)
|
0.1
|
|
Chromium (trivalent)
|
1.0
|
|
Chromium (hexavalent)
|
0.05
|
|
Copper (as Cu)
|
0.5
|
|
Cyanides (free CN)
|
0.05
|
|
Lead
|
0.3
|
|
Mercury
|
0.002
|
|
Nickel (as Ni)
|
2.0
|
|
Phenolic Compounds
|
0.005
|
|
Silver
|
0.05
|
|
Zinc (as Zn)
|
1.0
|
(19)
Containing any substance not mentioned in the foregoing list
that will pass through the treatment plant and exceed the maximum
permitted levels for such substance under the requirements of the
EPA, the commonwealth, or other governmental agencies having jurisdiction.
(20)
Any other substance prohibited by ordinance, resolution, rule,
regulation, or agreement of the Township hereafter enacted or adopted
from time to time.
(21)
Exceptions.
(a)
The owner of any improved property which shall discharge domestic sanitary sewage and/or industrial wastes into the sewer system in excess of a total flow of 300 gallons per day per equivalent dwelling unit with a peak flow rate in excess of 750 gallons per day for any ten-minute period, per equivalent dwelling unit calculated under § 18-211, as determined or reasonably estimated by the Township, shall pay a volume surcharge. The owner of any improved property which shall discharge domestic sanitary sewage and/or industrial wastes to the sewer system having a BOD greater than 300 ppm, or a suspended solids content greater than 300 ppm, or a dissolved solids content greater than 500 ppm, or a total solids content greater than 800 ppm, or a total phosphorus as P content greater than 10 ppm or an ammonia nitrogen as N content greater than 30 ppm, shall, in the discretion of the Township, pay a strength of waste surcharge, in addition to applicable user charges.
(b)
Surcharges shall be paid in addition to all user charges computed
in accordance with provisions of this Part and shall be computed on
such basis as this Township may from time to time adopt. The strength
of domestic sanitary sewage and/or industrial wastes to be used for
establishing the amount of surcharge shall be determined periodically
at the discretion of the Township either: (1) by suitable sampling
and analysis of such wastes for a consecutive three-day period during
a time of normal plant operation; or (2) from estimates made by the
Township; or (3) from known relationships of products produced to
strengths of such wastes for those industries where such factors have
been established. In establishing such waste strengths for surcharge
purposes by analysis, analyses shall be made in accordance with procedures
outlined in the latest edition of Standard Methods for the Examination
of Water and Wastewater published by the American Public Health Association,
Inc.
C.
Under no circumstances shall any person discharge or cause to be
discharged into the sewer system any of the substances listed in Subsection
2B above, without first securing written permission to do so from
the Township, and the Township of Amity, Berks County, Pennsylvania.
[Ord. 1999-2, 7/14/1999, § 20]
Every garage or other structure, used for housing, cleaning,
sale or repair of automobiles, or service station shall be provided
with drains for the floors, repair pit or other location to catch
and receive drainage and residue, resulting from servicing or handling
of cars, or incident to such service. Where such structure or area
abuts on a street where a sewer exists, it shall be connected to same.
The drainage shall be conducted to an intercepting pit of tight construction,
which shall be ventilated by extending a pipe not less than four inches
in diameter from it to a point two feet above the roof. The pit shall
be so constructed that oils, gasoline, grease or similar fluids, as
well as sand, grit or other solids, will be intercepted and excluded
from the sanitary sewers of Douglass Township. One or more twenty-four-inch
cast iron frames and covers shall be provided. The Plumbing Inspector
shall determine the size, location, and type of pit to accommodate
the proposed drainage. In garages that can receive not more than two
cars, sand traps of a pattern approved by the Plumbing Inspector may
be used in place of the pit. As these precautions are for protection
of the sanitary sewers and public safety, the persons operating or
conducting such garage or service station must remove such accumulations
of substances therein at intervals sufficiently frequent to prevent
the pits, or the connecting pipes, from becoming clogged.
[Ord. 1999-2, 7/14/1999, § 21]
1.
Structure sewage lines from individual trailer sites, shall be not
less than service weight cast iron pipe or schedule 40 PVC pipe four
inches in diameter or larger. They shall be properly trapped with
not less than one running trap to allow for cleaning, venting, and
sealing. The connection of such trap shall be of the type that will
allow removal of the said trap. Each structural sewage line shall
be extended vertically to existing ground level and terminate not
less than four inches above ground level.
2.
The four-inch structure sewage line extension above ground shall
be located under the perimeter of the trailer. No trailer connection
will be permitted to a structure sewage line extension above ground
which is not located beneath the trailer.
3.
Protection. The four-inch extension above ground shall be protected
by a concrete mount suitable to prevent damage to the extension should
it be struck by a moving vehicle.
4.
Cap. All structure sewage line extensions above grade shall be fitted
with a watertight cap when not in use.
5.
Trailer Connector. A watertight connection between the trailer and
the structure sewage line extension outlet shall be made by means
of readily removable semi-rigid or flexible connector acceptable to
Douglass Township.
6.
Automatic Disconnection. Flexible connectors shall be so installed
at the connection of the structure sewage line extension outlet that
the connector can be readily removed from the outlet without damage
to the sewer lateral outlet.
7.
Plumbing Permit. A plumbing permit shall be required each time a
trailer connection or disconnection is made, whether it be a new trailer
connection or the transfer of a trailer within the park or court.
8.
Inspection. The regulations or inspection of these rules shall apply.
A yearly inspection of all connections within the trailer park or
court shall be conducted by the Plumbing Inspector.
9.
Detailed Drawing and Specifications. All collector lines and laterals
shall be installed in accordance with Systems Design Engineering,
Inc. Drawing B-99-0428-3, dated April, 1999, for Sanitary Sewer "Lateral
Connections for Trailer Courts," and the "Summary Specifications of
the Installation of Sanitary Sewers to Connect Douglass Township Sanitary
Sewers."
[Ord. 1999-2, 7/14/1999, § 22]
All restaurants, hotels, bars, factory cafeterias or restaurants,
clubs, and similar establishments or institutions shall have sinks,
dishwashers, and similar units (where there are large quantities of
greasy water, incident to the preparing and serving of foods and washing
dishes and utensils) shall be equipped with grease traps of type and
size to effectively remove the excess grease before discharge reaches
the sewer. The type, size, and connection of grease traps shall be
as approved by the Board of Standards and in all cases have a vent
attached and be serviced at intervals to insure their proper functioning.
[Ord. 1999-2, 7/14/1999, § 23]
Fixtures, units, and equipment used and intended for medical,
dental, surgical or laboratory, or similar purposes having a water
or waste connection shall be marked as such when plan is filed for
permit, and are subject to such additional restrictions and precautions
as the Board of Standards may provide, to prevent possible contamination
of the water supply.
[Ord. 1999-2, 7/14/1999, § 24]
1.
No surface water from roofs, pavements, streets, yards, or any other
source shall be allowed to drain into the sanitary sewer system.
2.
No condensing water of air-conditioning or refrigeration equipment
hereafter installed shall be allowed to flow into the sanitary sewer
system. However, air conditioning or cooler equipment that discharges
not more than 1 1/2 gallons per minute of waste water may be
connected to the sanitary sewer system.
3.
Cellars that are known to accumulate underground drainage or surface
water, cellar drains of said cellars shall not be allowed to drain
into the sanitary sewer system. Such condition shall be limited by
the installation of a sump pump and discharging of the water into
another appropriate place.
[Ord. 1999-2, 7/14/1999, § 25]
Any plumber, firm, or corporation who in any way disregards,
ignores, or does not follow these regulations shall forfeit his rights
and privileges to work in conjunction with the Douglass Township sewage
system. The Plumbing Inspector is hereby authorized to withhold inspection
and approval of work until written orders to the contrary have been
issued by Douglass Township. Any penalty provided herein shall be
cumulative to any other penalty provided herein.
[Ord. 1999-2, 7/14/1999, § 26]
1.
In no case shall water in such forms as stormwater, roof water, surface
water, subsurface water, water from yard, or area drains or waters
from floor drains, sump pumps, wall gutters, roof leaders, french
drains, subsoil drains or perforated pipe, be collected and dispatched
into the sanitary sewer system, directly or indirectly. Nor shall
any person, persons, firm, or corporation connect or provide connection
for any of the aforementioned sources of waters to the internal sewage
line of any structure, a structure sewage line, a sanitary sewer lateral,
or any other part of the sanitary sewer system.
2.
All sanitary waste outlets in basements or cellars serving showers,
laundry facilities, sinks, etc., shall be located a minimum of eight
inches above the basement or cellar floor.
3.
Floor drains shall be permitted only with the written approval of
the Board of Standards.
[Ord. 1999-2, 7/14/1999, § 27]
1.
The following special requirements shall also apply when a building
project or development requires construction of a sewage collection
system that will connect to the sewage collection system of Douglass
Township.
A.
Preliminary plans for the development shall be submitted to the Board
of Standards for review.
B.
Finalized plans for the development shall be submitted to the Board
of Standards for approval.
C.
A planning module application mailer shall be submitted through the
Township to DEP.
D.
If a planning module must be submitted, completion of the planning
module shall be by the Township Engineer and must be sent to Douglass
Township for submission to the Department of Environmental Protection
(DEP)
E.
When the Township has received approval of the planning exemption
or approval of the planning modules from the DEP, the necessary sewer
permit application (if required), shall be prepared by the Township
Engineer and forwarded to the DEP.
F.
All necessary application, permit, and preparation fees shall be
paid by the developer/owner.
2.
After preliminary plans are submitted as outlined in Subsection 1A
above, a letter of availability will be sent to the proposed developer/owner
by Douglass Township, subject to conditions present at the time of
the filing of the sewage permit application. Upon receipt of a DEP
permit, individual sewer permits shall be issued by Douglass Township
as the developer/owner requests. All required permit fees and tapping
fees as outlined heretofore shall be paid. Permits shall expire after
one year, unless properly renewed. All inspections shall be performed
by the Township Engineer for Douglass Township at the developer/owner's
expense.
3.
In addition, when it is intended and/or required that the proposed
sewage collection system shall become the eventual ownership of Douglass
Township, a sewer service agreement, escrow agreement(s), and right-of-way
agreement acceptable to Douglass Township shall be properly performed
and executed, and all costs borne by the intended developer/owner.
[Ord. 1999-2, 7/14/1999, § 28]
1.
Every building sewer of any improved property shall be maintained
in a sanitary and safe operating condition by the owner of such improved
property.
2.
Every excavation for a building sewer shall be guarded adequately
with barricades and lights to protect all persons from damage and
injury. Any street, sidewalk and other public property disturbed in
the course of installation of a building sewer shall be restored,
at the cost and expense of the owner of the improved property being
connected, in a manner satisfactory to this Township.
3.
If any person shall fail or refuse, upon receipt of a notice of this
Township in writing, to remedy any unsatisfactory condition with respect
to a building sewer within 60 days of receipt of such notice, this
Township may refuse to permit such person to discharge sanitary sewage
and industrial wastes into the sewer system until such unsatisfactory
conditions have been remedied to the satisfaction of this Township.
4.
This Township reserves the right to adopt, from time to time, additional
rules and regulations as it shall deem necessary and proper relating
to connections with a sewer and with the sewer system.
