The following definitions apply to terms and concepts used in the Residential Downspout Disconnection Program.
COMBINED SEWER A sewer which carries both sanitary sewage and stormwater.
DISCONNECTION Physically plugging or capping the direct rain drain connection of a downspout to the combined sewer and redirecting the roof water onto the property either on the surface of the property or under the ground. This may require alterations to gutters and downspouts.
DOWNSPOUT The conductor that conveys stormwater from the gutter on the exterior of a building or other structure to another place of discharge.
DRY WELL (or SEEPAGE PIT) A variation on an infiltration system that is designed to temporarily store and infiltrate rooftop runoff.
ELIGIBLE PROPERTY Property which has been determined by Etna Borough Public Works staff and/or engineers that would allow for safe and effective disconnection with the following guidelines:
A. The point of discharge must be:
(1) A minimum of two feet from a building without a basement;
(2) A minimum of six feet from a building with a basement (10 feet if installing a dry well);
(3) Not less than five feet from a neighbor's property;
(4) Not less than 10 feet from a neighbor's building;
(5) Not less than 10 feet from a retaining wall.
B. The slope in the direction of discharge must be less than 10% and drain away from any structure.
C. The discharge water shall not discharge to a street, alley or other public way;
D. The discharge water shall not create an icy condition on any pedestrian walkways/sidewalks within or adjacent to the subject premises lot lines.
Downspouts will be disconnected to program standards under direction of municipal staff and meet the requirements of the Allegheny County Plumbing Code, Sections AC1101.2 and AC1104.2 and utilize Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Watershed Management, Best Management Practices and all appropriate Borough of Etna ordinances and permit requirements. |
RAIN LEADER The conductor that conveys stormwater from the roof on the exterior of a building or other structure to another place of disposal.
If any section, subsection, sentence or clause of this article is held, for any reason, to be invalid, such decision or decisions shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this article.