Editor's Note: For Regulations and Rates of the Compton Municipal Water Department, see Article I, Appendix to this chapter.
[Ord. #1176, § 7400]
As uses in this chapter:
Shall mean any person designated by the City Manager or the Water Superintendent to perform work and labor for the Water Department, excluding contractors and their employees.
Shall mean that area permanently served with potable water by the Compton Municipal Water Department from the existing distribution system which adjoins or abuts upon such area, excluding all areas from any other water source and excluding undeveloped, unsubdivided areas where such main or mains lack capacity to adequately supply such area.
Shall mean that pipe (including meter and box) installed between the water main and the property to be served with water.
Shall mean that certain department, branch, or function of the City known as the Compton Municipal Water Department which cares for, maintains, and operates pumps, plants, mains, and all the necessary facilities for acquiring, distributing and delivering water and shall include all officers, agents, servants, or employees engaged in such work or service employed by the City.
Shall mean the person designated by the City Manager to have charge of the supervision and administration of the Water Department.
[Ord. #1176, § 7401]
"Rates," "charges," and "administrative" regulations shall be set forth in the rules and regulations of the Water Department as prescribed by resolution of the Council.
[Ord. #1176, § 7402]
Meters shall be read by the Water Department at intervals of approximately two months, or as near thereto as the convenient operation of the Department will permit. The interval between two successive meter readings shall be deemed and regarded as a bimonthly period for the purpose of computing and rendering bills. The charge made when a meter is specially read between regularly established meter reading times for the purpose of turning a water service on or off shall be figured by one of the following methods: (1) the prorated minimum, or (2) the water consumed, whichever is the greater.
[Ord. #1176, § 7403]
Meters shall be installed on all customer permanent water services.
[Ord. #1176, § 7404]
Combined meter readings shall not be used for billing purposes in those cases where a customer is served by more than one meter.
[Ord. #1176, § 7405]
All charges, except those for water furnished, shall be due and payable in advance. Bills for water furnished shall be due and payable when rendered and shall become delinquent 15 days thereafter. Surety bonds may be accepted, if approved by the City Manager or Water Superintendent, to cover the charged for water main extensions, including services and appurtenances.
[Ord. #856, § 7406; Ord. #1552; Ord. #1558, § 1; Ord. #2295 § 14]
Upon the failure of any customer to comply with the provisions of this section or to pay any charges or penalties imposed, the Water Department may discontinue service, five days from the date of final notice, until such charges and/or penalties are paid. If service is discontinued by the Department, a fee established by ordinance or resolution of the City Council may be charged and collected before service will be resumed.
[Added by Ord. #1472, § 7406.1]
In the event any fees and other charges due from any occupant of any single-family residence or any residential units, as provided for in this section, should become due and payable and fall delinquent, the owner or owners of the premises, whether or not other than the occupant, shall forthwith be jointly and severally liable for the payment of all such fees and charges which have charges which have fallen delinquent.
[Added by Ord. #1472, § 7406.2]
The Council hereby adopts procedures similar to those appearing in Section 54354.5 et seq. of the Government Code of the State for the purposes of collecting delinquent water service charges and penalties.
a.
Any charges or fees authorized pursuant to the provisions of this section, which charges remain unpaid for a period of 60 days after the date upon which they are billed, may be collected thereafter by the City from the owners of record of any premises provided water services as follows:
1.
Once each year the Council shall cause to be prepared a report of the delinquent charges, fees, and penalties. The Council shall fix a time, date and place for hearing the report and any objections or protests thereto.
2.
The Council shall cause a notice of the hearing to be mailed to the landowners listed on the report not less than 10 days prior to the date of the hearing.
3.
At the hearing the Council shall hear any objections or protests of the landowners liable to be assessed for delinquent charges, fees, and penalties.
The Council may make such revisions or corrections to the report as the Council deems just, after which, by resolution, the report shall be confirmed.
4.
The delinquencies set forth in the report as confirmed shall constitute special assessments against the respective parcels of land and shall be a lien on the property for the amount of such delinquent charges, fees, and penalties. A certified copy of the confirmed report shall be filed with the County Auditor for the amounts of the respective assessments against the respective parcels of land as they appear on the current tax rolls. The liens created shall attach upon the recordation in the office of the County Recorder of a certified copy of the resolution of confirmation. The assessment may be collected at the same time and in the same manner as ordinary City ad valorem property taxes are collected and shall be subject to the same penalties and the same procedures and sale in cases of delinquency as provided for such taxes. All laws applicable to the levy, collection and enforcement of City ad valorem property taxes shall be applicable to such assessments.
b.
Nothing set forth in this subsection shall limit the right of the City to proceed against any occupant of any single-family residence or residential unit for any delinquencies due under this section. Nothing set forth in this subsection shall prevent the City from availing itself of any other legal remedy by which the City might collect such charges or fees.
[Added by Ord. #1552, § 7406.3; Ord. #1558, § 2; Ord. #2295 § 15]
Upon the failure of any customer to comply with the provisions of this section, service may be discontinued. If any person or persons unlawfully turns on service that has been turned off by the Water Department, the meter shall be locked. If a meter is locked by the Department, a fee established by ordinance or resolution of the City Council may be charged and collected before service will be resumed.
[Ord. #856, § 7407; Ord. #1552; Ord. #1558, § 1]
It shall be unlawful for the occupant of any premises, or any person for him or on his behalf, to turn on the water or cause it to be turned on after it has been turned off at the curb stop by the Water Department. Should such turn on occur, the person or persons will be violating § 1-6 of the Compton Municipal Code and Section 499 of the California Penal Code. Violators will be liable to the penalty stated in § 1-6. The person or persons must pay a service charge of $20 plus damages and all delinquent charges before water service is resumed.
[Ord. #856, § 7408; Ord. #1552; Ord. #1158, § 1]
All water use where a meter is installed shall pass through the meter. It shall be unlawful for any person to install or to cause to be maintained any bypass or connection around or in the place of a meter. Such unlawful act will result in having the occupants and/or owners responsible for all water used from the time of meter pulling and the time that the bypass is discovered. Charges may be estimated by previous billings. Such act is a misdemeanor and violators will be subject to the penalty stated in § 1-6.
[Ord. #1176, § 7409]
The Water Department will install on all new automatic fire sprinkler service connections a check valve of a type approved by the National Board of Fire Underwriters and will equip the same with a bypass meter. The charge for installing such service shall be for time and materials, plus 20% for overhead.
[Ord. #1176, § 7409.1]
The Water Department shall have the right to install and connect with the automatic fire sprinkler service connection at the curb a service connection for rendering other types of water service to the same premises served by the automatic fire sprinkler service connection. The charge for such other service connection installation shall be as provided in the rules and regulations referred to in Subsection 23-1.2.
[Ord. #1176, § 7409.2]
When an automatic fire sprinkler service connection is installed, the control valve thereon will be left closed and sealed until a written order to turn on the water is received from the customer. After the water is turned on, the Water Department shall not be liable for damages of any kind whatsoever that may occur on or to the premises served by reason of the installation, maintenance or use of such service connection or because of fluctuation of pressure or interruption of the water supply.
[Ord. #1176, § 7409.3]
If water is used through an automatic fire sprinkler service connection for any purpose other than the extinguishing of fires or a purpose related thereto, the Water Department shall have the right either to place a meter on the automatic fire sprinkler service connection at the customer's expense, and to charge at meter rates for all water used, or to shut off the entire supply of water to the premises through such service connection.
[Ord. #1176, § 7409.4]
Where a service is installed to supply fire host lines only, a detector check and bypass meter or a domestic meter may be required at the discretion of the Water Superintendent. The charge for such installation shall be for time and materials, plus 20% overhead.
[Added by Ord. #1552, § 7409.5; Ord. #1558, § 2]
The monthly charge to be collected for private fire protection service shall be at the rate of $5 per inch diameter, with a minimum of $15 for connections three inches and smaller.
[Ord. #1176, § 7410]
All meters shall be placed outside the property line in the public street or alley whenever practical and be protected and maintained as a part of the operation of the Department.
Where a water meter is placed inside the premises of a customer, provision shall be made for convenient meter reading and repair by representatives of the Department. Failure by the customer to make such provision shall be sufficient cause for the removal of such meter and the withholding of service until a connection is made inside the dedicated street or alley.
[Ord. #1176, § 7411]
The City, in no way whatsoever, shall be responsible for any damage to persons or property because of any leakage, breakage or seepage from, or accident or damage to, any meter or pipe situated within any private premises; and the City will not be responsible for any leakage, breakage or seepage from any pipe situated between any meter installed on public property and the private premises served thereby; nor shall the City be responsible for any damage, injury or loss occasioned directly or indirectly by the existence of any meter or pipe situated upon private property.
[Ord. #1176, § 7412]
a.
The Department will change and repair the first meter damaged by hot water or steam at no cost to the customer. When the first meter is found to have been damaged by hot water or steam emanating from the premises served, a notice of such damage will be mailed to the owner of the premises.
b.
If the substituted meter shall be similarly damaged and such damage occurs within three years after the installation of the substituted meter, the cost of changing and repairing such substituted meter will be charged to the owner of the premises or the owner of the appliance causing such damage. After three continuous years in service an undamaged substituted meter shall be termed thereafter a first meter.
[Ord. #1176, § 7413]
Fire hydrants shall be opened only by City employees or such persons as may have first obtained a written permit from the water department. No such permit shall be issued to any person who is in violation of any of the provisions of this section and/or the rules and regulations of the water department and/or whose indebtedness to the department is delinquent.
[Ord. #1176, § 7414]
Authorized inspectors, agents and employees of the department shall have the right of entry and access at all reasonable times, into and upon any and all customers' buildings, grounds or premises, or any part or parts thereof for the purpose of:
a.
Testing, changing or reading water meters installed, maintained and operated by said department; or
b.
Inspecting any and all such buildings, grounds and premises (including any and all plumbing, water piping, fixtures and connections therein or thereon) to determine:
1.
The manner and quantity of such use; or
2.
The existence of any condition causing, or likely to affect the furnishing or receipt of water service.
Each such inspector, agent and employee shall be furnished with, and upon request of any customer shall display, appropriate evidence of identification. |
[Ord. #1176, § 7415]
Authorized inspectors, agents and employees of the department and/or the Los Angeles County Health Department shall have the right of entry and access at all reasonable times, into and upon any and all customers' buildings, grounds, or premises for the purpose of:
a.
Determining the existence, operation and maintenance of, and/or the use in, on, or about said building, grounds or premises of:
1.
Any plumbing, piping, water fixtures or connections which may now or hereafter cause, create or permit backflow, backsiphonage; or any other condition affecting, or likely to affect the purity and/or potability of the water supply furnished by the department; or
2.
Any source of water supply which may now or hereafter be connected with the water supply system of the department; or
3.
Any source of pressure, vacua, contamination or pollution (including any and all equipment, fixtures or appliances connected or used therewith or therefore) affecting, or likely to affect, the purity and/or potability of said water supply of said department; and
4.
Facilitating the enforcement, from time to time, by the department of any and all of its applicable rules and regulations.
b.
Each such inspector, agent, and employee shall be furnished with, and upon request of any customer shall display, appropriate evidence of identification.
c.
If, and when the department or the Los Angeles County Health Department shall ascertain that a condition affecting the purity and/or potability of the water supply exists in, on, or about any building, grounds or premises in violation of any health law, rule and regulation of this State, or any health ordinance, code of the City and/or the County of Los Angeles, or any rule or regulation of the department, it shall:
1.
Immediately notify the person, firm or corporation, owning and/or controlling such building, grounds, or premises, of the existence of such conditions;
2.
Require of such person, firm or corporation to comply, within reasonable time (to be stated in said notice), with any such law, ordinance, code, rule and regulation so violated; and
3.
Further notify him or it that for his or its failure to so comply within said prescribed period, the department will take, cause to be taken by the appropriate authority or authorities, such steps to enforce such compliance, to remedy such condition, and/or to protect the interests of the department as provided by law or by this section.
[Ord. #1176, § 7417; Ord. #1767, § 1]
a.
Purpose. The purpose of this subsection is (1) to protect the public water supply against actual or potential cross-connection by isolating within the premises contamination that may occur because of some undiscovered or unauthorized cross-connection on the premises; (2) to eliminate existing connections between drinking water systems and other sources of water that are not approved as safe and potable for human consumption; (3) to eliminate cross-connections between drinking water systems and sources of contamination; and (4) to prevent the making of cross-connections in the future.
These regulations are adopted pursuant to the State of California Code of Regulations, Title 17 - Public Health, entitled "Regulations Relating to Cross-Connections".
It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation at any time to make or maintain or cause to be made or maintained, temporarily or permanently, for any period of time whatsoever, any cross-connection between plumbing pipes or water fixtures being served with water by the Compton Municipal Water Department and any other source of water supply or their construction as may cause or allow backflow of water or other substances into the water supply system of the Water Department and/or the service of water pipes or fixtures of any consumer of the Water Department.
b.
Definitions.
1.
AIR-GAP SEPARATION – Shall mean the physical break between a supply pipe and a receiving vessel. The air-gap shall be at least double the diameter of the supply pipe, measured vertically above the top rim of the vessel, and in no case less than one inch.
2.
APPROVED BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE – Shall mean devices which have passed laboratory and field evaluation tests performed by a recognized testing organization which has demonstrated its competency to perform such tests to the California Department of Health Services.
3.
APPROVED WATER SUPPLY – Shall mean any water supply whose potability is regulated by a state or local health agency.
4.
AUXILIARY SUPPLY – Shall mean any water supply, on or available to the premises, other than the approved water supply.
5.
AWWA STANDARD – Shall mean an official standard developed and approved by the American Water Works Association (AWWA).
6.
BACKFLOW – Shall mean a flow condition caused by a differential in pressure that causes the flow of water or other liquids, gases, mixtures or substances into the distribution pipes of a potable supply of water from any source or sources other than an approved water supply source. Backsiphonage is one cause of backflow. Back pressure is the other cause.
7.
CONTAMINATION – Shall mean a degradation of the quality of the potable water by any foreign substance which creates a hazard to the public health or which may impair the usefulness or quality of the water.
8.
CROSS-CONNECTION – Shall mean any unprotected actual or potential connection between a potable water system used to supply water for drinking purposes and any source or system containing unapproved water or a substance that is not or cannot be approved as safe, wholesome and potable. Bypass arrangements, jumper connections, removable sections, swivel or changeover devices, or other devices through which backflow could occur, shall be considered to be cross-connections.
9.
DOUBLE CHECK VALVE ASSEMBLY – Shall mean an assembly of at least two independently acting check valves, including tightly closing shut-off valves, on each side of the check valve assembly and test cocks available for testing the water tightness of each check valve.
10.
HEALTH AGENCY – Shall mean the California Department of Health Services or the local health agency, with respect to a small water system.
11.
LOCAL HEALTH AGENCY – Shall mean the County or City health authority.
12.
PERSON – Shall mean an individual, corporation, company, association, partnership, municipality, public utility, or other public body or institution.
13.
PREMISE – Shall mean any and all areas on a customer's property which are served or have the potential to be served by the public water system.
14.
PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM – Shall mean a system for the provision of piped water to the public for human consumption, which has five or more service connections or regularly serves an average of 25 individuals daily at least 60 days out of the year.
15.
RECLAIMED WATER – mean waste water which, as a result of treatment, is suitable for uses other than potable use.
16.
REDUCED PRESSURE PRINCIPLE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE – Shall mean a device incorporating two or more check valves and an automatically operating differential relief valve located between the two checks, a tightly closing shut-off valve on each side of the check valve assembly, and equipped with necessary test cocks for testing.
17.
SERVICE CONNECTION – Shall mean the point of connection of a user's piping to the water supplier's facilities.
18.
WATER SUPPLIER – Shall mean the person who owns or operates the approved water supply system.
19.
WATER USER – Shall mean any person obtaining water from an approved water supply system.
c.
Cross-connection protection requirements.
1.
General Provisions.
(a)
Unprotected cross-connections with the public water supply are prohibited.
(b)
Whenever backflow protection has been found necessary, the Water Department will require the water user to install an approved backflow prevention device by and at his/her expense for continued service or before a new service will be granted.
(c)
Whenever backflow protection has been found necessary on a water supply line entering a water user's premises, then any and all water supply lines from the Water Department's mains entering such premises, buildings or structures shall be protected by an approved backflow prevention device. The type of device to be installed will be in accordance with the requirements of this ordinance.
2.
Where Protection is Required.
(a)
Each service connection from the Water Department's water system for supplying water to premises having an auxiliary water supply shall be protected against backflow of water from the premises into the public water system unless the auxiliary water supply is accepted as an additional source by the Water Department and is approved by the public health agency having jurisdiction.
(b)
Each service connection from the Water Department's water system for supplying water to any premises on which any substance is handled in such fashion as may allow its entry into the water system shall be protected against backflow of the water from the premises into the public system. This shall include the handling of the process waters and waters originating from the Water Department's water system which have been subjected to deterioration in sanitary quality.
(c)
Backflow prevention devices shall be installed on the service connection to any premises having: (1) internal cross-connections that cannot be permanently corrected and controlled to the satisfaction of the State or local health department and the Water Department; or (2) intricate plumbing and piping arrangements or where entrance to all portions of the premises is not readily accessible for inspection purposes, making it impracticable or impossible to ascertain whether or not cross-connections exist.
3.
Type of Protection Required.
(a)
The type of protection that shall be provided to prevent backflow into the approved water supply shall be commensurate with the degree of hazard that exists on the consumer's premises. The type of protective device that may be required (listing in increasing level of protection) includes: Double Check Valve Assembly (DC), Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Device (RP), and an Air-Gap separation (AG). The water user may choose a higher level of protection required to protect the approved water supply, at the user's water connection to premises with varying degrees of hazard given in Table 1. Situations which are not covered in Table 1 shall be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and the appropriate backflow protection shall be determined by the Water Department or health agency.
Table 1 Type of Backflow Protection Required | |
|---|---|
Degree of Hazard | Minimum Type of Backflow Prevention |
Sewage and Hazardous Substances: | |
Premises where the public water system is used to supplement the reclaimed water supply | AG |
Premises where there are waste water pumping and/or treatment plants and there is no interconnection with the potable water system. This does not include a single family residence that has a sewage lift pump. A RP may be provided in lieu of an AG if approved by the health agency and the Water Department. | AG |
Premises where reclaimed water is used and there is no interconnection with the potable water system. A RP may be provided in lieu of an AG if approved by the health agency and the Water Department. | AG |
Premises where hazardous substances are handled in any manner in which the substances may enter a potable water system. This does not include a single family residence that has a sewage lift pump. A RP may be provided in lieu of an AG if approved by the health agency and the Water Department. | AG |
Premises where there are irrigation systems into which fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides are, or can be, injected | RP |
Auxiliary Water Supplies: | |
Premises where there is an unapproved auxiliary water supply which is interconnected with the public water system. A RP or DC may be provided in lieu of an AG if approved by the health agency and the Water Department. | AG |
Premises where there is an unapproved auxiliary water supply and there are no interconnections with the public water system. A DC may be provided in lieu of a RP if approved by the health agency and the Water Department. | RP |
Fire Protection Systems: | |
Premises where the fire system is directly supplied from the public water system and there is an unapproved auxiliary water supply on or to the premises (not interconnected) | DC |
Premises where the fire system is supplied from the public water system and interconnected with an unapproved auxiliary water supply. A RP may be provided in lieu of an AF if approved by the health agency and the Water Department. | AG |
Premises where the fire system is supplied from the public water system and where either elevated storage tanks or fire pumps which take suction from the private reservoirs or tanks are used | DC |
Premises where entry is restricted so that inspections for cross-connections cannot be made with sufficient frequency or at sufficiently short notice to assure that cross-connections do not exist | RP |
Premises where there is a repeated history of cross-connections being established or reestablished | RP |
(b)
Two or more services supplying water from different street mains to the same building, structure, or premises through which an interstreet main flow may occur, shall have at least a standard check valve on each water service to be located adjacent to and on the property side of the respective meters. Such check valve shall not be considered adequate if backflow protection is deemed necessary to protect the Water Department's mains from pollution or contamination; in such cases, the installation of approved backflow devices at such service connections shall be required.
d.
Backflow Prevention Devices.
1.
Approved Backflow Prevention Devices.
(a)
Only backflow prevention devices which have been approved by the Water Department shall be acceptable for installation by a water user connected to the Water Department's potable water system.
(b)
The Water Department will provide, upon request, to any affected customer a list of approved backflow prevention devices.
2.
Backflow Prevention Device Installation.
(a)
Backflow prevention devices shall be installed in a manner prescribed in Section 7603, Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations. Location of the devices should be as close as practical to the user's connection. The Water Department shall have the final authority in determining the required location of a backflow prevention device.
(1)
Air-Gap Separation (AG) - The air-gap separation shall be located on the user's side of and as close to the service connection as is practical. All piping from the service connection to the receiving tank shall be above grade and be entirely visible. No water use shall be provided from any point between the service connection and the air-gap separation. The water inlet piping shall terminate a distance of at least two pipe diameters of the supply inlet, but in no case less than one inch above the overflow rim of the receiving tank.
(2)
Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Device (RP) - The approved reduced pressure principle backflow prevention device shall be installed on the user's side of and as close to the service connection as is practical. The device shall be installed a minimum of 12 inches above grade and not more than 36 inches above grade measured from the bottom of the device and with a minimum of 12 inches side clearance. The device shall be installed so that it is readily accessible for maintenance and testing. Water supplied from any point between the service connection and the RP device shall be protected in a manner approved by the Water Department.
(3)
Double Check Valve Assembly (DC) - The approved double check valve assembly shall be located as close as practical to the user's connection and shall be installed above grade, if possible, and in a manner where it is readily accessible for testing and maintenance. If a double check valve assembly is put below grade it must be installed in a vault such that there is a minimum of six inches between the bottom of the vault and the bottom of the device, so that the top of the device is no more than a maximum of eight inches below grade, so that there is a minimum of six inches of clearance between the other side of the device and the side of the vault. Special consideration must be given to double check valve assemblies of the "Y" type. These devices must be installed on their "side" with the test cocks in a vertical position so that either check valve may be removed for service without removing the device. Vaults which do not have an integrated bottom must be placed on a three-inch layer of gravel.
3.
Backflow Prevention Device Testing and Maintenance.
(a)
The owners of any premises on which, or on account of which, backflow prevention devices are installed, shall have the devices tested by a person who has demonstrated competency in testing of these devices to the Water Department. Backflow prevention devices must be tested at least annually and immediately after installation, relocation or repair. The Water Department may require a more frequent testing schedule if it is determined to be necessary. No device shall be placed back in service unless it is functioning as required. A report in a form acceptable to the Water Department shall be filed with the Department each time a device is tested, relocated or repaired. These devices shall be serviced, overhauled or replaced whenever they are found to be defective, and all costs of testing, repair and maintenance shall be borne by the water user.
(b)
The Water Department will supply affected water users with a list of persons acceptable to the Department to test backflow prevention devices. The Department will notify affected customers by mail when annual testing of a device is needed and also supply users with the necessary forms which must be filled out each time a device is tested or repaired.
4.
Backflow Prevention Device Removal.
(a)
Approval must be obtained from the Water Department before a backflow prevention device is removed, relocated or replaced.
(1)
Removal: The use of a device may be discontinued, and the device removed from service, upon presentation of sufficient evidence to the Department to verify that a hazard no longer exists or is not likely to be created in the future.
(2)
Relocation: A device may be relocated following confirmation by the Department that the relocation will continue to provide the required protection and satisfy installation requirements. A retest will be required following the relocation of the device.
(3)
Repair: A device may be removed for repair, provided the water use is either discontinued until repair is completed and the device is returned to service, or the service connection is equipped with other backflow protection approved by the Department. A retest will be required following the repair of the device.
(4)
Replacement: A device may be removed and replaced provided the water use is discontinued until the replacement device is installed. All replacement devices must be approved by the Department and must be commensurate with the degree of hazard involved.
e.
User Supervisor. At all premises where it is necessary, in the opinion of the Water Department, a user supervisor shall be designated by and at the expense of the water user. This user supervisor shall be responsible for the monitoring of the backflow prevention devices and for avoidance of cross-connections. In the event of contamination or pollution of the drinking water system due to a cross-connection on the premises, the Department shall be promptly notified by the user supervisor so that appropriate measures may be taken to overcome the contamination. The water use shall inform the Department of the user supervisor's identity on, as a minimum, an annual basis and whenever a change occurs.
f.
Administrative Procedures.
1.
Water System Survey.
(a)
The Water Department shall review all requests for services to determine if backflow protection is needed. Plans and specifications must be submitted to the Department upon request, for review of possible cross-connection hazards as a condition of service for new service connections. If it is determined that a backflow prevention device is necessary to protect the public water system, the required device must be installed before service will be granted.
(b)
The Water Department may required an on-premise inspection to evaluate cross-connection hazards. The Department will transmit a written notice requesting an inspection appointment to each affected water user. Any customer who cannot or will not allow an on-premise inspection of their piping system shall be required to install the backflow prevention device the Department considers necessary.
(c)
The Water Department may, at its discretion, require a reinspection for cross-connection hazards of any premise to which it serves water. The Department will transmit a written notice requesting an inspection appointment to each affected water user. Any customer who cannot or will not allow an on-premise inspection of their piping system shall be required to install the backflow prevention device the Department considers necessary.
2.
Customer Notification - Device Installation.
(a)
The Water Department will notify the water user of the survey findings, listing corrective action to be taken if required. A period of 60 days will be given to complete all corrective action required, including installation of backflow prevention devices.
(b)
A second notice will be sent to each water user who does not take the required corrective action prescribed in the first notice within the sixty-day period allowed. The second notice will give the water user a two-week period to take the required corrective action. If no action is taken within the two-week period, the Department may terminate water service to the affected water user until the required corrective actions are taken.
3.
Customer Notification - Testing and Maintenance.
(a)
The Water Department will notify each affected water user when it is time for the backflow prevention device installed on their service connection to be tested. This written notice shall give the water user 30 days to have the device tested and supply the water user with the necessary form to be completed and resubmitted to the Department.
(b)
A second notice shall be sent to each water user who does not have their backflow prevention device tested as prescribed in the first notice within the thirty-day period allowed. The second notice will give the water user a two-week period to have the backflow prevention device tested. If no action is taken within the two-week period, the Department may terminate water service to the affected water user until the subject device is tested.
g.
Water Service Termination.
1.
General. When the Water Department encounters water users that represent a clear and immediate hazard to the potable water supply that cannot be immediately abated, the Department shall institute the procedure for discontinuing water service.
2.
Basis for Termination. Conditions or water uses that create a basis for water service termination shall include, but are not limited to, the following:
(a)
Refusal to install a required back-low prevention device.
(b)
Refusal to test a backflow prevention device.
(c)
Refusal to repair a faulty backflow prevention device.
(d)
Refusal to replace a faulty backflow prevention.
(e)
Direct or indirect connection between the public water system and a sewer line.
(f)
Unprotected direct or indirect connection between the public water system and a system or equipment containing contaminants.
(g)
Unprotected direct or indirect connection between the public water system and an auxiliary water system.
(h)
A situation which presents an immediate health hazard to the public water system.
3.
Water Service Termination Procedures.
(a)
For conditions (a), (b), (c) or (d) above the Department will terminate service to a customer's premises after two written notices have been sent specifying the corrective action needed and the time period in which it must be done. If no action is taken within the allowed time period, water service may be terminated.
(b)
For conditions (d), (e), (f), (g) or (h) above, the Department will take the following steps:
[Ord. #1176, § 7417]
No customer shall resell water furnished by the department without first obtaining in writing the express permission of the department to do so.
[Ord. #1176, § 7418]
a.
Each and every customer shall at all times maintain in good repair all his water pipes, faucets, valves, plumbing fixtures and other water appliances to prevent waste of water. Where any customer willfully wastes water in any manner, or neglects, the water may be shut off and sealed by the department and may not be turned on again until wasteful practices have been discontinued or until repairs have been made to the satisfaction of the Water Superintendent.
b.
The willful or negligent waste of water within the City is prohibited.
[Ord. #1176, § 7419]
Unincorporated territory outside the service area of the Compton Municipal Water Department may be served only with the consent of and in the manner determined by the Council of the City.
[Ord. #1176, § 7420]
The City reserves the right to supply water service, from the municipally owned water system, to any area within the incorporated boundary of the City, excluding any area served by a water utility holding a valid franchise from the City to serve such area.
[Added by Ord. #1552, § 7421; Ord. #1558]
Where temporary meters are to be set on an existing service lateral, a charge of $10 will be made for the installation and removal of a 3/4 inch or one inch meter. Temporary services may apply to a ten-day period. In the event extra days are needed, a person or persons must reapply to the Compton Municipal Water Department for regular water service. Upon failure by that person or persons to notify the Department to terminate temporary service or services, a charge of $1.50 a day shall be charged before normal services, at the property for which temporary services was requested, can be initiated by the Department.
[Added by Ord. #1747, § 1; Ord. #2295 § 16]
The City Council shall, by ordinance or resolution, from time to time determine and fix the amount to be assessed as fees if the Water Department is required to deliver a forty-eight-hour notice on a delinquent account. Said charge shall become due and payable on the next bill rendered.
[Ord. #1851, § 1; Ord. #1868, § 1]
a.
Statement of Policy and Declaration of Purpose.
1.
The Compton Municipal Water Department (hereinafter "Water Department") obtains approximately 50% of the potable water needed to serve its customers from The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (hereinafter "Metropolitan").
2.
The general welfare requires that the water resources available to the City of Compton (hereinafter "City"), be put to the maximum beneficial use, to the extent to which they are capable and that the waste or unreasonable uses, must be prevented. The conservation of water must be practiced so that the limited supply of water will be available to serve the interests of the citizens of the City of Compton and for the public welfare.
3.
The purpose of this subsection is to provide a mandatory water conservation plan limiting the amount of water which may be delivered to customers to protect the health, welfare and safety of the community.
4.
The Compton City Council (hereinafter "City Council"), finds that this subsection and actions taken hereafter are exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970 as specific actions necessary to prevent or mitigate an emergency pursuant to Section 15307.
b.
Water Shortage Emergency Findings.
1.
The City Council finds and determines that a water shortage emergency could exist based upon the occurrence of one or more of the following conditions:
c.
Authorization for a Water Conservation Ordinance. Pursuant to Section 375 et seq. of the Water Code of the State of California, the Compton City Council is authorized to adopt and enforce the provisions of this subsection as adopted by Ordinance 1851.
d.
General Prohibition. No customer of the Compton Municipal Water Department shall cause, use or permit the use of water from the water system in a manner contrary to any provision of this subsection or in an amount in excess of that use permitted by any curtailment provisions then in effect pursuant to action taken by the City Council in accordance with the provisions of this subsection.
e.
Phase I Shortage.
1.
A Phase I Shortage shall be declared when the City Council, upon the recommendation of the City Manager and General Manager of the Municipal Water Department, determines that it is likely that it will suffer a shortage of 5% in water supplies.
2.
The following curtailments on the use of water shall be in effect during a Phase I Shortage:
(a)
There shall be no hose washing of sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking areas or other paved surfaces, except as is required for sanitary purposes;
(b)
Washing of motor vehicles, trailers, boats and other types of mobile equipment shall be done only with a handheld bucket or a hose equipped with a positive shutoff nozzle for quick rinses, except that washing may be done at the immediate premises of a commercial car wash or with reclaimed water.
(c)
No water shall be used to clean, fill or maintain levels in decorative fountains, ponds, lakes or other similar aesthetic structures unless such water is part of a recycling system.
(d)
No restaurant, hotel, cafe, cafeteria or other public place where food is sold, served or offered for sale, shall serve drinking water to any customer unless expressly requested.
(e)
All customers of the Compton Water Department shall promptly repair all leaks from indoor or outdoor plumbing fixtures.
(f)
No lawn, landscape, or other turf area shall be watered more often than every other day. Specifically, all customers with an even address number shall water on even calendar dates of the month, and all customers with an odd address number shall water on odd calendar dates of the month. On the 31st of the month, there shall be no watering, unless reclaimed water is used. No watering shall be done between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.; except that the provision shall not apply to commercial nurseries, golf courses and other water-dependent industries.
(g)
No customer of the Compton Municipal Water Department shall cause or allow the water to run off landscape area into adjoining streets, sidewalks or other paved areas due to incorrectly directed or maintained sprinklers or excessive watering.
f.
Phase II Shortage.
1.
A Phase II Shortage shall be declared when the City Council, upon the recommendation of the City Manager and General Manager of the Water Department determines, that it is likely that it will suffer a shortage of greater than 5%, but less than 10% in water supplies.
2.
The following curtailments on the use of water shall be in effect during a Phase II Shortage:
(a)
The curtailments listed in Subsection 23-1.32e2 shall be in effect, and no watering shall be done between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
(b)
Commercial nurseries, golf courses and other water-dependent industries shall be prohibited from watering lawn, landscape or other turf areas more often than every other day; and no watering shall be done between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.; except that there shall be no restriction on watering with reclaimed water.
3.
No customer shall cause, use, or permit the use of water from the Compton Water Department for any purpose in an amount in excess of 95% of the amount used on the customers premises during the corresponding billing period in the 1990 calendar year (Base Year).
4.
Single-family residential customers who use less than 15 units per month (i.e. billing period) are exempt from Subsection 23-1.32f3.
5.
Any customer who was not a customer on the premises, for which service was billed by the Water Department during the base period, shall be assigned the same base for such or similar premises, and the Water Department shall have the further discretion to adjust such base in the event such customer's use of the premises is substantially different from the previous use.
g.
Phase III Shortage.
1.
A Phase III Shortage shall be declared when the City Council, upon the recommendation of the City Manager and General Manager of the Water Department determines, that it is likely that it will suffer a shortage of greater than 10% but less than 20%.
2.
The following curtailments on the use of water shall be in effect during a Phase III Shortage:
(a)
The curtailments listed in Subsection 23-1.32e2 shall be in effect, except that the restrictions on watering lawn, landscape, and other turf areas shall be modified to prohibit watering more often than every other day; and, no watering shall be done between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
(b)
Commercial nurseries, golf courses and other water-dependent industries shall be prohibited from watering lawn, landscape or other turf areas more often than every other day; and no watering shall be done between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.; except that there shall be no restriction on watering with reclaimed water.
(c)
The use of water from fire hydrants shall be limited to fire fighting and related activities and other uses of water for municipal purposes shall be limited to activities necessary to maintain the public health, safety and welfare.
3.
No customer shall cause, use, or permit the water from the Compton Water Department for any purpose in an amount in excess of 90% of the amount used on the customers premises during the corresponding billing period in the 1990 calendar year (Base Year).
4.
Single-family residential customers who use less than 14 units per month (i.e. billing period) are exempt from Subsection 23-1.32h3.
5.
Any customer who was not a customer on the premises for which service was billed by the Water Department during the base period shall be assigned the same base for such or similar premises, and the Water Department shall have the further discretion to adjust such base in the event such customer's use of the premises is substantially different from the previous use.
h.
Phase IV Shortage.
1.
A Phase IV Shortage shall be declared when the City Council, upon the recommendation of the City Manager and General Manager of the Water Department determines, that it is likely that it will suffer a shortage greater than 20%, but less than 30%.
2.
The following curtailments on the use of water shall be in effect during a Phase IV Shortage:
(a)
The curtailments listed in Subsection 23-1.32e2 shall be in effect, except that the restrictions on watering lawn, landscape, and other turf areas shall be modified to prohibit watering more often than every third day; and, no watering shall be done between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.; except that there shall be no restrictions on watering with reclaimed water.
(b)
Commercial nurseries, golf courses and other water-dependent industries shall be prohibited from watering lawn, landscape or other turf areas more often than every third day; and no watering shall be done between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.; except that there shall be no restriction on watering with reclaimed water.
(c)
The use of water from fire hydrants shall be limited to fire fighting and related activities and other uses of water for municipal purposes shall be limited to activities necessary to maintain the public health, safety and welfare.
3.
No customer shall cause, use, or permit the use of water from the Compton Water Department for any purpose in an amount in excess of 85% of the amount used on the customers premises during the corresponding billing period in the 1990 calendar year (Base Year).
4.
Single-family residential customers who use less than 13 units per month (i.e. billing period) are exempt from Subsection 23-1.32h3.
5.
Any customer who was not a customer on the premises for which service was billed by the Water Department during the base period shall be assigned the same base for such or similar premises, and the Water Department shall have the further discretion to adjust such base in the event such customer's use of the premises is substantially different from the previous use.
i.
Phase V Shortage.
1.
A Phase V Shortage shall be declared when the City Council, upon the recommendation of the City Manager and General Manager of the Water Department, determines, that it is likely that it will suffer a shortage of 30%, but less than 40%.
2.
The following curtailments on the use of water shall be in effect during a Phase V Shortage:
(a)
The curtailments listed in Subsection 23-1.32e2 shall be in effect, except that the restrictions on watering lawn, landscape, and other turf areas shall be modified to prohibit watering more often than every third day; and no watering shall be done between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.; except that there shall be no restrictions on watering with reclaimed water.
(b)
Commercial nurseries, golf courses and other water-dependent industries shall be prohibited from watering lawn, landscape or other turf areas more often than every third day; and no watering shall be done between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.; except that there shall be no restriction on watering with reclaimed water.
(c)
The use of water from fire hydrants shall be limited to fire fighting and related activities and other uses of water for municipal purposes shall be limited to activities necessary to maintain the public health, safety and welfare.
3.
No customer shall cause, use, or permit the use of water from the Compton Water Department for any purpose in an amount in excess of 80% of the amount used on the customers premises during the corresponding billing period in the 1990 calendar year (Base Year).
4.
Single-family residential customers who use less than 12 units per month (i.e. billing period) are exempt from Subsection 23-1.32i3.
5.
Any customer who was not a customer on the premises for which service was billed by the Water Department during the base period shall be assigned the same base for such or similar premises, and the Water Department shall have the further discretion to adjust such base in the event such customer's use of the premises is substantially different from the previous use.
j.
Phase VI Shortage.
1.
A Phase VI Shortage shall be declared when the City Council, upon the recommendation of the City Manager and General Manager of the Water Department determines, that it is likely that it will suffer a shortage of 40% up to 50%.
2.
The following curtailments on the use of water shall be in effect during a Phase VI Shortage:
(a)
The curtailments listed in Subsection 23-1.32e2 shall be in effect, except that the restrictions on watering of lawn, landscape, and other turf areas shall be modified to prohibit watering more often than every fourth day; and, no watering shall be done between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.; except that there shall be no restrictions on watering with reclaimed water.
(b)
Commercial nurseries, golf courses and other water-dependent industries shall be prohibited from watering lawn, landscape or other turf areas more often than every third day; and no watering shall be done between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.; except that there shall be no restriction on watering with reclaimed water.
(c)
The use of water from fire hydrants shall be limited to fire fighting and related activities and other uses of water for municipal purposes shall be limited to activities necessary to maintain the public health, safety and welfare.
3.
No customer shall cause, use, or permit the use of water from the Compton Water Department for any purpose in an amount in excess of 75% of the amount used on the customers premises during the corresponding billing period in the 1990 calendar year (Base Year).
4.
Single-family residential customers who use less than seven units per month (i.e. billing period) are exempt from Subsection 23-1.32j3.
5.
Any customer who was not a customer on the premises for which service was billed by the Water Department during the base period shall be assigned the same base for such or similar premises, and the Water Department shall have the further discretion to adjust such base in the event such customer's use of the premises is substantially different from the previous use.
k.
Relief from Compliance.
1.
A customer may file an application for relief from any provisions of this subsection. The General Manager of the Compton Municipal Water Department (hereinafter "Manager") shall develop such procedures as he/she considers necessary to resolve such applications and shall, upon the filing by a customer of an application for relief, take such steps as he or she deems reasonable to resolve the application for relief. The decision of the City Manager shall be final.
3.
In determining whether to grant relief, and the nature of any relief, the Manager shall take into consideration all relevant factors including, but not limited to:
(a)
Whether any additional reduction in water consumption will result in unemployment;
(b)
Whether additional members have been added to the household;
(c)
Whether any additional landscaped property has been added to the property since the corresponding billing period of the 1990 calendar year;
(d)
Changes in vacancy factors in multi-family housing;
(e)
Increased number of employees in commercial, industrial, governmental offices;
(f)
Increased production requiring increased process water;
(g)
Water used during new construction;
(h)
Adjustments to water use caused by emergency health or safety hazards;
(i)
First filling of a permit-constructed swimming pool, and
(j)
Water use necessary for reasons related to family illness or health.
In order to be considered, an application for relief must be filed with the Compton Municipal Water Department 15 days from the date the provision from which relief is sought becomes applicable to the applicant. No relief shall be granted unless the customer shows that he or she has achieved the maximum practical reduction in water consumption other than in the specific areas in which relief is being sought. No relief shall be granted to any customer who, when requested by the Manager, fails to provide any information necessary for resolution of the customer's application for relief. |
l.
Failure to Comply.
1.
The following shall occur during Phase II, III or IV:
If water is used during any billing period in excess of the water use curtailment amount as set forth in Subsections 23-1.32f2, g2, h2, i2 and j2 for that period, a surcharge shall be imposed on said excess at double the basic rate established by the Water Department for each billing unit (100 cubic feet) of water.
(a)
If the curtailment amount is exceeded for three consecutive billing periods during drought conditions, the Water Department, in addition to said surcharge, may either install a device on the meter to restrict the flow of water or discontinue service to the account upon written notification to the customer.
2.
The following shall occur during Phase V and VI:
If water is used during any billing period in excess of the water use curtailment amount as set forth in Subsections 23-1.32f2, g2, h2, i2 and j2 for that period, a surcharge shall be imposed on said excess at triple the basic rate established by the Water Department for each billing unit (100 cubic feet) of water.
(a)
If the curtailment amount is exceeded for three consecutive billing periods during drought conditions, the Water Department, in addition to said surcharge, may either install a device on the meter to restrict the flow of water or discontinue service to the account upon written notification to the customer.
3.
Violation by any customer of the water use prohibitions of Subsections 23-1.32e2, f2, g2, h2, i2 and j2 shall be penalized as follows:
(a)
First Violation. The Compton Municipal Water Department may issue a written notice of the fact of a first violation during a water storage emergency whether it be Phase I, Phase II, Phase III, Phase IV, Phase V, and Phase VI to the customer.
(b)
Second Violation. For a second violation during a Phase I, Phase II, Phase III or Phase IV water emergency shortage, the Compton Municipal Water Department shall impose a surcharge of $35. During Phase V and VI a surcharge if $50 shall be imposed. These charges will be added to the water bill.
(c)
Third and Subsequent Violation. For a third and each subsequent violation during any one water shortage emergency, the Compton Municipal Water Department shall install a flow restricting device on the service of the customer at the premises at which the violation occurred for a period of not less than 48 hours. The Compton Municipal Water Department shall charge the customer the reasonable costs incurred for installing and for removing the flow-restricting devices and for restoration of normal service. The charge shall be paid before normal service can be restored.
In addition, the surcharge provided in Subsections 23-1.321.1 and 12 shall be imposed. |
4.
The Compton Municipal Water Department shall give notice of violation to the customer committing the violation as follows:
(a)
Notice of violation of the water use curtailment provisions of this paragraph or Subsections 23-1.32e2, f2, g2, h2, i2 and j2 shall be given in writing in the following manner;
(1)
If the customer is absent from or unavailable at the premises at which the violation occurred, by leaving a copy with some person of suitable age and discretion at the premises and sending a copy through the regular mail to the address at which the customer is normally billed.
(2)
If a person of suitable age or discretion cannot be found, then by affixing a copy in a conspicuous place at the premises at which the violation occurred and also sending a copy through the regular mail to the address at which the customer is normally billed.
m.
Hearing Regarding Violations.
1.
Any customer receiving notice of a second or subsequent violation of Subsections 23-1.32e2, f2, g2, h2, i2 and j2 shall have the right to a hearing by the Manager of the Compton Municipal Water Department or his or her designee, within 15 days of mailing or other delivery of the notice of violation.
2.
The customer's timely written request for a hearing shall automatically stay installation of a flow-restricting device on the customer's premises until the Manager renders his or her decision.
3.
The customer's timely written request for a hearing shall not stay the imposition of a surcharge unless within the time period to request a hearing, the customer deposits with the Compton Water Department money in the amount of any unpaid surcharge due. If it is determined that the surcharge was wrongly assessed, the Department shall refund any money deposited to the customer.
4.
The decision of the City Manager shall be final except for judicial review.
n.
Reservation of Rights. The rights of the Water Department hereunder shall be in addition to any other right of the Water Department including those to discontinue service.
o.
Additional Water Shortage Measures. The City Council of the City of Compton may order implementation of water conservation measures in addition to those set forth in this Code. Such additional water conservation measures shall be implemented by an ordinance passed by the City Council.
p.
Public Health and Safety Not to be Affected. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require the City of Compton or the Compton Municipal Water Department to curtail the supply of water to any customer when such water is required by that customer to maintain an adequate level of public health and safety.
q.
Severability. If any part of this Code or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is for any reason held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the validity of the remainder of the subsection or the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected.
[Added 6-11-2019 by Ord. No. 2308]
That certain document, three copies of which are on file in the Office of the City Clerk, being marked and designated as "Title 23. Waters, Division 2. Department of Water Resources, Chapter 2.7. Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance" (hereinafter the "Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance), published in the California Code of Regulations, is hereby adopted as the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) for regulating water conservation for the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, removal, demolition, conversion, occupancy, equipment, use, height, area and maintenance of all landscapes in the City of Compton, and providing for the issuance of permits and collection of fees and penalties for the violation thereof; and each and all of the regulations, provisions, conditions and terms of such Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) and supplements thereto hereinafter published are hereby referred to, adopted and made a part hereof as if fully set out in this chapter, except as the same may hereafter be modified or amended.
[Ord. #856, § 7500]
As used in this section:
Shall mean a structure entirely separated from any other structure by space or by walls in which there are no communicating doors or windows or similar openings.
Shall mean an excavation in the ground made for receiving crude sewage and so constructed that the solid matter of the sewage is retained while the liquid portion is permitted to seep through the walls.
Shall mean that portion of the sewer system that extends from the "Y" or "T" branch of a lateral sewer to the curb or property line.
Shall mean any plumbing or sewer outlet requiring a trap or vent.
Shall mean a room, or combination of rooms, used or designed to be used for the occupancy of human beings.
Shall mean the group of buildings of a housecourt which is hereby defined to be a parcel or area of land upon which are grouped three or more habitations used or designed to be used for occupancy by families, and upon which parcel or area the vacant or unoccupied portion thereof surrounding or abutting upon said habitations, is used or intended to be used in common by the inhabitants thereof.
Shall mean that part of a horizontal piping beginning at a point two feet from the outer wall of a building and extending to its connection with the connecting sewer at curb or property line or to a cesspool.
Shall mean a branch of the main sewer system provided with "Y" and "T" branches for connecting sewers.
Shall mean any piece or parcel of land as bounded, defined or shown upon the latest map, plat or deed recorded in the office of the County Recorder of Los Angeles County.
Shall mean a main trunk line sewer of the City, provided to collect the sewage from the lateral sewers and conduct same to the outlet or disposal plant.
Shall mean a sewer laid by private parties to serve one or more buildings that are not situated adjacent to a lateral sewer, and may be constructed on either private or public property.
Shall mean an outfall or a lateral sewer.
[Ord. #856, § 7501]
a.
No person shall engage in the business of constructing sewers or cesspools, or install, alter or repair any sewer in the City unless such person shall have first registered at the office of the Sewer Inspector of the Department of Building and obtained a certificate of registration as hereinafter provided.
b.
The owner of the premises for which a cesspool is being constructed need not be registered as provided for in Paragraph a hereof, provided such owner actually performs the work himself, but sewer connection to cesspools shall be governed by Paragraph a hereof.
c.
Applications for registration shall be made to the Sewer Inspector and shall state the name and business address of the applicant and such application shall be accompanied by a Surety Bond executed to the City. In form the bond must be "joint" and "several" in the sum of $1,000, and the bond must be conditioned that the whole or any part thereof shall be paid to the City or any person who has suffered damage by reason of the violation of any of the provisions of this section. The bond shall not be void upon the first recovery but may be used and recovered from time to time by any person who has suffered damages as herein referred to in his own name until the whole penalty is exhausted. The sufficiency of the surety on any such bond shall be approved by the City Council and every such bond shall be approved as to form by the City Attorney.
[Ord. #856, § 7502]
Every person before being entitled to be registered or to obtain a Certificate of Registration shall pay to the City Council at the office of the Department of Buildings, a registration fee of $50. The Sewer Inspector shall briefly examine the applicant and if after such examination it appears that the applicant has had sufficient experience and is familiar with the provisions of this section, the Sewer Inspector shall upon payment of the registration fee and approval of the bond as hereinbefore provided, issue to such applicant a Certificate of Registration for a period of one year from date of issue.
[Ord. #856, § 7503]
Every such Certificate of Registration is valid only for the person named therein and is not transferable except upon the sale of the complete business of the holder thereof. Every such Certificate shall be null and void upon the second conviction of the person named therein for violating any of the provisions of this article.
[Ord. #856, § 7504]
No person shall do any sewer or cesspool work in connection with any building or structure, or disconnect any building or structure from any sanitary sewer within the City, without first obtaining from the Department of Buildings a written permit to do so. Such permit shall state the location by street and number of the building or structure where such work is to be done and shall be valid only for the location so stated.
[Ord. #856, § 7505]
If any person shall do any sewer or cesspool work or shall make any alterations or changes in or additions to any sewer or cesspool work without first having obtained a permit as required by this section, no permit shall be subsequently issued for same and no inspection of same shall be made until double the amount of fee otherwise provided by this section is paid for such permit and inspection.
[Ord. #856, § 7506]
If any work authorized by any permit issued as hereinbefore provided is not commenced within 60 days from date thereof, such permit shall thereupon become void and a new permit must be obtained before work is commenced.
Every person engaged in constructing house or sewer connections, which require excavating in streets in the City, shall upon obtaining a sewer permit obtain an excavation permit as provided by § 20-3, Street Excavations.
[Ord. #856, § 7507]
Every person making application for a sewer or cesspool permit shall, at the time such application is made, deposit with the Sewer Inspector the amount of the fees hereinafter provided. Upon completion of the work, the person doing such work shall make application for inspection of same. Such inspection will be given within 24 hours from the time of filing request for same.
For a permit to construct any connecting or house sewer or to connect to any connecting sewer, house sewer or private sewer, any building or other structure: $2.
Provided, that where the plumbing from a garage, outhouse or other accessory building on the same lot containing not more than three fixtures is to be connected to an existing house sewer, the fee shall be $1.
For a permit to construct a private sewer and connect same to an outfall sewer the fee shall be $5.
For a permit to excavate for or construct a cesspool or septic tank: $1.
For a permit to connect a house sewer to a cesspool or septic tank: $1.
For a permit to disconnect a building from a house sewer: $1.
The above fees shall include the fee for one inspection of the work, for which a permit was issued. For any additional inspection required, a fee of $1 for every such additional inspection shall be charged.
[Ord. #856, § 7508]
No person shall backfill any trench or excavation made for the purpose of laying sewer of any kind, or constructing a cesspool or septic tank, until the pipe laid therein shall be inspected by the Sewer Inspector and a certificate of acceptance given. The entire length of the sewer and all connections from and including the "Y" at the main sewer or entrance to cesspool or septic tank, to the joint at which cast iron soil pipe begins shall be fully exposed for inspection.
If any section of the pipe or any portion of the work is not according to the specifications which are a part of this section or does not conform to the requirements of this section, the sewer builder or the cesspool or septic tank builder shall make such changes or additions as are necessary to conform to the provisions herein contained, and shall, after such changes or additions are made, leave the pipe and work exposed and do no backfilling until inspection has been made and acceptance given as above provided.
[Ord. #856, § 7509]
a.
All buildings or other structures which contain any plumbing fixtures must be connected with a public sewer when such sewer is constructed and ready for use on any street, right-of-way or other public place upon which the premises abut.
Where there is no public sewer as aforesaid, such building or buildings must be connected to a sanitary cesspool or septic tank as in this Article provided.
b.
No person shall use or occupy any house or building in the City in which or for which any sewer has been constructed unless said sewer connection has been inspected and passed by the Sewer Inspector and the final certificate of acceptance issued.
[Ord. #856, § 7510]
Every wash rack in a livery stable or garage must be connected with a public sewer and shall be provided with a sand trap. The sand trap shall be constructed of concrete and shall be not less than 12 inches by 12 inches with a depth of not less than 18 inches and shall be constructed under the supervision and to the satisfaction of the Plumbing Inspector.
[Ord. #856, § 7511]
Whenever any sewer or drain is obstructed by roots or is found to be frozen or defective so that sewage or drainage escapes therefrom, the Sewer Inspector shall order such sewer or drain to be repaired or replaced. If such sewer or drain be of terra cotta or other clay product, the Sewer Inspector may direct its replacement with cast iron, if by so doing the recurrence of the objectionable condition may be prevented.
Whenever a pipe, joint, fitting or appurtenance is found to be broken, defective or inoperative, its repair and replacement shall be ordered by the Sewer Inspector.
[Ord. #856, § 7512]
No roof drain or surface water drain shall be connected to any sanitary sewer. No person, except a properly authorized official or employee of the City, shall remove any covering from any manhole or flush tank connecting with a sewer in the City.
[Ord. #856, § 7513]
a.
No connection from any building or structure in the City shall hereafter be made to any public sewer, which connection or any portion thereof shall be in, under or upon any lot other than the lot or lots on which such building or structure is located.
b.
Every building or structure in or for which any plumbing affecting the sanitary condition of such building or structure has been installed, shall be separately or independently connected with an accepted City sewer, if such sewer is constructed and available for use on any public street, right-of-way, or other public place abutting upon the lot upon which such building or structure is situated, or if no such sewer has been constructed and ready for use as aforesaid, said building shall be connected with a septic tank or cesspool situated on said lot as hereinafter provided for, providing, however, that when a building or buildings are in the rear of other building, which other building is connected with an accepted City sewer or in case said building or buildings so in the rear do not front upon a street in which there is an accepted City sewer, the plumbing work of the building or buildings in the rear may be connected with the plumbing work of the building in front by permission of the Sewer Inspector.
c.
Two houses or buildings may be connected with a public sewer through one connection when, in the opinion of the Sewer Inspector, such double connection is practical. Such double connection shall be made at the curb line by the use of a "Y." Where more than two buildings are to be connected to one house sewer and there are more than three fixtures in each building, the house sewer from the joint where the two sewer lines connect to the connecting sewer, shall be six inches internal diameter.
d.
All buildings constituting a house court, as defined by this Article, may be connected to the public sewer by means of one private sewer located upon the lot or parcel of land upon which such house court is located, such private sewer to be not less than six inches internal diameter.
e.
Where a sewer line is run under any building or where a building is subsequently erected over an existing sewer line, that part of the sewer line under the building, and for a distance of two feet outside the outer walls of same shall be of cast iron pipe as required for the drain lines within buildings and shall be laid with leaded joints by a registered plumber. The internal diameter of any sewer pipes shall be the same as those of the cast iron pipes leading out of the building, to which pipes they connect, and of which they form a continuation; provided, that in no case shall their diameter be less than four inches from the leading-out pipe to the property line; and not less than six inches in diameter from the property line to the main sewer line when combination curb and sidewalk is installed or from curb lines to main sewer line when there is a parking space 2 1/2 feet or more between curb and sidewalk. All connections of schools and public buildings shall be not less than six inches in diameter from the leading-out pipe to the main sewer.
f.
All outside drains shall be laid with a fall of not less than 1/4 of an inch per foot toward the sewer or cesspool; provided, that if such rate of fall is impracticable, and the City Sewer Inspector shall determine that sanitary drainage can be obtained with a less rate of fall, then upon the City Sewer Inspector's written authorization, a lesser gradient than 1/4 inch of an inch to the foot may be used, but in no case shall the rate of fall be less than 1/8 inch per foot.
g.
The joint of each section of vitrified piping shall be completely and uniformly filled with cement composed of one part of Portland cement of standard quality and one part of sand and shall be watertight. Every such joint shall be thoroughly cleaned on the inside so as to permit a smooth surface and not form any obstruction to flow. The sections shall be laid true to line and grade. When pipe is laid in water, every joint shall be thoroughly calked with oakum and cemented. Patent asphalt joints will be permitted to be used.
All changes in direction in outside drains shall be made with curves or "Y" branches and provided with cleanouts, and all connections shall be made with "Y" branches and 1/8 bends. In all cases the line of pipe shall be straight from the property line to the "Y" in the sewer. Where a "Y" cannot be found, one length of pipe may be removed, and a new "Y" joint of proper dimension shall be inserted and carefully cemented in place by means of oakum and cement. Connections may also be made with the main sewer by the use of a properly constructed saddle. Such saddle shall be thoroughly cemented inside and outside to the main pipe so as to make a smooth watertight connection.
[Ord. #856, § 7514]
No person shall allow any oil, grease, refuse, or any other material to enter the sewer lines, which materials will tend to clog up the sewers or have a chemical or mechanical tendency to counteract the treatment of the sewage in the disposal plant.
No person shall allow or permit any sewer laterals or house connections to remain open while being laid or being connected with the main sewer line.
[Ord. #856, § 7517]
No person shall construct any septic tank until a plan and specifications for such septic tank shall have been submitted to and approved by the Sewer Inspector and a permit issued therefor. Such plans shall clearly show the proposed location of such septic tank with reference to the property lines of all buildings on the lots which such septic tank is to serve.
[Ord. #856, § 7518]
Whenever property already served with a public sewer is resubdivided so as to make it necessary or convenient that a private sewer or house connection be constructed in a different location than that anticipated when the public sewer was constructed, the private sewer or house connection necessary or convenient to serve such resubdivision lots as are not adjacent to the public sewer already constructed shall be constructed along the rear line of such lots, or in the street or parking area along the front thereof, or at some other location designated by the Sewer Inspector. Such private sewer or house connection shall be constructed under the supervision of the Sewer Inspector, and the City hereby reserves the right to make extensions of, or connections to, such private sewer or house connection at any time.
[Ord. #856, § 7519]
One or more property owners desiring to have public sewer facilities constructed to serve their property and not wishing to have such sewer facilities constructed under an assessment district and bond issue, may deposit with the City Treasurer an amount which in the estimation of the City Engineer will be sufficient to cover the entire cost of such construction, including preparation of plans and specifications. Such moneys so deposited shall not draw interest.
[Ord. #856, § 7520]
If in the opinion of the City Engineer the sewer facilities are necessary and the construction thereof feasible, he shall prepare plans and specifications for the construction thereof.
[Ord. #856, § 7521]
Immediately after the plans and specifications are prepared the City Engineer shall call for bids and submit the same to the City Council for acceptance or rejection.
[Ord. #856, § 7522]
If the amount estimated by the City Engineer is not sufficient to cover the entire cost of such sewer construction, including the preparation of plans and specifications, either at a bid price or by force account, the City Engineer shall notify the property owner, or owners, involved of the additional amount necessary to do such work, and within 10 days thereafter such property owner, or owners, shall deposit such additional amount with the City Treasurer. Should the property owner or owners fail to deposit such additional amount, the City Engineer shall present a statement to the City Treasurer showing all expenditures on behalf of the proposed sewer construction. The City Treasurer shall thereafter refund to the property owner or owners all the money deposited by them, except that amount shown by the City Engineer's statement to have been expended on behalf of the proposed construction.
[Ord. #856, § 7523]
When the full amount necessary to cover the entire cost of such construction has been so deposited with the City Treasurer, it shall be placed in a guaranteed deposit account against which only charges for the sewer construction shall be drawn.
[Ord. #856, § 7524]
Immediately after the completion of the sewer construction, the City Engineer shall prorate the entire cost thereof against all lots or property that may ultimately be benefited by direct connection to the sewer in proportion to the frontage thereof, or if the lots be irregular in shape, then in such manner as may, in the opinion of the City Engineer, provide an equitable distribution of costs.
[Ord. #856, § 7525]
After all proper charges for the entire cost of such sewer construction have been paid, the excess, if any, remaining on deposit with the City Treasurer shall be refunded to the property owner, or owners in proportion to the amount contributed by him or them.
[Ord. #856, § 7526]
In no event shall any owner of property benefited by the sewer be permitted to connect thereto without first paying the prorated charge placed against said property by the City Engineer.
[Ord. #856, § 7527]
Immediately upon the completion of such sewer construction the property owner, or owners, who have contributed thereto shall enter into a contract with the City as hereinafter provided.
a.
The City Engineer is hereby authorized on behalf of the City to enter into a written contract with said property owner, or owners, depositing said funds as aforesaid, which said contract shall contain among other things the following conditions:
1.
No property owner shall be permitted to connect to the sewer unless he has first paid the charge placed against the property as provided in this section.
2.
That the City shall endeavor to collect the charges and cause the sum so collected to be refunded as provided in Paragraph (c) hereof, but shall not be liable for any failure to make such collection or refund.
3.
That all sums so paid by any property owner shall be refunded to the property owner, or owners, who deposited the amount necessary to complete said sewer in the proportion that the amount contributed bears to the entire cost, until the property owner, or owners, have received the entire amount deposited by them less that portion prorated against their own property.
4.
If the entire amount has not been refunded as in Paragraph 3 above provided within a period of 15 years from the date of said contract, the same shall terminate and be of no further force or effect.
5.
No charge made or payment collected shall bear interest.
[Ord. #856, § 7528]
Any person entitled to any refund under the provisions of this section shall keep on file with the City Treasurer his correct mailing address. In the event the City Treasurer is unable to locate any person entitled to receive a refund hereunder, he shall send a written notice to the person by registered mail, to the last address filed by such person with him. Such written notice shall contain a statement of the amount of such refund and shall also advise such person that if the refund is not called for within one year from the date of such notice, all rights of such person to that particular refund will be forfeited. After the period of one year, the City Treasurer shall pay said amount total to all other persons entitled to refunds in their proper proportion as in this section provided. If there be no other persons entitled to refunds hereinunder, the same shall be paid into the general fund of the City.
[Ord. #856, § 7529]
No person shall connect any property with the public sewer without first obtaining the permit and paying the connection charge required by this section.
[Ord. #2183, § 2]
The following rates and charges are hereby fixed and established as the rates and charges to be made and collected for the capital improvement program for the sewer system:
a.
Capital improvement program charges for all sewer services furnished in the City shall be billed monthly at the following rates in the following fiscal years for each 100 cubic feet of water used as determined by the Water Department:
FY 2008/2009 | FY 2009/2010 | FY 2010/2011 | FY 2011/2012 | FY 2012/2013 | FY 2013/2014 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Per 100 cu. feet | $ - | $0.285 | $0.563 | $0.601 | $0.617 | $0.638 |
b.
The rates and charges established pursuant to Paragraph (a) this section are in addition to, and shall have no effect on, any other rates and charges the City may currently levy or hereafter establish in connection with the operation and maintenance of the sewer system.
[Ord. #2280]
This section shall be known as the "Sanitary Sewer Overflow Reduction Program" Ordinance of the City of Compton.
[Ord. #2280]
The purpose of this section is to reduce sewer system overflow incidents by: (1) developing and implementing a preventative maintenance program to assure optimum functioning of the sewer system; (2) prevent illicit discharges and obstructions to the sewer system associated with food serving and other establishments; and (3) require the proper design and construction of sewers and connections from such establishments. The intent of this section is to protect the environment by minimizing the release of pathogens contained in sewer discharges to receiving waters such as the Los Angeles River and its tributary and Compton Creek, on which persons depend for a variety of beneficial uses.
[Ord. #2280]
The following are definitions of terms used in this section:
Shall mean schedules of activities, prohibitions of practices, maintenance procedures and other management practices to: (1) prevent or reduce the introduction of fats, oils, and grease to the sewer facilities; and (2) to prevent and reduce sanitary sewer overflows to municipal storm drain system and receiving waters through preventative maintenance.
Shall mean any person who discharges or causes a discharge of wastewater directly or indirectly to a public sewer. Discharger shall mean the same as User.
Shall mean commercial or industrial establishments, as well as retail food service establishments, that may discharge fats, oils and grease.
Shall mean fats, oils and grease. Any substance such as a vegetable or animal product that is used in, or is a by-product of, the cooking or food preparation process, and that turns or may turn viscous or solidifies with a change in temperature or other condition is included in this definition.
Shall mean any device installed in the plumbing or sewage system for the purpose of grinding food waste or food preparation by-products for the purpose of disposing it in the sewer system. Also means a garbage disposal.
Shall mean those establishments primarily engaged in activities of preparing, serving, or otherwise making available for consumption by individuals including, but not limited to a restaurant, commercial kitchen, caterer, hotel, school, hospital, prison, correctional facility, or care institution. Such establishments use one or more of the following preparation activities: cooking by frying (all methods), baking (all methods), grilling, sauteing, rotisserie, cooking, broiling (all methods), boiling, blanching, roasting, toasting, or poaching.
Shall mean any grease interceptor, grease trap or other approved mechanism, device, or process, which attaches to, or is applied to, wastewater plumbing fixtures and lines, the purpose of which is to trap, collect, or treat FOG prior to it being discharged into the sewer system.
Shall mean a multicompartment device that is constructed in different sizes and is generally required to be located, according to the current edition of the California Plumbing Code, underground between any establishment, including food service establishments that generate FOG, and the connection to the sewer system.
Shall mean a grease interceptor that is designed to retain grease from one to a maximum of four fixtures. Grease traps serve individual fixtures.
Shall mean water entering a sewer system, including sewer service connections, from the ground through such means as defective pipes, pipe joints, connections, or manhole walls.
Shall mean water entering a sewer system through a direct stormwater runoff connection to the sanitary sewer, which may cause an almost immediate increase in wastewater flows.
Shall mean that receipt which is retained by the generator of wastes for disposing recyclable wastes or liquid wastes as required by the City.
Shall mean any structure planned or under construction for which a sewer connection permit has not been issued.
Shall mean any individual, partnership, firm, association, corporation or public agency, including the State of California and the United States of America.
Shall mean a location approved by the City, from which wastewater can be collected that is representative in content and consistency of the entire flow of wastewater being sampled.
Shall mean structure(s) provided at the user's expense for the City or user to measure and record wastewater constituent mass concentrations, collect a representative sample, or provide access to plug or terminate the discharge.
Shall mean a building sewer as defined in the latest edition of the California Plumbing Code. It is the wastewater connection between the building's wastewater facilities and a public sewer system.
Shall mean any and all facilities used for collecting, conveying, pumping, treating, and disposing of wastewater and sludge. This definition includes, but is not limited to, any property belonging to the City used in the treatment, reclamation, reuse, transportation, or disposal of wastewater, or sludge.
Shall mean any solid, semisolid or liquid decant, subnate or supernate from a manufacturing process, utility service, or pretreatment establishment.
Shall mean sewage and any and all other waste substances, liquid, solid, gaseous or radioactive, associated with human habitation or of human or animal nature, including such wastes placed within containers of whatever nature prior to and for the purpose of disposal.
Shall mean the liquid and watercarried wastes of the community and all constituents thereof, whether treated or untreated, discharged into or permitted to enter a public sewer.
[Ord. #2280]
No food service establishment shall discharge or cause to be discharged into the sewer system FOG that accumulates and/or causes or contributes to blockages in the sewer system or at the sewer system lateral, which connects the food service establishment to the sewer system.
[Ord. #2280]
The following prohibitions shall apply to food service establishments that generate FOG:
a.
The use of food grinders in the plumbing system of new construction or existing food service establishments generally is not prohibited but may be prohibited later if the Director of Public Works determines that the food grinder causes or contributes to sanitary sewer overflows.
b.
Employees shall not pour, dispose, or place any food product, prepared or unprepared, containing FOG materials into a sink or other device equipped with a food grinder.
c.
Introduction of any additives into any establishment's wastewater system for the purpose of emulsifying FOG is prohibited unless approved by the Director of Public Works.
d.
Disposal of waste cooking oil into drainage pipes is prohibited. All waste cooking oils shall be collected and stored properly in receptacles such as barrels or drums for recycling or other acceptable methods of disposal.
e.
Discharge of wastewater from dishwashers to any grease trap or grease interceptor is prohibited.
f.
Discharge of wastewater with temperatures in excess of 140° F. to any grease control device, including grease traps and grease interceptors, is prohibited.
g.
The use of biological additives for grease remediation or as a supplement to interceptor maintenance is prohibited, unless written approval for the Director of Public Works is obtained.
h.
Discharge of wastes from toilets, urinals, wash basins, and other fixture containing fecal materials to sewer lines intended for grease interceptor service, or vice versa, is prohibited.
i.
Discharge into the sewer system of any waste which has FOG as well as solid materials removed from the grease control device is prohibited. Grease removed from grease interceptors shall be waste hauled periodically as part of the operation and maintenance requirements for grease interceptors. Licensed waste haulers or an approved recycling facility must be used to dispose of FOG, including waste cooking oil.
[Ord. #2280]
Food service establishments must pay:
[Ord. #2280]
All new food service establishments are required to install, operate and maintain an adequately sized and type of grease interceptor or equivalent grease control device, approved by the Director of Public Works as deemed necessary to maintain compliance with the objectives of this section.
[Ord. #2280]
Any existing or new industrial or commercial facility, except food service establishments, that discharges FOG materials that have the potential to cause blockages to the sewer system shall be required, at the discretion of the Director of Public Works, to obtain an industrial waste discharge permit from the Sanitation District of Los Angeles County, but such industrial or commercial facility shall not be required to pay to a monthly FOG wastewater fee or a FOG Control fee surcharge, unless such facility fails to install a clarifier or other device that prevents the discharge of fat, oil, or grease to the sewer system.
[Ord. #2280]
Property owners of commercial properties or their official designee(s) shall be responsible for the installation and maintenance of the grease interceptor serving multiple establishments that are located on a single parcel or for paying the FOG fee surcharge if there is no grease interceptor.
[Ord. #2280]
This section shall not be interpreted to allow new construction, remodeling or change in operations without an approved grease interceptor unless the Director of Public Works has determined in writing that it is impossible or impracticable to install or operate a grease interceptor for the subject food service establishment under the provisions of this section.
[Ord. #2280]
Establishments found to have contributed to a sewer blockage, sanitary sewer overflow, or any sewer system interferences resulting from the discharge of wastewater or waste containing FOG, may be ordered to install and maintain a grease interceptor, and may be subject to a plan to abate the nuisance and prevent any future health hazards created by sewer line failures and blockages, SSOs or any other sewer system interferences. If the City must act to contain and/or clean up an SSO caused by blockage of a private or public sewer lateral or system, or at the request of the property owner or operator of the establishment, or because of the failure of the property owner or establishment to abate the condition causing a threat to the health, safety, welfare, or property of the public, or because of an unauthorized discharge of FOG, the City's costs for such abatement will be entirely borne by the property owner or operator of the establishment, and said cost will constitute a debt to the City and become due and payable upon the City's request for reimbursement of such costs.
[Ord. #2280]
Sanitary sewer overflows may cause threat and injury to public health, safety, and welfare of life and property and are hereby declared public nuisances.
[Ord. #2280]
All grease interceptors must comply with all relevant City ordinances, and the current edition of the California Plumbing Code, if applicable.
a.
Grease interceptor sizing and installation shall conform to the current edition of the California Plumbing Code. Grease interceptors shall be constructed in accordance with the design approved by the Director of Public Works or the City's Building Official or his/her designee and shall have a minimum of two compartments with fittings designed for grease retention and a sampling box.
b.
The grease interceptor shall be installed at a location where it shall be at all times easily accessible for inspection, cleaning, and removal of accumulated grease.
c.
Access manholes, with a minimum diameter of 24 inches, shall be provided over each grease interceptor chamber and sanitary tee. The access manholes shall extend at least to finished grade and be designed and maintained to prevent water inflow or infiltration. The manholes shall also have readily removable covers to facilitate inspection, grease removal, and wastewater sampling activities.
[Ord. #2280]
a.
Grease interceptors shall be maintained in an efficient operating condition by periodic removal of the full content of the interceptor which includes wastewater accumulated FOG, floating materials, sludge and solids. All existing and newly installed grease interceptors shall be maintained in a manner consistent with a maintenance frequency approved by the Director of Public Works pursuant to this section. No FOG that has accumulated in a grease interceptor shall be allowed to pass into any sewer lateral, sewer system, storm drain, or public right-of-way during maintenance activities.
b.
All establishments with grease interceptors may be required to submit data and information necessary to establish the maintenance frequency of the grease interceptors and shall be determined in one of the following methods:
1.
Grease interceptors shall be fully pumped-out and cleaned at a frequency such that the combined FOG and solids accumulation does not exceed 25% of the total liquid depth of the grease interceptor. This is to ensure that the minimum hydraulic retention time and required available volume is maintained to effectively intercept and retain FOG discharged to the sewer system.
2.
All establishments with a grease interceptor shall maintain their grease interceptor not less than once every six months. Grease interceptors shall be pumped out completely and cleaned quarterly when the frequency described in above Paragraph b1. The maintenance frequency shall be adjusted when sufficient data have been obtained to establish an average frequency based on the requirements described in above Paragraph b1. The Director of Public Works may change the maintenance frequency at any time to reflect changes in actual operating conditions. Based on the actual generation of FOG from an establishment, including food service establishments that generate FOG, the maintenance frequency may increase or decrease.
3.
If the grease interceptor, at any time, contains FOG and solids accumulation that do not meet the requirements described above in Paragraph a, any establishment, including food service establishments, generating FOG, shall be required to service its grease interceptor(s) immediately to assure that all fats, oils, grease, sludge, and other materials are completely removed from the grease interceptor. If deemed necessary, the Director of Public Works may also increase the maintenance frequency of the grease interceptor from the current frequency.
[Ord. #2280]
Establishments are subject to the following compliance monitoring requirements:
a.
Establishments, at the discretion of the Director of Public Works, may be required to construct and maintain in proper operating condition, at the establishment's sole expense, flow monitoring, constituent monitoring and/or sampling facilities.
b.
The location of the monitoring or metering facilities shall be subject to approval by the Director of Public Works.
c.
Establishments may also be required by the Director of Public Works to submit waste analysis plans, contingency plans, and meet other necessary requirements to ensure proper operation and maintenance of the grease control device or grease interceptor and compliance with this section.
d.
Establishments shall not increase the use of water or in any other manner attempt to dilute a discharge as a partial or complete substitute for treatment to achieve compliance with this section.
e.
The Director of Public Works may require periodic reporting of the status of implementation of best management practices implemented at establishments.
f.
The Director of Public Works may require visual monitoring at the sole expense of the establishment which generates FOG to observe the actual conditions of any establishment's, including food service establishments that generate FOG, sewer lateral and sewer lines downstream.
g.
The Director of Public Works may require reports for self-monitoring of wastewater constituents and FOG characteristics of the establishment needed for determining compliance with this section. Failure by the establishment to perform any required monitoring, or to submit monitoring reports required by the Director of Public Works constitutes a violation of this section and would be cause for the City to initiate all necessary tasks and analyses to determine the wastewater constituents and FOG characteristics for compliance with any conditions and requirements specified in this section. The establishment shall be responsible for any and all expenses of the City in undertaking such monitoring tasks and analyses, including the preparation of reports.
h.
Other reports may be required, such as compliance schedule progress reports, FOG control monitoring reports, and any other reports deemed reasonably appropriate by the Director of Public Works to ensure compliance with this section.
i.
Establishments are required to keep all manifests, receipts and invoices of all cleaning, maintenance, and grease removal of/from the grease control device, disposal carrier and disposal site location for no less than five years.
j.
Establishments shall, upon request, make the manifests, receipts and invoices available to the Director of Public Works or his/her designee. These records may include:
1.
A logbook of grease control device cleaning and maintenance practices.
2.
A record of best management practices being implemented including employee training.
3.
Copies of records and manifests of waste hauling interceptor contents and/or waste cooking oil disposal.
4.
Records of sampling data and sludge height monitoring for FOG and solids accumulation in the grease interceptors.
5.
Any other information deemed appropriate by the Director of Public Works to ensure compliance with this section.
k.
It shall be unlawful to make any false statement, representation, record, report, plan or other document that is filed with the City, or to tamper with or knowingly render inoperable any grease control device, monitoring device or method or access point required under this section.
[Ord. #2280]
All establishments shall implement best management practices in its operation to minimize the discharge of FOG to the sewer system and in accordance with the requirements and guidelines established by the City in an effort to minimize the discharge of FOG to the sewer system, which shall, at a minimum, include the following:
a.
Installation of drain screens. Drain screens shall be installed on all drainage pipes in food preparation and kitchen areas.
b.
Segregation and collection of waste cooking oil. All employees must comply with all provisions of this section relating to segregation, disposal and recycling of FOG.
c.
Disposal of food wastes. All food waste shall be disposed of directly into the trash or garbage, and not into sinks (unless equipped with food grinders), or into toilets.
d.
Food grinders. All employees shall not pour, dispose, or place any food product, prepared or unprepared, containing FOG materials into a sink equipped with a food grinder.
e.
Employee training. Employees of the food service establishment shall be trained within 180 days of the effective date of this section, and twice each calendar year thereafter, on the following subjects:
1.
How to "dry wipe" pots, pans, dishware and work areas before washing to remove grease.
2.
How to properly dispose of food waste and solids prior to disposal in trash bins or containers to prevent leaking and odors.
3.
The location and use of absorption products to clean under fryer baskets and other locations where grease may be spilled or dripped.
4.
How to properly dispose of grease or oils from cooking equipment into a grease receptacle such as a barrel or drum without spilling.
5.
Training shall be documented and employee signatures retained indicating each employee's attendance and understanding of the practices reviewed. Training records shall be available for review at any reasonable time by the Director of Public Works or his/her designee.
f.
Maintenance of kitchen exhaust filters. Filters shall be cleaned as frequently as necessary to be maintained in good operating condition. The wastewater generated from cleaning the exhaust filter shall be disposed of properly.
g.
Kitchen signage. Best management practices and waste minimization practices shall be posted conspicuously in the food preparation and dishwashing areas at all times.
h.
Employee Training Verification. Employee training shall be documented and employee signatures retained indicating each employee's attendance and understanding of the practices reviewed. Training records shall be available for review at any reasonable time by the Director of Public Works or his/her designee.
[Ord. #2280]
The Director of Public Works or his/her designee may inspect or order the inspection and sample the wastewater discharges of any establishment subject to this section to ascertain whether the intent of this section is being met and the establishment is complying with all requirements.
a.
Inspection of Premises. The Director of Public Works or his/her designee shall be authorized to enter the premises where wastewater is created or discharged during all times the establishment is open, operating, or any other reasonable time, to determine compliance with the provisions of this section. Such inspection may include, but not be limited to, inspecting, sampling, metering, monitoring, reviewing, photographing, video recording of waste generating processes, treatment facilities, discharge locations, storage areas, storage containers, chemicals and wastes, as well as copying any records, reports, test results or other data.
b.
Metering and Sampling Devices. The Director of Public Works or his/her designee shall have the right to place or order the placement on the establishment's property or other locations as determined by the Director of Public Works or designee such devices as are necessary to conduct sampling or metering operations. Where any establishment has security measures in force, the establishment shall make necessary arrangements so that representatives of the City shall be permitted to enter without delay for the purpose of performing their specific responsibilities.
c.
Access to Establishment. Persons or occupants of premises where wastewater is created or discharged shall allow the Director of Public Works, or his/her designee, reasonable access to all parts of the wastewater generating and disposal facilities for the purposes of inspection, as set forth in Subsection a above, during all times the establishment is open, operating, or any other reasonable time.
d.
Access to Documents for Inspection. In order for the Director of Public Works or his/her designee to determine compliance with the provisions of this section, the establishment shall make available for inspection and copying by the City all records required to be created and maintained under this section, including, but not limited to: manifests, receipts and invoices relating to the cleaning, maintenance and inspection of the grease control devices or interceptors, as well as, notices, monitoring reports, waste manifests, and records including those related to wastewater generation, and wastewater disposal. All such records shall be kept for a minimum of five years.
e.
Sampling and Inspection Frequency. Sampling and inspection of any establishments, including food service establishments that generate FOG shall be conducted in the time, place, manner, and frequency determined at the sole discretion of the Director of Public Works or his/her designee. Any sample taken from a sample point is considered to be representative of the discharge to the public sewer.
f.
Right of entry. No person shall interfere with, delay, resist or refuse entrance to the Director of Public Works or his/her designee attempting to inspect any facility involved directly or indirectly with a discharge of wastewater to the City's sewer system as provided for in this section.
[Ord. #2280]
In the event an establishment is unable to comply with any permit condition or provision of this chapter and/or section due to a breakdown of equipment, accidents, or human error or the establishment has reasonable opportunity to know that his/her/its discharge will exceed the discharge provisions of this chapter and/or section, the discharger shall immediately notify the Director of Public Works or his/her designee by telephone. If the material discharged to the sewer has the potential to cause or result in sewer blockages or SSOs, the discharger shall immediately notify the County of Los Angeles Health Department and/or other appropriate County department and the City.
a.
Agency Notification. Confirmation of this notification shall be made in writing to the Director of Public Works no later than five working days from the date of the incident. The written notification shall state the date of the incident, the reasons for the discharge or spill, what steps were taken to immediately correct the problem, and what steps are being taken to prevent the problem from recurring.
b.
Non-Relief From Expense, Loss, Damage, or Liability. Such notification shall not relieve the establishment of any expense, loss, damage or other liability which may be incurred as a result of damage or loss to the City or any other damage or loss to person or property; nor shall such notification relieve the establishment of any fees or other liability which may be imposed by this chapter and/or section or other applicable law, including any City ordinances or resolutions.
[Ord. #2280]
This Chapter shall be enforced to the extent described below:
a.
Any person who negligently or knowingly violates any provision of this section, undertakes to conceal any violation of this section, continues any violation of this section after notice thereof, or violates the terms, conditions and requirements of any permit issued pursuant to this chapter and/or section, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 or by imprisonment for a period of not more than six months, or both.
b.
Any person who negligently or knowingly violates any provision of this section, undertakes to conceal any violation of this section, or continues any violation of this section after notice thereof, shall reimburse the City for any and all costs incurred by the City in responding to, investigating, assessing, monitoring, treating, cleaning, removing, or remediating any illicit discharge, illicit connection, or pollutant discharged to the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4), causing or threatening to cause a receiving water exceedance, or remediating any violation of this chapter and/or section. Such costs to be paid to the City include all administrative expenses and all legal expenses, including costs and attorneys' fees, in obtaining compliance and in litigation including all costs and attorneys' fees on any appeal.
c.
Violations of this chapter and/or section may further be deemed to be a public nuisance which may be abated by administrative or civil or criminal action in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Municipal Code and/or state law.
d.
All costs and fees incurred by the City as a result of any violation of this chapter and/or section which constitute a nuisance, including all administrative fees and expenses and legal fees and expenses, shall become a lien against the subject premises from which the nuisance emanated and a personal obligation against the owner, in accordance with Government Code Section 43000, et seq. The owner of record of the premises subject to any lien shall receive notice of the lien prior to recording, as required by Government Code Section 43000, et seq. The City Attorney is authorized to collect nuisance abatement costs or enforce a nuisance lien in an action brought for money judgment, or by delivery to the county assessor of a special assessment against the premises in accordance with the conditions and requirements of Government Code Section 51800.
e.
Any person acting in violation of this chapter and/or section may also be acting in violation of the Clean Water Act or the California Porter-Cologne Act (California Water Code Section 13000, et seq.) and the regulations thereunder and other laws and regulations and may be subject to damages, fines and penalties, including civil liability under such other laws. The City Attorney is authorized to file a citizen's suit pursuant to the Clean Water Act, seeking penalties, damages and orders compelling compliance and appropriate relief.
f.
Each separate discharge in violation of this section and each day a violation of this section exists, without correction, shall constitute a new separate violation punishable as a criminal offense and/or civil violation.
g.
Any person assessed a penalty under this section may dispute the penalty by filing a written notice of appeal with the Director of Public Works or other City official designated by the City Manager no later than 30 days after the date of issue of the penalty. The notice of appeal shall include any statements and evidence that the appellant wishes to have considered in connection with the appeal. If, as a result of the hearing, it is determined that the penalty was wrongly assessed, the City shall refund any money previously paid in connection with the penalty. The decision of the Hearing Examiner, appointed by the Director of Public Works shall be final except for judicial review and shall not be appealable to the City Council.
h.
The City may utilize any and all other remedies as otherwise provided by law.
[Ord. #2280]
Any person who discharges a waste which causes or contributes to the City violating its discharge requirements established by any Regulatory Agency with jurisdiction over the City incurring additional expenses or suffering losses or damage to the facilities, shall be liable for any costs or expenses incurred by the City, including regulatory fines, penalties, and assessments made by other agencies or a court.