The purpose of this chapter is to set forth uniform requirements for the discharge, capture, collection, transport, handling, and treatment of wastewater to, within and through the City's Water Resource Recovery Facilities (WRRF) and enable the City to comply with applicable state and federal laws, including the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq.), State of Maine Statutes (30-M.R.S.A. Chapter
161 et seq.), City of Saco Maine Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (MEPDES) permits, and relevant State of Maine regulations set forth by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MEDEP). The objectives of this chapter are:
A. To prevent introduction of pollutants into the WRRF that will interfere
with its operation;
B. To prevent the introduction of pollutants into the WRRF that will
pass through the WRRF, inadequately treated, into receiving waters,
or otherwise be incompatible with the WRRF;
C. To protect both the public and the WRRF personnel who may be affected
by wastewater and biosolids in the course of their daily operations;
D. To promote reuse and recycling of wastewater and biosolids from the
WRRF;
E. To properly operate and maintain the City's WRRF;
F. To enable the City to comply with its Maine Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (MEPDES) permit conditions, biosolids use and disposal requirements,
and any other federal or state laws to which the WRRF is subject;
G. To establish equitable standards, charges, and fees to ensure ongoing
operation, maintenance, capital project needs, and debt retirement
needs of the WRRF;
H. To regulate and monitor residential and nonresidential discharges
to the City WRRF;
I. To review, issue, and amend wastewater discharge permits (WDPs),
which include provisions for industry sector-specific requirements
or best management practices (BMPs) which provide for monitoring,
reporting, compliance, and enforcement activities;
J. To provide for the administration of all permits and fees specified
within this chapter;
K. To monitor existing sewer users to ensure compliance with existing
connection specifications and approvals;
L. To provide for the billing and collection of all fees administered
by the WRRD;
M. To coordinate with other City departments on capital project funding;
financial considerations; development reviews; and other items as
needed and related to maintenance, operation, and long-term planning
initiatives for the City's water resource recovery facilities.
It shall be unlawful for any person to place, deposit or permit to be deposited in any unsanitary manner on public or private property within the City or in any area under the jurisdiction of the City any human or animal excrement, septage, biosolids, garbage or other objectionable waste. (Additional reference: Chapter
181, Solid Waste Ordinance)
It shall be unlawful to discharge upon the land, or in any natural
outlet within the City, or in any City sewer line or facility, or
in any area under the jurisdiction of the City any sewage or other
polluted waters, except as permitted under this chapter and except
where suitable treatment has been provided in accordance with the
applicable provisions of this chapter.
Except as hereinafter provided, it shall be unlawful to construct
or maintain any privy, privy vault, septic tank, cesspool or other
facility intended or used for disposal of sewage.
No person or party shall maliciously, willfully, or negligently
break, damage, destroy, uncover, deface, or tamper with any structure,
appurtenance or equipment which is a part of the City's water
resource recovery facilities. Any damage to the City's water
resource recovery facilities shall be reported to the Police Department
for timely, appropriate investigation and follow-up.