Unless the context specifically indicates otherwise, the meaning of terms used in this article shall be as follows:
BOD (denoting biochemical oxygen demand)
means the quantity of oxygen utilized in the biochemical oxidation of organic matter under standard laboratory procedure in five days at 20 degrees Celsius, expressed in parts per million by weight.
FOG (fats, oils and greases)
means any petroleum-based or mineral-based oils and greases or animal and vegetable-based fats, oils and grease generated from the food preparation process. All are sometimes referred to herein as “grease” or “greases.” These substances are detectable and measurable using analytical procedures established in 40 CFR 136, as may be amended from time to time.
Garbage
means solid wastes from the preparation, cooking and dispensing of food, and from the handling, storage and sale of produce.
Industrial waste
means the liquid wastes from industrial processes as distinct from sanitary sewage.
Natural outlet
means any outlet into a watercourse, pond, ditch, lake or other body of surface or ground water.
pH
means the logarithm of the reciprocal of the weight of hydrogen ions in grams per liter of solution.
Properly shredded garbage
means the wastes from the preparation, cooking and dispensing of food that have been shredded to such degree that all particles will be carried freely under the flow conditions normally prevailing in public sewers with no particles greater than one-half inch in any dimension.
Public sewer
means a sewer in which all owners of abutting properties have equal rights and is controlled by public authority.
Sanitary sewer
means a sewer which carries sewage and to which storm, surface and ground waters are not intentionally admitted.
Sewage
means a combination of the water-carried wastes from residences, business buildings, institutions and industrial establishments.
Sewage treatment plant
means any arrangement of devices and structures used for treating sewage.
Sewer
means a pipe or conduit for carrying sewage, or a pipe or conduit for carrying off sewage water runoff.
Sewerage works
means all facilities for collecting, pumping, treating and disposing of sewage.
Storm sewer or storm drain
means a sewer which carries storm and surface waters and drainage, but excludes sewage and polluted industrial wastes.
Suspended solids
means solids that either float on the surface of or are in suspension in water, sewage or other liquids, and which are removable by laboratory filtering.
Watercourse
means a channel in which a flow of water occurs, either continuously or intermittently.
(1973 Code, sec. 31-56; 1991 Code, sec. 31-66; Ordinance 07-640, sec. 1, adopted 6/14/07; Ordinance 08-656, sec. 1, adopted 5/8/08; 2007 Code, sec. 46-88)
No statement contained in this article shall be construed as preventing any agreement or arrangement between the city and any industrial concern whereby an industrial waste of unusual strength or character may be accepted by the city for treatment, subject to payment therefor by the industrial concern for any portion of the excess cost to the city of handling and treating such industrial wastes, as may be established by the city council.
(1973 Code, sec. 31-57; 1991 Code, sec. 31-67; Ordinance 07-640, sec. 1, adopted 6/14/07; Ordinance 08-656, sec. 1, adopted 5/8/08; 2007 Code, sec. 46-89)
No person shall maliciously or willfully break, damage, uncover, deface or tamper with any structure, appurtenance or equipment which is a part of the municipal sewerage works.
(1973 Code, sec. 31-58; 1991 Code, sec. 31-68; Ordinance 07-640, sec. 1, adopted 6/14/07; Ordinance 08-656, sec. 1, adopted 5/8/08; 2007 Code, sec. 46-90)
The mayor and the duly authorized employees of the city, when bearing proper credentials and identification, shall be permitted to enter upon all properties for the purposes of inspection, observation, measurement, sampling and testing to determine if the provisions of this article are being complied with.
(1973 Code, sec. 31-59; 1991 Code, sec. 31-69; Ordinance 07-640, sec. 1, adopted 6/14/07; Ordinance 08-656, sec. 1, adopted 5/8/08; 2007 Code, sec. 46-91)
(a) 
No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged any stormwater, surface water, groundwater, roof runoff, subsurface drainage or unpolluted industrial process waters to any sanitary sewer.
(b) 
Stormwater and all other unpolluted drainage shall be discharged to such sewers as are specifically designated as storm sewers or to a natural drainage outlet. Unpolluted process water may be discharged, upon written approval of the mayor, to a storm sewer or natural outlet. All other wastewaters shall be carried into the public sanitary sewers.
(c) 
In cases where, in the opinion of the public works superintendent, the character of the sewage from any manufacturer or industrial plant, building or other premises is such that it will damage the sewer system or cannot be treated satisfactorily in the sewer system, the mayor shall have the right to require such user to dispose of such waste otherwise and prevent it from entering the system.
(1973 Code, sec. 31-60; 1991 Code, sec. 31-70; Ordinance 07-640, sec. 1, adopted 6/14/07; Ordinance 08-656, sec. 1, adopted 5/8/08; 2007 Code, sec. 46-92)
(a) 
Except as hereinafter provided, no person shall discharge or cause to be discharged into the sanitary sewer system or storm drainage system of the city, directly or indirectly, any of the following described matters, waters or wastes:
(1) 
Any inflow or infiltration, including but not limited to stormwater, groundwater, roof runoff, subsurface drainage, or noncontact cooling water, or from sources such as downspouts, yard drains, yard fountains or ponds, or lawn sprinklers.
(2) 
Any liquids, solids or gases which by reason of their nature or quantity are, or may be, sufficient either alone or by interaction with other substances, likely to cause fire or explosion or be injurious in any other way to the sanitary sewer system or to the operation of the wastewater facilities. At no time shall two successive readings on an explosion hazard meter, at the point of discharge into the system (or at any point in the system) be more than three percent nor any single reading over five percent of the lower explosive limit (LEL) of the meter. Prohibited materials include, but are not limited to, gasoline, kerosene, naphtha, benzene, toluene, xylene, ethers, alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, peroxides, chlorates, perchlorates, bromates, carbides, hydrides and sulfides and any other substances in concentrations which the city, the state or the EPA has notified, or hereafter notifies, the producer is a fire hazard or a hazard to the system or in excess of the limits listed for specific parameters as defined in this section.
(3) 
Solid or viscous substances which may cause obstruction to the flow in the sanitary sewer system or other interference with the operation of the wastewater treatment plants including, but not limited to, garbage containing particles greater than one-half inch in any dimension, animal guts or tissues, paunch manure, bones, hair, hides or fleshings, entrails, whole blood, feathers, ashes, cinders, sand, spent lime, stone or marble dust, metal, glass, straw, shavings, grass clippings, lettuce, rags, spent grains, spent hops, waste paper, rags, wood, plastics, gas, tar, asphalt residues, residues from refining or processing of fuel or lubricating oil, mud, glass grindings or polishing wastes. Any waters or wastes containing suspended or dissolved solids of such character and quantity that unusual attention or expense is required to handle such materials at the sewage treatment plant or in the public sewerage works. The city is entitled to review and approve the installation and operation of any garbage grinder equipped with a three-fourth horsepower or larger motor.
(4) 
Any waste discharge containing toxic pollutants in sufficient quantity, either singly or by interaction with other pollutants, to injure or interfere with any wastewater treatment process, which constitute a hazard to humans or animals, which create a toxic effect in the receiving waters of the wastewater facilities, or which exceed the limitations set forth in this section.
(5) 
Radioactive materials.
(6) 
Any noxious or malodorous liquids, gases, or solids which either singly or by interaction with other wastes are sufficient to create a public nuisance, or hazard to life or the environment, or are sufficient to prevent entry into the sewers for maintenance and repair.
(7) 
Any waste discharge with objectionable color not removed in the treatment process and which may interfere with laboratory analysis including, but not limited to, dye, vegetable tanning solutions, and coffee processing wastes.
(8) 
Any substance which might cause the wastewater facilities’ effluent or any other product of the wastewater facilities such as residues, sludges, or scums to be unsuitable for reclamation and reuse or which might interfere with the reclamation process or disposal process by standard land application as provided and regulated by the TCEQ (state commission on environmental quality).
(9) 
In no case shall a substance discharged to the wastewater facilities cause the wastewater facilities to be noncompliant with federal or state sludge use or disposal criteria, guidelines or regulations.
(10) 
Any substance which will cause the wastewater facilities to violate its TPDES (state pollution discharge elimination system) and/or TCEQ permit or the receiving water quality standards.
(11) 
Any wastewater which is a hazard to human life or the environment or which creates a public nuisance.
(12) 
Any waters or wastes containing a toxic or poisonous substance, such as plating or heat-treating wastes, in sufficient quantity to injure or interfere with any sewage treatment process, to constitute a hazard to humans or animals, or to create any hazard in the receiving water of the sewage treatment plant.
(b) 
Except in quantities or concentrations as herein authorized, it shall be unlawful for any person to discharge waters or wastes to the sanitary sewer containing the following, or in excess of the following:
(1) 
(A) 
Free or emulsified fat, oil or grease (FOG) if such materials:
(i) 
Exceed 100 milligrams per liter (mg/l) of either or both or combination of free or emulsified fat, oil and grease;
(ii) 
Form a discernible layer floating on the surface of the discharge waters;
(iii) 
Overload skimming and/or grease handling equipment;
(iv) 
Are not amenable to biological treatment and will therefore pass to the receiving waters without being affected by normal sewage treatment process;
(v) 
Have adverse effects on the treatment process due to the excessive quantities;
(vi) 
Solidify or become viscous between 32 degrees Fahrenheit and 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
(B) 
These prohibitions include, but are not limited to:
(i) 
Cooling or quenching oil;
(ii) 
Lubrication oil;
(iii) 
Cutting oil; or
(iv) 
Non-saponifiable oil.
(2) 
BOD5 exceeding 200 milligrams per liter (mg/l).
(3) 
COD exceeding 1000 milligrams per liter (mg/l).
(4) 
Total suspended solids exceeding 200 milligrams per liter (mg/l)).
(5) 
Ammonia nitrogen exceeding 35 milligrams per liter (mg/l).
(6) 
Acids, bases or wastewater which has a pH value lower than 6.0 or higher than 9.0 as determined by grab sample.
(7) 
Any wastewater having a temperature at the designated sample port which exceeds 65 degrees Celsius (150 degrees Fahrenheit) or which causes the temperature of waste at the entrance to the wastewater treatment plant to exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). Any wastewater with such a temperature that will cause the temperature of wastewater at the entrance to the wastewater treatment plant to raise more than five degrees Fahrenheit per hour.
(8) 
Any slug or batch discharges exceeding the amount of 3,000 gallons per hour are prohibited unless prior approval by the city has been obtained.
(9) 
Cyanide or cyanogen compounds in excess of one mg/l.
(10) 
Chlorides greater than 250 mg/l.
(11) 
Dissolved sulfides greater than ten mg/l.
(12) 
Substances having a chlorine demand in excess of five mg/l.
(13) 
Toxic material in concentrations prohibited by state or federal regulations including, but not limited to:
(A) 
Uranium.
(B) 
Rhenium.
(C) 
Tellurium.
(D) 
Fungicides.
(E) 
Herbicides.
(F) 
Pesticides.
(14) 
Hazardous metals in concentrations exceeding the following:
Substance
24-hour Composite Quality
(mg/l)
Grab Sample Quality
(mg/l)
Arsenic
0.2
0.3
Antimony
0.1
0.2
Boron
0.1
0.2
Beryllium
0.1
0.2
Barium
2.0
4.0
Cobalt
0.1
0.2
Cadmium
0.1
0.2
Chromium (total)
1.0
5.0
Copper
1.0
2.0
Iron
2.0
5.0
Lead
0.30
0.50
Manganese
2.0
3.0
Molybdenum
0.1
0.2
Mercury
0.0010
0.0020
Nickel
0.2
0.3
Selenium
0.1
0.2
Silver
0.1
0.1
Thallium
0.1
0.2
Tin
1.0
2.0
Zinc
2.0
6.0
(15) 
Volatile compounds in concentrations exceeding the following:
Substance
24-hour Composite Quality
(mg/l)
Grab Sample Quality
(mg/l)
Benzene
0.5
0.8
Carbon tetrachloride
0.5
0.8
Chlorobenzene
10.00
15.0
Chloroform
6.0
10.0
1,2 dichloroethane
0.5
0.8
1,1 dichlorethylene
0.7
1.3
Ethylbenzene
0.7
1.3
Substance
24-hour Composite Quality
(mg/l)
Grab Sample Quality
(mg/l)
Methyl ethyl ketone
20.0
35.0
Tetrachloroethylene
0.7
1.3
Toluene
1.0
2.0
TPH
1.0
2.0
Total BTEX
10.0
15.0
Total phenols
0.05
0.1
Trichloroethylene
0.5
0.8
Vinyl chloride
0.1
0.2
Xylene
0.6
1.5
(16) 
Acid and base compounds in concentrations exceeding the following:
Substance
24-hour Composite Quality
(mg/l)
Grab Sample Quality
(mg/l)
1,4 dichlorobenzene
7.5
17.0
2,4 dinitrotoluene
0.13
0.3
Hexachlorobenzene
0.13
0.3
Hexachlorobutadiene
0.5
1.3
Hexachloroethane
3.0
5.0
Nitrobenzene
2.0
4.5
Pyridine
5.0
12.0
2-methylphenol (0-cresol)
20.0
35.0
3 & 4 methylphenol (meta & para cresol)
20.0
35.0
Pentachlorophenol
10.0
15.0
2,4,5-trichlorophenol
40.00
60.0
2,4,6-trichlorophenol
2.0
5.0
(17) 
Pesticides compounds in concentrations exceeding the following:
Substance
24-hour Composite Quality
(mg/l)
Grab Sample Quality
(mg/l)
Chlordane
0.05
0.1
2,4-D
10.0
15.0
Endrin
0.05
0.1
Heptachlor
0.01
0.1
Lindane
0.4
0.9
Methoxyclor
10.0
15.0
Toxaphene
0.5
1.0
2,4,5-TP (Silvex)
1.0
2.0
DDT
0.1
0.2
PCBs
1.0
2.0
(1973 Code, sec. 31-61; 1991 Code, sec. 31-71; Ordinance 07-640, sec. 1, adopted 6/14/07; Ordinance 08-656, sec. 1, adopted 5/8/08; 2007 Code, sec. 46-93)
(a) 
Where an operation entails the discharge of waters or wastes which may contain toxic or poisonous substances, a written statement setting forth the nature of the operation contemplated or presently carried on shall be filed with the mayor. The statement shall contain the amount of water which will be used and its source; the proposed point of discharge of wastes into the sewer system of the city; the estimated amount to be discharged; and a fair statement setting forth the expected bacterial, physical, chemical and other known characteristics of the wastes.
(b) 
Within 30 days of receipt of such statement, it shall be the duty of the mayor to make an order stating such minimum restrictions as in the judgment of the public works director may be necessary to guard adequately against unlawful uses of the city’s sewerage.
(1973 Code, sec. 31-62; 1991 Code, sec. 31-72; Ordinance 07-640, sec. 1, adopted 6/14/07; Ordinance 08-656, sec. 1, adopted 5/8/08; 2007 Code, sec. 46-94)
(a) 
Purpose.
The purpose of this section is to:
(1) 
Prevent the introduction of wastewaters containing oil and grease and/or solids in amounts which may cause stoppages or obstruction of flow, or in any other way prevent or inhibit operation of the publicly owned treatment works (POTW), including the sanitary sewer collection system and the treatment plant.
(2) 
Protect the environment, and the health, safety, and welfare of the public and the POTW workers.
(3) 
Set forth uniform requirements for the maintenance of grease traps, grit traps, interceptors, and separators.
(b) 
Definitions.
Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)
means the quantity of oxygen utilized in the biochemical oxidation of organic matter under standard laboratory procedure in five days at 20 degrees Celsius.
Bioremediation media
means bacterial cultures, enzymes, or other media which are designed to eliminate or reduce the need for the mechanical cleaning of grease traps.
Building official
means the person in charge of inspection department for the city, or his/her authorized representative, which includes any person appointed by the building official.
City or the city
means the City of Humble, Texas, or its authorized representative, which, for the purposes of implementation and enforcement of the grease and grit trap program, shall normally mean representatives of inspection department.
Commercial grease generator
means all commercial food preparation and food service establishments that may discharge grease including, but not limited to, bakeries, caterers, butcher shops, cafes, clubhouses, delicatessens, hospitals, hotels, restaurants, schools, institutions, or similar places where meat, poultry, seafood, dairy products, fried foods or other foods are prepared or served, but shall not apply to any residence not used for the commercial preparation and sale of food items or to an exempt establishment.
Commercial/industrial grit generator
means all commercial or industrial generators of liquid waste containing petroleum-based oil and grease wastes, and inorganic solids including, but not limited to, automotive or heavy machinery repair and/or washing facilities. Those facilities monitored under the city’s federally and state approved pretreatment program shall be exempted from the provisions of this section.
Exempt establishment
means:
(1) 
A commercial establishment that operates for a maximum duration of ten days in connection with an annual event such as a fair, carnival, circus, public exhibition, or other public gathering;
(2) 
A commercial establishment that sells or serves prepackaged or precooked foods that would require warning [warming] only or served without additional processing, no cooking;
(3) 
A commercial establishment that serves only snow cones, drinks, or ice cream products;
(4) 
Bars and clubs serving drinks only and where no food is prepared;
(5) 
Produce markets without food grinders;
(6) 
Grocery or convenience stores without food preparation, meat cutting, or packaging, delicatessens, or bakeries;
(7) 
Day care centers who primarily serve microwave dishes, using single-service items.
FOG (fats, oils and greases)
means any petroleum-based or mineral-based oils and greases or animal and vegetable-based fats, oils and grease generated from the food preparation process. All are sometimes referred to herein as “grease” or “greases.” These substances are detectable and measurable using analytical procedures established in 40 CFR 136, as may be amended from time to time.
Food
means any substance, whether solid or liquid, and whether animal, vegetable, or fruit origin, intended to be used or commonly used as a food for human consumption.
Food establishment
means any place where food is manufactured, packaged, produced, processed, prepared, or served for commercial, public, or facility resident consumption. The term includes any such place regardless of whether there is a charge for the food. The term does not include private homes where food is prepared for individual family consumption.
Generator
means a person who causes, creates, generates, stores, or otherwise produces liquid waste or owns property upon which liquid waste is caused, created, generated, stored, or produced, including but not limited to grease trap waste, grit trap waste, and food waste as a byproduct of a domestic or nondomestic activity other than merely as a result of mere residence at a nonbusiness location. “Generator” as used in this section includes both a commercial grease generator and a commercial/industrial grit generator.
Grease trap
means a receptacle utilized by commercial or industrial generators of liquid waste to intercept, collect, and restrict the passage or organic, inorganic, greasy or fatty liquid, semi-liquid, and/or solid wastes into both public and private sanitary sewers to which the receptacle is directly or indirectly connected.
Grease trap waste
means any organic, inorganic, greasy or fatty liquid, semi-liquid, and/or solid wastes collected by and ultimately removed from a grease trap for proper disposal.
Grit trap
means a receptacle utilized by commercial or industrial generators of liquid waste to intercept, collect, and restrict the passage of petroleum-based oil and grease wastes and inorganic or other solids into private and public sanitary sewers to which the receptacle is directly or indirectly connected.
Grit trap waste
means oil and grease wastes and inorganic solids generated by commercial, industrial, automotive or heavy machinery repair and/or washing facilities that are collected by and ultimately removed from a grit trap for disposal.
Manifest
means the written, multi-part documentation detailing the generator of the grease trap waste, who the transporter is, and the disposal facility for the waste.
POTW
means publicly owned treatment works as defined in 40 CFR section 403.3, including any amendments thereto; the municipal wastewater treatment system including the sanitary sewer system.
Public works director
means the person in charge of the city’s approved pretreatment program, or his authorized representative, which includes any person appointed by the public works director.
Sampling port or sample well
means an approved device or manhole installed in the facility sewer specifically designed to facilitate sampling of the wastewater discharge.
Sanitary sewer
means system of pipes, conduit, and treatment facilities owned or operated by the city which collect, transport, and treat sanitary sewage, and to which storm, surface, and ground waters are not intentionally or normally admitted.
Separator truck
means a truck equipped with a tank or other liquid-holding container designed to separate the grease portion from the waste removed from a grease trap and to return the other liquid portion to the trap.
Total suspended solids
means the total suspended matter that floats on the surface of or is suspended in water, wastewater, or other liquid, and which is removed by laboratory filtering.
(c) 
Prohibitions.
(1) 
It shall be unlawful for a generator to introduce, or cause to be introduced, into a grease or grit trap or public sanitary sewer the following:
(A) 
A generator shall not allow any frying vats to discharge into a grease trap, grit trap, or sanitary sewer or allow waste oil or grease to discharge to any drain or grease trap, grit trap, separator, interceptor, or sanitary sewer. Such waste shall be placed in a container specifically designed to hold such waste and either utilized by industry or disposed of at a suitable location;
(B) 
A generator shall not discharge or cause to be discharged plastics, paper, nonbiodegradable oils or other nonbiodegradable materials;
(C) 
Any wastewaters with a fat, oil and grease level in excess of 100 mg/l.
(2) 
It shall be unlawful for a generator to divert wastewater around a collection point into the sanitary sewer or to a storm drainage system.
(3) 
The use of separator trucks to pump grease traps and return the liquid portion to the grease trap is prohibited.
(d) 
Responsibilities of generator.
(1) 
A generator shall provide grease traps or grit traps when, in the opinion of the building official, they are necessary for the proper handling of wastewater. Appeals of the decision of the building official shall be handled as provided for other appeals under subsection (f) of this section.
(2) 
Grease and grit traps shall be constructed to prevent fats, oils, or greases from entering the sanitary sewer in concentrations greater than 100 mg/l and shall be located so that they are easily accessible for cleaning, maintenance, and inspection. The installation of grease traps or grit traps shall comply with the requirements of the city’s plumbing code.
(3) 
A generator shall properly install a sample port or sample well for ease in sampling the wastewater discharge from the grease or grit trap. Sample ports shall meet the following criteria:
(A) 
The sample port shall be installed and maintained at the generator’s expense;
(B) 
The sample port shall be installed as close as possible to the connection to the city sanitary sewer main within the bounds of the facility property;
(C) 
The port shall be installed according to the specifications obtained from city inspection department. It shall be installed perpendicular to the effluent flow to allow visual observation and sampling;
(D) 
The port shall be accessible for monitoring authorities;
(E) 
New facilities being constructed shall have the sample port installed before opening for business. Established generators shall install a sample port within six months of approval of this section;
(F) 
Exempt establishments may be required to install a sample port for inspection purposes.
(4) 
A generator of grease trap or grit trap waste shall have the trap serviced as frequently as necessary to prevent bypass or overflow, and to insure proper operation of the trap. Such generators, at a minimum, shall have the grease or grit trap cleaned once every three months.
(5) 
If the city determines that quarterly cleaning of a grease or grit trap is not sufficient to prevent the discharge of fats, oil and grease in quantities less than 100 mg/l the city shall require more frequent cleaning of the grease trap when:
(A) 
Twenty-five percent or more of the wetted height of the grease trap or interceptor, as measured from the bottom of the device to the invert of the outlet pipe, contains floating materials, sediment, oils or greases;
(B) 
The discharge exceeds the discharge parameter set in this article; or
(C) 
There is history of noncompliance.
(6) 
A manifest shall be generated every time the grease or grit trap is pumped or cleaned. The generator shall sign a copy of the manifest as well as the driver. It shall be the responsibility of the generator to insure they receive a copy of the manifest from the hauler after the grease or grit trap has been cleaned and that they receive a final copy of the manifest after the waste has been disposed of at the final disposal site and the disposal facility has signed the manifest. A copy of the completed manifest shall be sent to city inspection department every time the facility’s grease or grit trap is serviced. The manifest shall be submitted within seven days of the servicing of the trap.
(7) 
The generator shall keep copies of the completed grease or grit trap waste manifests for three years.
(8) 
A generator shall have his trap serviced by a transporter having a valid registration with the state.
(9) 
Grease and grit traps shall be inspected for seepage into the surrounding media whenever the trap has been pumped. The generator shall repair, replace, or install apparatus and equipment as necessary to ensure the proper operation and function of the trap.
(10) 
A generator shall supervise the servicing of their grease or grit traps and shall ensure they are completely emptied by the transporter during such servicing. The transporter shall not return any material to the grease or grit trap once the trap has been cleaned.
(11) 
A generator shall clean up or cause to be cleaned up all spills of liquid or solid waste and shall have the waste properly disposed of by the transporter.
(12) 
A generator that is located in a multi-user building may be required to separate sanitary sewer flows from adjacent sites and install a water submeter to measure individual water consumption or utilize some other method approved by the building official or his designee.
(13) 
The cost of complying with all subsections of this section shall be the responsibility of the property owner and their lessees. These costs include but are not limited to any maintenance, analysis, grease or grit trap cleaning, repair, replacement, or modification, and installation of sample wells or ports.
(e) 
Bioremediation.
(1) 
It shall be unlawful for any generator to introduce, cause, or permit the introduction of any bioremediation media into a grease trap except as authorized by the public works director.
(2) 
Bioremediation media may be used with the public works director’s approval if a generator proves to the public works director’s satisfaction that:
(A) 
The media will be a pure, live, bacterial product and will not contain any surfactants, emulsifiers, or substances which act as a solvent for fats, oils, or greases;
(B) 
The amount of fat, oil and grease discharged to the sanitary sewer after the use of the media will not exceed the discharge limits for oil and grease of 100 mg/l;
(C) 
The pH of the discharge will not be less than 6.0 or greater than 9.0;
(D) 
The use of the media shall not reduce the buoyancy of the grease layer in the grease trap and shall not increase the potential of oil and grease to be discharged to the sanitary sewer;
(E) 
The media shall not be destroyed by the use of domestic or commercial disinfectants and detergents or hot water;
(F) 
Any waste pumped from the grease or grit trap after use of the media must be acceptable at disposal sites for the waste;
(G) 
The use of the bioremediation media shall not cause foaming in the sanitary sewer.
(f) 
Request for exemption.
(1) 
If generator believes that quarterly pumping of their grease or grit trap is not justified that generator shall request in writing an exemption to the requirement. To qualify for the exemption the generator must:
(A) 
Have an independent laboratory sample and analyze a monthly grab wastewater discharge sample for oil and grease;
(B) 
The samples shall be collected from the sample port or well;
(C) 
When analyzed the oil and grease shall be less than 100 mg/l.
(2) 
If a generator believes that they do not need a grease or grit trap and do not fall into any of the exempted categories they shall submit to the building official the following information to prove their exemption:
(A) 
The name, address, and telephone number of the business;
(B) 
The name of the manager or other contact at the business;
(C) 
A description of the business;
(D) 
The type, size, and maintenance schedules of any wastewater pretreatment devices;
(E) 
The names of all haulers of any waste and recycled products who have hauled from the business in the previous year;
(F) 
A statement of whether employees are trained in waste disposal practices;
(G) 
A plan showing the locations of all water and sewer connections, fixtures, sample ports, backflow prevention devices, and any other treatment devices;
(H) 
A copy of all printed menus if it is an eating establishment;
(I) 
A description of any changes planned to the structure;
(J) 
Any planned significant changes to the user’s operation or system which might alter the nature, quality, or volume of its wastewater;
(K) 
A statement as to why the generator believes it qualifies for an exemption;
(L) 
Any other information as may be deemed necessary by the building official to evaluate the wastewater discharge.
(3) 
The building official shall make a decision in regard to all requests. Should the generator disagree with the decision of the building official, the generator may appeal such decision in writing within five days after the written decision of the building official. The appeal shall be to the city manager and shall include any evidence the generator wishes to provide to prove that the required pumping of grease or grit traps is not necessary. The decision of the city manager shall be final.
(g) 
Monitoring and surcharges for FOG, BOD and TSS concentrations.
(1) 
Generators shall, once a year, submit to the inspection department, an analytical report documenting the FOG, BOD and TSS concentration discharged to the sanitary sewer. Samples will not be taken within one week of having the grease or grit trap cleaned; exceptions shall be granted if the trap is being pumped out on a weekly basis.
(2) 
The sampling and analysis shall be performed by an independent laboratory according to the requirements of 40 CFR part 136.
(3) 
All wastewater samples shall be representative of the generator’s discharge.
(4) 
Representatives of building official or designee may also sample a generator’s facility at any reasonable time.
(h) 
Right of entry, inspection and sampling.
(1) 
It shall be unlawful for a generator to refuse to allow the building official or their authorized representative to enter their premises during business hours to determine whether the generator is complying with all the requirements of this section. A generator shall allow the building official or their authorized representative access to all parts of the premises for the purposes of inspection, sampling, records examination, copying, and the performance of all other duties.
(2) 
If the building official or their authorized representative has been refused access to a building, structure, or property, or any part thereof, and is able to demonstrate probable cause to believe there may be a violation of this section, or that there is a need to inspect and/or sample as part of a routine inspection and sampling program of the city designed to verify compliance with this section, to protect the overall public health, safety, and welfare of the community, or to protect the wastewater collection system or POTW, then the building official may seek issuance of a search warrant from any court of competent jurisdiction.
(i) 
Penalties.
(1) 
If the POTW determines that a generator is responsible for a blockage of a collection system line the generator shall owe a civil penalty of $1,000.00 for the first violation, $1,500.00 for a second violation, and $2,000.00 for the third violation within a two-year period. Continuous violations shall result in an increase in penalty by $500.00 and may also result in termination of services. The determination shall be made by inspecting the grease or grit traps in the area, noting their condition, and taking wastewater discharge samples from the sample ports. Those facilities which have discharges with fat, oil and grease above 150 mg/l, or have not had their grease or grit traps pumped out quarterly (or the documentation to prove the pumping of the grease or grit trap was not necessary), shall be considered responsible for the blockage.
(2) 
Any person violating any of the provisions of this section shall be subject to the cost for enforcement monitoring and a civil penalty up to $500.00 for the first violation, a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000.00 for the second violation, a civil penalty not to exceed $1,500.00 for the third violation, and a not to exceed $2,000.00 civil penalty for the fourth violation within a two-year period. Consistent violations will result in a $500.00 increase in civil penalty and may result in termination of service.
(3) 
The building official may suspend water service and/or wastewater service to a generator to stop an actual or threatened discharge which presents or may present an imminent or substantial endangerment to the health or welfare of persons, or to the environment, or causes interference to the POTW and/or the sanitary sewer system. Service may also be suspended if the generator refuses to abide by this section or pay any penalty issued.
(4) 
If a generator is penalized, they may file a written appeal to the city manager. The appeal shall include evidence proving that the generator did not violate this section and the appeal shall be filed within five city working days of the generator receiving the penalty. The decision of the city manager shall be final.
(j) 
Adjustment of standards.
The technical standards set out in this section shall be automatically adjusted to conform to any amendment to state or federal law which changes such standards. The technical standards applicable to generators in the city shall always be the same as the standards for such generators established by state or federal law.
(1973 Code, sec. 31-63; 1991 Code, sec. 31-73; Ordinance 07-640, sec. 1, adopted 6/14/07; Ordinance 08-652, sec. 1, adopted 3/13/08; Ordinance 08-656, sec. 1, adopted 5/8/08; 2007 Code, sec. 46-95; Ordinance 22-927 adopted 4/14/22)
The admission into the sanitary sewers of any waters or wastes:
(1) 
Having a five-day biochemical oxygen demand greater than 200 and less than 1,000 milligrams per liter (mg/l);
(2) 
Containing more than 200 milligrams per liter (mg/l) of suspended solids;
(3) 
Containing any quantity of substances having the characteristics described in section 12.04.006; or
(4) 
Having an average daily flow greater than five percent of the average daily sewage flow of the city;
shall be subject to the review and approval of the public works director. Discharges meeting these criteria may be subject to additional impact fees and monthly charges where each service connection will be calculated as multiple connections. That multiplier will be determined by the public works director.
(1973 Code, sec. 31-64; 1991 Code, sec. 31-74; Ordinance 07-640, sec. 1, adopted 6/14/07; Ordinance 08-656, sec. 1, adopted 5/8/08; 2007 Code, sec. 46-96)
(a) 
Where a new facility of commercial or industrial significance is planned for development within the ETJ of the city, the following steps shall be completed and submitted to the city’s utilities department prior to connection with water and/or sanitary sewer service:
(1) 
The potential user shall thoroughly read and understand the conditions of this order and indicate the same by signing and dating the order and initialing each page. The potential user is to return a signed, dated and initialed copy of the order.
(2) 
The potential user shall submit site drawings, in plan view, of the proposed facility clearly showing access to the facility, all sample points, north arrow, and all floor surface and roof drains and their destination, and any other pertinent details relating to its discharge of waste.
(b) 
Any potential user proposing to discharge wastewater into the city sewer in any quantity shall be subject to the following and will comply with the following upon request by the city, at the potential users expense.
(1) 
Sample port (control manhole).
All potential users are required to provide a sample port, for the purpose of drawing samples from time to time for the monitoring of waste discharged into the city sewer. All flows from the facility shall first pass through a sample port prior to discharge into the city sewer. All sample ports shall be easily accessible by city personnel or its assigns, and shall be accessible 24 hours a day.
(2) 
Fats, oils, grease, and sand collection traps (interceptors).
The potential user shall be required to provide for the proper control and handling of liquid wastes containing grease, oil, sand and/or grit in amounts that, in the opinion of the city, will impair the proper function of any sanitary sewer line or as to reduce the total suspended solids to 200 mg/l, and fats, oils, and greases to 100 mg/l. All collection traps shall be subject to the approval of the city. All collection traps shall be easily accessible by city personnel or its assigns, and shall be accessible 24 hours a day. Note that a sample port (as indicated in subsection (b)(1) of this section) is necessary downstream of all collection traps. The potential user shall insure the proper cleaning of the collection traps and proper disposal of the captured materials. The potential user shall attach all special waste manifests accumulated from the previous year and send to the city for their records.
(3) 
Pretreatment facilities.
Where necessary or in the opinion of the city, the potential user shall provide pretreatment facilities which may be necessary to reduce the concentrations of the noncompliant parameters and to meet the requirements of section 12.04.005 (use of public sewers generally) and section 12.04.006 (enumeration of prohibited discharges), which also includes the design and installation of surge basins.
(4) 
Pollutant extraction equipment.
At such facilities where operations occur which require the capture and storage of toxic chemicals, metals, or other prohibited substances, including but not limited to X-ray machines, film development equipment, spent automotive oil and antifreeze vessels, or material treating, coating, finishing, and/or processing procedures, the potential producer shall insure the proper disposal of such captured substances. The potential producer shall attach all special waste manifests accumulated from the previous year and send to the city for their records.
(c) 
The bypassing of any item identified above is strictly prohibited and cause for enforcement or penalties as indicated in section 12.04.013 (enforcement) unless prior notification is reasonably provided to the city and permission is granted by the city.
(d) 
Signed and sealed plans and specifications (and any other pertinent information) relating to the proposed preliminary treatment facilities as required above shall be submitted for the approval of the city or its assigns. The construction or placement of such facilities shall not be permitted until such approvals are obtained in writing or proper review has occurred.
(e) 
Where the removal of stored or captured waste is necessary, a special waste manifest shall be completed and will provide the following information for each removal episode:
(1) 
Generator name;
(2) 
Generator address;
(3) 
Removal services name;
(4) 
Removal services address;
(5) 
Contact person of the removal service;
(6) 
Phone number of the removal service;
(7) 
Type of waste removed;
(8) 
Quantity of waste removed.
(f) 
Any sludge or other material removed from the waste by the pretreatment facility shall be disposed in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. The city will not accept sludge produced at a pretreatment or separation facility for further treatment at the WWTP.
(g) 
Except where expressly authorized by applicable pretreatment standards, no user shall increase the use of process water or, in any other way, attempt to dilute its waste discharge as a partial or complete substitute for adequate treatment to achieve compliance with the discharge standards established in this order.
(1973 Code, sec. 31-65; 1991 Code, sec. 31-75; Ordinance 07-640, sec. 1, adopted 6/14/07; Ordinance 08-656, sec. 1, adopted 5/8/08; 2007 Code, sec. 46-97)
When required by the building official, the owner of any property served by a sewer carrying industrial wastes shall install a suitable control manhole in the sewer to facilitate observation, sampling and measurement of the wastes. Such manhole, when required, shall be accessibly and safely located, and shall be constructed in accordance with plans approved by the building official. The manhole shall be installed by the owner at his expense and shall be maintained by him so as to be safe and accessible at all times.
(1973 Code, sec. 31-66; 1991 Code, sec. 31-76; Ordinance 07-640, sec. 1, adopted 6/14/07; Ordinance 08-656, sec. 1, adopted 5/8/08; 2007 Code, sec. 46-98)
All measurements, tests and analyses of the characteristics of waters and wastes to which reference is made in section 12.04.006 and section 12.04.009 shall be determined in accordance with the latest edition of Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Waste Water, prepared for publication jointly by the American Public Health Association, the American Water Works Association and the Water Environment Federation, and shall be determined at the control manhole provided for in section 12.04.011 or upon suitable samples taken at the control manhole. In the event that no special manhole has been required, the control manhole shall be considered to be the nearest downstream manhole in the public sewer to the point at which the building sewer is connected.
(1973 Code, sec. 31-67; 1991 Code, sec. 31-77; Ordinance 07-640, sec. 1, adopted 6/14/07; Ordinance 08-656, sec. 1, adopted 5/8/08; 2007 Code, sec. 46-99)
(a) 
Enforcement monitoring will be performed as necessary by the city. Any person found to be violating any provision of this article shall be served by the city with written notice stating the nature of the violation and providing three days, or more, for the satisfactory correction thereof. The offender shall, within the period of time stated in such notice, permanently cease all violations. If the offender continues any violation after the expiration of the time stated, the mayor may prohibit the further use of the sewer system by the offender and may remove or close the offender’s sewage and water connections. The city may charge applicable fees for the enforcement monitoring and reinstatement of service. Fines will accrue from the date of written notice.
(b) 
Any person who shall continue any violation beyond the time limit provided for in subsection (a) shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Each day in which any violation shall continue shall be deemed a separate offense. Each offense is punishable by a fine in accordance with the general penalty provided in section 1.01.009 of this code.
(c) 
Any person violating any of the provisions of this article shall become liable to the city for any expense, loss or damage occasioned by the city by reason of such violation.
(1973 Code, sec. 31-68; 1991 Code, sec. 31-78; Ordinance 07-640, sec. 1, adopted 6/14/07; Ordinance 08-652, sec. 2, adopted 3/13/08; Ordinance 08-656, sec. 1, adopted 5/8/08; 2007 Code, sec. 46-100; Ordinance adopting 2022 Code)