As used in this division:
Approving authority.
The city council or duly authorized representative.
BOD (biochemical oxygen demand).
The quantity of oxygen by weight, expressed in mg/l, utilized in the biochemical oxidation of organic matter under standard laboratory conditions for five (5) days at a temperature of twenty (20) degrees centigrade.
Building sewer.
The extension from the building drain to the public sewer or other place of disposal (also called the house lateral and house connection).
City.
The city council, or any authorized person acting in its behalf.
COD (chemical oxygen demand).
A measure of the oxygen-consuming capacity of inorganic matter present in the water or wastewater expressed in mg/l as the amount of oxygen consumed from a chemical oxidant in a specific test, but not differentiating between stable and unstable organic matter and thus not necessarily correlating with biochemical oxygen demand.
Control manhole.
A manhole giving access to a building sewer at some point before the building sewer discharge mixes with other discharges in the public sewer.
Control point.
A point of access to a course of discharge before the discharge mixes with other discharges in the public sewer.
Garbage.
Animal and vegetable wastes and residue from preparation, cooking and dispensing of food, and from the handling, processing, storage and sale of food products and produce.
Industrial waste.
Waste resulting from any process of industry, manufacturing, trade, or business, or from the development of any natural resource, or any mixture of the waste with water or normal wastewater, or distinct from normal wastewater.
Industrial waste charge.
The charge made on those persons who discharge industrial wastes into the city’s sewer system, and shall be estimated as per the formula provided by the city.
Milligrams per liter (mg/l).
Means the same as parts per million, and is a weight-to-volume ratio; the milligram-per-liter value multiplied by the factor 8.34 shall be equivalent to pounds per million gallons of water.
Natural outlet.
Any outlet into a watercourse, ditch, lake, or other body of surface water or groundwater.
Normal domestic wastewater.
Wastewater excluding industrial wastewater discharged by a person into sanitary sewers and in which the average concentration of total suspended solids is not more than 220 mg/l and BOD is not more than 220 mg/l.
Overload.
The imposition of organic or hydraulic loading on a treatment facility in excess of its engineered design capacity.
Person.
Any individual, and includes any corporation, organization, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership association, or other legal entity.
pH.
The logarithm (base 10) of the reciprocal of the hydrogen ion concentration.
Public sewer.
A pipe or conduit carrying wastewater or unpolluted drainage in which owners of abutting properties shall have the use, subject to control by the city.
Sanitary sewer.
A public sewer that conveys domestic wastewater or industrial wastes or a combination of both, and into which stormwater, surface water, groundwater, and other unpolluted wastes are not intentionally passed. The sewers in the alleys or streets adjacent to the various lots are called main or lateral sewers. The sewers leading from the main or lateral sewers to the property on either side are called house sewers.
Slug.
Any discharge of water, wastewater or industrial waste which, in concentration of any given constituent or in quantity of flow, exceeds for any period of duration longer than fifteen (15) minutes more than five (5) times the average twenty-four-hour concentration or flows during normal operation.
Standard Methods.
The examination and analytical procedures set forth in the latest edition, at the time of analysis, of Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, as prepared, approved and published jointly by the American Public Health Association, the American Water Works Association, and the Water Environment Federation.
Storm sewer.
A public sewer which carries storm and surface waters and drainage and into which domestic wastewater or industrial wastes are not intentionally passed.
Stormwater.
Rainfall or any other forms of precipitation.
Superintendent.
The water and wastewater superintendent of the city or his duly authorized deputy, agent or representative.
Suspended solids (SS).
Solids, measured in mg/l, that either float on the surface of, or are in suspension in, wastewater, water, or other liquids, and which are largely removable by a laboratory filtration device.
To discharge.
Includes to deposit, conduct, drain, emit, throw, run, allow to seep, or otherwise release or dispose of, or to allow, permit, or suffer any of these acts or omissions.
Trap.
A device designed to skim, settle, or otherwise remove grease, oil, sand, flammable wastes or other harmful substances.
Unpolluted wastewater.
Water containing:
(1) 
No free or emulsified grease or oil;
(2) 
No acids or alkalis;
(3) 
No phenols or other substances producing taste or odor in receiving water;
(4) 
No toxic or poisonous substances in suspension, colloidal state, or solution;
(5) 
No noxious or otherwise obnoxious or odorous gases;
(6) 
Not more than an insignificant amount in mg/l each of suspended solids and BOD, as determined by the state commission on environmental quality; and
(7) 
Color not exceeding fifty (50) units as measured by the platinum-cobalt method of determination as specified in Standard Methods.
Waste.
Rejected, unutilized or superfluous substances in liquid, gaseous, or solid form resulting from domestic, agricultural, or industrial activities.
Wastewater.
A combination of the water-carried waste from residences, business buildings, institutions, and industrial establishments, together with any ground, surface, and storm water that may be present.
Wastewater facilities.
Includes all facilities for collecting, pumping, treating, and disposing of wastewater and industrial wastes.
Wastewater service charge.
The charge on all users of the public sewer system whose wastes do not exceed in strength the concentration values established as representative of normal wastewater.
Wastewater treatment plant.
Any city-owned facilities, devices, and structures used for receiving, processing and treating wastewater, industrial waste, and sludges from the sanitary sewers.
Watercourse.
A natural or man-made channel in which a flow of water occurs, either continuously or intermittently.
(2001 Code, sec. 50.110)
(a) 
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, garbage or other objectionable waste.
(b) 
It shall be unlawful to discharge to any natural outlet within the city, or in any area under the jurisdiction of the city, any sewage or other polluted waters, except where suitable treatment has been provided in accordance with subsequent provisions of this division.
(c) 
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 the disposal of sewage.
(d) 
The owner of all houses, buildings, or properties used for human occupancy, employment, recreation, or other purposes situated within the city and abutting on any street, alley, or right-of-way in which there is now located or may in the future be located a public sanitary sewer of the city is hereby required at his expense to install suitable toilet facilities [connected] directly with the proper public sewer in accordance with the provisions of the division, within ninety (90) days after the date of official notice to do so, provided that said public sewer is within one hundred (100) feet of the property line.
(2001 Code, sec. 50.111)
(a) 
No unauthorized person shall uncover, make any connections with or opening into, use, alter, or disturb any public sewer or appurtenance thereof without first paying a tap fee to the city, as prescribed in section A6.001(2) of the fee schedule (appendix A of this code).
(b) 
There shall be three (3) classes of building sewer permits: (i) for residential service, (ii) for commercial service, and (iii) for service to establishments producing industrial wastes. In any case, the owner, or his agent, shall make application that shall be supplemented by any plans, specifications, or other information considered pertinent in the judgment of the city.
(c) 
All costs and expenses incident to the installation and connection of the building sewer shall be borne by the owner. The owner shall indemnify the city from any loss or damage that may directly or indirectly be occasioned by the installation of the building sewer.
(d) 
A separate and independent building sewer shall be provided for every building; except, where one building stands at the rear of another on an interior lot and no private sewer is available or can be constructed to the rear building through an adjoining alley, courtyard, or driveway, the building sewer from the front building may be extended to the rear building and the whole considered as one building sewer.
(e) 
The size, slope, alignment, and materials of construction of a building sewer, and the methods to be used in excavating, placing of the pipe, jointing, testing, and backfilling the trench, shall all conform to the requirements of the building and plumbing code or other applicable rules and regulations of the city. In the absence of code provisions or in amplification thereof, the materials and procedures set forth in appropriate specifications of the ASTM and WPCF Manual of Practice No. 9 shall apply.
(f) 
Whenever possible, the building sewer shall be brought to the building at an elevation below the basement floor. In all buildings in which any building drain is too low to permit gravity flow to the public sewer, sanitary sewage carried by such building drain shall be lifted by an approved means and discharged to the building sewer.
(g) 
No person shall make connection of roof downspouts, exterior foundation drains, areaway drains, or other sources of surface runoff or groundwater to a building sewer or building drain which in turn is connected directly or indirectly to a public sanitary sewer.
(h) 
The connection of the building sewer into the public sewer shall conform to the requirements of the building and plumbing code or other applicable rules and regulations of the city or the procedures set forth in appropriate specifications of the ASTM and WPCF Manual of Practice No. 9. All such connections shall be made gastight and watertight. Any deviation from the prescribed procedures and materials must be approved by the city before installation.
(i) 
The applicant for the building sewer permit shall notify the city when the building sewer is ready for inspection and connection to the public sewer. The connection shall be made under the supervision of the city.
(j) 
All excavations for building sewer installation shall be adequately guarded with barricades and lights so as to protect the public from hazard. Streets, sidewalks, parkways, and other public property disturbed in the course of the work shall be restored in a satisfactory manner.
(k) 
Any person responsible for discharges through a building sewer carrying industrial wastes shall, at his own expense and as required by the approving authority:
(1) 
Install an accessible control manhole;
(2) 
Install meters and other appurtenances to facilitate observation, sampling and measurement of the waste;
(3) 
Install safety equipment and facilities, where needed; and
(4) 
Maintain the equipment and facilities.
(2001 Code, sec. 50.112)
(a) 
No person may discharge to public sewers any waste which by itself or by interaction with other wastes may:
(1) 
Injure or interfere with wastewater treatment processes or facilities;
(2) 
Constitute a hazard to humans or animals; or
(3) 
Create a hazard in receiving waters of the wastewater treatment plant effluent.
(b) 
All discharges shall conform to requirements of this division.
(2001 Code, sec. 50.113)
(a) 
No discharge to public sewers may contain:
(1) 
Cyanide greater than 1.0 mg/l;
(2) 
Fluoride other than that contained in the public water supply;
(3) 
Chlorides in concentrations greater than 250 mg/l;
(4) 
Gasoline, benzene, naphtha, fuel oil, or other flammable or explosive liquid, solid, or gas; or
(5) 
Substances causing an excessive chemical oxygen demand (COD);
(b) 
No waste or wastewater discharged to public waters may contain:
(1) 
Strong acid, iron pickling wastes, or concentrated plating solutions, whether neutralized or not;
(2) 
Fats, wax, grease, or oils, whether emulsified or not, in excess of one hundred (100) mg/l or containing substances which may solidify or become viscous at temperatures between thirty-two (32) and one hundred fifty (150) degrees Fahrenheit (0 and 65 degrees centigrade).
(3) 
Objectionable or toxic substances exerting an excessive chlorine equipment [requirement], to such degree that any such material received in the composite wastewater treatment works exceeds the limits established by the approving authority for such materials; or
(4) 
Obnoxious, toxic or poisonous solids, liquids, or gases in quantities sufficient to violate any of the provisions of this division, including section 13.03.126.
(c) 
No waste, wastewater or other substance may be discharged into public sewers which has a pH lower than 5.5 or higher than 9.5, or any other corrosive property capable of causing damage or hazard to structures, equipment, and/or personnel at the wastewater facilities.
(d) 
All waste, wastewater, or other substances containing phenols, hydrogen sulfide, or other taste- and odor-producing substances shall conform to concentration limits established by the approving authority. After treatment of the composite wastewater, concentration limits may not exceed the requirements established by state, federal, or other agencies with jurisdiction over discharges to receiving waters.
(2001 Code, sec. 50.114)
(a) 
No discharges may contain concentrations of hazardous metals other than amounts specified in subsection (b) of this section.
(b) 
The allowable concentrations of hazardous metals, in terms of milligrams per liter (mg/l), for discharge to inland waters, and determined on the basis of individual sampling in accordance with Standard Methods, are:
 
Not to Exceed
Metal
Average
Composite
Grab Sample
Arsenic
0.1
0.2
0.3
Barium
1.0
2.0
4.0
Cadmium
0.05
0.1
0.2
Chromium
0.5
1.0
5.0
Copper
0.5
1.0
2.0
Lead
0.5
1.0
1.5
Manganese
1.0
2.0
3.0
Mercury
0.005
0.005
0.01
Nickel
1.0
2.0
3.0
Selenium
0.05
0.1
0.2
Silver
0.05
0.1
0.2
Zinc
1.0
2.0
6.0
(Note: These concentration parameters and rules governing same are promulgated under authority of sections 5.131 and 5.132, Texas Water Code (Hazardous Metals) and in accordance with state water commission rule 156.19.)
(c) 
No other hazardous metals or toxic materials may be discharged into public sewers without a permit from the approving authority specifying conditions of pretreatment, concentrations, volumes, and other applicable provisions.
(d) 
Prohibited hazardous materials include but are not limited to:
(1) 
Antimony;
(2) 
Beryllium;
(3) 
Bismuth;
(4) 
Cobalt;
(5) 
Molybdenum;
(6) 
Uranyl ion;
(7) 
Rhenium;
(8) 
Strontium;
(9) 
Tellurium;
(10) 
Herbicides;
(11) 
Fungicides; and
(12) 
Pesticides.
(2001 Code, sec. 50.115)
(a) 
No person may discharge garbage or other solids into public sewers unless it is shredded to a degree that all particles can be carried freely under the flow conditions normally prevailing in public sewers. Particles greater than one-half (1/2) inch in any dimension are prohibited.
(b) 
The approving authority is entitled to review and approve the installation and operation of any garbage grinder equipped with a motor of three-fourths (3/4) horsepower (0.76 hp metric) or greater.
(2001 Code, sec. 50.116)
(a) 
No person may discharge to public sanitary sewers:
(1) 
Unpolluted stormwater, surface water, groundwater, roof runoff or subsurface drainage;
(2) 
Unpolluted cooling water;
(3) 
Unpolluted industrial process waters;
(4) 
Other unpolluted drainage.
(b) 
In compliance with the Texas Water Quality Act and other statutes, the approving authority may designate storm sewers and other watercourses into which unpolluted drainage described in subsection (a) of this section may be discharged.
(2001 Code, sec. 50.117)
No person may discharge liquid or vapor having a temperature higher than one hundred fifty (150) degrees Fahrenheit (65 degrees centigrade), or any substance which causes the temperature of the total wastewater treatment plant influent to increase at a rate of ten (10) degrees Fahrenheit or more per hour, or a combined total increase of plant influent to one hundred ten (110) degrees Fahrenheit.
(2001 Code, sec. 50.118)
(a) 
No person may discharge radioactive wastes or isotopes into public sewers without the permission of the approving authority.
(b) 
The approving authority may establish, in compliance with applicable state and federal regulations, regulations for discharge of radioactive wastes into public sewers.
(2001 Code, sec. 50.119)
(a) 
No person may discharge into public sewers any substance capable of causing:
(1) 
Obstruction to the flow in sewers;
(2) 
Interference with the operation of treatment processes or facilities; or
(3) 
Excessive loading of treatment facilities.
(b) 
Discharges prohibited by subsection (a) of this section include, but are not limited to, materials which exert or cause concentrations of:
(1) 
Inert suspended solids greater than 250 mg/l, including but not limited to:
(A) 
Fuller’s earth;
(B) 
Lime slurries; and
(C) 
Lime residues;
(2) 
Dissolved solids greater than 200 mg/l, including but not limited to:
(A) 
Sodium chloride; and
(B) 
Sodium sulfate;
(3) 
Excessive discoloration, including but not limited to:
(A) 
Dye wastes; and
(B) 
Vegetable tanning solutions; or
(4) 
BOD, COD, or chlorine demand in excess of normal plant capacity.
(c) 
No person may discharge into public sewers any substance that may:
(1) 
Deposit grease or oil in the sewer lines in such a manner as to clog the sewers;
(2) 
Overload skimming and grease handling equipment;
(3) 
Pass to the receiving waters without being effectively treated by normal wastewater treatment processes due to the nonamenability of the substance to bacterial action; or
(4) 
Deleteriously affect the treatment process due to excessive quantities.
(d) 
No person may discharge any substance into public sewers which:
(1) 
Is not amenable to treatment or reduction by the process and facilities employed; or
(2) 
Is amenable to treatment only to such a degree that the treatment plant effluent cannot meet the requirements of other agencies having jurisdiction over discharges to the receiving water.
(e) 
The approving authority shall regulate the flow and concentration of slugs when they may:
(1) 
Impair the treatment process;
(2) 
Cause damage to collection facilities;
(3) 
Incur treatment costs exceeding those for normal wastewater; or
(4) 
Render the effluent unfit for stream disposal or industrial use.
(f) 
No person may discharge into public sewers solid or viscous substances which may violate subsection (a) of this section if present in sufficient quantity or size, including but not limited to:
(1) 
Ashes;
(2) 
Cinders;
(3) 
Sand;
(4) 
Mud;
(5) 
Straw;
(6) 
Shavings;
(7) 
Metal;
(8) 
Glass;
(9) 
Rags;
(10) 
Feathers;
(11) 
Tar;
(12) 
Plastics;
(13) 
Wood, unground garbage;
(14) 
Whole blood;
(15) 
Paunch manure, hair and fleshings;
(16) 
Entrails;
(17) 
Paper products, either whole or ground by garbage grinders;
(18) 
Slops;
(19) 
Chemical residues;
(20) 
Paint residues; or
(21) 
Bulk solids.
(2001 Code, sec. 50.120)
(a) 
Unless exception is granted by the approving authority, the public sanitary sewer system shall be used by all persons discharging:
(1) 
Wastewater;
(2) 
Industrial waste; or
(3) 
Polluted liquids.
(b) 
Unless authorized by the state commission on environmental quality, no person may deposit or discharge any waste included in subsection (a) of this section on public or private property or into or adjacent to any:
(1) 
Natural outlet;
(2) 
Watercourse;
(3) 
Storm sewer; or
(4) 
Other area within the jurisdiction of the city.
(c) 
The approving authority shall verify prior to discharge that wastes authorized to be discharged will receive suitable treatment within the provisions of laws, regulations, ordinances, rules and orders of federal, state and local governments.
(2001 Code, sec. 50.121)
(a) 
If discharges or proposed discharges to public sewers may deleteriously affect wastewater facilities, processes, equipment, or receiving waters, create a hazard to life or health, or create a public nuisance, the approving authority shall require:
(1) 
Pretreatment to an acceptable condition for discharge to the public sewers;
(2) 
Control over the quantities and rates of discharge; and
(3) 
Payment to cover the cost of handling and treating the wastes.
(b) 
The approving authority is entitled to determine whether a discharge or proposed discharge is included under subsection (a) of this section.
(c) 
The approving authority shall reject wastes when it determines that a discharge or proposed discharge does not meet the requirements of subsection (a) of this section.
(2001 Code, sec. 50.122)
(a) 
If pretreatment or control is required, the approving authority shall review and approve design and installation of equipment and processes.
(b) 
The design and installation of equipment and processes must conform to all applicable statutes, codes, ordinances and other laws.
(c) 
Any person responsible for discharges requiring pretreatment, flow-equalizing, or other facilities shall provide and maintain the facilities in effective operating condition at his own expense.
(2001 Code, sec. 50.123)
(a) 
Scope and purpose.
To aid in the prevention of sanitary sewer blockages and obstructions from contribution and accumulation of fats, oils, and greases into such sewer system from industrial or commercial establishments, particularly food preparation and serving facilities.
(b) 
Definitions.
Cooking establishments.
Those establishments primarily engaged in activities of preparing, serving, or otherwise making available for consumption foodstuffs and that 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, Also included are infrared heating, searing, barbecuing, and any other food preparation activity that produces a hot, non-drinkable food product in or on a receptacle that requires washing.
Fats, oils, and greases.
Organic polar compounds derived from animal and/or plant sources that contain multiple carbon chain triglyceride molecules. These substances are detectable to and measurable using analytical test procedures established in 40 CFR 136, as may be amended from time to time. All are sometimes referred to herein as grease or greases.
Grease trap or interceptor.
A device for separating and retaining waterborne greases and grease complexes prior to the wastewater exiting the trap and entering the sanitary sewer collection and treatment system. These devices also serve to collect settle able solids, generated by and from food preparation activities, prior to the water exiting the trap and entering the sanitary sewer collection and treatment system. Grease traps and interceptors are sometimes referred to herein as grease interceptors.
Hydraulic load.
At a minimum shall consist of all one, two, three and four compartment wash sinks filled to seventy-five percent (75%) capacity and being drained simultaneously, pre-rinse sink operating at maximum flow, plus any dish or glass wash machine or other drainage fixture unit being operated at maximum rated performance levels.
Minimum design capability.
The design features of a grease interceptor and its ability or volume required to effectively intercept and retain greases from grease-laden wastewaters discharged to the public sanitary sewer.
Non-cooking establishments.
Those establishments primarily engaged in the preparation of precooked foodstuffs that do not include any form of cooking. These include but are not limited to cold dairy and frozen foodstuffs preparation and serving establishments.
User.
Any person(s), individual, firm, company, association, society, corporation, organization, public corporation or group upon whose property the building or structure containing the food service establishment is located. Owner(s) shall also include the owner(s) of a food service establishment who may lease the building, structure, or a portion thereof, containing the food service establishment. This includes anyone located outside of the city’s jurisdictional limits that contributes, causes or permits the contribution or discharge of wastewater into the city wastewater treatment system, including persons who contribute such wastewater from mobile sources, such as those who discharge hauled wastewater.
(c) 
Food service establishment permit requirement.
(1) 
Grease interceptor requirements:
All permitted food service establishments are required to install, operate, and maintain an approved type and adequately sized grease interceptor necessary to maintain compliance with the objectives of this section. All grease interceptors must meet the requirements of the city’s applicable plumbing code(s).
(2) 
Implementation:
All new food service establishment facilities are subject to grease interceptor requirements. All such facilities must obtain prior approval from the public works director for grease interceptor sizing prior to submitting plans for building permit. All grease interceptors shall be readily and easily accessible for cleaning and inspection. Existing facilities with planned modification in plumbing improvements will be subject to comply with the grease interceptor requirements. These facilities must obtain approval from the public works director for grease interceptor sizing prior to submitting plans for a building permit.
(3) 
Compliance:
All food service establishments in existence prior to the adoption of this section are required to comply with all the requirements of this section; however, existing grease traps will not be required to be replaced with larger units unless it is determined by the public works director that the business has a reasonable potential to adversely impact the city’s sewer system or they have increased the hours of operation or increased the number of seats in the restaurant. In these cases, the business will be notified of their obligation to install a grease interceptor within the specified period set forth in the notification letter.
(4) 
Variance from grease interceptor requirements:
Grease interceptors required under this section shall be installed less the public works director authorizes the installation of an indoor grease trap or other alternative pretreatment technology and determines that the installation of a grease interceptor would not be feasible. The food service establishment bears the burden of demonstrating that the installation of a grease interceptor is not feasible. The public works director may authorize the installation of an indoor grease trap where the installation of a grease interceptor is not feasible due to space constraints or other considerations. If an establishment believes the installation of a grease interceptor is infeasible, because of documented space constraints, the request of an alternate grease removal device shall contain the following information:
(A) 
Location of sewer main and easement in relation to available exterior space outside building.
(B) 
Existing plumbing at or in a site that uses common plumbing for all services at that site.
(5) 
Alternative pretreatment technology:
Alternative pretreatment technology includes, but is not limited to, devices that are used to trap, separate and hold grease from wastewater and prevent it from being discharged into the sanitary sewer collection system. All alternative pretreatment technology must be appropriately sized and approved by the public works director.
(d) 
Fee simple.
(1) 
Permit to install must be obtained from the city prior to installation of any grease interceptor device.
(2) 
Permit to operate grease interceptor device will be issued once approval is given by the city.
(e) 
Discharge limitations.
No user shall allow wastewater discharge concentration from subject grease interceptor, grease trap or alternative pretreatment technology to exceed that in accordance with this section.
(f) 
Grease interceptor requirements.
(1) 
Grease interceptor sizing and installation shall conform to this section.
(2) 
Grease interceptors shall be constructed in accordance with design approved by the public works director and shall have a minimum of two compartments with fittings designed for grease retention.
(3) 
Grease interceptor shall be installed at a location where it shall be easily accessible for inspections, cleaning, and removal of intercepted grease. The grease interceptor may not be installed in any part of the building where food is handled. Location for the grease interceptor must meet the approval of the public works director.
(4) 
All such grease interceptor shall be serviced and emptied of accumulated waste content as required in order to maintain minimum design capability or effective volume. These devices should be inspected at least monthly by user. Users who are required to maintain a grease interceptor shall:
(A) 
Provide for a minimum hydraulic retention time in accordance with the Uniform [International] Plumbing Code.
(B) 
Remove any accumulated grease cap and sludge pocket as required. Grease interceptors shall be kept free of inorganic solid materials such as grit, rocks, gravel, sand, eating utensils, cigarettes, shells, towels, rags, etc., which could settle into this pocket and thereby reduce the effective volume of the device.
(5) 
The user shall maintain a written record of inspection and maintenance for three (3) years. All such records will be made available for on-site inspection by a representative of the city during all operating hours of the user.
(6) 
Sanitary wastes are not allowed to be connected to sewer line intended for grease interceptor service.
(7) 
Access manholes, with a minimum diameter of 30 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. Manhole covers must be traffic rated if place within any parking areas. Manhole covers are to be of a weight class of less than 100 pounds.
(g) 
Grease trap requirements.
(1) 
Upon approval by the public works director, a grease trap complying with the provisions of this section must be installed in the waste line leading from sinks, drains, and other fixtures or equipment in full service establishments where grease may be introduced into the drainage or sewage system in quantities that can effect line stoppage or hinder sewage treatment or private sewage disposal.
(2) 
Grease traps sizing and installation shall conform to the applicable plumbing code used by the city.
(3) 
No grease trap shall be installed which has a stated rate flow of more than fifty-five (55) gallons per minute, nor less than twenty (20) gallons per minute, except when specifically approved by the public works director.
(4) 
Grease traps shall be maintained in efficient operating conditions by periodic removal of the accumulated grease. No such collected grease shall be introduced into any drainage piping, or public or private sewer.
(5) 
No food waste disposal unit or dishwasher shall be connected to or discharged into any grease trap.
(6) 
Wastewater in excess of one hundred and forty (140) degrees Fahrenheit [or sixty] (60) degrees Celsius shall not be discharged into a grease trap.
(h) 
Grease interceptor maintenance, record keeping, and grease removal.
(1) 
Users shall install grease interceptors as required by the city. Grease interceptors shall be installed at the user’s expense, when such user operates a cooking establishment. Grease interceptors may also be required in non-cooking or cold dairy and frozen food service establishments and other industrial or commercial establishments when they are deemed necessary by the public works director for the proper handling of liquid wastes containing grease. No user shall allow wastewater discharge concentration from subject grease interceptor to exceed 100 milligrams per liter. All grease interceptors shall be of a type, design, and capacity approved by the city and shall be readily and easily accessible for user cleaning and city inspection. All such grease interceptors shall be serviced and emptied of accumulated waste content as required in order to maintain minimum design capability or effective volume of the grease interceptor, but not less often than every one hundred and twenty (120) days. Users who are required to pass water through a grease interceptor shall:
(A) 
All oil and grease, water and solids separators (grease traps) required in this section shall have a capacity and design in compliance with the following equations:
(i) 
Restaurants:
(S) X (20) x (HR/12) x (LF) = capacity in gallons
S = number of seats in dining area
HR = number of hours’ open
LF = loading factor 0.8
(ii) 
Hospitals, nursing homes, other types of kitchens with varied seating capacity:
M x (5) x (LF) = capacity in gallons
M = meals per day
LF = loading factor
1.0 With dishwasher
0.5 Without dishwasher
(2) 
Except that no grease trap shall be smaller than 750 gallons, no single separator shall be larger than 3,000 gallons and where requirements exceed 3,000 gallons multiple units shall be used. In cases of certain fast food restaurants or establishments with potential to discharge large quantities of grease and oil, capacity requirements greater than 25 gallons per seat may be required. Prepackaged or manufactured grease traps may be approved by the city with proper engineering and application review.
(3) 
Remove any accumulated grease cap and sludge pocket as required, but at intervals of no longer than one hundred and twenty (120) days at the users expense. Grease interceptors shall be kept free of inorganic solid materials such as grit, rocks, grave, sand, eating utensils, cigarettes, shells, towels, rags, etc., which could settle into this pocket and thereby reduce the effective volume of the grease interceptor.
(4) 
Operate the grease interceptor in a manner so as to maintain said device such that attainment of the grease limit is consistently achieved. “Consistent” shall means any wastewater sample taken from said grease interceptor shall be subject to terms of numerical limit attainment described in subsection (1) above. If a previously established business desires, because of documented space constraints, an alternative to an out-of-building grease interceptor, the request for an alternative location shall contain the following information:
(A) 
Location of city sewer main and easement in relation to available exterior space outside building.
(B) 
Existing plumbing at or in a site that uses common plumbing for all services at that site.
(5) 
Understand and agree that:
(A) 
The use of biological additives as a grease degradation agent is not permissible.
(B) 
The use of automatic grease removal systems is conditionally permissible, upon prior written approval by the city’s public works director. Any establishment using this equipment shall operate the system in such a manner that attainment of the grease wastewater discharge limit, as measured from the unit’s outlet, is consistently achieved.
(C) 
The city reserves the right to make determinations of grease interceptor adequacy and need, based on review of all relevant information regarding grease interceptor performance, facility site and building plan review and to require repairs to, or modification or replacement of such traps.
(6) 
The user shall maintain a written record of trap maintenance for a rolling three (3) years. All such records will be available for inspection by the city at all times.
(7) 
No non-grease-laden sources are allowed to be connected to sewer lines intended for grease interceptor service. Access manholes, with a minimum diameter of 30 inches, shall be provided over each 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. Manhole covers must be traffic rated if placed within any parking areas. Manhole covers are to be of a weight class of less than 100 pounds.
(i) 
FOG variance.
(1) 
A food preparation/service establishment can apply for a variance to the scheduled service requirements of the city.
(2) 
A copy of the city’s grease interceptor service schedule variance request form can be obtained from the city and completed. The request form must be signed by the food preparation/service owners(s).
(3) 
Mail a completed city’s grease interceptor service schedule variance request form to:
City of Chandler
Public Works Director
PO Box 425
Chandler, TX 75758
(4) 
The city’s public works director will review all variance request forms and contact the food preparation/service establishment accepting or rejecting the variance request. The food preparation/service establishment once authorized by the city to begin the variance study procedure may contact a grease interceptor service provider to schedule a grease interceptor cleaning.
(5) 
The food preparation/service establishment must contact the city’s public works department two (2) working days prior to the grease interceptors schedule cleaning.
(6) 
Additional monitoring events or pollutants may be required if deemed necessary by the city’s public works department. Variance studies shall not exceed a period of one hundred and eighty (180) days.
(7) 
After a minimum of three (3) site samples are collected and all sampling results are obtained, the city’s public works department will analyze all data. After all data is reviewed by the city, the city will submit in writing the results of the variance study only to the facility requesting said study.
(Ordinance O-030816-B adopted 3/8/16)
(a) 
Where a public sanitary sewer is not available under the provisions of section 13.03.122(d), the building sewer shall be connected to a private sewage disposal system complying with the provisions of this division.
(b) 
Before commencement of construction of a private sewage disposal system, the owner shall first obtain a written permit issued by the county health department. The application for such permit shall be made on a form furnished by the county, which the applicant shall supplement by any plans, specifications, and other information as are deemed necessary by the county health department.
(c) 
A permit for a private sewage disposal system shall not become effective until the installation is completed to the satisfaction of the director of public works. He shall be allowed to inspect the work at any stage of construction and, in any event, the applicant for the permit shall notify the director of public works when the work is ready for final inspection, and the inspection shall be made before any underground portions are covered.
(d) 
The type, capacities, location, and layout of a private sewage disposal system shall comply with all recommendations of the county health department of the [. No permit shall be issued for any] sewage disposal system employing subsurface soil absorption facilities where the area of the lot is less than 20,000 square feet. No septic tank or cesspool shall be permitted to discharge to any natural outlet.
(e) 
At such time as public sewer becomes available to a property served by a private sewage disposal system, as provided in section 13.03.122(d), a direct connection shall be made to the public sewer within ninety (90) days of the availability of public sewer, and any septic tanks, cesspools, and similar private sewage disposal facilities shall be abandoned and filled with suitable material.
(f) 
The owner shall operate and maintain the private sewage disposal facilities in a sanitary manner at all times, at no expense to the city.
(g) 
No statement contained in this section shall be construed to interfere with any additional requirements that may be imposed by the city.
(h) 
Any on-site sewer system shall be installed in compliance with the provisions of the most recent edition of Construction Standards for On-Site Sewage Facilities as published by the state commission on environmental quality.
(2001 Code, sec. 50.125)
No unauthorized person shall maliciously, willfully, or negligently break, damage, destroy, uncover, deface, or tamper with any structure, appurtenance, or equipment which is a part of the sewage works. Any person violating this provision shall be subject to immediate arrest under charge of disorderly conduct.
(2001 Code, sec. 50.126)
(a) 
Sampling shall be conducted according to customarily accepted methods, reflecting the effect of constituents upon the sewage works and determining the existence of hazards to health, life, limb, and property.
(b) 
Examination and analyses of the characteristics of water and wastes required by this division shall be:
(1) 
Conducted in accordance with the latest edition of Standard Methods; and
(2) 
Determined from suitable samples taken at the control manhole provided or other control point authorized by the approving authority.
(c) 
BOD and suspended solids shall be determined from composite sampling, except to detect unauthorized discharges.
(d) 
The approving authority shall determine which users or classes of users may contribute wastewater which is of greater strength than normal domestic wastewater. All users or classes of users so identified shall be sampled for flow, BOD, TSS, and pH at least annually.
(e) 
The city may select an independent firm or laboratory to determine flow, BOD, and suspended solids, if necessary. Flow may alternately be determined by water meter measurements if no other flow device is available and no other source of raw water is used.
(2001 Code, sec. 50.127)
(a) 
Persons making discharges of waste into the city’s system shall pay a charge to cover all costs of collection and treatment as described in the city’s user charge ordinance.
(b) 
When discharges of any waste into the city’s system are approved by the approving authority, the city or its authorized representative shall enter into an agreement or arrangement providing:
(1) 
Terms of acceptance by the city;
(2) 
Payment by the person making the discharge, in accordance with the user charge system;
(3) 
Sewer connection procedures and requirements shall be in accordance with the International Plumbing Code;
(4) 
A sewer application approved with connection fee paid; and
(5) 
Construction of sewer connections shall be approved by city inspectors prior to sewer use.
(c) 
Each user of the wastewater treatment system will be notified, at least annually, in conjunction with a regular sewer bill, of the rate and that portion of user charges or ad valorem taxes which are attributable to the operation and maintenance of the wastewater treatment system.
(d) 
The city will apply excess revenues collected from a class of users to the cost of operation and maintenance attributable to that class for the next year and adjust the rates accordingly.
(2001 Code, sec. 50.128)
A person discharging wastes into public sewers prior to March 13, 2001, may continue without penalty so long as he:
(1) 
Does not increase the quantity or decrease the quality of discharge without permission of the approving authority;
(2) 
Has discharged the waste at least 12 months prior to March 13, 2001; and
(3) 
Applies for and is granted a permit no later than 60 days after March 13, 2001.
(2001 Code, sec. 50.129)
(a) 
The city may grant a permit to discharge to persons meeting all requirements of the savings clause provided that the person:
(1) 
Submits an application within sixty (60) days after March 13, 2001, on forms supplied by the approving authority;
(2) 
Secures approval by the approval authority of plans and specifications for the facilities when required; and
(3) 
Has complied with all requirements for agreements or arrangements, including but not limited to providing for:
(A) 
Payment of charges;
(B) 
Installation and operation of the facilities and of pretreatment facilities, if required; and
(C) 
Sampling and analysis to determine quantity and strength when directed by the city; and
(4) 
Provides a sampling point, when requested by the city, subject to the provisions of this division and approval of the approving authority.
(b) 
A person applying for a new discharge shall:
(1) 
Meet all conditions of subsection (a) of this section; and
(2) 
Secure a permit prior to discharging any waste.
(2001 Code, sec. 50.130)
(a) 
The director of public works and other duly authorized employees of the city bearing proper credentials and identification are entitled to enter any public or private property at any reasonable time for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this division.
(b) 
Anyone acting under this authority shall observe the establishment’s rules and regulations concerning safety, internal security, and fire protection.
(c) 
Except when caused by negligence or failure of person(s) to maintain safe conditions, the city shall indemnify the person(s) against loss or damage to their property by city employees and against liability claims and demands for personal injury or property damage asserted against the person(s) and growing out of the sampling operation.
(d) 
The director of public works and other duly authorized employees of the city bearing proper credentials and identification are entitled to enter all private properties through which the city holds a negotiated easement for the purposes of:
(1) 
Inspection, observation, measurement, sampling or repair;
(2) 
Maintenance of any portion of the sewer system lying within the easements; and
(3) 
Conducting any other authorized activity. All activities shall be conducted in full accordance with the terms of the negotiated easement pertaining to the private property involved.
(e) 
No person acting under authority of this provision may inquire into any processes, including metallurgical, chemical, oil refining, ceramic, paper or other industries, beyond that point having a direct bearing on the kind and source of discharge to the public sewers.
(2001 Code, sec. 50.131)
(a) 
The city may terminate water and wastewater disposal service and disconnect a customer from the system when:
(1) 
Acids or chemicals which may damage the sewer lines or treatment process are released to the sewer potentially causing accelerated deterioration of these structures or interfering with proper conveyance and treatment of wastewater;
(2) 
A governmental agency informs the city that the effluent from the wastewater treatment plant is no longer of a quality permitted for discharge to a watercourse, and it is found that the customer is delivering wastewater to the city’s system that cannot be sufficiently treated or requires treatment that is not provided by the city as normal domestic treatment; or
(3) 
The customer:
(A) 
Discharges waste or wastewater that is in violation of the provisions of this division;
(B) 
Discharges wastewater at an uncontrolled, variable rate in sufficient quantity to cause an imbalance in the wastewater treatment system;
(C) 
Fails to pay monthly bills for water and sanitary sewer services when due; or
(D) 
Repeats a discharge of prohibited wastes to public sewers in violation of the provisions of this division.
(b) 
If service is discontinued pursuant to subsection (a)(2) of this section, the city shall:
(1) 
Disconnect the customer;
(2) 
Supply the customer with the governmental agency’s report and provide the customer with all pertinent information; and
(3) 
Continue disconnection until such time as the customer provides pretreatment, additional pretreatment or other facilities designed to remove the objectionable characteristics from his wastes.
(2001 Code, sec. 50.132)
The city shall serve persons discharging in violation of this division with written notice stating the nature of the violation and providing a reasonable time limit for satisfactory compliance.
(2001 Code, sec. 50.133)
(a) 
A person who continues prohibited discharges is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction is punishable by a fine of not more than $200.00 for each act of violation and for each day of violation.
(b) 
In addition to proceeding under authority of subsection (a) of this section, the city is entitled to pursue all other criminal and civil remedies to which it is entitled under authority of statutes or other ordinances against a person continuing prohibited discharges.
(2001 Code, sec. 50.135)
In addition to sanctions provided for by this code, the city is entitled to exercise sanctions provided for by the other ordinances of the city for failure to pay the bill for water and sanitary sewer service when due.
(2001 Code, sec. 50.136)
The city may pursue all criminal and civil remedies to which it is entitled under authority of statutes and ordinances against a person negligently, willfully or maliciously causing loss by tampering with or destroying public sewers or treatment facilities.
(2001 Code, sec. 50.137)
The property owner shall install a sanitary sewer service line at his expense to the city’s lateral, in accordance with regulations and subject to the inspection of the city; he shall thereafter maintain the service line to and including the “Y”.
(2001 Code, sec. 50.138)
(a) 
It shall be unlawful for any person to deposit into the building drainage system or sewer any ashes, cinders, rags, poisonous or explosive liquids, gases, oils, grease, or any other material which would or could obstruct, damage, or overload such system or sewer.
(b) 
It shall be unlawful for the owner or occupant of any building or premises to use, or permit anyone else to use, said building or premises unless said building or premises shall be connected to a water supply sufficient to insure that sewer pipes will be kept free from accumulation of select materials and obstructions.
(2001 Code, sec. 50.139)