The purpose of this chapter is to establish regulations controlling
sump pump discharge to control flooding, creation of nuisances in
the form of buildup of icing, standing water, algae growth and erosion
of the street, sidewalk or public right-of-way.
For the purpose of this chapter, the following terms, phrases,
words, and their derivations shall have the meanings stated herein
unless their use in the text of this chapter clearly demonstrates
a different meaning. When not inconsistent with the context, words
used in the present tense include the future, words used in the plural
number include the singular number and words used in the singular
number include the plural number. The word "shall" is always mandatory
and not merely directory.
DISCHARGE
The end of the pipe from the sump pump where water becomes
unconfined and reverts to gravity flow.
PIPE DRAIN
A pipe that drains water without the use of a pump using
gravity flow.
STORM SEWER
A conveyance or system of conveyances (including roads with
drainage systems, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters,
ditches, man-made channels, or storm drains) that is owned or operated
by the Township or other public body, and is designed and used for
collecting and conveying stormwater.
STORMWATER
Water resulting from precipitation (including rain and snow)
that runs off the surface of the land, is transmitted to the subsurface,
and is captured by storm sewers or other drainage facilities.
SUMP PUMP
A pump, with related valves, pipe and fittings, installed
for the purpose of evacuating water, usually from a basement area.
Sump pumps and pipe drains installed on or after September 1,
2022, shall comply with the following conditions:
A. The sump pump or pipe drain discharge shall preferably be directed
onto an absorbent surface as grass, mulch, rock or soil so that the
discharge will be dissipated and not immediately drain to the Township
right-of-way or adjacent properties. The discharge location shall
be as approved by the Engineer or Public Works Manager or his/her
designee. In the event that it is not feasible to direct discharge
onto an absorbent surface, the discharge may be directed to a storm
sewer, swale, ditch, detention basin, drainage basin or other drainage
facility or location as approved by the Engineer, Public Works Manager
or his/her designee. If a connection to the storm sewer is approved,
a permit will be required from the Engineer or Public Works Manager
prior to installation.
B. The discharge location shall not create a public nuisance, which
is any thing, condition or act which is or may become injurious or
hazardous to the public.
C. The discharge shall not create a buildup of icing, standing water
or algae growth on the street, sidewalk or public right-of-way.
D. The discharge shall not be directed towards an adjacent property
in such a manner as to cause damage to the adjacent property or create
a nuisance.
E. No person shall connect, or cause or permit to be connected, any
sump pump, pipe drain, floor drain, surface drain, subsoil drain or
leader pipe with the house sanitary sewer, or to use the sanitary
sewer connection or any pipe or drain connected therewith for the
purpose of receiving and discharging drainage of any kind other than
from plumbing fixtures.
F. Sump pump and pipe drain discharges may not be directed into a Township
street or right-of-way unless permission is granted by the Engineer,
Public Works Manager or his/her designee.
Sump pumps and pipe drains installed prior to September 1, 2022,
shall comply with the following conditions:
A. An existing sump pump or pipe drain discharge may continue at the
location where the discharge was made on September 1, 2022, as long
as such discharge:
(1) Does not create a public nuisance, which is any thing, condition
or act which is or may become injurious or hazardous to the public;
(2) Does not create a buildup of icing, standing water, or algae growth
or cause erosion on the street, sidewalk or public right-of-way; and
B. An existing sump pump or pipe drain discharge that is causing a public
nuisance or is creating a buildup of icing, standing water, or algae
growth or is causing erosion on the street, sidewalk or public right-of-way
shall be corrected by the owner to bring the sump pump or pipe drain
discharge into compliance with the requirements of this chapter.
C. The Public Works Manager or his/her designee may require the following:
(1) That the sump pump or pipe drain have a point of discharge that is
located a minimum of 10 feet or greater, as directed by the Public
Works Manager or his/her designee, from any property line or Township
right-of-way.
(2) That the discharge be directed within the limits of the owner's
property onto an absorbent surface as grass, mulch, rock or soil so
that the discharge will be dissipated and not immediately drain to
the Township right-of-way or adjacent properties.
Any person who violates any of the provisions of this chapter shall, upon conviction thereof, be subject to the penalties set forth in Chapter
1, Article
II, General Penalty, of the Township Code.