The Board of Supervisors finds that proper removal and transport of septic tank sludge is essential for septic system maintenance and protection of public health. It is the intent of this article to provide for the proper removal and transport of sludge and other liquid waste by setting forth performance criteria and permit requirements for persons to clean septic tanks and transport sludge.
(Ord. 3818 § 2, 1987; Ord. 5310 § 8, 2019)
It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to engage in the business of cleaning, evacuating or removing sludge or sewage from septic tanks, cesspools, pit privies, holding tank haul-away systems, grease traps, chemical toilets or other privately owned sewage disposal receptacles, all called "sewage receptacles" in this chapter, in the unincorporated area of the County without first obtaining a permit as provided in this chapter.
(Ord. 3818 § 2, 1987; Ord. 5310 § 8, 2019)
(A) 
Application. Application for a permit and for renewal thereof shall be filed with the Health Officer upon such forms as the Health Officer may prescribe.
(B) 
Fees. The permit fee for the calendar year or any part thereof during which the permitted activity is carried on and for renewal thereof shall be that established by resolution of the Board of Supervisors.
(C) 
Expiration. Each permit shall expire on December 31st of the current year; provided, that such permit may be renewed without penalty on or before February 15th next following the expiration date.
(D) 
Delinquent Permits. Permittees who do not renew the permit on or before February 15th shall pay the extra amount established by resolution of the Board.
(Ord. 3818 § 2, 1987; Ord. 5310 § 8, 2019)
The Health Officer shall issue a permit to such applicant after inspecting the tank, compartment or other container to be used by the applicant in their business and determining that:
(A) 
The pumping equipment is in good and proper working order and adequate, and the proposed dumping site is acceptable and has been approved;
(B) 
A valid certificate as to the capacity of the tank has been secured from the County Sealer of Weights and Measures;
(C) 
The name and address or phone number of the owner appear on each side of the truck in letters at least four inches high. All lettering shall be permanent;
(D) 
The capacity of the tank in gallons appears on each side of the tank in letters at least four inches high. Tanks must be watertight and have tight manholes. Discharge valves shall shut tight. All valves shall be operated from the valve itself and not at the driver's seat or by remote control;
(E) 
The pump is leakproof and spillproof;
(F) 
A special hose for cleaning purposes is carried. All hose and pipe used in cleaning shall be flushed back into the tank being cleaned and not on the ground or premises. The hose shall be equipped with a backflow prevention device to prevent backflow of contaminated water into the customer's water system. A customer's hose shall not be used;
(G) 
The vehicle and equipment shall be maintained in a clean condition, and in good repair;
(H) 
The applicant is knowledgeable of the operation of the equipment and of the proper procedures for cleaning and inspecting a septic tank, as set forth by the Health Officer.
(Ord. 3818 § 2, 1987; Ord. 5310 § 8, 2019)
No permit issued under this chapter shall be assignable or transferable, nor shall it authorize any person, firm or corporation other than the one named in the permit to engage in the business mentioned therein.
(Ord. 3818 § 2, 1987; Ord. 5310 § 8, 2019)
(A) 
Procedures for cleaning and inspecting a septic tank system shall be established by policy of the Health Officer.
(B) 
The permittee must comply with the requirements of this chapter and with the procedures set forth by the Health Officer for cleaning and inspecting a septic tank system. Each permittee shall be responsible for ensuring that the permittee's employees comply with the requirements of this chapter and with the procedures set forth by the Health Officer for cleaning and inspecting a septic tank system.
(Ord. 3818 § 2, 1987; Ord. 5310 § 8, 2019)
(A) 
Septic tank cleanings and other liquid waste shall only be disposed into a public septage-receiving facility if a permit is first secured from the officials in charge of the facility. Grease or other liquid waste may be disposed of at another type of facility with approval of the Health Officer.
(B) 
If a significant spill of septic tank sludge or other liquid waste occurs, or if sludge is discharged to an unapproved site, the operator shall immediately notify the Health Officer and shall take steps to clean up the spill, disinfect the area, and prevent any discharge to a waterway. A "significant spill" is any spill that occurs in a public right-of-way, that enters a waterway, that leaves the property where the spill occurs, or that exceeds 15 gallons in volume.
(Ord. 3818 § 2, 1987; Ord. 5310 § 8, 2019)
(A) 
A quarterly report shall be made to the Health Officer on forms provided by the Health Officer (individual sheets for each property) giving the following information on every septic tank or sump which has been pumped:
(1) 
Date of pumping;
(2) 
Name, address, and Assessor's Parcel Number;
(3) 
Gallons pumped;
(4) 
Disposal location;
(5) 
Septic tank or sump size (in gallons, or inside dimensions below inlet pipe);
(6) 
Septic tank condition (broken baffles, rotten sides or top, leaks, etc.);
(7) 
Indications of septic system failure (high liquid level, backflow, surfacing sewage on site, etc.);
(8) 
Property use, if other than residential; and
(9) 
Drawing showing the location of the septic tank or sump.
(B) 
Permit holders shall provide the Health Officer with a quarterly report, on forms provided by the Health Officer, providing information for items (A)(1) through (A)(4) of this section for holding tanks, grease traps, sumps, or other liquid waste receptacles that have been pumped, other than chemical toilets.
(C) 
Reports of pumpings from chemical toilets shall indicate total volumes pumped during the quarter and the location of disposal.
(D) 
All septic tank cleaners must give receipts bearing the name and address of the owner of the septic tank pumped and the address of the tank pumped to the person who contracts to have the septic tank cleaned.
(E) 
A change of address of the septic tank pumper must be reported within 10 days by certified mail to the Health Officer.
(Ord. 3818 § 2, 1987; Ord. 5310 § 8, 2019)