Rates and fees imposed on domestic and non-domestic users of the POTW pursuant to this chapter may include, but are not limited to the following:
A. 
Rates and fees to recover the City’s cost to operate, maintain, and improve the POTW, administer and regulate users under the City’s Pretreatment Program, and regulate domestic users of the POTW;
B. 
Permit and other control mechanism rates and fees;
C. 
Monthly fixed rates and fees;
D. 
Rates based on wastewater constituents, characteristics and flow;
E. 
Connection rates and fees;
F. 
Monitoring and inspection fees; and
G. 
Rates and fees to recover the cost of operating the TAGRO program.
(Ord. 28761 Ex. B, 2021-05-25)
In accordance with Chapter 35.67 RCW, rates and fees shall be established for the discharge and for the availability for discharge of all wastewater to the POTW. If the control authority requires construction of an extension to the POTW prior to issuance of a side sewer permit, the rates and fees for availability for discharge shall not be assessed or charged until such time as the POTW extension is completed. Unless the water service is shut off by Tacoma Water, or unless otherwise determined by the control authority, rates and fees for wastewater service shall be assessed and billed when a premises is vacant or during a remodeling project, or similar activity. Rates and fees for wastewater services inside the Tacoma City limits shall be established by ordinance or resolution of the City Council in accordance with this chapter.
A. 
Each single-family residence shall be assessed and billed monthly a Residential Fixed Fee and Residential Flow Rate for wastewater service, as established by ordinance or resolution of the City Council.
The water consumption, per ccf for the Residential Flow Rate shall be the average monthly use as measured during the most recent months of December, January, February, and March. If the average consumption results in a fractional part of a ccf, the number used for calculating the flow rate shall be rounded to the nearest one-hundredth of a ccf.
B. 
Multiple-family residences and mobile home courts with two or more units, served through one water meter, and accessory dwelling units served through the same water meter as the main dwelling, shall be assessed and billed monthly per living unit, except that the water consumed during the winter months shall be divided by the total number of living units served by the account to determine the per living unit flow volume. If the average consumption per unit results in a fraction, the number used for calculating the flow rate shall be adjusted to the nearest one-hundredth of a ccf.
It shall be the duty of every person in possession, charge, or control of the entire premises consisting of two or more living units served by the POTW, or to which such wastewater service is available, to be accountable for payment for such wastewater service for each living unit.
Where units in multiple-unit residences are separately metered; each unit shall be charged the appropriate single-family residence rate as set forth in subsection A of this section.
C. 
For new residential services or account holders which have incomplete or no winter flow records available, the monthly flow portion of the Residential Flow Rate for wastewater service shall be computed using the flows listed below:
Single-family Dwellings – 6.0 ccf per month (effective January 1, 2026, 5.0 ccf per month)
Multiple-family Dwelling – 5.0 ccf per month (effective January 1, 2026, 4.0 ccf per unit per month)
Except that charges for existing multiple-family dwellings with previous consumption history shall not change solely due to changes in account holder or ownership.
D. 
Residential customers who qualify as low-income senior or low-income disabled under TMC § 12.06.165(B) shall be eligible for a Residential Rate and Fee Reduction from the Residential Fixed Fee and Residential Flow Rate at a percentage as established by ordinance or resolution of the City Council. The determination of low income senior and low income disabled status shall be made as set forth in TMC § 12.06.165(B). Customers seeking a wastewater service rate and fee reduction under this subsection shall submit a written request to the control authority. Such request shall include documentation demonstrating that the requester qualifies for the reduction. If the control authority grants the request, the effective date for the rate reduction shall be the first day of the billing period in which the control authority’s acceptance is granted.
E. 
Non-residential customers shall be assessed and billed monthly a Commercial and/or Industrial User Fixed Fee and Flow Rate, as established by ordinance or resolution of the City Council. Assessment and billing for non-residential customers shall be computed and paid as follows:
1. 
Metered water supply. When billing is based upon the water usage, such rate shall be applied against the total amount of water used from all sources unless, in the opinion of the control authority, significant portions of water received are not discharged to a sanitary sewer. The total amount of water used from public and private sources will be determined by public meters or private meters, installed and maintained in accordance with applicable Environmental Services’ policies, procedures, guidance, requirements and manuals promulgated by the Director, at the customer’s expense. Such public or private meters shall measure flow in cubic feet (cf). Where more than one commercial/industrial facility is served by one water meter, the user group shall be determined by the activities of the largest water consumption user.
2. 
Metered wastewater volume and metered diversions. When billing is based upon water usage and where, in the opinion of the control authority, a significant portion of the water received from any metered source does not flow into the sanitary sewer because of the principal activity of the customer or removal by other means, the rate will be applied against the volume of water discharged from such premises into the sanitary sewer. Any customer seeking a reduction in sewer billing based on a diversion of metered water from the sanitary sewer system shall submit written proof of such diversion to the control authority for its approval. To establish reduced sewer billing based on such diversion, the customer shall, unless clearly demonstrated as impractical, install a submeter of a type and at a location approved by the control authority and at the customer’s expense. A credit adjustment for sanitary sewer overcharges may be granted, upon written application by the customer, but only for the three-month period immediately preceding the submeter installation.
Such meters shall measure flow in cubic feet (cf) and shall be maintained and tested for accuracy at the customer’s expense in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications and applicable control authority’s policies, procedures, guidance, requirements, and manuals. Within 30 days of notification by the control authority that meter repair or testing is required, the customer shall provide written confirmation that such repair or testing has been accomplished. Failure to provide such confirmation may result in sanitary sewer rates being based upon the metered water source.
3. 
Customers installing irrigation systems. All customers installing irrigation systems shall be required to meter the water usage of the irrigation system by installing, at customer’s expense, either a metered water supply dedicated solely to the irrigation system, or a submeter, which the customer shall maintain, to calculate the appropriate reduction of sewer rates.
4. 
Estimated wastewater volume.
a. 
Customers without source meters. In cases where, in the opinion of the control authority, it is unnecessary or impractical to install meters, the rate calculation may be based upon an estimate of the volume to be discharged, prepared by the control authority. A rational method will be used to estimate the quantity of wastewater discharged and may consider such factors as the number of plumbing fixtures, seating capacity, population equivalent, annual production of goods and services, or such other determinations of water use necessary to estimate the wastewater volume discharged. The factors used to estimate the volume of wastewater discharge may be periodically reviewed at the discretion of the control authority.
b. 
Customers with source meters. In cases where, in the opinion of the control authority, a customer diverts a significant portion of their flow from the POTW, the rate calculation may be based upon an estimate of the flow and volume to be discharged, prepared by the customer and approved by the control authority. The estimate must include the method and calculations used to determine the wastewater volume and may consider such factors as the number of fixtures, seating capacity, population equivalents, annual production of goods and services, or such other determinations of water use necessary to estimate the wastewater volume discharged. The estimate of the flow volume may be periodically reviewed at the discretion of the control authority and the rate adjusted accordingly.
c. 
When the control authority determines that the City’s cost to provide wastewater service to a customer or a group of customers is higher than the City’s cost to provide wastewater service to typical City customers, the control authority may impose a surcharge on such customers in an amount established by ordinance or resolution of the City Council. The control authority will notify affected customers prior to implementing the surcharge.
F. 
When a parcel located within the City limits has an available public sanitary sewer main as defined in the Side Sewer and Sanitary Sewer Availability Manual, but is not connected to the public sanitary system, the property owner will be charged a fee, as a penalty for not connecting to the public system, equal to the appropriate sewer rate as authorized in this Section 12.08B.210 that the property owner would be charged if the parcel were connected to the public system.
(Ord. 28761 Ex. B, 2021-05-25; Subst. Ord. 28997 Ex. C, 2024-12-17; Ord. 29049 Ex. A, 2025-08-05; Ord. 29054 § 2, 2025-10-07)
Persons owning premises outside the City may, upon a written request from the appropriate jurisdiction and receipt of a side sewer construction or similar permit issued by such jurisdiction if required by that jurisdiction, and a side sewer construction or similar permit issued by the control authority, discharge wastewater to the POTW. Such permit issued by the control authority shall be issued only upon the written application of the owner of the premises and subject to the following terms and conditions:
A. 
The applicant for any such permit shall attach to the application a construction permit issued to the owner or to that owner’s contractor by the appropriate jurisdiction for the construction of a side sewer.
B. 
The owner or that owner’s licensed contractor shall pay all fees and obtain a permit for a side sewer in strict compliance with the City’s requirements governing the construction and maintenance of side sewers then in effect. The fees include a “Connection Fee” as established by ordinance or resolution of the City Council and the connection charge in-lieu-of-assessment.
C. 
The owner shall agree to pay monthly Outside City Residential Fixed Fees and Outside City Residential Flow Rates for wastewater service in an amount computed based upon a percentage, as established by ordinance or resolution of the City Council, of the rates and fees assessed to similar wastewater service customers located in the City, and subject to the following:
1. 
If the jurisdiction where the customer is located assesses a utility tax against the revenues of the control authority derived from that customer, and/or imposes a fee on the customer that the control authority must assess and reimburse to the jurisdiction, the fixed fee assessed to such customer shall increase in an amount that covers’ the added cost to the control authority, including administrative expenses, of paying the utility tax and collecting and reimbursing the added fee.
2. 
If the control authority determines that the City’s cost to provide wastewater service to a customer or a group of customers is higher than the City’s cost to provide wastewater service to typical customers located in the City, the control authority may impose a surcharge on such customers in an amount established by ordinance or resolution of the City Council. The control authority will notify affected customers prior to implementing the surcharge.
D. 
The owner of the premises served by the POTW shall pay an Outside City Connection Charge-in-lieu-of-Assessment to the City computed at the rate as set by ordinance or resolution of the City Council. This charge shall be computed in the same manner as sanitary sewer assessments are from time to time computed by the City under Chapter 35.44 RCW relating to local improvement districts. The cost of side sewer construction shall be the responsibility of the owner of the premises.
E. 
The Outside City Connection Charge-in-lieu-of-Assessment shall apply to and be credited to the benefit of a specific parcel of real property which shall be designated by legal description and shall be posted by the City to appropriate records or ledgers and made a part of the City’s permanent records pertaining thereto. No further connection charge-in-lieu-of-assessment shall be collected against said premises.
F. 
Future service connections to premises abutting the POTW on which an Outside City Connection Charge-in-lieu-of-Assessment has not been paid but which adjoins specific premises for which such charges have been charged or paid, shall be subject to the charges as hereinabove set forth as now or hereafter amended.
G. 
All Outside City Connection Charges-in-lieu-of-Assessment received pursuant to the provisions of this section are nonrefundable and shall be considered capital contributions to the POTW and deposited into the Sewer Utility Fund.
H. 
All current ordinances, polices, procedures, guidance, requirements, and manuals relating to the use, maintenance, and connection to the POTW shall apply to each such sanitary sewer connection. Persons who violate the requirements of this chapter may be subject to suspension or disconnection of municipal sanitary sewer service, along with other enforcement remedies authorized by this chapter and state law. The owner of any premises connecting to the POTW shall, as a condition of the side sewer construction or similar permit, allow an inspection of that owner’s premises by the control authority for the purpose of determining whether the connection has been properly made and whether the use of the POTW is in accordance with applicable provisions of this chapter. Refusal to grant, or revocation of, such consent shall be grounds for revocation of the side sewer construction or similar permit and disconnection of the side sewer connection at owner’s cost and expense.
I. 
In the event of a change in ownership, or if the premises are rented, the owner or renter shall be assessed and billed and pay the rates and fees required by this chapter.
J. 
Pursuant to RCW 35.67.300 a contributing jurisdiction owning or operating its own sanitary sewer system may contract with the City for the discharge, treatment and disposal of wastewater from all or any part or parts of such contributing jurisdiction to the POTW, upon such terms and conditions as the City and contributing jurisdiction may agree. A contributing jurisdiction entering into such a contract with the City for the discharge, treatment and disposal of wastewater (Wastewater Treatment Services) shall pay such rates and fees as are calculated using the following formula:
Total Monthly Billing Amount = Residential Billing Amount + Commercial Billing Amount.
Residential Billing amount = Sum of ((Monthly fixed residential charge + (Quantity multiplied by the Residential flow Rate)) multiplied by Ratio of Applicability) for all residential customers as estimated by the control authority.
Commercial Billing Amount = Sum of (Monthly fixed charge + (Quantity multiplied by Commercial Flow rate for the assigned billing category)) multiplied by Ratio of Applicability) for all commercial customers as estimated by the control authority.
Monthly fixed residential charge = Monthly Fixed Charge established by ordinance or resolution of the City Council for City residential customers multiplied by the number of residential customers in the contributing jurisdiction.
Monthly fixed commercial charge = Monthly Fixed Charge established by ordinance or resolution of the City Council for City commercial customers multiplied by the number of commercial customers in the contributing jurisdiction.
Quantity = Estimated discharge of wastewater to the POTW. The quantity can be directly measured by meters at the point the wastewater discharge enters the POTW, or quantity can be estimated based on water consumption, or it can be a combination of both. For residential customers only, quantity can be estimated based on average water consumption in winter months; or quantity can be estimated for residential customers based on average water consumption per residential connection for all residential customers multiplied by the number of connections.
Flow Rate = Flow rate assigned to each rate category for residential and commercial customers in the City.
Ratio of Applicability = A ratio based upon the sewer expense of the contributing jurisdiction and the total POTW wastewater service expense. Such ratio may be more specifically described in a policy, procedure or guidance promulgated by the Director.
(Ord. 28761 Ex. B, 2021-05-25)
It is the intent of the City that all property owners shall bear an equitable share of the historic cost of constructing the abutting and adjacent POTW. Owners of premises within the City adjacent to and abutting the POTW that have not been previously assessed under a LID, or for a sanitary sewer improvement, may, upon receipt of a permit issued by the control authority to an owner or authorized representative, connect such premises to the POTW and discharge wastewater into such system. Such permit shall be issued only upon written application to the City by the owner of the premises to be served and shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:
A. 
The owner shall obtain all permits and pay all fees required by the City prior to making a connection to the POTW. Private side sewers shall be constructed in accordance with the City’s Side Sewer and Sanitary Sewer Availability Manual and applicable policies, procedures, guidance, requirements and manuals promulgated by the Director related to side sewer connections.
B. 
Except as provided in subsection F of this section, the owner, prior to the issuance of any permit herein authorized, shall pay the City a connection charge-in-lieu-of-assessment. This charge shall be computed at the guaranteed rate per “Assessable Unit of Frontage” in effect at the time of construction of the sanitary sewer line to be used to serve the premises of such owners, unless as otherwise provided below at subsections 1 and 2. The rate for computation of a Connection Charge-in-lieu-of Assessment shall be determined as of the date of completion of construction of the particular sanitary sewer line to be so used, as reflected by the rates shown below in Table I.
TABLE I
Construction Date
Rate Per A.U.F.
Two Side Service
One Side Service
Prior to September 30, 1957
$3.25
$3.25
October 1, 1957 to September 20, 1960
$3.25
$4.75
September 21, 1960 to January 15, 1963
$3.75
$4.75
January 16, 1963 to November 19, 1968
$4.50
$5.50
November 20, 1968 to July 17, 1973
$5.75
$9.00
July 18, 1973 to April 8, 1975
$7.50
$11.00
April 9, 1975 to December 5, 1978
$15.50
$23.00
December 6, 1978 to December 31, 1982
$20.00
$38.00
January 1, 1983 to June 2, 1991
$24.50
$46.50
June 3, 1991 to June 30, 1994
$30.00
$60.00
July 1, 1994 to December 31, 1998
$40.00
$80.00
January 1, 1999 to May 31, 2011
$50.00
$100.00
June 1, 2011 and thereafter
$75.00
$150.00
1. 
In no case shall the connection charge-in-lieu-of-assessment be less than the rate per “Assessable Unit of Frontage” charged to the original LID participants; therefore, in the event that the rate per “Assessable Unit of Frontage” charged to the original LID participants was higher than the rate set forth in this table, the connection charge-in-lieu-of-assessment shall be equal to the higher rate. In addition to the “Assessable Unit of Frontage” charge calculated according to Table I above, the City shall assess each connection to the POTW a Connection Fee, as established by ordinance or resolution of the City Council. In no case shall the total charge for the connection exceed the charge that would result from using the prevailing guaranteed maximum rate in effect at the time of the connection, unless as otherwise provided below.
2. 
For connections to any portion of the sanitary sewer line built with City funds instead of by LID, and constructed after January 1, 1999, the connection charge-in-lieu-of-assessment for each abutting premises shall be the proportionate share of the actual cost to construct the sanitary sewer line. The proportionate share shall be the ratio of each premises’ “Assessable Units of Frontage” to the total units of frontage, multiplied by the actual cost to construct the sanitary sewer line, plus any costs for side sewers. Actual cost to construct the sanitary sewer line shall be defined as the final applicable construction cost plus a 15 percent (15%) allowance for engineering, survey, inspection, and administration. In no case shall the connection charge exceed the benefit accruing to each premise. If the charge that would result from using the prevailing guaranteed maximum rate exceeds the proportionate share, the current connection shall be added to the proportionate share.
3. 
The calculation of the connection charge-in-lieu-of-assessment shall use the actual rate charged to the LID participants or the prevailing guaranteed maximum rate in effect at the time of construction, whichever is highest, unless the sewer was built with City funds after January 1, 1999. If the sewer was built with City funds after January 1, 1999, the calculation shall use the prevailing guaranteed maximum rate in effect at the time of connection or the final applicable construction cost plus 15 percent, whichever is highest.
4. 
Connection of premises to the existing POTW which is not adjacent to or abutting the subject premises shall be subject to a connection charge-in-lieu-of-assessment calculated using the higher of the prevailing guaranteed maximum rate in effect at the time of connection.
5. 
If the POTW is extended to be adjacent to or abutting the subject premises, the adjacent or abutting premises, which are identified on the City’s Request for Release as having contributed to the costs of the design and construction of the POTW, shall be connected to such POTW at no additional connection charge, as set forth in subsection C below; provided the owner/developer has submitted “As-Built” drawings to the City depicting the connection and has also executed the City’s Certificate of Release.
6. 
The “Assessable Units of Frontage” and the applicable amount to be paid thereon shall be computed in the same manner as the procedure set forth for LIDs under Chapter 35.44 RCW. The owner of the premises is responsible for the cost of constructing their private side sewer that connects to the POTW.
C. 
The connection charge-in-lieu-of-assessment shall be credited to and considered a benefit to the specific premises served by the sewer connection. Such premises shall be designated by legal description and maintained as a part of the City’s permanent records pertaining thereto and recorded with the Pierce County Auditor’s Office as required by state law. No further sanitary sewer connection charge shall be collected against said premises.
D. 
Future sanitary sewer connections to premises abutting the POTW on which a sanitary sewer connection charge has not been paid, but which adjoins specific premises for which such charges have been charged or paid, shall be subject to the applicable charges as established by ordinance or resolution of the City Council.
E. 
The Sanitary Sewer Connection Charges shall be calculated to include a processing fee equivalent to the current fees charged by the County Auditor for recording the Certificate of Payment and Release served under RCW 65.08.180.
F. 
Septic System Amnesty Program. Owners of residential and commercial premises where wastewater service is available, but where the premise is not connected to the POTW, are eligible for a financial incentive to connect to the POTW, as set forth below at subsections 1 and 2.
1. 
Where the Connection Charge-in-lieu-of Assessment is applicable, a financial incentive, consisting of a 50 percent reduction in the charge (incentive program) for the subject premises will be available, subject to the availability of funds, as described below, and in accordance with applicable policies set forth by the Director. The remaining 50 percent (50%) of that charge may be eligible for financial assistance under the Environmental Services Conservation Loan Program. The City will allocate up to $500,000 per fiscal year to fund the incentive program. Owners of premises who qualify for the incentive program will be eligible for a 50 percent reduction in their connection charge on a “first-come, first-served” basis until the moneys allocated by the City for the incentive program in a given fiscal year are exhausted.
2. 
Where an LID was/is formed, the financial incentive will consist of a 50 percent reduction to that assessment for the subject premises in accordance with policies set forth by the Director, subject to the availability of funds, as stated in subsection F.1 above. In the case where all or a part of the LID assessment, not including requested supplemental work, has been paid, the appropriate reduction or rebate will be made so that the final cost for the subject premises will be 50 percent of the full assessment amount.
3. 
The financial incentive program is not available to new premises that are constructed after wastewater service is available to that property. Owners not electing to take advantage of this limited program will be subject to the regular charges such as those specified in subsection B above.
G. 
All Connection Charges-in-lieu-of-Assessment received pursuant to the provisions of this section are nonrefundable and shall be considered capital contributions to the POTW and deposited into the Wastewater Management Fund.
H. 
All ordinances, polices, procedures, guidance, requirements, and manuals relating to the use, maintenance, and connection to POTW, shall apply to each such sanitary sewer connection. Persons who violate the requirements of this chapter may be subject to suspension or disconnection of wastewater service, along with other enforcement remedies authorized by this chapter or state law.
(Ord. 28761 Ex. B, 2021-05-25)
A. 
All wastewater service rates and fees as established by ordinance or resolution of the City Council shall be assessed and billed monthly or bimonthly as shall be determined by the control authority and shall become due and payable at the office of the City Treasurer or such other places as approved by the City Treasurer on or before the 15th day after the statement has been mailed and shall become delinquent thereafter.
B. 
For any service rate or fee which becomes delinquent, the party shall be charged a late payment fee as set forth in TMC Chapter 12.01. Any service rate or fee which becomes delinquent, together with interest, also shall immediately become a lien against the premises served under RCW 35.67.200. Such lien may be foreclosed by the control authority in the manner provided by Chapter 35.67 RCW. In the event that the control authority files or releases a lien with the County Auditor, a processing fee will be added to the delinquent amounts owed equivalent to the current fees charged by the County Auditor for filing or releasing a lien. The processing fee will be allocated to the Wastewater Management Fund, and, for City tax purposes, recorded as revenue. In addition to such foreclosure, a customer whose wastewater management account is delinquent shall also be subject to having City water utility services terminated for the subject premises (or other premises owned or rented by the customer), which termination shall continue until the delinquency is fully satisfied or other arrangements are made to the satisfaction of the control of authority.
C. 
Rates due under this chapter shall be computed by carrying the computation to the third decimal place and rounding to a whole cent using a method that rounds up to the next cent whenever the third decimal place is greater than four.
(Ord. 28761 Ex. B, 2021-05-25)
A. 
The control authority may issue a special approved discharge authorization for short-term discharges of wastewater, stormwater, or groundwater to the POTW. Application and reapplication for discharge approval shall be made in accordance with TMC § 12.08C.360 and accompanied by payment of a Special Approved Discharge Annual Fixed Administration Fee established by ordinance or resolution of City Council.
B. 
An authorized discharger shall also pay a rate based on the quantity and strength of the wastewater, stormwater, or groundwater discharged. Such Special Approved Discharge Rate shall be established by ordinance or resolution of the City Council and charged based on the following formula:
(FL + ((TSS * X) + (BOD * Y))) * Q = Z
FL = Flow rate
TSS = Total suspended solids mg/l
X = TSS rate per mg/l
BOD = Biochemical oxygen demand mg/l
Y = BOD rate per mg/l
Q = Quantity 100 cubic feet (ccf)
Z = Rate of charge
(Ord. 28761 Ex. B, 2021-05-25)
The control authority may conditionally allow effluent discharges from groundwater “pump and treat” remediation systems regulated by EPA or the Department of Ecology to the POTW for a fixed-term. Such discharges that cause or have the potential to cause pass through or interference shall not be allowed. No person shall discharge effluent from a groundwater “pump and treat” remediation system unless authorized by a control mechanism issued by the control authority. Persons authorized to discharge effluent from a “pump and treat” remediation system shall pay the applicable rates and fees for monitored users as set forth in this chapter at TMC § 12.08B.265.
(Ord. 28761 Ex. B, 2021-05-25)
A. 
Persons wishing to discharge domestic wastewater from a holding tank not connected to the POTW shall obtain an authorization from the control authority prior to discharging the contents to the POTW. Such authorization shall be conditioned on submittal of a completed and approved application on a form provided by the control authority.
B. 
Persons discharging holding tank waste shall pay a Holding Tank Waste Discharge Rate for every 100 gallons discharged as established by ordinance or resolution of the City Council. The rate for holding tank waste generated from within the City shall be lower than the rate for holding tank waste generated outside the City.
C. 
Persons discharging holding tank waste shall comply with the best management practices for the acceptance of hauled waste under TMC § 12.08C.510.
D. 
Persons discharging domestic wastewater from noncommercial vehicles which provide facilities for human habitation, including but not limited to campers, motor homes, and travel trailers are exempt from this section provided that such wastewater is discharged into a City-approved facility designed to receive such wastes.
E. 
Only domestic wastewater shall be authorized to be discharged under this section. Any other waste, including but not limited to grease traps, oil/water separators, interceptors, or septic tanks comprising waste other than domestic wastewater, or any mixture thereof, shall not be discharged under this section, unless authorized by the control authority. The control authority may prohibit or limit the discharge of holding tank waste to the POTW if such discharge contains chemicals at concentrations that may cause interference at the POTW.
F. 
Any mixture of hazardous or dangerous wastes, as defined by federal, state, or local laws and regulations, regardless of the quantity or ratio, in a holding tank is strictly prohibited from being discharged to the POTW.
G. 
Persons authorized to discharge holding tank waste under this section shall discharge such material at the City’s Septage Receiving Station located at 2101 Cleveland Way, unless otherwise directed by the control authority.
(Ord. 28761 Ex. B, 2021-05-25)
The Director is authorized to establish and adjust charges and prices for TAGRO products and TAGRO services based on market conditions.
The Director may establish a program allowing for self-loading of TAGRO Mix up to one cubic yard at no cost, if material is available.
(Ord. 28761 Ex. B, 2021-05-25)
The control authority is authorized to establish a Pilot Rate Program for commercial/industrial users to determine the suitability of alternative rate classifications to ensure costs are being properly recovered to provide wastewater services. As part of such Pilot Rate Program, the control authority may establish test rate classifications and set rates for each such test rate classification. The Pilot Rate Program and test rate classifications established therein shall be designed to increase the equitable distribution of costs among the users of the POTW to ensure the City’s cost to own, operate, and maintain the POTW are properly recovered. Rate classifications established under this section shall be in the best interest of the rate payers. The rates set for each classification shall be fair and reasonable and each test rate classification created shall be based upon reasonable differences between users as grounds for distinction. The maximum rate set for each pilot rate classification shall be no higher than the rate that would ordinarily apply to each commercial/industrial user as established by ordinance or resolution of the City Council. No Pilot Rate Program established under this section shall exceed two years.
(Ord. 28761 Ex. B, 2021-05-25)
The control authority shall conduct regular reviews of the wastewater rates and fees established by ordinance or resolution of the City Council to confirm that all costs to provide wastewater services by the City are properly recovered.
(Ord. 28761 Ex. B, 2021-05-25)
A. 
There shall be no reduction in rates for any premises to which a sanitary sewer service connection has been made or for which wastewater service is available, unless there is no charge being made for water or water service to such premises, or where monitoring, sampling, and testing prove the rate to be based on erroneous information.
B. 
If an industrial user is of the opinion that the user group rate thereof applicable to that industrial user is based on erroneous information, that owner or other person responsible for paying wastewater rates may, in writing, request a review by the control authority of the rate by sampling and testing of sanitary sewage and industrial wastewater from the premises served. Any industrial user or other person making such request shall provide a detailed explanation for why they believe their wastewater rate is based on erroneous information. An industrial user requesting such reconsideration may be eligible for sampling and testing by Environmental Services personnel or, if the industrial user chooses, they may have an approved certified outside laboratory perform the sampling and testing, at the industrial user’s expense. The industrial user shall provide adequate and safe facilities for sampling. Any subsequent sampling and testing by control authority personnel, not required to meet federal or state regulations, shall be the responsibility of the industrial user. If an outside laboratory is employed for testing under this section, all samples taken shall be split with the Environmental Services Laboratory. Concurrent tests shall be run by the control authority to corroborate the results. All sampling and testing procedures shall be done according to “Standard Methods” or an alternative approved by the control authority. If the results of the tests are within standard deviations for the concentrations used in determining the rates, no rate change will be made. The industrial user shall bear all costs for re-sampling and testing by the control authority unless the results outside standard deviations indicate a lower composite rate. No retroactive credits or rebates for rates assessed and billed while using estimated concentration levels prior to an industrial user’s request for sampling will be made.
(Ord. 28761 Ex. B, 2021-05-25)
Monitored commercial and/or industrial users shall pay a Commercial and/or Industrial User Fixed Fee and a Monitored Commercial and/or Industrial User Rate based on the quantity and strength of the wastewater. Such rates and fees shall be established by ordinance or resolution of the City Council and be charged based on the following formula:
MF + (FL + ((TSS * X) + (BOD * Y))) * Q = Z
MF = Monthly fixed fee
FL = Flow rate
TSS = Total suspended solids mg/l
X = TSS rate per mg/l
BOD = Biochemical oxygen demand mg/l
Y = BOD rate per mg/l
Q = Quantity 100 cubic feet (ccf)
Z = Rate of charge
(Ord. 28761 Ex. B, 2021-05-25)
The City shall charge an annual fee, as established by ordinance or resolution of the City Council, for administering Industrial Wastewater Discharge Permits and Industrial Wastewater Zero-Discharge Permits.
Commercial or industrial users of the POTW shall be assessed and billed monthly a Commercial and/or Industrial User Fixed Fee and a Commercial and/or Industrial User Flow Rate, as established by ordinance or resolution of the City Council. Each unmonitored commercial or industrial user placed in a user group shall pay the Commercial and/or Industrial User Flow Rate per 100 cubic feet (ccf) for each category identified in Table II below. In no event shall any such rate and fee be less than the applicable monthly Residential Fixed Fee assessed to a single family residence.
All restaurants are initially classified in the Category 8 (Restaurant II) group. Any restaurant utility customer may petition the Director to be placed in the Category 6 (Restaurant I) user group. The customer must provide the Director with documentation that the restaurant has an approved grease retention device in compliance with current Uniform Plumbing Code as adopted in Chapter 2.06 of the Tacoma Municipal Code, and as amended thereafter, and applicable policies, procedures, guidance, requirements, and manuals of the control authority, and that the customer has an adequate ongoing maintenance program in place for that device. If the Director concurs, the control authority will classify that restaurant in the Category 6 (Restaurant I) user group as long as those conditions are continually met. In the event that those conditions are not continually met, the Director will re-classify the restaurant into the Category 8 (Restaurant II) user group until the Director is satisfied that the required conditions are again met. Persons required to install and maintain a grease protection device shall comply with TMC § 12.08C.500.
Table II Categories for Commercial and/or Industrial User Groups
Billing Category
Constitutent Strength limits
Category 8
(BOD 901 + mg/l) (SS 600 mg/l)
Category 7
(BOD 701-900 mg/l) (SS 700 mg/l)
Category 6
(BOD 701-900 mg/l) (SS 400 mg/l)
Category 5
(BOD 501-700 mg/l) (SS 400 mg/l)
Category 4
(BOD 301-500 mg/l) (SS 450 mg/l)
Category 3
(BOD 301-500 mg/l) (SS 0-400 mg/l)
Category 2
(BOD 200-300 mg/l) (SS 150-400 mg/l)
Category 1
(BOD 0-250 mg/l) (SS 0-150 mg/l)
(Ord. 28761 Ex. B, 2021-05-25)
A. 
Persons, whether inside or outside the City, that discharge substances in violation of this chapter or TMC Chapter 12.08C to the POTW including, but not limited to persons that cause pass through or interference, shall be liable to pay any supplemental fees the control authority incurs to respond to such violation. Liability for supplemental fees under this section shall also apply to any person responsible for discharging a substance in violation of this chapter or TMC Chapter 12.08C to the POTW, regardless whether they own the property from which the prohibited discharge originates. Assessment of supplemental fees shall be in addition to:
1. 
Any enforcement action authorized by this chapter to address a violation of TMC Chapter 12.08B of TMC Chapter 12.08C;
2. 
Any cost recovery remedy available to the control authority under state and federal environmental laws and regulations; and
3. 
Any other remedy available at law or in equity to address a violation of TMC Chapter 12.08B or TMC Chapter 12.08C.
B. 
Any supplemental fees assessed shall become due and payable to the City within 30 days of receipt of such assessment. If supplemental fees are appealed and affirmed in whole or in part, such fees shall become due and payable within 30 calendar days of receipt of a final decision by the Hearing Examiner or a court. The control authority may pursue collection of non-payment of supplemental fees by any lawful means authorized, including referral to a collection agency.
(Ord. 28761 Ex. B, 2021-05-25)