[Adopted 2-12-1998 by Ord. No. 98-2]
A. 
This article sets forth uniform requirements for contributors to the sanitary sewage facilities of Upper Frederick Township and enables the Township to comply with all applicable state and federal laws, including the Clean Water Act of 1977 and the general pretreatment regulations (40 CFR, Part 403). The objectives of this article are:
(1) 
To prevent introduction of pollutants into the sanitary sewer facilities of Upper Frederick Township which will interfere, through inhibition and/or enhancement, with the operation of the Upper Frederick Township sanitary sewage facilities (hereinafter referred to as "Township facilities") or contaminate the resulting sludge.
(2) 
To prevent introduction of pollutants into the Township facilities which will pass through or cause to pass through the Township facilities inadequately treated wastes into receiving waters or the atmosphere, or otherwise be incompatible with the Township facilities.
(3) 
To improve the opportunity to recycle and reclaim wastewaters and sludges from the Township facilities.
(4) 
To provide for equitable distribution of the cost of the Township facilities.
(5) 
To protect the environment, the general public and the Township personnel against the hazards associated with discharges of toxic or otherwise incompatible pollutants into the Township facilities.
(6) 
To help insure Township compliance with its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, biosolids use and disposal requirements and regulations, the Clean Water Act, the general pretreatment regulations and any other state or federal laws with which the Township must comply.
(7) 
To prevent or reduce stormwater, groundwater, roof runoff, subsurface drainage or cooling water from entering into the Township facilities.
(8) 
To allow the Township to operate and maintain its Township facilities in a safe and effective manner.
B. 
This article provides for the regulation of contributors to the Township facilities through enforcement of specific requirements for users; authorizes monitoring and enforcement activities; requires user reporting; assumes that existing customer's capacity will not be preempted; and provides for the setting of fees for the equitable distribution of costs resulting from the program established herein.
C. 
This article shall apply to the Township of Upper Frederick and any persons outside the Township who are, or become, users of the Township facilities. Except as otherwise provided herein, the Township shall administer, implement and enforce the provisions of this article.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ACT or THE ACT
The Federal Water Pollution Control Act, also known as the Clean Water Act, as amended, 33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq.
APPROVAL AUTHORITY
The regional administrator of EPA.
BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND (BOD)
The quantity of oxygen utilized in the biochemical oxidation of organic matter under standard laboratory procedure five days at 20° C., expressed in terms of weight and concentration (milligrams per liter [mg/l]).
BUILDING AND PLUMBING CODES
The applicable International Plumbing Code.[1]
[Amended 2-9-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-01]
BUILDING
Any structure having a roof or other covering and designed, used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy. For the purposes of this article, each portion of a building which is completely separated for occupancy purposes from other portions by fire walls, dividing walls or any type of wall or separation structure shall be considered as a separate building.
BUILDING SANITARY DRAINAGE SYSTEM
All facilities owned, operated and/or constructed by the building owner which are used to convey wastewater from the building to the Township's sanitary sewer main. The building sanitary drainage system includes all piping, laterals and lateral connection points to the Township sanitary sewer main from public or private premises and shall exclude storm, surface and groundwater.
BUILDING TRAP
A premanufactured single component device (not an assembly of fittings) installed as part of the building sanitary drainage system to prevent circulation of air between the wastewater piping within a building and the building lateral.
BULK WASTEWATER DISCHARGE
A large volume of waste originating from holding tanks, which has not had its characteristics altered through treatment.
CLEANOUTS
An access opening in the building sanitary drainage system utilized for the removal of obstructions.
COMMERCIAL USER
A nonresidential establishment which discharges strictly domestic sewage.
COOLING WATER
The water discharge from any use, such as air conditioning, cooling or refrigeration, to which the only pollutant added is heat.
DIRECT DISCHARGE
The discharge of treated or untreated wastewater directly into the waters of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
DOMESTIC SEWAGE
The normal water borne waste from a household, as well as toilet wastes from residences, business buildings, institutions, commercial and industrial establishments.
DWELLING UNIT
Any room, group of rooms, house trailer or other enclosure occupied or intended for occupancy as separate living quarters by a family or other group of persons living together or by persons living alone.
EDU
Equivalent dwelling unit with the following wastewater characteristics:
A. 
Residential user.
(1) 
Flow rates: 75 gpd/cap to 100 gpd/cap. (Note: specific gpd/EDU flows will be defined in approved planning modules for each development.)
(2) 
Ammonia-nitrogen: 40 mg/l as N.
(3) 
BOD5: 0.20 lbs/day/cap. (Note: specific wastewater concentrations for BOD5 will be calculated using the following formula: BOD5 = (0.20 lbs/day/cap)/(Flow Rate gpd/cap x 1x10-6 mgd x 8.34 pounds/gal) = mg/l.)
(4) 
Total suspended solids: 0.22 pounds/day/cap. (Note: Specific wastewater concentrations for TSS will be calculated using the following formula: TSS = (0.22 pound/day/cap)/Flow Rate gpd/cap x 1x10-6 mgd/gpd x 8.34 pounds/gal) = mg/l.)
(5) 
TKN: 40 mg/l as N.
(6) 
Phosphate: 10 mg/l as P.
B. 
Industrial and commercial users.
(1) 
Flow rates: 250 gpd.
(2) 
Ammonia-nitrogen: 40 mg/l as N.
(3) 
BOD5: 250 mg/l.
(4) 
Total suspended solids: 250 mg/l.
(5) 
TKN: 40 mg/l.
(6) 
Phosphate: 10 mg/l.
(7) 
Oil and grease, total recoverable: 100 mg/l.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA)
The US Environmental Protection Agency or, where appropriate, the term may also be used as a designation for the administrator or other duly authorized official of said agency.
GRAB SAMPLE
A sample which is taken from a waste stream over a period of time not to exceed 15 minutes with no regard to the flow of the waste stream.
GROUNDWATER
The part of precipitation that infiltrates the ground and creates the zone of saturation.
IMPROVED PROPERTY
Any property upon which there is erected a structure intended for continuous or periodic habitation, occupancy or use by human beings or animals and from which structure domestic sewage shall be or may be discharged.
INDUSTRIAL USER
A source which discharges wastewater that does not meet the definition of domestic sewage.
INHIBITORY SUBSTANCES
Material and/or chemicals that kill or restrict the abilities of organisms to treat waste.
INTERFERENCE
The inhibition, enhancement or disruption of Township facilities, treatment processes of operations or its sludge processes, use or disposal which alone, or in conjunction with a discharge or discharges from other sources, causes a violation of any requirements of the Township's NPDES permit (including an increase in the magnitude or duration of a violation). The term includes prevention of sewage sludge use or disposal by the Township facilities in accordance with § 405 of the Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1345, or any criteria, guidelines or regulations developed pursuant to the Solid Waste Disposal Act (SWDA), the Clean Air Act and Toxic Substances Control Act, the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act or more stringent state criteria, including those contained in the state sludge management plan prepared pursuant to Title IV of SWDA applicable to the method of disposal or use employed by the Township facilities.
LATERAL
A part of the building sanitary drainage system owned, operated and/or constructed by the building owner used to convey wastewater from the building to the Township's sanitary sewer main. The lateral includes all piping, vent, cleanouts, traps and connection points to the Township sanitary sewer main from public or private premises and shall exclude storm, surface and ground water.
MASS EMISSION RATE
The rate of discharge of a pollutant expressed as weight per unit of time, usually as pounds of kilograms per day.
NATIONAL POLLUTION DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM or NPDES PERMIT
A permit issued pursuant to § 402 of the Act (33 U.S.C. § 1342).
NEW SOURCE
Any building, structure, facility or installation, or any other qualifier found in 40 CFR § 403.3(k), from which there is or may be a discharge of pollutants, the construction of which commenced after publication of proposed treatment standards under § 307(c) of the Act.
OWNER
Any person vested with ownership, legal or equitable, sole or partial, of any property and/or building located in the Township.
PASS THROUGH
A discharge, alone or in connection with a discharge or discharges from other sources which exits the Township facilities into waters of the in quantities which may serve to cause a violation of the Township's NPDES permit or cause an increase in magnitude or duration of a violation of the Township's NPDES permit.
PERSON
Any individual, partnership, copartnership, firm, company, corporation, association, joint stock company, trust, estate, governmental entity and any other legal entity or their legal representative, agents or assigns. The masculine gender shall include the feminine (the singular shall include the plural where indicated by context).
pH
The logarithm (base 10) of the reciprocal of the concentration of hydrogen ions expressed in standard units of solution.
POLLUTANT
Any dredged spoil, solid waste, incinerator residue, sewage, garbage, sewage sludge, munitions, chemical wastes, biological materials, radioactive materials, heat, wrecked or discharged equipment, rock, sand, cellar dirt, industrial, municipal and agricultural waste and certain wastewater containing pollutants such as pH, temperature, BOD and so forth, discharged into the water.
POLLUTION
The man-made or man-induced alteration of the chemical, physical, biological and radiological integrity of water.
PRETREATMENT or TREATMENT
The reduction of the amount of pollutants, the elimination of pollutants or the alteration of the nature of pollutant property in wastewater to a less harmful state prior to or in lieu of discharging or otherwise introducing such pollutants into the Township facilities. The reduction or alteration can be obtained by physical, chemical or biological processes, or process changes by other means, except as prohibited by 40 CFR § 403.6(d).
PRETREATMENT REQUIREMENTS
Any substantive or procedural requirements related to pretreatment other than a national pretreatment standard imposed on an industrial user.
PROCESS WATER
Any water that has become wastewater due to the chemical or physical nature of the water; water used to manufacture or produce any product.
PROHIBITED DISCHARGE STANDARDS
Absolute prohibitions against the discharge of certain substances.
REMEDIATION WASTEWATER
Groundwater or surface water that has become polluted and must be treated to standards as set forth by the Clean Water Act, Act 403.
SANITARY SEWER MAIN
A pipe or conduit owned by Upper Frederick Township which carries wastewater and to which storm, surface and ground waters are not intentionally admitted. The Township sanitary sewer main does not include lateral connection points from public or private premises.
SANITARY WASTEWATER
Any substance that contains any of the waste products of excrement or other discharge from the bodies of human beings and any noxious or deleterious substance being harmful to public health or to animal or aquatic life, or to the use of water from domestic water supply or for recreation, specifically excludes wastewater of industrial origins.
SEPTAGE
The material collected from an onsite sanitary wastewater treatment system.
SEWER
Any pipe or conduit constituting a part of the sewer system(s) and used for collection of domestic sewage.
SEWER SYSTEM(S)
All sewage collection, transportation, disposal and treatment facilities, pumping stations, interceptor lines, meter pits and appurtenant structures to be acquired and/or constructed, owned and operated by the Township for the purpose of receiving, conveying, treating and disposing of domestic sewage in and for the Township.
SLUG LOAD or SLUG
Any discharge of a nonroutine, episodic nature or at a flow rate or concentration which could cause a violation of the prohibited discharge standard set forth in this article.
STORMWATER
Any flow incurring during or following any form of natural precipitation and resulting therefrom.
SURFACE WATER
Precipitation that does not enter the ground through infiltration nor is returned to the atmosphere by evaporation; flow over the ground surface, includes man-made supplies of water.
TOTAL SUSPENDED SOLIDS
The total suspended matter that floats on the surface or is suspended in water, wastewater or other liquids and which is removable by laboratory filtering.
TOWNSHIP FACILITIES
Treatment works as defined by § 212 of the Act (33 U.S.C. § 1292), which includes the sanitary sewer mains, conduits, pipe lines, force mains, metering stations, interceptor sewers, pumping stations, lift stations, wastewater treatment facilities, disposal systems and other plants, structures, equipment, vessels, conveyances and works owned by the Township.
TOWNSHIP STANDARD CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS
The Township's standard technical specifications and requirements for the construction of sanitary sewers, sewer force mains, water mains and appurtenances.
TOWNSHIP
Upper Frederick Township, Obelisk, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, and/or its duly authorized representatives.
TOXIC POLLUTANT
Any pollutant or combination of pollutants listed as toxic in regulations promulgated by the administrator of the EPA under the provisions of Clean Water Act, § 307(a), or other Acts.
USER
Any person who contributes, causes or permits the contribution of wastewater into the Township facilities.
WASTEWATER
The liquid and water-carried wastes from dwellings, commercial buildings, industrial facilities and institutions, whether treated or untreated, which is contributed into or permitted to enter the Township facilities.
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT (TREATMENT PLANT)
That portion of the Township's facilities designed to provide treatment to wastewater.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 112, Code Enforcement.
A. 
General regulations.
(1) 
No user or industrial user shall contribute or cause to be contributed, directly or indirectly, stormwater, groundwater, roof runoff, subsurface drainage or cooling water to the Township facilities or any pollutant or wastewater which will interfere with the operation or performance of the Township facilities. This shall be deemed to include any interference or pass through as above defined in § 210-12 of this article. These general prohibitions apply to all such users of the Township facilities, whether the user is subject to National Categorical Pretreatment Standards or any other national, state or local pretreatment standards or requirements. A user or industrial user may not contribute the following substances into Township facilities:
(a) 
Any liquids, solids or gases which, by reason of their nature or quantity, are or may be sufficient, either alone or by interaction with other substances, to cause fire or explosion or be injurious in any other way to the Township facilities or to the operation of the Township facilities, at no time shall two successive readings on an explosion hazard meter at the point of discharge into the system (or at any point in the system) be more than 5%, nor any single reading over 10% of the lower explosive limit (LEL) of the meter. At no time shall the effluent wastewater have a closed dup flash point of less than 140° F. Such pollutants includes, but are not limited to, gasoline, kerosene, naphtha, benzene, toluene, xylene, ethers, alcohols, keytones, hydrides, sulfides and any other substance with a fire, explosive or a health hazard.
(b) 
Solid or viscous substances which may cause obstruction of the flow in a sanitary sewer or other interference with the operation or the wastewater treatment facilities, such as, but not limited to, grease, garbage with particles greater than 1/2 inch in any dimension, animal guts or tissues, paunch, manure, bones, hair, hides, spent lime, stone or marble dust, metal, glass, straw, shavings, grass clippings, rags, spent grains, spent hops, wastepaper, wood, plastics, tar, asphalt residues, residues from refining or processing of fuel or lubricating oil, mud, glass grinding or polishing wastes.
(c) 
Any wastewater having a pH less than 6.0 or greater than 9.0, or wastewater having any other corrosive property capable or causing damage or hazard to structures, equipment and/or personnel of the Township facilities.
(d) 
Any wastewater containing toxic pollutants in sufficient quantity, either singly or by interaction with other pollutants, to injure, to interfere with any wastewater treatment process, constitute a hazard to humans or animals, create a toxic effect in the receiving waters of the Township facilities or to exceed the limitation set forth in a categorical pretreatment standard. A toxic pollutant shall include, but not be limited to, any pollutant identified pursuant to § 307(a) of the Act.
(e) 
Any noxious or malodorous liquids, gases or solids which, either singly or by interaction with other wastes, are sufficient to create a public nuisance or hazard to life, or are sufficient to prevent entry into the sanitary sewers for maintenance and repair.
(f) 
Any substance which may cause the effluent or any other product of the Township facilities, such as residues, sludge or scums, to be unsuitable for reclamation and reuse, or to interfere with the reclamation process. In no case shall a substance discharged to the Township facilities cause the Township facilities to be in noncompliance with sludge use or disposal criteria, guidelines or regulations developed under § 405 of the Act; any criteria, guidelines or regulations affecting sludge use or disposal developed pursuant to the Solid Waste Disposal Act, the Clean Air Act, the Toxic Substance Control Act, 40 CFR, Part 503, regulations or state criteria applicable to the sludge management method being used.
(g) 
Any substance which will cause the pass through to interference of the Township facilities, such as, but not limited to, oils and greases as specified in § 210-12 of this article and pollutants which will result in the presence of toxic gases, vapors or fumes, within the Township facilities in a quantity that may cause acute worker health and safety problems.
(h) 
Any wastewater with objectionable color not removed in the treatment process, such as, but not limited to, dye wastes and vegetable tanning solutions.
(i) 
Any wastewater having a temperature which will inhibit biological activity in the treatment plant resulting in interference, but in no case wastewater with a temperature at the introduction into the Township facilities which exceeds 40° C. (104° F.).
(j) 
Any pollutants, including oxygen demanding pollutants (BOD, etc.) released as a flow rate and/or pollutant concentration which will cause interference to the Township facilities. In no case shall a slug load have a flow rate or contain concentration or qualities of pollutants that exceed, for any time period longer than 15 minutes, more than five times the average twenty-four-hour concentration, quantities or flow during normal concentration.
(k) 
Any wastewater containing any radioactive wastes or isotopes of such half-life or concentration as may exceed limits established by the Township in compliance with applicable state or federal regulations.
(l) 
Any wastewater which causes a hazard to human life or creates a public nuisance.
(m) 
Stormwater, groundwater (except groundwater resulting from Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection or Environmental Protection Agency directed remediation that is determined not to be harmful to the treatment plant), roof runoff, subsurface drainage or cooling water.
(n) 
Inhibitory substances, as defined in this article.
(2) 
Grease, oil and sand interceptors or traps shall be provided at a new or existing facility where, in the opinion of the Township, they are necessary to prevent obstructions of flow in Township sanitary sewer mains, interference with operation of wastewater treatment facilities of for the proper handling of liquid wastes containing grease in excessive amounts, flammable wastes or any other harmful ingredients. All interceptors or traps shall be of the type and capacity acceptable to the Township, shall be so located as to be readily and easily accessible for cleaning and inspection and shall be cleaned as needed to maintain operating efficiency.
B. 
Building sanitary drainage systems and connections.
(1) 
All sanitary sewage facilities and all related appurtenances to be constructed in Upper Frederick Township must be constructed in accordance with the standard construction specifications adopted by resolution of the Upper Frederick Township Board of Supervisors, the building and plumbing codes and any other applicable rules and regulations of the Township.
(2) 
Every owner of property situated within the Township abutting on or adjoining any street or alley in which there is a Township sanitary sewer main shall connect the buildings erected upon such property to the said sanitary sewer main at the proper cost, expense and liability of the owner within a reasonable amount of time as specified by the Township after notice so to do and, upon failure to make such connection, the Township may make the same and collect the cost thereof from the owner by municipal claim or in an action of assumpsit as provided by law.
(3) 
No unauthorized persons shall uncover, make any connections with or opening into, use, alter or disturb any Township sanitary sewer main or appurtenances thereof without first obtaining a written permit from the Township.
(4) 
Permit classes.
(a) 
There shall be two classes of building sanitary drainage system permits:
[1] 
For residential and commercial service.
[2] 
For service to establishments producing significant waste contributions.
(b) 
In either case, the owner or his agent shall make application on a special form furnished by the Township. The permit application shall be supplemented by any plans, specifications or other information considered pertinent in the judgment of the Township. A permit and inspection fee for a residential or commercial building sanitary drainage system permit shall be paid to the Township at the time the application is filed. All building sanitary drainage system permit applications under Subsection B(4)(a)[2], above, shall be reviewed and approved in writing by the Township prior to permit issuance. Permit and inspection fees for permits shall be in such amounts as may be established from time to time by the Township. All permits shall be subject to the right of the Township to require the installation and maintenance of inspection and sampling facilities.
(5) 
It shall be the owner's responsibility to maintain, repair and/or replace building sanitary drainage systems if the Township determines that they do not meet the requirements of this article. All costs and expenses incidental to the maintenance, repair, replacement, installation and connection of the building shall be borne by the owner. In the case where damages to the Township sanitary sewer main occur due to a building sanitary drainage system, it shall be the responsibility of the building sanitary system owner to replace or repair (as directed by the Township) the length of pipe to which the building sanitary drainage system is connected. The owner shall indemnify the Township from any loss or damage that may, directly or indirectly, be occasioned by the installation of the building sanitary drainage system.
(6) 
A separate and independent building sanitary drainage system shall be provided for every building.
(7) 
Where existing building sanitary drainage systems connected to the Township sanitary sewer main are to be abandoned by reason of demolition of buildings and structures, or for any other reason, they shall be disconnected and permanently sealed at the Township sanitary sewer main. All costs and expenses incidental to this work shall be borne by the owner. Existing building sanitary drainage systems may be used in connection with new buildings only when they are found, after examination and testing as directed by the Township, to meet all requirements of this article.
(8) 
The size, slope, alignment, materials or construction of a building sanitary drainage system and the methods to be used in excavating, placing of the pipe, joint testing and backfilling the trench shall all conform to the requirements of the building and plumbing codes and other applicable rules and regulations of the Township.
(9) 
Sanitary drainage system.
(a) 
The building sanitary drainage system shall be brought to the building at an elevation below either the basement floor or the floor of the lowest level in the building to provide sewer service to either the basement or lowest level. In instances where gravity flow, in the building sanitary drainage system to the Township sanitary sewer main, is not possible or it is not possible to serve the basement or lowest level by gravity flow, the sanitary wastewater shall be lifted and discharged to the Township sanitary sewer main by means approved by the Township in accordance with the requirements of the building and plumbing codes, with all costs being borne by the owner.
(b) 
Floor drains in any new building shall not be connected to the building sanitary drainage system.
(c) 
When an existing building sanitary drainage system is connected to the Township's sanitary sewer main, all floor drains, area drains or similar drains shall be disconnected from the building sanitary drainage system.
(10) 
No person shall make or provide for the connection of sump pumps, roof downspouts, foundation drains, areaway drains, floor drains or other sources of surface runoff or groundwater to a building sanitary drainage system or building drain which in turn is connected, directly or indirectly, to a Township sanitary sewer main, unless such connection is approved, in writing, by the Township for purposes of disposal or polluted surface drainage or for the prevention of potentially hazardous conditions. Such water or other unpolluted drainage shall be discharged to facilities that are specifically designed as storm sewers or to natural outlets approved by the Township and in accordance with the applicable regulations of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
[Amended 8-11-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-05]
(11) 
Connections.
(a) 
The connection of the building sanitary drainage system into the Township sanitary sewer main shall be made with either a wye type fitting or as directed by the Township and must conform to the requirements of the Township's standard construction specifications, the building and plumbing codes and other applicable rules and regulations of the Township. All such connections shall be made gas tight, water tight and must be inspected by the Township. Hydrostatic pressure testing of all new or replacement building sanitary drainage systems shall be required and testing procedures must conform to the requirements of the Township's standard construction specifications and the building and plumbing codes. Any deviation from the procedures and/or materials must be approved by the Township before installation.
(b) 
Upon determination by the Township that a new or existing building sanitary drainage system connection is not properly discharging wastewater flow into the Township sanitary sewer main, the owner shall be required to repair or replace the existing sanitary sewer connection system. In the instance where the owner is not connected directly and separately to the Township sanitary sewer main, it shall be required, upon determination of improper discharge, that the owner connect separately to the Township sanitary sewer main. All costs and expenses incidental to this work shall be borne by the owner.
(12) 
The applicant for the building sanitary drainage system permit shall notify the Township when the building sanitary drainage system is ready for inspection and connection to the Township sanitary sewer main. The connection to the Township sanitary sewer main and testing shall be made under the supervision of the Township or its representative.
(13) 
All excavations for building sanitary drainage system 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 manner satisfactory to the Township.
(14) 
No excavation shall be commenced to open any portion of a street until the owner, its agents and/or independent contractor shall have first obtained a permit from the Township Secretary as required by law.
(15) 
No excavation, construction or connection work shall be commenced within the Township right-of-way until the owner, its agents and/or independent contractor shall have first filed either a bond or certified check in double the amount of the cost of the work to be performed as determined by the Township, agreeing to indemnify and save harmless the Township against any and all loss, damages, costs and expenses which the Township may thereafter suffer, incur, be put to or pay by reason of the failure to complete properly any of the aforesaid excavation, construction or connection work. The term "owner," as used herein, shall be deemed to include the owner or owners, in fee simple, lessees of the premises, occupiers of the premises and all other parties having a beneficial use or interest in the premises and occupying the same without the consent and permission of the owner of the fee title.
(16) 
The Township shall have the power to close streets to traffic for the purpose of making connections, with due regard to the convenience of the public. The Township shall also have power to specify the time when the work in any block or district shall begin and when the same shall be suspended. Contractors and owners having begun the work of making connections will be required to complete the same expeditiously. All excess material shall be cared for by the owner or contractor.
(17) 
From and after the effective date of this article, all sewers and building drainage systems of every kind, nature and description proposed to be constructed in building developments within the Township shall be completely constructed, built and installed at the sole cost, expense and liability of the person or persons, firm, association or corporation promoting, sponsoring, managing, constructing, developing or erecting such building development and/or the owners of property abutting on and benefitted by the line as installed, provided that the actual work of construction and installation may, at the option and discretion of the Township, be done either by the owners and developers under proper agreement and supervision or by the Township at the entire cost of the owner.
(18) 
Any and all sewers or sections thereof hereafter constructed and installed in such building developments within the Township shall not be accepted, connected with or emptied into the Township facilities, nor become part of the Township facilities, until the shall have been completed, inspected, pressure tested, televised and approved and found to be in accordance with the provisions of this article and with all regulations and requirements of the Township, and shall have been certified by the Township.
(19) 
The same formalities shall be required in cases of repairs, replacement, alterations and additions, as are required in making original connections. In the instance where an existing building sanitary drainage system is repaired, it shall be modified to conform with the requirements of the current building and plumbing codes and other applicable rules and regulations of the Township.
(20) 
Vent systems associated with new and existing building sanitary drainage systems shall conform to the requirements of the building and plumbing codes.
(21) 
Building traps shall not be permitted on construction of new or existing building sanitary drainage systems. In the case of repairs of existing building sanitary drainage systems, no trap of any type will be allowed on the portion of the building sanitary drainage system which is located on the exterior of the building. If building traps cannot be eliminated as directed by the Township, they shall be relocated to the interior of the building and vented properly through the wall of the building.
(22) 
Existing building sanitary drainage systems with curb vents shall have these vents either permanently sealed, as approved by the Township, or raised at least six inches above finished grade and capped with approved cap or relocated as directed by the Township. In the instance where an existing building sanitary drainage system is repaired, curb vents shall be eliminated or permanently sealed or relocated, as directed by the Township.
(23) 
Cleanouts in building sanitary drainage systems shall be constructed in accordance with the Township's building and plumbing codes.
C. 
Specific pollutant limitations. No industrial or commercial user of the Township facilities shall contribute or cause to be contributed, directly or indirectly, wastewater containing pollutant levels in excess of the wastewater characteristics levels specified in the definition for "EDU" in § 210-12 of this article.
D. 
State requirements. State requirements and limitations on discharges shall apply in any case where they are more stringent than federal requirements and limitations, or those in this article.
E. 
Township's right of revision. The Township reserves the right to establish, by ordinance, more stringent limitations, numeric limitations for additional parameters or additional requirements on discharges to the Township facilities if deemed necessary to comply with the objectives presented in § 210-11 of this article.
F. 
Excessive discharge. No user or industrial user shall ever increase the use or process water or in any way attempt to dilute a discharge as a partial or complete substitute for adequate treatment, to achieve compliance with the limitations contained in the Federal Categorical Pretreatment Standards or with any other pollutant specific limitation developed by the Township or state.
G. 
Accidental discharge. As directed by the Township, users may be required to provide protection from accidental discharge of prohibited materials or other substances regulated by this article into the Township's facilities. Facilities to prevent accidental discharge of prohibited materials shall be provided and maintained at the user's cost and expense. If necessary, the Township will evaluate, at least once every two years, if the user requires spill prevent and sludge discharge measures to be implemented. If the Township deems it necessary, a slug discharge control plan may be required. The plan must contain certain minimal elements, such as a description of the user's chemical storage and discharge practices, procedures for notifying the Township of slug loading, measures of preventing and containing spills and emergency response and follow-up procedures as required by this article. No user who commences contribution to the Township facilities after the effective date of this section shall be permitted to introduce pollutants into the system until the accidental discharge procedures have been approved by the Township. Review and approval of such plans and operating procedures shall not relieve the user from the responsibility to modify its facility, as necessary, to meet the discharge; it is the responsibility of the user to immediately telephone and notify the Township of the incident. The notification shall include location of the discharge, type of waste, concentration and volume and corrective actions.
(1) 
Written report. Within five days following an accidental discharge, the user shall submit to the Township a detailed written report describing the cause of the discharge and the measures to be taken to mitigate any expenses, loss, damage or other liability which may be incurred as a result of damage to the Township facilities or aquatic life or any other damage to person or property. Such report shall not relieve the user of any fines, civil penalties or other liability which may be imposed by this article or other applicable law.
(2) 
Notice to employees. A notice shall be permanently posted on the user's bulletin board or other prominent place advising employees whom to call in the event of a dangerous discharge. Employers shall ensure that all employees who may cause or suffer such a dangerous discharge to occur advised of the emergency notification procedures.
H. 
Township's right of entry. The owner of any building with its sanitary drainage system connected to the Township facilities, after disclosure or proper credentials and identification, shall allow the Township to:
(1) 
Enter, at reasonable times, all properties and facilities for the purpose of inspection, observation, measurement, sampling and testing to determine compliance with the provisions of these regulations and for the performance of other functions relating to service rendered by the Township in regard to the Township facilities.
(2) 
Examine and copy any and all records required to be maintained by the owner for the purpose of determining compliance with the provisions of these regulations and any and all state or federal pretreatment standards and regulations.
I. 
Inspection; compliant.
[Added 8-11-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-05]
(1) 
To insure compliance with the provisions described in this § 210-13, the Township shall establish a program of periodic and systematic inspections of all properties, including laterals, connected to a sanitary sewage collection system operated by the Township.
(2) 
All property owners will be notified of the Township’s request to inspect their property and laterals by letter. Within 20 calendar days of receipt of the aforementioned notice, the property owner shall contact the Township office to schedule an appointment for the inspection. Said inspection shall be performed at no expense to the property owner.
(3) 
The Township shall issue a report to the property owner with respect to the conclusions of said inspection. Any repairs or modifications to the connections of the property to the sanitary sewer lateral or to the laterals connecting to the main indicated therein shall be completed within 60 calendar days following said notice.
(4) 
Property owners who fail to schedule an inspection within 30 calendar days, or make repairs or modifications within the appropriate time frames, as above outlined, will be subject to a surcharge of $100 for the first billing quarter thereafter as a surcharge on their sewer bill for the property. For each quarter or part thereof, thereafter that the property owner does not respond to the request for inspection, or make the required repairs or modifications, said surcharge shall increase by $25 per quarter. Said surcharge will continue from quarter to quarter until proper inspections have been done and/or all required work performed.
[Amended 5-12-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-04]
(5) 
In the event that a property owner does not cooperate with the scheduling of an inspection and/or perform the required corrective measures within a maximum 90 calendar days, the Township, may take all appropriate measures necessary to insure compliance, including seeking injunctive relief or other appropriate relief from the Court of Common Pleas of Montgomery County. In the event the Township incurs any costs to insure compliance with the terms of this subsection, the property owner shall be responsible for all costs of said proceedings, including reasonable attorney’s fees and engineering fees. Any costs incurred by the Township may be filed as a lien against the property, in accordance with the provisions of the Pennsylvania Municipal Claims Act.[1]
[1]
Editor’s Note: See 53 P.S. § 7101 et seq.
[Amended 8-13-1998 by Ord. No. 98-4; 11-12-1998 by Ord. No. 98-6; 12-30-1998 by Ord. No. 98-8; 12-30-1999 by Ord. No. 99-4; 1-10-2002 by Ord. No. 02-2; 8-12-2004 by Ord. No. 04-13; 2-10-2005 by Ord. No. 05-01]
A. 
Rates. Sewer rentals are fixed and imposed upon and shall be collected from the owner of each improved property which shall be connected to and/or served by the sewer system(s), for use of the sewer system(s), whether such use shall be direct or indirect, and for services rendered by this Township in connection therewith, which sewer rentals shall be payable at the times and in the amounts as provided by this article, in accordance with the following schedule of rates and classifications:
(1) 
Residential. Rates charged for residential service shall be established by resolution which may be duly adopted and amended by the Board of Supervisors from time to time.
(2) 
Each dwelling unit in double house, in a row of connecting houses, in an apartment building or in any other multiple dwelling unit shall be billed as a separate entity. If two or more families use separate cooking and/or toilet facilities in an improved property, the sewer rentals payable hereunder shall be computed as though each such family was a separate user with a separate connection to a sewer.
(3) 
If two or more dwelling units shall be connected to the sewer system(s) through a single lateral, or if two or more types of use are made of the same improved property, the sewer rentals payable hereunder shall be computed as though each such dwelling unit and each such type of use were a separate improved property or user with a separate connection to the sewer.
(4) 
Additional classifications and sewer rentals or modifications of the fore going schedule of sewer rentals may be established by this Township, from time to time, as deemed necessary.
(5) 
Except for the dwelling units in the Perkiomen Crossing Development where there shall be no charge imposed for connection to the system(s), a connection charge is imposed upon and shall be collected from the owner of each improved property which physically shall connect such improved property to the sewer system(s) for the use of the sewer system(s), whether such use shall be direct or indirect, which connection charge shall be due and payable in a lump sum, as of the date such physical connection of such improved property shall be made to the sewer system(s). Such connection charge shall be in an amount as established from time to time by resolution of the Board of Supervisors.
B. 
Times and methods of payment.
(1) 
All bills for sewer rentals shall be rendered monthly on the first day of each month, or for such other period of time or other dates in such month as the Supervisors, by resolution, shall specify, and shall cover a month in advance of a completed month.
[Amended 3-13-2008 by Ord. No. 2008-04]
(2) 
Connection charges shall be due and payable and shall be billed as of the date provided for in Subsection A(5), above, and the appropriate amount shall be deemed to be delinquent if such amount shall not be paid within 10 days after the date provided for in Subsection A(5).
(3) 
Sewer rentals shall be due and payable upon the applicable billing date as provided for in Subsection B(1), above, and the appropriate amount, computed in accordance with this article, shall constitute the net bill. If sewer rentals are not paid within 30 calendar days after each billing date, an additional sum of $5 shall be added to such net bill for every thirty-day period that the bill remains due, which net bill, plus such additional sum, shall constitute the gross bill. Payment made or mailed and postmarked on or before the last day of such thirty-calendar-day period shall constitute payment within such period. If the end of such thirty-calendar-day period shall fall on a legal holiday or Sunday, payment made or mailed and postmarked on the next succeeding weekday which is not a legal holiday shall constitute payment within such period. Any bill not paid within a thirty-calendar-day period shall be deemed delinquent.
(4) 
Each owner of an improved property which is connected to the sewer system(s) initially shall provide this Township with, and thereafter shall keep this Township advised of, his correct address. Failure of any person to receive any bill for sewer rentals and other charges shall not be considered an excuse for nonpayment, nor shall such failure result in an extension of the period of time during which the net bill, as appropriate, shall be payable.
(5) 
Any and all receipts and payments made to Upper Frederick Township shall be applied first as against penalties, then as against interest accrued to date and lastly as against outstanding sewer rental charges until such payment is exhausted. In the event that such payment or receipt does not satisfy first any penalties, then any interest accrued to date and then finally the sewer rental charge as identified in Subsection B(3) hereof, then the remaining unsatisfied portion of said penalties, interest accrued or sewer rental shall be subject to additional penalties for late payment as provided in Subsection B(3), hereof.
(6) 
Notwithstanding the provisions of this section imposing penalties or interest upon delinquent accounts, no delinquent account owing less than $6 shall be subject to any interest or penalty authorized by this section, but such outstanding amount shall be added to the following bill.
[Amended 3-12-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-03]
C. 
Enforcement of collection of sewer rentals and other charges: liens: filing and collection of liens.
(1) 
Sewer rentals and other charges imposed by this article shall be a lien to the extent permitted by the laws of the commonwealth, on the improved property connected to and/or served by the sewer system(s); and any such sewer rentals and other charges which shall be delinquent shall be filed as a lien, to the extent permitted by the laws of the commonwealth, against the improved property so connected to and served by the sewer system(s), which lien shall be filed in the office of the Prothonotary of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, and shall be collected in the manner and to the extent permitted by the laws of the commonwealth for the collection of municipal claims. In addition, any costs and/or reasonable attorneys' fees incurred by the Township, or its agent, shall be added to the unpaid sewer charges, along with penalties and interest, as set forth above, and the aggregate of the same shall be entered as a lien on the property served. The delinquent sewer charges, costs and reasonable legal fees incurred, as well as the penalty and interest, shall be collected by the designated agent of the Township.
(2) 
Sewer rentals and other charges imposed by this article may be enforced or collected by this Township in any other manner which shall be appropriate, from time to time, pursuant to the laws of the commonwealth. The Township hereby approves the following schedule of attorneys' fees for services in connection with the collection of accounts, which is hereby determined to be fair and reasonable compensation for the services set forth below, all in accordance with the principles set forth in § 3 of the Municipal Claims Law, as amended by Act No. 1 of 1996:
[Amended 3-13-2008 by Ord. No. 2008-04; 5-16-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-01]
Legal Services
Fee for Services
Filing of lien
$250
Title search
$250
Preparation and service of writ of scire facias
$600
Alternative service of legal pleadings
$250
Entry of judgment
$150
Preparation of writ of execution and attendance at initial Sheriff's sale
$750
Preparation of documents and attendance at second Sheriff's sale
$600
Review schedule of distribution and resolve distribution issues
$250
Installment of payment agreement at taxpayer's request
$100
Preparation and filing of civil complaint with District Justice
$125
Attendance and representation at District Justice hearing
$250
Preparation and filing of notice of execution/notice to defendant
$80
Order and filing of notice of judgment/transcript of civil case
$80
Services not covered above
Prevailing hourly rate of Township Solicitor
D. 
Adoption of additional rentals and charges, districts, rules and regulations. The Township reserves the right to adopt by resolution, from time to time, such additional rentals and other charges, districts, rules and/or regulations as it shall deem necessary and proper in connection with use and operation of the sewer system(s), which additional rentals and other charges, districts, rules and/or regulations shall be, shall become and shall be construed as part of this article.
It shall be unlawful to discharge or connect into any sanitary sewer within the Township without a Township permit, or in any area under the jurisdiction of said Township or to the Township facilities, any wastewater except as authorized in writing by the Township in accordance with the provisions of this article.
[Amended 8-12-2004 by Ord. No. 04-13; 5-12-2005 by Ord. No. 05-05]
A. 
Actions against users.
(1) 
Upon the procedures established by resolution adopted by the Board of Supervisors, which may be amended from time to time, for the compliance and enforcement of this article, the Township may discontinue potable water service to any building serviced by public sewers. The Township may perform inspections to ensure all work is completed in a manner which is satisfactory to the Township.
(2) 
If the owner further refused to complete the required actions, the Township may cause to be made such maintenance or repairs as may be necessary to meet the requirements of this article and charge the owner for the costs thereof. If the owner does not meet the payment terms and conditions for such charges, a lien against the owner's building will be sought for unpaid charges. If any person discharges wastewater, stormwater or other wastes into the Township's facilities, contrary to the provisions of this article, federal or state requirements or any order of the Township, or is in violation of any other treatment standards and requirements of this article, the Township Solicitor may commence an action for appropriate legal and/or equitable relief in the Court of Common Pleas of Montgomery County.
B. 
The water usage shall be due and payable upon the applicable billing date as provided for in Subsection A of this section, and the appropriate amount, computed in accordance with this article, shall constitute the net bill. If the bills are not paid within 30 calendar days after each billing date, an additional sum of 1.50% of the principal due shall be added to such net bill every 30 days after the due date, which net bill, plus such additional sum, shall constitute the gross bill. Payment made or mailed and postmarked on or before the last day of such thirty-calendar-day period shall constitute payment within such period. If the end of such thirty-calendar-day period shall fall on a legal holiday or a Sunday, payment made on or mailed and postmarked on the next succeeding weekday which is not a legal holiday shall constitute payment within such period. Any bill not paid within said 30 calendar days shall be deemed delinquent. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, no penalties or interest shall be added to any delinquent account owing less than $1, but such delinquent amount shall be added to the following bill.
[Amended 8-13-1998 by Ord. No. 98-4]
Any user who shall violate any provision of this article, upon conviction thereof in an action brought before a District Justice in the manner provided for the enforcement of summary offenses under the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure, shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $1,000 plus costs and, in default of payment of said fine and costs, to a term of imprisonment not to exceed 90 days. Each day that a violation of this article continues or each section of this article which shall be found to have been violated shall constitute a separate offense.