A. 
The following rules and regulations apply in the unincorporated areas of the County wherever the County is furnishing wastewater service to its inhabitants with its County wastewater utility.
B. 
These rules and regulations are enacted by the County pursuant to its authority granted by NMSA §§ 4-36-10, 4-37-1, and 3-26-1 et seq., and by County Resolution Nos. 95-38, 96-36 and 97-27.
C. 
These rules and regulations are intended to promote safe and adequate service to the public and to provide standards for uniform and reasonable practices. The rules and regulations herein established shall remain in effect until amended or superseded by subsequent ordinance or resolution.
D. 
Doña Ana County does not assume any responsibility to serve or extend its wastewater facilities to serve additional customers located outside the service area boundaries as defined by the County.
Wastewater service for residential, commercial, industrial, institutional and other purposes will be furnished under conditions as stated in these rules and regulations. Service to a customer will be provided at the rates set forth in the applicable rate schedules.[1]
A. 
Residential service.
(1) 
Residential service shall include wastewater service to a single house or to a multiple-dwelling unit or condominium if separate piping is installed for each dwelling unit so that wastewater service to each unit can be billed separately.
(2) 
Where premises are used for both residential and commercial purposes, the wastewater service will be billed under the applicable commercial rate schedule. When separate piping is installed to permit separate wastewater service to each class of service, billing will be rendered in accordance with the applicable rate schedule.
(3) 
Any establishment acknowledged or advertised as a business, professional or commercial enterprise will be classified as "nonresidential."
(4) 
Each service will be billed separately or as otherwise agreed.
B. 
Commercial service.
(1) 
Commercial service shall include wastewater service to all types of establishments including multiple-family residential not included in the "residential" classification, mobile home parks served by a common service line(s), retail, offices, hotels, motels, shopping centers, and laundromats, none of which use water in the manufacturing process.
(2) 
Only one premises or business will be served through one service line, except a group of buildings under one management and control.
(3) 
Each service will be billed separately or as otherwise agreed.
C. 
Industrial service.
(1) 
Industrial service shall include wastewater service to a manufacturing or process facility, which is engaged in producing a product.
(2) 
An industrial user may be required to follow pretreatment standards and obtain a wastewater discharge permit in accordance with Rules Nos. 22, 23 and 24.
(3) 
Each service will be billed separately or as otherwise agreed.
D. 
Institutional service.
(1) 
Institutional service shall include wastewater service to government buildings, hospitals, schools and other facilities that provide public and quasi-public services.
(2) 
Only one premises or structure will be served through one service line, except a group of buildings under one management and control.
(3) 
Each service will be billed separately or as otherwise agreed.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Art. III of this chapter.
A. 
Responsibility of the County. The County will own, operate and maintain the complete wastewater system up to the service connection.
B. 
Responsibility of the customer.
(1) 
The customer shall install, own and maintain all facilities from the service connection up to and within the connected facility or unit.
(2) 
The customer or property owner must exercise due care for the protection of the property of the County on the customer's premises.
(3) 
The customer agrees, in accepting service, that only a County employee shall be allowed to make an internal or external adjustment of the County's service line or any other piece of apparatus which is the property of the County.
(4) 
Facilities or equipment necessary for special requirements shall be installed and maintained by the customer.
A. 
The County shall not be liable for any damage to any customer of a County-owned wastewater system due to backflow of the wastewater system, failure of supply, interruption of service or any other cause outside the direct control of the County.
B. 
A statement to the effect provided for in Subsection A above is included in the terms and conditions described on the application for wastewater service and user agreement.
A representative of the County shall have the right to ingress to and egress from the customer's premises at reasonable times for the purpose of inspecting, maintaining, testing, changing, installing, or removing County property. If such representative, after showing proper credentials and identification, is refused admittance or hindered or prevented from performing the above duties, the customer shall be subject those actions described in § 319-15, Enforcement; penalty, of Article I of this chapter.
The County will adhere to the applicable minimum design and construction standards and technical provisions as established under state law, federal law and/or County ordinances or standards for wastewater facilities.
A. 
Applications for wastewater service shall be made at the County offices or other designated location. Applications shall be in a form prescribed by the County's application for wastewater service and user agreement, and shall include specific terms and conditions for which wastewater service will be provided. All applicable administrative charges and one-time charges, as described in Rate Schedules 1 and 2,[1] shall be paid or payment arrangements made prior to approval by the County. The County shall have a reasonable time to provide wastewater service, once the application has been accepted.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Art. III, §§ 319-46 and 319-47.
B. 
The cost to physically connect to the wastewater service line is the responsibility of the customer. The conditions of piping and character of installation on the premises shall be subject to inspection and approval by the County, and if such piping and/or installation is found to be faulty, the County may refuse to provide service until, and after, such faulty installation has been corrected to the satisfaction of the County. The County does not assume the responsibility for such inspections and shall not be held liable for failure of such piping or installations.
C. 
The County reserves the right to limit each customer to a maximum daily flow.
D. 
To enable the County to provide adequate service facilities, the customer may be required to provide flow information on new construction or alterations sufficiently in advance of the date upon which the customer expects wastewater service to commence.
E. 
The County shall supply service within a reasonable time after the application or agreement is approved, and after any necessary permits have been obtained. It is the responsibility of the customer to comply with all applicable codes and to obtain the necessary permits from governmental authorities. If, due to circumstances beyond the control of the County, service cannot be furnished within a reasonable length of time, the customer shall be advised promptly regarding the delay.
F. 
New or additional service will be limited to the available unreserved capacity in the collection, conveyance and treatment facilities.
A. 
Where service connections are available, temporary service will be furnished under the County's established rules, regulations, and rates for the type of service required; provided, however, that the customer shall pay, in addition to the cost of service rendered under its applicable rate, the cost of installing and removing, or of connecting and disconnecting, the necessary facilities required to provide such service.
B. 
The rate to be charged for temporary wastewater service will be in accordance with the County's existing applicable rate schedules.
C. 
Where wastewater service is supplied directly to a mobile/manufactured home or other temporary or portable structure, the County shall require that the application for service and user agreement be in the name of the owner of the property on whose land the mobile/manufactured home or other portable structure is located. In such case, the monthly bill may be billed to the tenant as may be requested by the property owner, but the property owner will be held responsible for any unpaid charges.
D. 
Where wastewater service is supplied to an individual mobile/manufactured homes and other portable structures, the customer shall pay for the installation and removal cost of providing this service.
E. 
The County reserves the right to furnish or not to furnish wastewater service for any type of temporary or special service and, further, to define the conditions under which the wastewater service will be provided. Continuous service under normal conditions to existing customers shall take priority over customers receiving temporary service.
A. 
The service connection shall be constructed in accordance with the technical provisions identified in Article I, § 319-9, of this chapter. The cost of the construction is the responsibility of the customer and is subject to inspection by the County.
B. 
Where applications for service are received involving service to elevations either above or below the established elevation, special engineering and economic studies may be required that could result in other than normal equipment requirements to provide such service. All circumstances will be taken into account in determining the feasibility of rendering wastewater service and, where feasible, extensions will be made subject to the provisions outlined in Rule No. 25, Line Extension Policy.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See § 319-44 below.
C. 
One wastewater service line for each dwelling shall be installed on the premises except when a building houses more than one unit requiring separate wastewater connections.
D. 
The customer may be required to install a flow meter, lift station or other apparatus.
E. 
Upon connection to a County wastewater system, on-site systems shall be rendered incapable of future use in compliance with applicable local, state and federal regulations. The disabling of the existing system shall include but not be limited to the following:
(1) 
Any pipe which carries waste to any location other than the County system shall be disconnected and securely capped and sealed, including inlet pipes to septic tanks, cesspools, and other types of on-site holding tanks.
(2) 
All septage remaining in the septic tank shall be pumped out by a certified septage hauler and shall be disposed of.
(3) 
Any on-site holding tank shall have its top broken and crushed in place and be filled with dirt, or it shall be removed and the hole backfilled to the level of the surrounding surface grade.
(4) 
The disabled on-site system shall be inspected by the County or its authorized representative/designee.
F. 
Piping and plumbing installations made by the customer or under responsibility of the customer shall conform with the Uniform Plumbing Code, Mechanical Code or other state or County requirements.
A. 
Wastewater service provided by the County to any customer shall be used only in connection with such customer's residence, dwelling, or building to which the County has authorized a wastewater service connection and for which a customer account exists. The customer connection must comply with technical provisions provided for in Article I, § 319-9, of this chapter, be properly permitted and be successfully inspected by the County Utility and other local inspection authority.
B. 
Additional facilities shall not be connected to the existing service nor shall service be piped from one residence, dwelling, or building to another residence, dwelling or building without first obtaining a written permit, authorization and/or statement of requirements from the County, and without first complying with any such requirements.
C. 
Should a connection be completed in violation of the previous Subsections A and B, the connection will be considered unauthorized and the following actions shall be taken by the County Utility:
(1) 
Applicable charges, as described in Wastewater Rate Schedules 1 and 2,[1] shall be doubled;
[1]
Editor's Note: See Art. III, §§ 319-46 and 319-47.
(2) 
The connection will be subject to inspection and, if construction is not acceptable, the connection shall be removed and reinstalled in accordance with the technical provisions identified in Article I of this chapter; and
(3) 
The property owner will be subject to those actions as described in Article I, § 319-11, Nonpayment of fees, charges and/or rates, of this chapter.
A. 
The County will strive to furnish adequate, efficient and reasonable service. The customer should report interruption or any problems of service promptly to the County. The County will endeavor to restore or repair service within a reasonable time.
B. 
The County will use reasonable diligence to furnish a regular and uninterrupted wastewater service; however, interruptions or problems may occur or service may be curtailed or fail as a result of circumstances beyond the control of the County, including but not limited to those caused by public enemies, accidents, strikes, legal processes, or damages, repairs or changes in the County's collection, conveyance or treatment facilities. The County will endeavor to give reasonable notice in advance of any planned effort.
C. 
Customers whose service requirements exceed those normally provided should advise the County and contract for additional facilities as may be required.
A. 
Customers who intend to move from a premises or discontinue the use of wastewater services or in any way terminate their liability shall give the County or its designated agent reasonable notice of such intentions. The customer will be liable for wastewater service charges for the premises until such notice is given and the County has also confirmed the discontinuance of water service with the water provider. Upon receipt of such notice, the County will confirm the water provider's final meter reading within a reasonable period of time or approximately five working days. The owner of the premises will be subject to the minimum fixed charge up to the time of the final meter reading.
B. 
The County reserves the right to interrupt service or request the interruption of water service for a reasonable period for maintenance and repairs to its property or equipment.
C. 
The County may discontinue utility service to a customer without prior notice:
(1) 
In the event of a condition determined by the County to be hazardous.
(2) 
In the event of customer use of equipment in such manner as to adversely affect the County's equipment or the County's service to others.
(3) 
In the event of customer's tampering with, damaging, or destroying the equipment furnished and owned by the County.
(4) 
In the event of unauthorized use of service.
D. 
The County may discontinue utility service to a customer with prior notice for:
(1) 
Nonpayment of a delinquent account.
(2) 
Failure to comply with the terms and conditions of a settlement agreement.
(3) 
Refusal to grant access at reasonable times to equipment installed upon the premises of the customer for the purpose of inspection, maintenance or replacement.
(4) 
Failure to comply with conditions specified by the County and/or the application for service and user agreement required to obtain County wastewater services.
(5) 
Violation of and/or noncompliance with the County's rules on file with the office of the County Clerk and approved by the governing body.
(6) 
Failure of the customer to fulfill contractual obligations for utility service and/or facilities other than settlement agreements.
E. 
The notice of discontinuance required by this rule shall include the following:
(1) 
A statement of the reason(s) why the County has issued notice to discontinue utility service.
(2) 
The title(s), address, telephone number(s) and working hours of the personnel at the County responsible for carrying out the rights herein prescribed.
(3) 
Notice that the customer may obtain a review by County personnel to address the reasons for the discontinuance of service.
(4) 
Notice that a complaint may be filed with the Utilities Director if the customer disagrees with the County's determination of the facts on which the proposed discontinuance is based. If the customer requests a review by the County, discontinuance of service shall be stayed during the review.
[Amended 9-27-2011 by Ord. No. 235-2011]
(5) 
The amount owed and the date by which the customer must either pay the amount due or make other arrangements with the County concerning payment of the charges, including arrangements for a settlement agreement. The service period over which said amount was incurred, the date, and the amount of the last payment shall be available upon request.
(6) 
Notice that the County will not discontinue service to any residence where, upon adequate proof, the County determines a seriously ill person or person whose life may be endangered by discontinuance of service resides.
(7) 
Notice of a reactivation charge in accordance with the Wastewater Rate Schedule 4, Special Charges.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See Art. III, § 319-49.
F. 
The County shall not discontinue service for:
(1) 
The failure of a customer to pay for special services.
(2) 
The failure of a customer to pay for service received at a separate wastewater service point, residence or location. However, in the event of discontinuance or termination of service at a separate wastewater service point, residence or location, the County may transfer any unpaid balance due to any other service account of the customer.
(3) 
Nonpayment of the disputed amount of a bill.
(4) 
Delinquency in payment for service to a previous occupant of the same premises unless a court has found the new customer is legally liable for the debt of the previous occupant.
(5) 
Failure of a customer to pay the bill of another customer as guarantor thereof.
G. 
Any customer whose service is involuntarily disconnected may be required to pay a reactivation charge in addition to all charges before being reconnected to the County's utility systems.
H. 
The County employee sent to discontinue utility service shall be empowered to receive full payment, by check or money order, of delinquent bills and, upon receipt of the full payment in a form acceptable to the County, said employee shall be empowered to cancel the discontinuance order.
I. 
When a customer has indicated to the County an inability to pay utility charges, has not been chronically delinquent, and can provide some evidence and/or documentation of hardship such as medical or other extenuating circumstances, the County shall attempt to arrange an installment plan for the payment of past-due utility charges. While an installment plan is being negotiated, the County shall not discontinue service to such customer. In the event that either negotiation of the installment plan is discontinued or progress in its negotiation is stalled, the County may proceed with discontinuance of service.
J. 
Utility service to a customer may be discontinued only during the hours from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and may not be discontinued less than 24 hours prior to a holiday or weekend unless the County's designated business office is open for receipt of payment of past-due charges and County personnel are available to restore such service upon payment during said holiday or weekend.
Notice by the County to the customer may be given verbally, in person or by telephone, or in writing. A mailed written notice will be deemed received three business days after mailing to the customer's billing address. Hand-delivered written notice shall be deemed effective immediately upon delivery to the service address.
A. 
Inquiries or complaints concerning the application or interpretation of rates, charges and regulations may be made to the County Utilities Department or designated agent by telephone, in person, and/or in writing. The inquiry or complaint shall be documented as received in the County's Customer Inquiry Log. County staff or the designated agent will make every attempt to investigate, respond, and resolve the issue in a timely manner.
[Amended 9-27-2011 by Ord. No. 235-2011]
B. 
In the event that the customer is not satisfied with the action of such County representative, the customer may direct a written complaint to the Utilities Director. Such written complaints shall be fully investigated, and the Utilities Director shall provide a written decision in effort to resolve or satisfy the inquiry or complaint of the customer. Any customer who does not file a written complaint with the Utilities Director within 30 days of the decision or action of the County representative, which is the subject of the complaint, shall waive any right to contest such decision or action.
C. 
Any customer who is dissatisfied with the Utilities Director's decision may, within 30 days of the date of said written decision, file an appeal to the Board, which shall hold a public hearing to review the Utilities Director's decision. The Board may uphold, reverse or modify the Utilities Director's decision.
[Amended 9-27-2011 by Ord. No. 235-2011]
The rates and charges to be paid to the County for wastewater service will be the rates and charges legally in effect, approved by and on file with the office of the County Clerk. Complete schedules of all rates and charges legally in effect will be kept at all times at the County's Utilities Department, where they will be available for public inspection. Attached hereto are Rate Schedules 1 through 4, which shall be in effect with the effective date of this chapter.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The rate schedules are included in Art. III of this chapter.
A. 
The County may require a security deposit or other guarantee of payment as condition of new or continued service to a residential customer, specifically in the case of service:
(1) 
To a residential customer who is not connected to a community water system;
(2) 
To a residential customer who has not previously had utility service with the County;
(3) 
To a chronically delinquent residential customer of the County;
(4) 
To a residential customer who is being reconnected following discontinuance of service by the County; and
(5) 
To a residential customer who, without authority, has interfered with or connected to the County's wastewater service.
B. 
Commercial and industrial customers shall be required to make a deposit.
C. 
Institutional customers may be required to make a deposit if determined necessary by the County.
D. 
The County reserves the right to require an increase in the amount of previous deposit pursuant to Rate Schedule 1,[1] if a customer is chronically delinquent.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Art. III, § 319-46.
E. 
Customers who have not been delinquent for the twelve-month period from the date of deposit or guarantee will receive a credit to their account. If the customer fails to qualify for a refund of the deposit on the first anniversary date of the deposit, that account may be reviewed on each subsequent anniversary date of the deposit. The amount of the deposit shall be credited if the customer has not been delinquent during the preceding 12 months.
F. 
Each customer posting a security deposit shall receive in writing at the time of tender of deposit, a receipt as evidence thereof. The receipt shall contain the following minimum information:
(1) 
Name of customer.
(2) 
Date of payment.
(3) 
Amount of payment.
(4) 
A statement of the terms and conditions governing the payment, retention, interest and return of deposits.
G. 
The County shall maintain records of deposits and issue receipts of deposits in accordance with applicable requirements of state law and regulations.
A. 
Bills will be rendered by the County or designated agent to the customer under the applicable rate schedule.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See Art. III, Rate Schedules.
B. 
When billing for multiple services at a residence, the use and charge attributable to each service shall be clearly set forth on the bill. Utility service to multiple locations billed to a single residential customer shall be separately stated for each location.
C. 
All bills for wastewater service are due when rendered, and are payable within 30 days from the date of the bill, and if not so paid, the bill shall be considered delinquent.
D. 
A customer shall be given at least 15 calendar days from the date the bill is deemed delinquent before the County may discontinue utility service or request the disconnection of the water utility service, pursuant to the requirements of Rule 12[2] and a late charge assessed according to Rate Schedule 4.[3]
[2]
Editor's Note: See § 319-31.
[3]
Editor's Note: See Art. III, § 319-49.
E. 
If the last day for payment of a bill falls on a Sunday, legal holiday, or any other day when the offices of the County regularly used for the payment of customer bills are not open to the general public, the final payment date shall be extended through the end of the next business day.
F. 
The words "month" and "regular billing period" as used herein and in the rate schedules are hereby defined as a thirty-day period or the elapsed time between two successive meter readings approximately 30 days apart.
G. 
For calculating variable charges and in the event of the stoppage of or the failure by any meter to register the full amount of water consumed, or of the inaccessibility of the meter, the customer will be billed for such period on an estimated consumption based upon use of water in a similar period of like use; provided, however, that such period shall not exceed six months.
A. 
Conditions.
(1) 
The County shall not render a bill based on estimated water use to a customer unless:
(a) 
The utility is unable to obtain access to the customer's premises through no fault of its own for the purpose of reading the meter.
(b) 
A meter is defective or has been evidently tampered with or bypassed.
(c) 
Weather conditions prohibit meter readings or other force majeure conditions exist.
(2) 
If the County is unable to obtain an actual meter reading for these reasons, the County shall attempt to contact the customer and obtain access to the premises.
(3) 
If the County underestimates a customer's water use and subsequently seeks to correct the bill, the customer shall be given an opportunity to participate in an installment plan with regard to the underestimated amount.
(4) 
Meters will be read or water use data obtained at regular intervals; however, if a meter reading is missed, the County may bill the customer on an estimated consumption, and the difference may be adjusted when the meter is again read. The basis for this estimate shall be the normal consumption for corresponding periods in the preceding year and/or normal consumption of preceding months.
A. 
The County agrees to promptly investigate any question as to accuracy of bills for service rendered. If the bill is in error, the County shall submit a corrected bill which reflects an increase to the customer as promptly as circumstances permit or give credit on a subsequent bill rendered to the customer in the amount of any overcharge. The County will use its best efforts to explain the error to the customer.
B. 
An equitable adjustment of the charges may be made in the event of an unforeseen or extraordinary circumstance not occasioned by the customer.
A. 
Settlement agreements shall be in writing and at the discretion of the County. When the County and a customer settle a dispute or when a customer does not dispute liability for an outstanding bill or bills but demonstrates an inability to pay the outstanding bill or bills when due, the County and the customer shall enter into a settlement agreement to pay the amount of the bill. The County is not required to enter into a settlement agreement with a chronically delinquent customer. However, if a chronically delinquent customer can demonstrate to the County that the customer does not have adequate financial resources to pay the outstanding bill without participation in the settlement agreement and because the customer has a low income and is elderly, disabled, or subject to other special considerations, the County shall give special consideration to such a customer in determining whether to extend a settlement agreement to that customer.
B. 
Every settlement agreement, involving an inability to pay an outstanding bill in full when payable according to Rule No. 17, shall provide that service will not be discontinued if the customer pays a reasonable portion of the outstanding bill upon signing the settlement agreement and agrees to pay the remaining outstanding balance in reasonable installments until the bill is paid. For purposes of determining reasonableness, the parties shall consider:
(1) 
The size of the outstanding balance;
(2) 
The customer's ability to pay;
(3) 
The customer's payment history;
(4) 
The time that the balance has been outstanding;
(5) 
The reasons why the balance has been outstanding; and
(6) 
Any other factors relevant to the customer's service.
C. 
A settlement agreement to pay an outstanding past-due balance on a bill does not relieve a customer from the obligation to pay future bills on a current basis.
D. 
If the customer has entered into an installment plan pursuant to a settlement agreement, the customer shall receive a statement of:
(1) 
The actual service charges incurred for the current billing period;
(2) 
The amount of the installment payment due;
(3) 
The total amount due [sum of (1) and (2)]; and
(4) 
An acknowledgment of previous installment payments.
E. 
If a customer fails to comply with a settlement agreement, the County may discontinue service after notifying the customer by personal delivery of written notice or by first class mail that the customer is in default of the settlement agreement; stating the nature of the default and that unless a payment which brings the settlement agreement current is made within seven days from the date of notice, the County will discontinue service on a specified date.
F. 
The County and a customer may renegotiate the terms of a settlement agreement.
A. 
If an existing customer is planning further development, which will use unusually large quantities of water, the County shall be consulted in advance for its approval of such additional service and for the terms and advice as to conditions under which the wastewater will be collected from the premises of the customer.
B. 
The County reserves the right to limit the size of service connections and to prohibit the customer's flow of excessive quantities of wastewater that exceed or strain the capacity of the County's facilities. Noncompliance of this rule by a customer shall constitute grounds for discontinuing service in accordance with Rule No. 12, Discontinuance and Denial of Restoration of Service.
C. 
The County reserves the right to impose restrictions or limitations on wastewater services should an outside governing or regulatory body impose similar restrictions on the County.
The purpose of this rule is to establish limitations and prohibitions on the quantity and quality of wastewater which may be lawfully discharged into the County system. Pretreatment of some wastewater discharges will be required to achieve compliance with this chapter. All users are required to reduce, eliminate, or otherwise prevent polluting substances from entering their wastewater stream by source reduction or waste minimization. The specific limitations set forth herein are necessary to enable the County to meet requirements contained in its permits, to protect the public health and the environment, and to provide efficient wastewater treatment and protect the health and safety of wastewater personnel. The County shall periodically review said limitations to ensure that they are sufficient to meet the goals of this chapter. The County shall recommend changes or modifications as necessary.
A. 
Prohibited pollutants.
(1) 
Specific prohibitions. No user shall introduce into the County system any of the following pollutants which acting alone or in conjunction with other substances present in the wastewater could interfere with the operation of the County system:
(a) 
Pollutants which could create a fire or explosive hazard in the County system, including, but not limited to, wastewater streams with a closed-cup flashpoint of less than 140° F. (60° C.) using the test methods specified in 40 CFR 261.21.
(b) 
Pollutants which could cause corrosive structural damage to the County system, but in no case, discharges with a pH lower than 5.0 or higher than 11.5.
(c) 
Solid or viscous pollutants in amounts which could cause obstruction to the flow in the wastewater lines, or other interference with the operation of or which could cause damage to the County system, including grease, wax or other materials which tend to coat and clog a sewer line or other appurtenances thereto.
(d) 
Any pollutant which could cause interference in the County system or individual unit operations, including oxygen demanding pollutants (BOD, COD and the like), released in a discharge at a flow rate and/or pollutant concentration which could cause interference in the County system or individual unit operation.
(e) 
Any persistent pesticides or herbicides, such as dieldrin, aldrin, chlordane, endrin, heptachlor, toxaphene, lindane, dioxin, benzene hexachloride (BHC), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) or other toxic refractory organic chemicals.
(f) 
Heat in amounts which will inhibit biological activity in the County system resulting in interference, but in no case heat in such quantities that the temperature at the treatment works influent exceeds 40° C. (104° F). Unless a higher temperature is allowed in the user's wastewater discharge permit, no user shall discharge, into any public wastewater system or other appurtenance of the County system, wastewater with a temperature exceeding 60° C. (140° F.).
(g) 
Petroleum oil, nonbiodegradable cutting oil, or products of mineral oil origin, in amounts that will cause interference or pass through; and in no case greater than 100 mg/l.
(h) 
Pollutants which result in the presence of toxic gases, vapors, or fumes within the County system in a quantity that may cause acute worker health and safety problems as determined by the County.
(i) 
Trucked or hauled pollutants, except at discharge points designated by the County.
(j) 
Noxious or malodorous liquids, gases, solids, or other wastewater which, either singly or by interaction with other wastes, is sufficient to create a public nuisance or a hazard to life, or to prevent entry into the wastewater system for maintenance or repair; or pollution of receiving waters.
(k) 
Wastewater which imparts color which cannot be removed by the treatment process, such as, but not limited to, dye wastes and vegetable tanning solutions, which subsequently imparts color to the treatment plant's effluent, thereby violating the County's permits.
(l) 
Stormwater, surface water, groundwater, artesian well water, roof runoff, subsurface drainage, swimming pool drainage, condensate, deionized water, noncontact cooling water, and unpolluted wastewater, unless specifically authorized by the County.
(m) 
Sludges, screenings, or other residues from the pretreatment of industrial wastes.
(n) 
Medical wastes, except as specifically authorized by the County in a wastewater discharge permit.
(o) 
Wastewater causing, alone or in conjunction with other sources, the treatment plant's effluent to fail a toxicity test.
(p) 
Detergents, surface-active agents, or other substances which may cause excessive foaming in the County system.
(q) 
Fats, oils, or greases of animal or vegetable origin in concentrations greater than 300 mg/l.
(r) 
Wastewater containing any radioactive wastes or isotopes of such half-life or concentration as may exceed limit established by the County in compliance with applicable state or federal regulations.
(s) 
A sludge discharge having a flow rate or containing pollutant concentration that will cause inhibition, pass-through, or sludge contamination of the County system, including, but not limited to, the specific prohibitions defined in 40 CFR 403.5(b) to 403.12(f).
(t) 
Unusual concentrations of inert suspended solids (such as, but not limited to, fuller's earth, lime slurries, and lime residues) or dissolved solids (such as, but not limited to, sodium chloride and sodium sulfate).
(u) 
Any pollutant which would result in a violation of any statute, rule, regulation or ordinance of any public agency, including discharges prohibited by the EPA.
(2) 
For those situations in which a County system is connected to a municipal system, water and sanitation district, or other system not owned by the County, the user must comply with the applicable municipal codes, ordinances and regulations of that municipality, the water and sanitation district or other system regarding prohibited discharges, industrial liquid waste, and wastewater pretreatment.
B. 
Wastewater evaluation.
(1) 
The wastewater of a user shall be evaluated upon the following criteria:
(a) 
Whether the wastewater contains any element or compound which is not adequately removed by the treatment process and which is considered to be an environmental hazard by the County.
(b) 
Whether the wastewater causes a discoloration, foam, floating oil or grease, or any other condition in the quality of the County treatment systems effluent such that receiving water quality requirements established by law cannot be met.
(c) 
Whether the wastewater causes conditions at or near the County system which violate any statute, rule, or regulation of any public agency of the state or the United States.
(d) 
Whether the wastewater contains any element or compound known to act as a lacrimator, known to cause nausea, or known to cause severe odors constituting a public nuisance.
(e) 
Whether the wastewater causes interference with the effluent or any other product of the treatment process such as residues, sludges or scums, rendering them unsuitable for reclamation or reuse.
(f) 
Whether the wastewater has constituents and concentrations in excess of those listed herein.
(g) 
Whether the wastewater has a higher than normal COD (500 mg/l), BOD (250 mg/l), and/or TSS (300 mg/l) and will be subject to an extra-strength surcharge.
(2) 
The County shall establish reasonable limitations or prohibitions in the wastewater discharge permit of any user that discharges wastewater violating any of the above criteria as shall be reasonably necessary to achieve the purpose and policy of this chapter.
C. 
National Categorical Pretreatment Standards. Certain users are now or hereafter may become subject to National Categorical Pretreatment Standards promulgated by the EPA specifying quantities or concentrations of pollutants or pollutant properties which may be discharged into the County system. All users subject to a National Categorical Pretreatment Standard shall comply with all requirements of such standard, and shall also comply with any limitations contained in this chapter. Where duplication of the same pollutant exists, the limitations which are more stringent shall prevail. Compliance with National Categorical Pretreatment Standards for existing sources subject to such standards or for existing sources which hereafter become subject to such standards shall be within three years following promulgation of the standards unless a shorter compliance time is specified in the standards. Compliance with National Categorical Pretreatment Standards for new sources shall be required upon promulgation of the standard. Except where expressly authorized by an applicable National Categorical Pretreatment Standard, no user shall increase the use of process water or in any way attempt to dilute a discharge as a partial or complete substitution for adequate treatment to achieve compliance with such standard.
D. 
Prohibitions of drainage or groundwaters.
(1) 
Stormwater, groundwater, rainwater, street drainage, rooftop drainage, basement drainage, subsurface drainage or yard drainage shall not be discharged to the County system unless a storm sewer or other reasonable alternative for removal of the drainage does not exist, and then only when the discharge is approved by the County.
(2) 
Clean-up waters from groundwater remediation sites or other nonstandard industrial permitted sources will normally not be accepted into the County system. Exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis where a reasonable alternative for discharge does not exist, and then only when the discharge is approved by the County.
(3) 
Any entity requesting a discharge of remediation water or any other nonstandard industrial permitted discharge shall prepare a detailed proposal describing the proposed discharge's characteristics, including, but not limited to, toxicity, biotreatability, analysis of alternatives, hazardous nature, quantity, duration, pass-through potential, County system biological inhibition potential and any other factors deemed appropriate by the County.
(4) 
The County reserves the right, if the discharge is approved, to impose monitoring and analysis requirements on the entity making the discharge request, which can include testing the discharge waters and the County system influent, effluent and sludge. The County reserves the right to deny any discharge request or to deny the continuation of a discharge previously approved if, in the judgment of the County, the continuance of the discharge is not desirable.
E. 
Septic tank or chemical toilet discharges. No user owning vacuum or cesspool-type pumping trucks or other liquid waste transport trucks shall discharge such waste into the County system without prior approval from the County.
F. 
Other holding tank waste. No user shall discharge any other holding tank or trap waste, including grit, grease, or hauled industrial wastes, into the County system without prior approval from the County.
G. 
Limitations on pollutant concentration. Based on the development of technically based local discharge limitations, and latest revisions, no user shall discharge wastewater into the wastewater system in excess of the concentration as set forth by the County's permit requirements for discharge or 40 CFR 403.
H. 
Pretreatment of wastewater.
(1) 
Pretreatment required. A user generating wastewater containing waste prohibited from discharge to the County system by this section and who desires to discharge the same to the County system shall pretreat or otherwise dispose of the prohibited waste so as to make the wastewater discharged to the County system conform to the discharge standards, limits, requirements, and conditions established in this chapter.
(2) 
Pretreatment facilities. The user shall provide wastewater pretreatment as necessary to comply with this chapter and shall achieve compliance with all categorical pretreatment standards, local limits, and the prohibitions set out in this chapter as specified by the EPA, the state, local limits, or the County, whichever is more stringent. Any facilities necessary for compliance shall be provided, operated, and maintained at the user's expense. Detailed plans describing such facilities and operating procedures shall be prepared by an engineer and submitted to the County for review, and shall be acceptable to the County before such facilities are constructed. The review of such plans and operating procedures shall in no way relieve the user from the responsibility of modifying such facilities as necessary to produce a discharge acceptable to the County under the provisions of this chapter.
(3) 
Additional pretreatment measures.
(a) 
The County may require users to restrict discharge during peak flow periods, designate that certain wastewater be discharged only into specific locations, relocate and/or consolidate points of discharge, separate wastewater streams from industrial wastewater streams, and impose such other conditions as may be necessary to protect the County system and determine the user's compliance with the requirements of this chapter.
(b) 
The County may require any user discharging into the County system to install and maintain, on their own property and at their own expense, a suitable storage and flow-control facility to ensure equalization of flow. A wastewater discharge permit, as described in Rule 24, may be issued solely for flow equalization.
(c) 
Users with the potential to discharge flammable substances may be required to install and maintain an approved combustible gas detection meter.
I. 
Oil and grease discharge limitations. The County shall monitor wastewater discharge permit holders, automotive shops, vehicle fueling stations, septic tank pumpers, commercial food processors, oil tank firms and transporters, and others as appropriate. Existing sources must maintain their traps and separation-treatment systems to ensure that grease and oil do not enter the County system. Dischargers shall be subject to monitoring, inspection, reporting and other requirements as determined by the County in its discretion. These dischargers may not be required by the County to apply for wastewater discharge permits unless the County determines in its discretion that they are a significant source of prohibited pollutants, toxic pollutants in toxic amounts, extra-strength discharges, or are otherwise controlled by federal regulations. Dischargers not in compliance shall also be subject to operation and maintenance costs necessitated by the oil and grease problem until the problem is corrected.
J. 
Surcharges.
(1) 
A surcharge will be assessed against any user who discharges wastewater which is of greater strength than normal, or of greater strength than allowed by permit, if applicable. Normal untreated wastewater is defined as:
(a) 
Chemical oxygen demand (COD) less than or equal to 500 mg/l; or
(b) 
Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) less than or equal to 250 mg/l; and
(c) 
Total suspended solids (TSS) less than or equal to 300 mg/l.
(2) 
Users with discharge exceeding the parameters defined above for normal untreated wastewater may be assessed a monthly surcharge, which shall be computed as provided for in Rate Schedule 3.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See Art. III, § 319-48.
K. 
Pretreatment charges. The County may adopt reasonable charges for reimbursement of costs of setting up and operating the County pretreatment program, which may include:
(1) 
Charges for the wastewater discharge permit process as described in Rule 24.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: See § 319-43.
(2) 
Charges for monitoring, inspection, and surveillance, including costs of sampling and analysis of user's discharge and reviewing monitoring reports submitted by users.
(3) 
Charges for reviewing and responding to accidental discharge procedures and construction.
(4) 
Other charges as the County may deem necessary to carry out the requirements contained in this chapter. These charges relate solely to the matters covered by this chapter and are separate from all other charges, fines, and penalties chargeable by the County.
A. 
Grease, oil and sand traps shall be provided and properly maintained by the user when, in the opinion of the County, they are necessary for the proper handling of liquid wastes containing grease in excessive amounts, or any flammable wastes, sand, or other harmful ingredients, except that such traps shall not be required for private living quarters or dwelling units. Grease and oil traps shall be installed in all new service stations, garages, restaurants, and other new facilities wherein heavy discharge of grease and oil is to be expected. The user shall clean and maintain traps for proper functioning.
B. 
Manufactured traps acceptable to the County and properly sized may be used in lieu of on-site construction. Where possible, the trap shall be installed outside the building.
C. 
The County Utilities Department has design specifications for approved traps available for its customers.
A. 
Applicability. Any user who meets any of the following criteria shall be required to have a wastewater discharge permit:
(1) 
Users who are subject to or who become subject to a Categorical Pretreatment Standard as that term is defined in 40 CFR 403.3(j), whether or not the user discharges directly into the County system or by way of an intermediate system;
(2) 
Process wastewater flow greater than 25,000 gallons per day; or
(3) 
Those engaging in activity which:
(a) 
Results in effluent exceeding or with high potential to exceed the specific maximum concentration of parameters specified in the County systems' discharge permits; and
(b) 
In the judgment of the County, is on a site whose use is in an industrial class or category which may supply an appreciable contribution of pollutants to the County system.
B. 
For purposes of this rule, when the context so indicates, the phrase "pretreatment standard" shall include either a National Categorical Pretreatment Standard or a pretreatment standard imposed as a result of the user's discharging any pollutant regulated by this chapter. For purposes of this rule, the term "pollutant" shall include any pollutant identified in a National Categorical Pretreatment Standard or any pollutant identified in the County system's discharge permits.
C. 
Any users who are subject to or become subject to pretreatment requirements as defined in 40 CFR 403.3(j) must comply not only with the requirements of this chapter but also requirements of the NMED, EPA or as described in 40 CFR 403.
[Amended 9-27-2011 by Ord. No. 235-2011]
D. 
Application for wastewater discharge permit. Subject users shall obtain applications from the County. Variances shall not be granted except as allowed by the EPA under 40 CFR 403.13 for categorical industries, and provided such variances allowed by the EPA do not exceed the discharge limits established by this chapter. The user shall submit to the County revised plans whenever alterations or additions to the user's premises affect points of discharge to the County system. All applications shall conform to requirements set forth in 40 CFR 403.12, to include the following information:
(1) 
The name and address of the user. If the user is a partnership or proprietorship, the names of all partners or proprietors must be submitted to the County along with the name of the authorized representative.
(2) 
The location of such user.
(3) 
Description of activities, facilities, and plant processes on the premises, including a list of all raw materials and chemicals used or stored at the facility which are, or could accidentally or intentionally be, discharged to the County system.
(4) 
The average and maximum flow of the discharge from such user to the County system, in gallons per day.
(5) 
A site plan with sufficient detail to show all connections with County water and wastewater lines and the applicant's proposed location of a manhole or sanitary cleanout. Detailed plumbing plans shall be maintained on the user's premises and made available for inspection upon request.
(6) 
The nature and concentration of pollutants in the discharge from each regulated process from such user and identification of any applicable pretreatment standards and requirements. The concentration shall be reported as a maximum or average level as provided for in the applicable pretreatment standard. If an equivalent concentration limit has been calculated in accordance with any pretreatment standard, this adjusted concentration limit shall also be submitted to the County for approval.
(7) 
A statement, approved by an authorized representative of the user and certified by an engineer, indicating whether pretreatment standards are being met on a consistent basis and, if not, whether additional operation and maintenance procedures or additional pretreatment is required for the user to meet the pretreatment standards and requirements.
(8) 
If additional pretreatment or operation and maintenance procedures will be required to meet the pretreatment standards, then the applicant shall provide a schedule by which the user will provide such additional pretreatment.
E. 
Incomplete applications. The County will act only on complete applications. Users who have filed incomplete applications will be notified by the County of the nature of the deficiency and will be given 30 days to correct the deficiency. If the deficiency is not corrected within 30 days, the County may deny the application for a wastewater discharge permit and notify the applicant in writing of such action.
F. 
Evaluation of applications.
(1) 
Within 45 days of receipt of complete applications, including revisions to previously approved applications, the County shall review and evaluate the applications and may propose such other special wastewater discharge permit conditions deemed advisable. All wastewater discharge permits shall be expressly subject to all the provisions of this chapter and all other applicable ordinances, laws, or regulations.
(2) 
The County may also propose that the wastewater discharge permit be subject to one or more permit conditions in regard to any of the following:
(a) 
Pretreatment requirements.
(b) 
The average and maximum wastewater constituents and characteristics.
(c) 
Limits on rate and time of discharge or requirements for flow regulations and equalization.
(d) 
Requirements for installation of manhole(s), sanitary cleanout(s), and appurtenance(s).
(e) 
Specifications for monitoring programs, which may include sampling locations, frequency and method of sampling, types and standards for tests and reporting schedule.
(f) 
Requirements for submission of technical reports or discharge reports.
(g) 
Requirements for maintaining records relating to wastewater discharge.
(h) 
A reasonable schedule in compliance with this chapter, not to extend beyond or such earlier date as may be required by other applicable law or regulation, whichever is sooner, to ensure the user's compliance with pretreatment requirements or improved methods of operation and maintenance.
(i) 
Requirements for the installation of facilities to prevent and control accidental discharge or "spills" at the user's premises.
(j) 
Other special conditions deemed appropriate by the County to ensure compliance with this chapter.
(3) 
The County may deny any application for a discharge permit.
G. 
Notification of proposed permit conditions; right to object.
(1) 
Upon completion of evaluation, the County shall prepare and transmit a discharge permit and notify the applicant of any permit conditions which the County proposes.
(2) 
The applicant shall have 30 days from the date of issue of the wastewater discharge permit to file written objections with the County to any permit conditions that are more stringent than pretreatment standards or limitations in this chapter or are otherwise not listed in either. The County shall initiate a response (verbal or written) within 30 days following receipt of the applicant's written objections, and attempt to resolve disputed issues concerning permit conditions.
(3) 
If the applicant files no written objection to the permit it shall remain in effect. If a subsequent agreement is reached concerning changes in permit conditions, the County shall modify the wastewater discharge permit for the applicant with such conditions incorporated. In the event objections are filed by the applicant and there is no mutually accepted resolution of such objections, the County shall issue a final determination on the requirements of the wastewater discharge permit.
H. 
Monitoring and reporting requirements.
(1) 
Monitoring and reporting submitted under this section shall be in accordance with 40 CFR 403.12.
(2) 
Notice of violation; repeat sampling and reporting. If sampling performed by a user indicates a violation, the user must notify the County within 24 hours of becoming aware of the violation. The user shall also repeat the sampling and analysis and submit the results of the repeat analysis to the County within 30 days.
(3) 
Analytical requirements. Test procedures for measurements of pollutant amounts, characteristics or properties in effluent limitations guidelines and standards of performance and pretreatment standards must be employed as stated in 40 CFR Part 136 unless specifically noted. For other sampling or analytical techniques not included in 40 CFR Part 136, sampling and analyses must be performed in accordance with procedures approved by the EPA.
(4) 
The reports required shall contain the results of sampling and analysis of the discharge, including the nature and concentration of the flow, or production and mass limits, where required, of pollutants contained therein which are limited by the applicable pretreatment standards. The frequency of monitoring shall be prescribed in the applicable pretreatment standard. All analyses shall be performed in accordance with procedures established by the EPA under the provisions of Section 304(h) of the Act [33 U.S.C. 1314(h)] and contained in 40 CFR Part 136 and amendments thereto or with any other test procedures approved by the EPA or the County. Sampling shall be performed in accordance with the techniques approved by the EPA, or the County. If a user monitors any pollutant more frequently than required by the County, the results of this monitoring shall be included in the report.
I. 
Notification of the discharge of hazardous waste. Any user who commences the discharge of hazardous waste shall notify the County, the EPA Regional Waste Management Division Director, and state hazardous waste authorities, in writing, of any discharge into the County system of a substance which, if otherwise disposed of, would be a hazardous waste under 40 CFR Part 261. Such notification must include the name of the hazardous waste as set forth in 40 CFR Part 261, the EPA hazardous waste number, and the type of discharge (continuous, batch, or other). All notifications must take place no later than 180 days after the discharge commences. Any notifications under this subsection need be submitted only once for each hazardous waste discharged. The notification requirement in this section does not apply to pollutants already reported by users subject to categorical or ordinance pretreatment standards under any self-monitoring requirements.
J. 
Maintenance of records.
(1) 
Any user subject to the reporting requirements established in this section shall maintain records of all information resulting from any monitoring activities required by this section. Such records shall include:
(a) 
The date, exact place, method, and time of sampling and the names of the persons taking the samples;
(b) 
The dates analyses were performed;
(c) 
Who performed the analyses;
(d) 
The analytical techniques/methods used; and
(e) 
The results of such analyses.
(2) 
Any user subject to the reporting requirement established shall be required to retain for a minimum of three years any records of monitoring activities and results and shall make such records available for inspection and copying by the County, New Mexico Environment Department, or the EPA. This period of retention shall be extended during the course of any unresolved litigation regarding the user or when requested by the County, New Mexico Environment Department, or the EPA.
K. 
Duration of wastewater discharge permit. Wastewater discharge permits shall be issued for a maximum period of five years. Notwithstanding the foregoing, users becoming subject to a National Categorical Pretreatment Standard shall apply for new permits on the effective date of such National Categorical Pretreatment Standard. The County shall notify in writing any user whom it has cause to believe is subject to a National Categorical Pretreatment Standard of the promulgation of such federal regulations; provided that any failure of the County in this regard shall not relieve the user of the duty of complying with such National Categorical Pretreatment Standard. A user must apply in writing for a renewal of the wastewater discharge permit within not more than 90 days and not less than 30 days prior to expiration of the current permit. Limitations or conditions of a wastewater discharge permit are subject to modification or change as such changes may become necessary due to changes in applicable standard(s), in the County's permit, in other applicable law or regulation, or for other just cause. Should such changes be necessary, a new permit will be issued which shall supersede the previous permit and be subject to the same thirty-day opportunity for comment. Any change or new condition in a permit shall include a schedule for compliance. The user may appeal the decision of the County in regard to any changed permit conditions as provided in this chapter.
L. 
Reports of changed conditions. Each user must notify the County of any planned significant changes to the user's operations or system which might alter the nature, quality, or volume of its wastewater at least 45 days before the change.
(1) 
The County may require the user to submit such information as may be deemed necessary to evaluate the changed condition, including the submission of a wastewater discharge permit application.
(2) 
The County may issue a wastewater discharge permit or modify an existing wastewater discharge permit in response to changed conditions or anticipated changed conditions.
(3) 
For purposes of this requirement, significant changes include, but are not limited to, flow increases of 20% or greater, and the discharge of any previously unreported pollutants.
M. 
Modifications. The County may modify a wastewater discharge permit for good cause, including, but not limited to, the following reasons:
(1) 
To incorporate any new or revised federal, state, or local pretreatment standards or requirements;
(2) 
To address significant alterations or additions to the user's operation, processes or wastewater volume or character since the time of wastewater discharge permit issuance;
(3) 
A change in the County system that requires either a temporary or permanent reduction or elimination of the authorized discharge;
(4) 
Information indicating that the permitted discharge poses a threat to operation and maintenance personnel, or the receiving waters;
(5) 
Violation of any terms or conditions of the wastewater discharge permit;
(6) 
Misrepresentations or failure to fully disclose all relevant facts in the wastewater discharge permit application or in the required reporting; and
(7) 
To reflect a transfer of the facility ownership or operation to a new owner or operator.
N. 
Transfer of permit. Wastewater discharge permits may be transferred to a new owner or operator only if the permittee gives at least 90 days' advance notice to the County, and the County approves the wastewater discharge permit transfer.
(1) 
The notice to the County must include a written certification by the new owner or operator which:
(a) 
States that the new owner and/or operator have no immediate intent to change the facility's operations and processes;
(b) 
Identifies the specific date on which the transfer is to occur; and
(c) 
Acknowledges full responsibility for complying with the existing wastewater discharge permit.
(2) 
Failure to provide advance notice of a transfer renders the wastewater discharge permit void as of the date of facility transfer.
O. 
Revocation of permit. Any permit issued under the provisions of this chapter is subject to being suspended or revoked in whole or in part by the County during its term for cause, including, but not limited to, the following:
(1) 
Violation of any terms or conditions of the wastewater discharge permit or other applicable law or regulation;
(2) 
Obtaining of a permit by misrepresentation or failure to disclose fully all relevant facts;
(3) 
A change in any condition that requires either a temporary or permanent reduction or elimination of the permitted discharge;
(4) 
Failing to meet new National Categorical Pretreatment Standards; or
(5) 
Violation of any provision of this chapter.
P. 
Any violation of the terms and conditions of a wastewater discharge permit shall be deemed a violation of this chapter and subjects the wastewater discharge permittee to the sanctions set out in § 319-15 of this chapter. Obtaining a wastewater discharge permit does not relieve a permittee of its obligation to comply with all federal and state pretreatment standards or requirements or with any other requirements of federal, state, and local law.
The purpose of this section is to define the terms and conditions for a County sanitary sewer line extension to serve an applicant or group of applicants. Applicants for subdivision development shall refer to and comply with Chapter 300, Subdivision of Land,[1] as well as this chapter.
A. 
Application.
(1) 
The applicant requesting wastewater service requiring a line extension must request such service in writing. The request shall describe the following:
(a) 
Number of new connections proposed;
(b) 
Classification of proposed connections;
(c) 
Wastewater flow projections; and
(d) 
Property, plat, and/or subdivision details.
(2) 
The County Utilities Director shall review the application and make a recommendation to the Board for Board consideration and approval as to the availability and feasibility of providing such service. The terms and conditions shall be set forth in a line extension agreement to be executed by the County and the applicant.
[Amended 9-27-2011 by Ord. No. 235-2011]
B. 
Conditions of a line extension.
(1) 
The County may extend or approve the line extension in the streets, alleys, and/or easements within the service areas in order to permit connections by an applicant seeking wastewater service. The extension will be made from the nearest adequately sized wastewater line.
(2) 
All line extensions shall be installed to the farthest property line of the lot or parcel to be developed or connected. All wastewater laterals shall be connected to the gravity wastewater line in a manner approved by the County.
(3) 
The size and capacity of the line extension shall be determined by the capacity needs to meet the projected development within the drainage area of the service. In the event the County requires a larger line size than is required to serve the applicant's needs, the County may absorb the difference in investment between the applicant's required line size and the line size required by the County. The minimum wastewater line size is eight inches' diameter. The County shall be the sole judge of proper line sizing.
(4) 
All line extensions will be constructed in existing public roads, streets, County-owned land, alleys, or easements. The applicant shall furnish such rights-of-way as are required without charge to the County within property owned by said applicant and shall assist the County in securing other rights-of-way necessary to provide service through property not owned by said applicant.
(5) 
The County shall review, approve and inspect all design and construction of proposed line extensions. All line extensions shall be in accordance with and in compliance with all applicable technical provisions of County, state and federal laws. Where the wastewater system is connected to a municipal system, water and sanitation district, or other system not owned by the County, the line extension will additionally be in accord with and will comply with applicable municipal codes, ordinances and regulation of that municipality, the water and sanitation district, or other system.
C. 
The total cost for the line extension as set forth shall be paid by the applicant. The costs shall be subject to future refunds to that applicant, if wastewater service is provided to a new customer, under the following terms and conditions:
(1) 
Connection is within 10 years from the date of the original line extension agreement between the County and applicant.
(2) 
The new customer's property abuts applicant's line extension (other than at the end of applicant's line extension where the new customer's line extension is to begin).
(3) 
The County connects the line extension for said new customer's wastewater service to applicant's line extension.
(4) 
The refund amount to the applicant shall be determined based on a front-foot basis for individual lots or on an acreage basis for undeveloped tracts. The amount shall be calculated as a percentage of the footage and/or acreage for the total parcels already connected and to be connected to applicant's line extension.
(5) 
Refunds made under this provision shall not exceed the amount of applicant's contribution to construction less that portion needed to serve applicant.
D. 
The determination of whether the line extension for a new customer's wastewater service should be connected to an existing line extension shall be made by the County at its discretion based on engineering considerations and the County's plans for the development of its wastewater system.
E. 
Where extenuating circumstances exist and at the sole option of the County, an extension may be made under a special long-term contract, provided the contract terms are such that no adverse effects will be imposed on the County's existing customers.
F. 
Special conditions which affect the furnishing of wastewater service to an applicant such as elevation, terrain, capacity and other conditions resulting in increased costs to the County in providing wastewater service shall be taken into consideration by the County, and the cost thereof shall be included in estimating the cost of providing service.
G. 
In addition to the costs for the sewer line extension, the property applicant must pay the administrative set-up charge and the one-time charge as established in this chapter.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: See § 319-46, Rate Schedule 1: Administrative Charges; and § 319-47, Rate Schedule 2: One-Time Charge.
H. 
The County shall not under any condition be required to make an extension that would be unprofitable and thereby cause undue hardship to existing customers.
I. 
The provisions of this rule apply to connections to line extensions already in existence and line extensions installed after the effective date of this chapter.
[1]
Editor's Note: Chapter 300, Subdivision of Land, was repealed 12-13-2016 by Ord. No. 287-2016. For current provisions, see Ch. 350, Unified Development Code.
The purpose of this section is to define the County policy for accepting ownership and operation and maintenance of wastewater infrastructure and facilities constructed after an approved development or building process as outlined in Chapter 300, Subdivision of Land, Chapter 250, Land Use and Zoning,[1] and the building permit process.[2]
A. 
All infrastructure to be transferred will be agreed upon prior to approvals as set forth in this section. Acceptance of the infrastructure and facilities shall be at the County's sole discretion.
B. 
All infrastructure to be transferred must have been constructed in accordance with Chapter 250, Land Use and Zoning, Chapter 274, Use of Rights-of-Way, Chapter 300, Subdivision of Land, this chapter,[3] and applicable County design standards.
[3]
Editor's Note: Chapter 250, Land Use and Zoning, and Ch. 300, Subdivision of Land, were repealed 12-13-2016 by Ord. No. 287-2016. For current provisions, see Ch. 350, Unified Development Code.
C. 
After final inspection and final certification by the County, the developer will provide as-built drawings, hard copy and electronic versions for the infrastructure to be transferred.
D. 
The developer will provide easements and title documents to the County on forms provided by the County or approved by the County.
[1]
Editor's Note: Chapter 300, Subdivision of Land, and Ch. 250, Land Use and Zoning, were repealed 12-13-2016 by Ord. No. 287-2016. For current provisions, see Ch. 350, Unified Development Code.
[2]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 142, Building Code.