Chapter 18 Sewers and Sewage Disposal A. Conventional Systems Part 1 On-lot Disposal Systems 18-101. Short Title, Statutory Basis, Purpose 18-102. Permit Requirement 18-103. Enforcement B. Holding Tanks 18-111. Declaration of Legislative Intent 18-112. Definitions 18-113. Rights and Privileges Granted 18-114. Rules and Regulations A. Mandatory Connection Part 2 Sewer System 18-201. Definitions 18-202. Use of Public Sewers Required 18-203. Building Sewers and Connections 18-204. Rules and Regulations Governing Building Sewers, Laterals, and Connections to Sewers 18-205. Enforcement 18-206. Declaration of Purpose B. Rules and Regulations 18-211. Definitions 18-212. Use of Public Sewer Required 18-213. Certificate of Permit 18-214. Tapping Fee 18-215. Inspection 18-216. Plumbing Inspector 18-217. Powers and Duties of Plumbing Inspector 18-218. Board of Standards 18-219. Drafts and Plans of Installation 18-220. Exceptions to Ruling of Plumbing Inspector 18-221. Building Sewer and Connections 18-222. Cesspool Connections, Use of Old Materials, Demolition of Structures 18-223. Materials and Workmanship 18-1
18-224. Sewer Pipe Connections 18-225. Running Trap 18-226. Vent and Vent Pipes 18-227. Clean-out Plugs 18-228. Drainage Systems Below Sewer Level 18-229. Special Treatment of Sewage When Ordered by Douglass Township 18-230. Drainage for Garages and Service Stations 18-231. Drainage for Trailer Parks or Courts 18-232. Drainage for Commercial Buildings 18-233. Special Establishments 18-234. Surface Water and Air Conditioning 18-235. Penalties for Violation 18-236. Collection of Waters Prohibited 18-237. Special Requirements 18-238. Miscellaneous 18-2
18-101 Sewers and Sewage Disposal 18-103 Part 1 On-lot Disposal Systems A. Conventional Systems 18-101. Short Title, Statutory Basis, Purpose. 1. This Part shall be known as the Douglass Township On-lot Sewage Disposal System Permit Ordinance. 2. This Part is adopted pursuant to 7(a)(1) of the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act, as amended, 35 P.S. 740.7(a)(1). 3. The purpose of this Part is to provide for the permitting of all on-lot sewage disposal systems within the Township in accordance with the standards and regulations of 25 Pa.Code, Chapters 72 and 73, including those systems otherwise eligible for an exemption from the permitting requirements of the Act, as authorized by 7(a)(1) of the Act, 35 P.S. 740.7(a)(1). (Ord. 1995-1, 6/14/1995, I) 18-102. Permit Requirement. 1. From and after the effective date of this Part, all persons proposing to install an on-lot sewage disposal system on any lot within the Township, including those persons proposing to install such a system on a lot 10 acres or larger and who are otherwise qualified for a permit exemption in accordance with the provisions of 7(a)(1) of the Act, 35 P.S. 740.7(a)(1), shall apply to the Township for a permit for the installation of such system. 2. No person shall install or commence construction of any on-lot sewage disposal system for which a permit is required until such permit has been issued by a Sewage Enforcement Officer employed by or contracted to the Township. (Ord. 1995-1, 6/14/1995, II) 18-103. Enforcement. 1. Any person violating any of the provisions of this Part shall be subject to the civil and criminal penalties authorized pursuant to 13 and 12 of the Act, as amended, 35 P.S. 740.13, 740.12. 2. In addition to the penalties for noncompliance set forth in subsection.1 above, it is further provided that all of the civil and equitable remedies set forth in 12, 14, and 15 of the Act, 35 P.S. 750.12, 750.14, and 750.15, as amended, shall be applicable to violations of this Part. (Ord. 1995-1, 6/14/1995, III) 18-3
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18-111 Sewers and Sewage Disposal 18-113 B. Holding Tanks 18-111. Declaration of Legislative Intent. By this Part the Board of Supervisors of Douglass Township intends to serve the purpose authorized by the rules and regulations promulgated through 25 Pa.Code, Chapter 71 of the Sewage Facilities Act, as revised and effective July 10, 1989, 35 P.S. 750.1 et seq. In furtherance thereof, the provisions of this Part are deemed expedient and necessary to establish procedure for the use and maintenance of low flow facility holding tanks for commercial or industrial uses, designed to receive, retain, and to facilitate ultimate disposal of sewage at another site. And it is hereby declared by the enactment of this Part the intention of the Township is to ensure the protection, benefit, and preservation of the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of this municipality, and for the requiring of control of holding tanks through specific restrictions upon their uses more fully set forth herein. (Ord. 1990-6, 8/8/1990, 1) 18-112. Definitions. As used herein, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings indicated: Applicant the owner or person applying for permission to utilize holding tank as alternative sewage disposal system. Holding tank a water type receptacle, whether permanent or temporary, which receives and retains sewage conveyed by a water carrying system and is designed and constructed to facilitate the ultimate disposal of sewage to another site. Improved property any property within the Township 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 sewage shall or may be discharged. Municipality the Township of Douglass. Owner any person vested with ownership, legal or equitable, sole or partial, of any property located in the Township. Person any individual, partnership, company, association, corporation, or other group or entity. Sewage any substance that contains any of the waste products or excrement or other discharge from bodies of human beings or animals or any noxious or deleterious substance being harmful or inimical to the public health, or to animal or aquatic life or to the use of water for domestic water supply or for recreation. Township the Board of Supervisors of Douglass Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania. (Ord. 1990-6, 8/8/1990, 2) 18-113. Rights and Privileges Granted. The Board of Supervisors of Douglass Township is hereby authorized and empowered to undertake within the Township the control and methods of holding tank use, sewage disposal, and sewage collection and transportation thereof. 18-5
18-113 Township of Douglass 18-114 (Ord. 1990-6, 8/8/1990, 3) 18-114. Rules and Regulations. The Township is hereby authorized and empowered to adopt such rules and regulations concerning sewage and holding tank usage, in addition to the following provisions, which it may deem necessary from time to time to effect the purposes herein: A. General requirements for holding tank use are as follows: (1) Holding tanks require regular service and maintenance to prevent their malfunction and overflow, and shall be used in lieu of other methods of sewage disposal only when the following conditions are met: (a) The Township official plan or revisions thereto indicates that use of holding tanks for the subject property and provides for replacement of adequate sewer services in accordance with the Department of Environmental Protection approval. [Ord. 2009-3] (b) The Board of Supervisors identifies the Township office as the administrative entity to receive, review, and retain pumping receipts for permitted holding tanks. (c) The Board of Supervisors shall establish an annual inspection of holding tanks within the municipality with completion and retention of written inspection reports. (d) The Board of Supervisors shall adopt by regulations, procedures, and penalties for correction of malfunctions or public health hazards from holding tanks. (2) Applicant shall be required to execute an installation and maintenance agreement for utilization of a holding tank which shall require an initial filing fee for the review of the application by the Township Engineer, require an annual fee for inspection and a fee for periodic inspections as required, shall require a cash escrow deposit in an amount to be determined by the Board of Supervisors to guarantee compliance with the terms of the holding tank permit and rules and regulations as more fully set forth herein. (3) The proposed holding tank system application shall be approved by the Department of Environmental Protection and reviewed by the Township Engineer as to its design, construction, and installation, and the owner shall certify to the Township and Department of Environmental Protection that the design, construction, and installation of the holding tank has been completed in accordance with the permits granted by DEP and the Township. [Ord. 2009-3] (4) Owner shall provide proof of written contract through appropriate documentation evidencing contractual relationship established by owner and a DEP approved site to accept untreated sewage from subject holding tank. All regulations and requirements set forth in Chapter 73 setting forth standards for operation of holding tanks as issued by the Department of Environmental Protection shall be subject to and satisfied by owner. [Ord. 2009-3] (Ord. 1990-6, 8/8/1990, 4; as amended by Ord. 2009-3, 8/31/2009) 18-6
18-201 Sewers and Sewage Disposal 18-201 Part 2 Sewer System A. Mandatory Connection 18-201. Definitions. Unless the context specifically and clearly indicates otherwise, the meaning of terms and phrases used in this Part shall be as follows: Building sewer the sewage drainage system from a building constructed on any improved property to the lateral serving such improved property, including any grinder pump or pressure sewer or similar apparatus or facilities installed by the Township or the owner and which are located on such improved property. Commonwealth the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Improved property any property within the sewered area of this Township 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 sanitary sewage and/or industrial wastes shall be or may be discharged. Industrial establishment any improved property located in this Township, used or intended for use, wholly or in part, for the manufacturing, processing, cleaning, laundering, or assembling of any product, commodity, or article, or any other improved property from which wastes, in addition to or other than sanitary sewage, shall be discharged. Industrial wastes any and all wastes discharged from an industrial establishment, and/or wastewater having characteristics which may have the potential to be detrimental to the sewer system. Lateral that part of the sewer system extending from a sewer to the curbline, or if there is no curbline, to the property line, or if no such extension is provided, then lateral shall mean that portion of, or place in, a sewer that is provided for connection of any building sewer. Owner any person vested with ownership, legal, or equitable, sole or partial, of any improved property. Person any individual, partnership, company, association, society, trust, corporation, municipality, municipality authority, or other group or entity. Sanitary sewage normal water-carried household and toilet wastes from any improved property. Sewer any pipe or conduit constituting a part of the sewer system, used or usable for sewage collection purposes. Sewered area that geographic area of this Township served by the sewer system and designated, from time to time, by the Board of Supervisors of this Township. Sewer system all facilities owned or operated by this Township, as of any particular time, for collecting and transmitting sanitary sewage and/or industrial wastes discharged by an improved property within the sewered area of this 18-7
18-201 Township of Douglass 18-202 Township, other than a building sewer or a lateral. Street any street, road, lane, court, cul-de-sac, alley, public way, or public square. Township the Township of Douglass, Berks County, Pennsylvania, a political subdivision of the Commonwealth, acting by and through its Board of Supervisors, or, in appropriate cases, acting by and through its authorized representatives. (Ord. 1998-8, 12/2/1998, Art. I) 18-202. Use of Public Sewers Required. 1. Requirements for Connection. A. The owner of any improved property located in the sewered area of this Township which is adjoining and adjacent to the sewer system shall connect such improved property with and use such sewer system, in such manner as this Township may require, within 60 days after notice to such owner from this Township to make such connection, for the purpose of discharging all sanitary sewage and industrial wastes from such improved property; subject, however, to such limitations and restrictions as shall be established herein or otherwise shall be established by this Township, from time to time. B. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection.1.a, this Township shall not require any commercial or industrial business to connect to the sewer system when such commercial or industrial business is operating a sewer treatment plant under mandate of any agency of the Federal or State government. This exemption shall last as long as such sewer treatment plant continues to meet the specifications and standards mandated by such Federal or State agency and for 45 days thereafter. If, during the days immediately subsequent to the day a business sewer treatment plant is determined to be below Federal or State mandates, repairs cannot be made to bring the system back up to satisfactory condition, this Township may require such business to connect to the sewer system. In such case, the full costs of connection to, and any necessary refurbishing of, the sewer system shall be borne by such business. C. The exemption provided for in subsection.1.b shall not be available in any situation where the business seeking to use it had notice, either actual or constructive, prior to construction of its sewage treatment plant, of this Township s intention to construct a sanitary sewer system, and to require that business to connect with the sewer system. 2. All sanitary sewage and industrial wastes from any improved property, after connection of such improved property with a sewer, as required under subsection.1, shall be conducted into such sewer; subject, however, to such limitations and restrictions as shall be established herein or otherwise shall be established by this Township, from time to time. 3. No person shall place, shall deposit, or shall permit to be placed or to be deposited upon any public or private property within this Township any sanitary sewage or industrial wastes in violation of subsection.1. No person shall discharge or shall permit to be discharged to any natural outlet any sanitary sewage or industrial wastes in violation of subsection.1, except where suitable treatment has been provided 18-8
18-202 Sewers and Sewage Disposal 18-203 that is satisfactory to this Township. 4. No privy vault, cesspool, sinkhole, septic tank, or similar receptacle shall be used or shall be maintained at any time upon an improved property that has been connected to a sewer or that is required under subsection.1 to be connected to a sewer. Every such privy vault, cesspool, sinkhole, septic tank, or similar receptacle in existence shall be abandoned and, at the discretion of this Township, shall be cleansed and shall be filled with a noncompactable material (e.g., sand), at the expense of the owner of such improved property, under the direction and supervision of this Township; and any such privy vault, cesspool, sinkhole, septic tank, or similar receptacle not so abandoned and, if required by this Township, not cleansed and filled, shall constitute a nuisance, and such nuisance may be abated, as provided by law, at the expense of the owner of such improved property. 5. No privy vault, cesspool, sinkhole, septic tank, or similar receptacle at any time shall be connected to a sewer. 6. The notice by this Township to make a connection to a sewer, referred to in subsection.1, shall include a reference to this Part, including any amendments and/or supplements at the time in effect, or a summary of each section thereof, and a written or printed document requiring the connection in accordance with the provisions of this Part and specifying that such connection shall be made within the time limitations described herein. Such notice may be given or served at any time after a sewer is in place that can receive and can convey sanitary sewage and industrial wastes for treatment and disposal from the particular improved property. Such notice shall be by personal service or by registered mail. (Ord. 1998-8, 12/2/1998, Art. II) 18-203. Building Sewers and Connections. 1. No person shall uncover, shall connect with, shall make any opening into or shall use, shall alter or shall disturb, in any manner, any sewer or any part of the sewer system without first obtaining a permit, in writing, from this Township. 2. Application for a permit required under subsection.1 shall be made by the owner of the improved property served or to be served or by the duly authorized agent of such owner. 3. No person shall make or shall cause to be made a connection of any improved property with a sewer until such person shall have fulfilled each of the following conditions: A. Such person shall have notified the Secretary or other designated representative of this Township of the desire and intention to connect such improved property to a sewer. B. Such person shall have applied for and shall have obtained a permit as required by subsection.1. C. Such person shall have given the Secretary or other designated representative of this Township at least 24 hours notice of the time when such connection will be made so that this Township may supervise and inspect or may cause to be supervised and inspected the work of connection and necessary testing. D. If applicable, such person shall have furnished satisfactory evidence to the 18-9
18-203 Township of Douglass 18-204 Secretary or other designated representative of this Township that any tapping fee, and any other applicable fee or charge that may be charged and imposed by this Township against the owner of each improved property who connects such improved property to a sewer, has been paid. 4. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, each improved property shall be connected separately and independently with a sewer through a building sewer. Grouping of more than one improved property on one building sewer shall not be permitted, except under special circumstances and for good sanitary reasons or other good cause shown, but then only after special permission of this Township, in writing, shall have been secured and only subject to such rules, regulations, and conditions as may be prescribed by this Township. 5. All costs and expenses of acquisition, construction, operation, and maintenance of a building sewer and of the lateral serving any improved property shall be borne by the owner of the improved property served thereby, unless otherwise provided by this Township. All costs and expenses of connection of a building sewer to a lateral, and connection of a lateral to a sewer, including such costs and expenses of acquiring, installing, operating and maintaining a grinder pump or similar apparatus approved by this Township, shall be borne by the owner of the improved property so connected, unless otherwise provided by this Township. Each such owner shall indemnify and shall save harmless this Township from all loss or damage that may be occasioned, directly or indirectly, as a result of construction, connection, operation, or use of a building sewer or of a lateral. 6. A building sewer and the appropriate lateral shall be connected to a sewer at the location designated by this Township. If this Township furnishes the lateral, the building sewer shall be connected, to the sewer at the place where the lateral is located. The owner of each improved property shall provide this Township any information requested pertaining to the existing or proposed location of a building sewer and of the lateral. The invert of a building sewer at the point of connection shall be at the same or a higher elevation than the invert of the sewer. A smooth, neat joint shall be made and the connection of a building sewer and lateral, or other designated point of connection, shall be made secure and watertight. 7. If the owner of any improved property located within this Township which is adjoining and adjacent to, or whose principal building is within 150 feet from, any part of the sewer system, after 60 days notice from this Township requiring the connection of such improved property with a sewer, in accordance with subsection.1, shall fail to connect such improved property and use the sewer system, as required, this Township may enter upon such improved property and construct such connection and may collect from such owner the costs and expenses thereof in the manner permitted by law. (Ord. 1998-8, 12/2/1998, Art. III) 18-204. Rules and Regulations Governing Building Sewers, Laterals, and Connections to Sewers. 1. Where an improved property, at the time connection to a sewer is required, shall be served by its own sewage disposal system or sewage disposal device, the existing house sewer line shall be broken on the structure side of such sewage disposal system or sewage disposal device and attachment shall be made, with proper fittings, 18-10
18-204 Sewers and Sewage Disposal 18-206 to continue such house sewer line as the building sewer and from there to the lateral and the sewer, in the manner approved by this Township. 2. No building sewer or any lateral constructed by the owner shall be covered until it has been inspected and approved by this Township. If any part of a building sewer or lateral is covered before so being inspected and approved, it shall be uncovered for inspection at the cost and expense of the owner of the improved property to be connected to a sewer. 3. Every building sewer and every lateral serving any improved property shall be operated and maintained by the owner of such improved property in a sanitary and safe operating condition to the continuing satisfaction of this Township. 4. Every excavation for a building sewer or for a lateral shall be guarded adequately with barricades and lights to protect all persons from damage and injury. Any street, sidewalk, and other property disturbed in the course of installation of such facilities shall be restored, at the cost and expense of the owner of the improved property being connected, in a manner satisfactory to this Township. 5. If any person shall fail or shall refuse, upon receipt of a written notice of this Township, to remedy any unsatisfactory condition with respect to a building sewer or with respect to a lateral, within 60 days of receipt of such notice, this Township may refuse to permit such person to discharge sanitary sewage and industrial wastes into the sewer system until such unsatisfactory condition shall have been remedied to the satisfaction of this Township. In the event of a condition with respect to said facilities which threatens health or property, this Township may specify a lesser time or other manner of notice of such condition. 6. This Township reserves the right to adopt, from time to time, additional rules, and regulations as it shall deem necessary and proper relating to connections with a sewer and with the sewer system, which additional rules and regulations, to the extent appropriate, shall be and shall be construed as part of this Part. (Ord. 1998-8, 12/2/1998, Art. IV) 18-205. Enforcement. Any person, firm or corporation who shall violate any provision of this Part, upon conviction thereof in an action brought before a magisterial district judge 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 Part continues or each Section of this Part which shall be found to have been violated shall constitute a separate offense. (Ord. 1998-8, 12/2/1998, Art. V; as amended by Ord. 2009-3, 8/31/2009) 18-206. Declaration of Purpose. It is declared that enactment of this Part and the provisions hereof are necessary for the protection, benefit, and preservation of the health, safety, and welfare of inhabitants of this Township. (Ord. 1998-8, 12/2/1998, Art. VII) 18-11
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18-211 Sewers and Sewage Disposal 18-211 B. Rules and Regulations 18-211. Definitions. Unless the context specifically and clearly indicates otherwise, the meaning of the terms and phrases used in this Part 2B shall be as follows: Ammonia nitrogen as N ammonia nitrogen as determined pursuant to the procedure set forth in the latest edition of Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, published by American Public Health Association, Inc. Billing unit shall include, as applicable, each of the following: a commercial establishment, commercial building, a dwelling unit and industrial establishment, and an institutional establishment. Board of Standards see 18-218 et seq. Board of Supervisors the Board of Supervisors of the Township. B.O.D. (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) the quantity of oxygen, expressed in ppm by weight, utilized in the biochemical oxidation of organic matter under standard laboratory procedure for 5 days at 20 degrees Centigrade. The standard laboratory procedure shall be that found in the latest edition of Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Sewage published by the American Public Health Association, Inc. Building sewer the sewage drainage system from a building constructed on any improved property to the lateral serving such improved property, including any grinder pump or pressure sewer or similar apparatus or facilities installed by the Township or the owner and which are located on such improved property. Clean-out an access opening in the drainage system utilized for the removal of obstruction. Collector lines a sewage line which transports the sewage of a multiple unit structure or a multiple family unit structure and which line is not owned by Douglass Township, its successors, or assigns; but is connected to a sanitary sewer lateral. Commercial establishment any room, group of rooms, building or enclosure, or group thereof, connected, directly or indirectly, to the sewer system and used or intended for use in the operation of a business enterprise for the sale and distribution of any product, commodity, article, or service, which maintains separate toilet, sink, or other plumbing facilities in the room or group of rooms utilized for such business enterprise. Commonwealth the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Connection the physical joining of any structure s sewage line to the sanitary sewage lateral. Connection ordinance the ordinance enacted by this Township requiring all owners of any improved property located in the Township, which is adjoining or adjacent to a sewer, to connect to such sewer and use the same in such manner as this Township may ordain [Part 2A]. Douglass Township the Township of Douglass, Berks County, Pennsylvania, a political subdivision of the Commonwealth, acting by and through its Board of 18-13
18-211 Township of Douglass 18-211 Supervisors, or, in appropriate cases, acting by and through its authorized representatives. Domestic sanitary sewage normal water-carried household and toilet wastes discharged from any improved property. Drainage the work of constructing any structure s sewage line and connecting the same to the sanitary sewer lateral. Dwelling unit any room, group of rooms, house trailer, apartment, condominium, cooperative, or other enclosure connected, directly or indirectly, to the sewer system and occupied or intended for occupancy as living quarters by an individual, a single family or other discrete group of persons, excluding institutional dormitories. Educational establishment any room, group of rooms, building, or other enclosure connected, directly or indirectly, to the sewer system and used or intended for use, in whole or in part, for educational purposes, including both public and private schools or colleges. EPA the Environmental Protection Agency of the United States of America. Equivalent dwelling unit or EDU the unit of measure by which the user charge and the tapping fee shall be imposed upon each improved property, as determined in this Part 2B or in any subsequent ordinance of the Township, which shall be deemed to constitute the estimated, equivalent amount of domestic sanitary sewage discharged by a single-family dwelling unit, being 50,000 gallons of sewage flow per year. Garbage solid wastes resulting from preparation, cooking, and dispensing of food from handling, storage and sale of produce. Improved property any property within the sewered area of this Township 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 sanitary sewage and/or industrial wastes shall be or may be discharged and is subject to the Connection Ordinance [Part 2A]. Individual family unit an individual unit as herein defined, devoted to family residential use. Individual unit each and every single residential, industrial, or commercial structure or establishment devoted to a single family or business use including the separate structures comprising a multiple unit structure. Industrial establishment any improved property located in this Township, used or intended for use, wholly or in part, for the manufacturing, processing, cleaning, laundering or assembling of any product, commodity or article, or any other improved property from which wastes, in addition to or other than sanitary sewage, shall be discharged. Industrial wastes any and all wastes discharged from an industrial establishment, and/or wastewater having characteristics which may have the potential to be detrimental to the sewer system. Institutional establishment any room, group of rooms, building, or other enclosure connected, directly or indirectly, to the sewer system, including institutional dormitories and educational establishments, which do not constitute 18-14
18-211 Sewers and Sewage Disposal 18-211 a commercial establishment, a dwelling unit or an industrial establishment. Internal sewage line or internal sewage system all pipes, connections, and fittings within the interior walls of any structure used for the transmission of waste or other sewage matter. Large consumer a person whose metered or estimated consumption of water is in excess of 22,500 gallons per calendar quarter in the case of a dwelling unit, or any commercial establishment, educational establishment, institutional establishment, or industrial establishment, regardless of water consumption or volume of domestic sanitary sewage or industrial wastes discharged. Lateral that part of the sewer system extending from a sewer to the curb line or if there shall be no curb line, to the property line, or if no such extension is provided, then lateral shall mean that portion of, or place in, a sewer that is provided for connection of any building sewer. Main sewer line sometimes used interchangeably with sewer system shall be defined to mean only the main lines constructed and owned by Douglass Township, its successors or assigns. Multiple unit or multiple unit structure any improved property in which shall be located more than one billing unit. Multiple unit structure one physical structure, comprised of two or more separate units possessed of separate inside or outside entrances, whether designed for individual unit ownership, or collective ownership, or rental. Multiple use improved property any improved property upon which there shall exist any combination of a dwelling unit, commercial establishment, industrial establishment, educational establishment or institutional establishment. Owner any person vested with ownership, legal or equitable, sole or partial, of any improved property. Person any individual, partnership, company, association, society, trust, corporation, or other group or entity, including municipalities, municipality authorities, school districts, and other units of government. ph the logarithm of the reciprocal of the concentration of hydrogen ions, expressed in grams per liter of solution, indicating the degree of acidity or alkalinity of a substance. PPM parts per million, parts water, by weight. Plumbing Inspector see 18-216 et seq. Properly chopped garbage garbage that has been chopped to such a degree that all of its particles will be carried freely under normal gravity sewer flow conditions, with no particle greater than ½ inch in any dimension. Running trap a fitting or device which provides a liquid seal to prevent the emission of sewer gases without materially affecting the flow of sewage or waste water through the trap. Sanitary sewage the normal water-carried household and toilet wastes discharged from any improved property. Sewered area that geographic area of this Township served by the sewer system and designated, from time to time, by the Board of Supervisors of this 18-15
18-211 Township of Douglass 18-211 Township. Sewer any pipe or conduit constituting a part of the sewer system used or usable for collection domestic sanitary sewage and/or industrial wastes. Sewer system all facilities owned or operated by this Township, as of any particular time, for collecting and transmitting sanitary sewage and/or industrial wastes discharged by an improved property within the sewered area of this Township, other than a building sewer or a lateral. Street shall include any street, road, lane, court, cul-de-sac, alley, public way, or public square, including such streets as are dedicated to public use, and such streets as are owned by private persons. Sump a pit at lowest point into which water is drained in order to be pumped out of the facility. Tapping fee and connection fee fees against the owner of any improved property in the area served by the sewer system which actually connects or is required to be connected pursuant to the connection ordinance then in effect requiring such connection or which otherwise connects to the sewer system per the Second Class Township Code, 53 P.S. 65101 et seq. Total phosphorus as P total phosphorus as determined pursuant to the procedure set forth in the latest edition of Standards Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, published by the American Public Health Association, Inc. Total solids solids determined by evaporating at 100 degrees Centigrade a mixed sample of wastewater as determined pursuant to the procedure set forth in the latest edition of Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, published by the American Public Health Association, Inc. Total solids include floating solids, suspended solids, settleable solids and dissolved solids, as defined below: (1) Suspended solids solids determined by standard laboratory procedure in the waste. (2) Settleable solids solids that settle in an Imhoff cone from a standard sample of waste. (3) Dissolved solids solids that are dissolved in the waste and cannot be removed by filtration but can be determined by evaporation. Toxic substance any poisonous substance, including copper, cyanide, chromium, beryllium, cadmium, lead, nickel, tin and zinc irons, and any phenolic bodies or radioactive isotopes. Township Douglass Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania, a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania acting by and through its Board of Supervisors or, in appropriate cases, acting by and through its authorized representatives. Treatment plant the sewage treatment and disposal system facilities acquired and constructed by the Township of Amity, Berks County, Pennsylvania, together with all appurtenant facilities and properties, and together with any additions, improvements, enlargements, and/or modifications thereto from time to time 18-16
18-211 Sewers and Sewage Disposal 18-213 acquired or constructed. User any person who contributes, causes or permits the contribution of wastewater into the sewer system or the treatment plant from an improved property. User charge the monthly rental or charge imposed by the Township hereunder, as amended from time to time, against the owner of each improved property, for the use or availability of use of the sewer system. Vent and vent pipes a pipe installed to vent the sewage drainage system. (Ord. 1999-2, 7/14/1999, 1) 18-212. Use of Public Sewer Required. See Ord. 1998-8, Article II, 2.01 2.06, as amended, [Chapter 18, Part 2A]. (Ord. 1999-2, 7/14/1999, 2) 18-213. Certificate of Permit. 1. Connection. No person shall connect any improved property with any part of the sewer system without first making application for and securing a connection permit, in writing, from the Township, as provided for in the Connection Ordinance [Part 2A]. Such application shall be made on a form to be provided by the Township. 2. Alteration or Conversion. No person, persons, firms, or corporation desiring to alter or convert the use of any facility connected to the sewer system for a purpose different from its former use shall be and is hereby required to secure a certificate of permit. Said permit will be issued for the altered or converted use only after Douglass Township, by and through its agents, servants and employees have been afforded an opportunity to inspect the altered or converted premises and the use thereof. Douglass Township will ascertain, as a condition to issuing said certificate of permit, that the use and connection meet all of Douglass Township s requirements. Douglass Township reserves the right to terminate or refuse to permit the use of its facilities unless said certificate of permit has in fact been secured. In interpreting this provision, purpose shall be construed to mean the use to which the premises are intended to be employed such as the type of products sold or manufactured or type of service provided thereon or therein. 3. Bond. Any person, persons, firm, or corporation desiring to undertake any work under a certificate of permit shall furnish a performance bond naming Douglass Township, Berks County, Board of Supervisors as obligee and conditioned on the faithful performance of all work in a good workmanlike manner in conformance with the certificate of permit and the Douglass Township, Berks County, resolutions, rules and regulations. No work shall be commenced without said bond having been first posted and approved by Douglass Township, Berks County, its agents, servants or employees. The bond shall be in the amount of $3,000 or, in the discretion of Douglass Township, Berks County, a greater amount if the work covered in the certificate of permit is of a substantial nature. The bond herein provided shall be subject to forfeiture to the extent determined by Douglass Township, Berks County, in its sole discretion for negligent or willful failure to complete the work undertaken in a workmanlike manner or failure to comply with the ordinances, rules and regulations of Douglass Township, 18-17
18-213 Township of Douglass 18-214 Berks County. 4. Fee. The fee for each certificate of permit shall be in an amount as established from time to time by resolution of the Board of Supervisors. [Ord. 2009-3] 5. Plumber/Firm. Any person, persons, firm, or corporation desiring to undertake any work to and/or within the Douglass Township sanitary sewer systems shall provide a Certificate of Insurance naming the Board of Supervisors of Douglass Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania, as certificate holder and as additional insured. (Ord. 1999-2, 7/14/1999, 3; as amended by Ord. 2009-3, 8/31/2009) 18-214. Tapping Fee. 1. No person shall connect any improved property with any part of the sewer system without first making application for and securing a connection permit, in writing, from the Township, as provided for in the Connection Ordinance [Part 2A]. Such application shall be made on a form to be provided by the Township. 2. A tapping fee and connection fee are hereby imposed against the owner of any improved property to be served by the sewer system which actually connects or is required to be connected pursuant to the connection ordinance then in effect requiring such connection. 3. Determining the Tapping and Connection Fees. A. The tapping fee payable by the owner of an improved property shall be the product of the number of equivalent dwelling units constituting such improved property times the amount of $4,800. B. The connection fee payable by the owner of an improved property shall be the product of the number of connections of such improved property times the amount of $200. C. In the event an improved property, or use thereof (including number of occupants), changes in a manner that causes the number of EDUs applicable to such improved property calculated hereunder to increase, an additional tapping fee based on such additional EDUs shall be immediately due and payable. 4. The tapping fee and connection fee shall be due and payable the earlier of: (A) the time application is made to the Township to make connection to the sewer system, as provided in subsection.1 hereof, or, if applicable, the date when the Township shall connect any such improved property to the sewer system, at the costs and expense of the owner, when such owner shall have failed to make such connection as required by the connection ordinance in effect requiring such connection, or (B) in the case of improved properties required to be connected following initial construction of the sewer system, the date which is 60 days after the date of issuance by the Township of a written notice to connect. Owners of an improved property which is attributed an additional number of equivalent dwelling units as defined by the Township rate structure herein shall pay a corresponding additional tapping fee at the time of being attributed with the new EDU computation. 5. Calculation and itemization of the maximum lawful tapping fee shall be in accordance with Exhibit A, which is attached hereto and hereby made a part hereof. 6. All tapping fees and connection fees shall be payable to the Treasurer of the Township or to such other officer or representative of the Township as shall be 18-18
18-214 Sewers and Sewage Disposal 18-217 authorized, from time to time, by the Township, to accept payment thereof. 7. Payment of tapping fees and connection fees imposed by the Township pursuant to this Section shall be enforced by the Township in any manner appropriate under laws at the time in effect. (Ord. 1999-2, 7/14/1999, 4) 18-215. Inspection. 1. Physical Inspection. A. Any person, firm, or corporation undertaking to make a connection to the Douglass Township sewage system shall: (1) Notify the Plumbing Inspector of Douglass Township of the date and time on which he proposes to start work on each and every connection. (2) No work shall be covered until it has been inspected and approved by the Plumbing Inspector. (3) Give the Plumbing Inspector notice 2 days in advance of any requested inspection. B. In the event, any person, firm, or corporation covers any work without first having the same inspected and approved, it shall be uncovered to afford inspection. The owner of the improved property shall be responsible for all costs and expenses involved in uncovering the facilities to permit inspection. See 18-205. 2. Posting. Any person, firm, or corporation doing work on sanitary sewer laterals to be connected or connected in any fashion to the Douglass Township sanitary sewer system shall post a sign on the premises on which the installation is being made or repaired. The sign shall: A. Be visible from a public street serving the premises. B. Not have dimensions less than 2 feet by 1½ feet. C. Have lettering not less than 4 inches in height. D. Shall identify by name, address, and telephone number the person, persons, firm, or corporation doing the work. E. Shall list the certificate of permit number. All signs shall be removed on completion of the work, inspection, and acceptance. (Ord. 1999-2, 7/14/1999, 5) 18-216. Plumbing Inspector. 1. A Plumbing Inspector shall be appointed by Douglass Township. 2. The Plumbing Inspector shall have such powers, duties, and qualifications as may be prescribed by the members of the Board of Douglass Township from time to time. (Ord. 1999-2, 7/14/1999, 6) 18-217. Powers and Duties of Plumbing Inspector. The duties of the Plumbing Inspector shall include the following: A. The approval and/or rejection of all plans, the issuance of all permits, the 18-19
18-217 Township of Douglass 18-218 collection of all fees for certificates of permit and the issuance of receipts therefor, the making of all required inspections, the supervision of all appropriate tests, the determination of faulty work and materials including the correction and replacement thereof. The Plumbing Inspector s responsibility in exercising these powers is to assure full and faithful compliance of this and other resolutions, rules, and regulations promulgated by Douglass Township from time to time. B. The prevention of any and all infractions of the Douglass Township resolutions, rules, and regulations as well as any and all Federal, State, and Township laws, regulations, and ordinances that are applicable to the use and operation of the Douglass Township sewer system and facilities. C. Upon identifying himself, the Plumbing Inspector shall be given access to any structure of area for the purpose of carrying out his duties. It is implied that the Plumbing Inspector shall schedule timely inspections. If the Plumbing Inspector is denied access to premises for inspection the matter shall be referred to the Douglass Township Board and any other appropriate government officials. Use of the Douglass Township facilities shall be denied until the matter is resolved to the satisfaction of Douglass Township. D. The Plumbing Inspector shall prepare written reports concerning all violations of Douglass Township resolutions, rules, and regulations observed by him or brought to his attention and which are not resolved forthwith. E. The Plumbing Inspector is hereby authorized and directed to take such action as is necessary and appropriate to correct and abate any unlawful or objectionable conditions or acts that may be in violation of Douglass Township s resolutions, rules, and regulations. Plumbing Inspector is further authorized and directed to issue a written notice, in triplicate, to a property owner or any person or persons in control thereof of any violations or infractions of Douglass Township rules and regulations. Such notice shall be prepared, in triplicate, and a copy retained by the Plumbing Inspector and a copy filed with Douglass Township. The notice should stipulate a deadline. Failure of the property owner, tenant or person or persons in control thereof to comply with such notice shall be promptly reported to the Douglass Township Board for appropriate action. (Ord. 1999-2, 7/14/1999, 7) 18-218. Board of Standards. 1. Establishment. A. A Board of Standards composed of the members of Douglass Township, the Township Engineer and any additional member or members as appointed by Douglass Township from time to time is hereby established. 2. Purposes. The purpose of the Board of Standards shall be: A. Establishing methods of construction. B. Establishing the use of devices or materials. C. In its discretion promulgating further rules and regulations dealing with construction, devices, materials; including types, sizes, weights, and capacities and any other pertinent matters. 3. Procedures. 18-20
18-218 Sewers and Sewage Disposal 18-221 A. The Plumbing Inspector shall administer and enforce the standards promulgated by the Board of Standards. If not in conflict with specific standards promulgated by the Board of Standards, the Plumbing Inspectors ruling and interpretations will not be reviewed by the Board of Standards. No variance from this Board s rules and regulations will be valid unless approved by formal action of the Board of Standards. B. The Plumbing Inspector, without further consultation with the Board of Standards: (1) May suggest or direct the method or plan to be adhered to where unusual situations are brought to his notice but in no event shall he lay out or design any work to be done under the Board s standards. (2) Shall retain and file records of all plans which shall become the property of Douglass Township and shall be incorporated in Douglass Township records. (3) Shall retain copies of all inspections, tests, receipts for fees, permits, complaints, and other relevant records, communications, and replies; a complete set of which shall become the property of Douglass Township and shall be incorporated in Douglass Township records. C. Applications for directions, approvals, and information not specifically covered by Douglass Township s rules and regulations or standards shall be submitted in writing to the Plumbing Inspector who, in turn, shall make a written response thereto; copies of the same shall be incorporated as part of Douglass Township s records. Special authorizations or changes shall not be deemed as establishing precedent or permanent methods of operation unless the Board of Standards expressly adopts rules and regulations to apply in all cases of a like nature. (Ord. 1999-2, 7/14/1999, 8) 18-219. Drafts and Plans of Installation. The Plumbing Inspector shall have available drafts or pilot drawings demonstrating approved types of installation. The drafts or drawings will illustrate a schedule of approved traps or other special devices permitted. (Ord. 1999-2, 7/14/1999, 9) 18-220. Exceptions to Ruling of Plumbing Inspector. In the event a person feels aggrieved by a decision or ruling of the Plumbing Inspector, said party may request an exception thereto by filing the same with the Board of Standards. Requests for an exception shall be in writing and filed in triplicate. The Board of Standards will have final discretion in granting or refusing the exception. (Ord. 1999-2, 7/14/1999, 10) 18-221. Building Sewer and Connections. 1. No person shall uncover, shall connect with, shall make any opening into or shall use, shall alter, or shall disturb, in any manner, any sewer or any part of the sewer system without first obtaining a permit, in writing, from this Township. 18-21