1E, Sump Pump Ordinance - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

~ MEMORANDUM DATE: December 15,2008 TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Ron Moorse, City Administrator SUBJECT: Sump Pump Ordinance Background The City is currently involved in efforts to substantially reduce the inflow and infiltration (1&1) of surface water into the City's sanitary sewer system. 1&1 is causing substantially increased costs from the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES), the operator of the metro sanitary sewer system. These higher costs are being passed on to all sewer customers. Identification and Correction of Illegal Sump Pump Connections One potentially significant source of inflow is the discharge from sump pumps that are illegally connected to the City's sanitary sewer system. In order to identify sump pumps that are connected to the City's sanitary sewer system, the plumbing related to the sump pumps needs to be inspected. If an illegal connection is found, the connection needs to be removed. This requires an inspection program and an incentive for compliance. Sump Pump/Ordinance Elements The City Code does not currently include the items necessary for the identification and correction of illegal sump pump connections. The attached ordinance provides for the inspection of properties to identify illegal connections to the sanitary sewer system, the reimbursement of costs incurred by property owners to gain compliance, and a surcharge for non-compliance. Inspection Program The ordinance provides that property owners shall allow an employee of the City, or a designated representative of the City, to inspect the building or premises to determine whether the building or premises are in compliance with this ordinance. It also provides that, in lieu of a City inspection, the property owner or occupant may furnish a certificate of compliance from a licensed plumber.