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City of Gem Lake Comprehensive Plan GEMLK 140643 Page 65 7.3.1 Inflow & Infiltration Reduction The City of Gem Lake, like the many communities in the metropolitan area, has spent considerable time and energy managing inflow and infiltration (I/I) within their sanitary sewer collection system. The Metropolitan Council (MCES) has implemented a surcharge program which is designed to encourage metropolitan communities to reduce inflow entering their interceptors in order to provide reserve wastewater capacity for daily domestic dry weather demand flows from municipalities they serve around the Twin Cities metro area. Wastewater from the City of Gem Lake sanitary sewer collection system discharges directly into the MCES interceptor system and is currently unmetered by the City and metered periodically by MCES staff due to the small flows generated by the City. While the City has not exceeded the pre-determined maximum peak level established by MCES, it continues its effort to minimize clear water discharges into their sanitary sewer collection system. 7.3.2 Overall Sanitary Sewer Program Policy The City of Gem Lake has adopted policies, procedures and strategies as outlined as part of an overall Sanitary Sewer System Plan developed in May 2007. The plan is used to identify routine sewer maintenance, isolate and prioritize sewer rehabilitation in the sanitary sewer collection system and reduce I/I contributions, both on the public and private side of the system. The City’s policy is to serve as a guide to operate, monitor, maintain, and rehabilitate the City of Gem Lake’s sanitary sewer system. These procedures are necessary to prevent sewer backups into homes and businesses, and the natural environment. It also provides continued compliance with local and regional standards for wastewater, including the control of I/I to the system. Maintenance also protects and extends the life of the City’s sanitary sewer system. 7.3.3 Local Sanitary Sewer Ordinances The City of Gem Lake has enacted ordinances which regulate subsurface sewage treatment systems (Ordinance 67D) and the operation of the municipal sanitary sewer system (Ordinance 64E and Ordinance 129). The City’s current sewer ordinance does not include specific language requiring the disconnection of existing foundation drains, sump pumps and roof leaders from the Gem Lake sanitary sewer collection system. To reduce inflow, the City has developed a program to eliminate illegal connections to the sanitary sewer system which mainly includes public education to encourage voluntary compliance. The City ordinance is attached as an appendix to this document. 7.3.3.1 Ordinance 67D – Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) Ordinance 67D is designed to protect and promote the health, safety and general welfare of the people of Gem Lake by regulating seepage discharges and the location, installation, alternation, operation and maintenance and monitoring of all subsurface sewage treatment systems (SSTS). Subsurface sewage treatment systems must be installed in accordance to Chapter 7080 or 7081 of the Minnesota Rules. The SSTS shall be designed to receive all sewage from the dwelling(s), building(s), or other establishment(s) served by the system, including laundry waste and basement floor drainage. Surface, roof and foundation drainage and other storm water shall not be allowed to enter any part of the system. Not more than one dwelling, commercial, business, institutional, or industrial unit shall be connected to the same SSTS, unless such multiple connections was specified in the application submitted and in the permit issued for the system. No SSTS shall be installed or renovated on lands to which public sewer service is currently available, without a system permit. Within the Urban Service