CHAPTER 7-02
WASTEWATER REGULATIONS
SECTIONS:
7-02-001-0001 PURPOSE
7-02-001-0002 DEFINITIONS
7-02-001-0003 INTERFERENCE WITH THE WATER SERVICES DIVISION; DIGGING UP STREETS WITHOUT A PERMIT; TAMPERING WITH EQUIPMENT PROHIBITED
7-02-001-0004 RESPONSIBILITY FOR CLEANING, REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT OF BUILDING SEWERS AND CONNECTIONS
7-02-001-0005 UNSANITARY DISPOSAL OF EXCREMENT PROHIBITED
7-02-001-0006 TREATMENT OF POLLUTED WASTES REQUIRED
7-02-001-0007 PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES
7-02-001-0008 STANDARDS FOR DISCHARGE
7-02-001-0009 INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION
7-02-001-0010 INDUSTRIAL SELF-MONITORING
7-02-001-0011 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
7-02-001-0012 SIGNATORY REQUIREMENTS
7-02-001-0013 CONFIDENTIALITY OF BUSINESS INFORMATION
7-02-001-0014 INTERCEPTORS; TYPE, CAPACITY, LOCATION, MAINTENANCE
7-02-001-0015 CONTROL MANHOLES
7-02-001-0016 INSPECTIONS AND MONITORING
7-02-001-0017 PROVISION OF FALSE INFORMATION
7-02-001-0018 PUBLIC NOTIFICATION, DEFINITION OF SIGNIFICANT VIOLATION
7-02-001-0019 ENFORCEMENT
7-02-001-0020 UPSET AN AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
7-02-001-0021 SUSPENSION OF WATER AND/OR SEWER SERVICE
7-02-001-0022 DISREGARD OF SAMPLES
7-02-001-0023 CREDIT FOR PRETREATMENT EXPENDITURES
7-02-001-0024 PUBLIC RECLAIMED WASTEWATER PIPELINE AND SEWER EXTENSIONS; APPROVAL BY CITY ENGINEER
7-02-001-0025 CONSTRUCTION AND OWNERSHIP OF PUBLIC RECLAIMED WATER PIPELINES, PUBLIC SEWER LINES AND OTHER EQUIPMENT MAINTAINED BY DIVISION
7-02-001-0026 PUBLIC RECLAIMED WATER PIPELINE EXTENSION AND CONVERSION POLICY FOR REUSERS
7-02-001-0027 MAIN SEWER EXTENSION POLICY FOR AREAS BEYOND PRESENT CITY TRUNK LINES
7-02-001-0028 PRIVATE SEWERAGE SYSTEMS; CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE WITHIN THE CITY PROHIBITED GENERALLY
7-02-001-0029 PRIVATE SEWERAGE SYSTEMS; WHEN PERMITTED, TO BE CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED IN SANITARY MANNER
7-02-001-0030 PRIVATE SEWERAGE SYSTEMS; DISCONTINUANCE
7-02-001-0031 PRIVATE SEWERAGE SYSTEMS; AUTHORITY OF DIRECTOR OF HEALTH DEPARTMENT
7-02-001-0032 PERMIT REQUIRED
7-02-001-0033 APPLICATION FOR BUILDING CONNECTION
7-02-001-0034 DIRECTOR TO APPROVE DESIGN NUMBER, LOCATION, SIZE AND CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDING CONNECTIONS
7-02-001-0035 SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR INSTALLING BUILDING CONNECTIONS IN NEW SUBDIVISIONS AND DEVELOPMENTS
7-02-001-0036 RECORDS TO BE KEPT BY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
7-02-001-0037 SEWER TAP FEE
7-02-001-0038 SEWER USER CHARGES
7-02-001-0039 THE COLLECTION OF USERS CHARGES SHALL BE UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE CITY’S MANAGEMENT SERVICES DIRECTOR
7-02-001-0040 RATE ESTABLISHMENT AND REVIEW PROCEDURE
7-02-001-0041 SEWER USE CHARGES, CAPACITY CHARGES
7-02-001-0042 SCAVENGER WASTE AND GREASE HAULERS
7-02-001-0042.1 SCAVENGER WASTE DISCHARGE PERMITS
7-02-001-0043 SEWER RATES TO BE ADDED TO WATER BILLS
7-02-001-0044 WHEN BILLS PAYABLE; DISCONNECTION OF SERVICE FOR FAILURE TO PAY; RECONNECTION FEE
7-02-001-0045 DETERMINATION OF WASTEWATER VOLUME CHARGE AND BILLINGS: NONRESIDENTIAL
7-02-001-0046 PAYMENT OF BILLS AND CHARGES
7-02-001-0047 NOTICE PRIOR TO DISCONNECT
7-02-001-0048 SERVICE CONNECTIONS
7-02-001-0049 PERMITS REQUIRED FOR INDUSTRIAL USERS
7-02-001-0050 INDUSTRIAL USER PERMITS
7-02-001-0051 PERMITTEE REQUIREMENTS
7-02-001-0052 SEWER SERVICE OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS
7-02-001-0053 DISCONNECTION OF SERVICE
7-02-001-0001 PURPOSE
A. City Water Treatment Facilities. City water treatment facilities include the Lake Mary Water Treatment Plant, North Reservoir Treatment Plant, Rio de Flag Water Reclamation Plant (WRP), and the Wildcat Hill WRP. The Water Services Director has authority over all field operations of the City’s water treatment and collection system, including flow test measurements, quality of waste, service connections, line construction plus the operation and maintenance of all water facilities.
B. The purpose of this chapter is to establish uniform requirements for users of the publicly owned treatment works (POTW) for the City of Flagstaff, Arizona ("City"), and enable the City to comply with all applicable State and Federal laws, A.R.S. Section 49-391, relating to local enforcement of water pretreatment requirements, the Clean Water Act ("CWA") (33 U.S.C. §§ 1251 et seq.), and the general pretreatment regulations (40 CFR Part 403). The objectives of these wastewater regulations are:
1. To prevent the introduction of pollutants into the POTW that will interfere with their operation;
2. To prevent the introduction of pollutants into the POTW that will pass through the POTW without adequate treatment, into receiving waters, or that will otherwise be incompatible with the POTW;
3. To protect the POTW personnel who may be affected by wastewater and sludge in the course of their employment and to protect the general public;
4. To promote reuse and recycling of effluent and sludge from the POTW;
5. To provide for fees for the equitable distribution of the cost of operation, maintenance, and improvement of the POTW;
6. To enable the City to comply with its Arizona pollutant discharge elimination system permit conditions, its sludge use and disposal requirements, and any other Federal or State laws to which the City’s POTW is, or may become, subject. These wastewater regulations shall apply to all users of the City’s POTW, and shall authorize the issuance of wastewater discharge permits; provide for effective monitoring, compliance, and enforcement procedures; establish administrative review procedures; establish user monitoring and reporting requirements; provide for the setting of fee rates and surcharges for the equitable distribution of costs resulting from the proper maintenance and operation of the City’s POTW; and provide for the assessment of civil and criminal penalties for wastewater regulation violations.
C. The rules and regulations of this chapter are made for the benefit of the users of the City sewer system, for the protection of the sewer system, and to protect the quality of the effluent of the water reclamation plants. (Ord. 2002-08, Added, 07/16/2002; Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0003)
7-02-001-0002 DEFINITIONS
The general definitions found in Chapter 7-01, Water Services, shall apply to this chapter. In addition, for the purposes of this chapter, the following words and terms shall have the following meanings, unless the context indicates otherwise:
ALERT LIMIT: The level at which, if exceeded by a significant industrial user, it is recommended that the POTW or City conduct an evaluation to determine if that discharge had or is having impact on the plant effluent quality, and if pass-through or interference was or is occurring leading to compliance concerns at the POTW, then voluntary correction or enforcement action is recommended.
APPROVED LABORATORY PROCEDURES: The measurements, tests and analysis of the characteristics of water and wastes in accordance with analytical procedures as established in 40 CFR Part 136 as revised.
AVERAGE QUALITY: The arithmetic average (weighted by flow value) of all the "daily determinations of concentration," as that term is defined in this section, made during a calendar month.
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES or BMPs: The schedules of activities, prohibitions of practices, maintenance procedures, and other management practices to implement the prohibitions listed in 40 CFR 403.5(a)(1) and (b). BMPs also include treatment requirements, operating procedures, and practices to control plant site runoff, spillage or leaks, sludge or waste disposal, or drainage from raw materials storage.
BOD (biochemical oxygen demand): The quantity of oxygen utilized in the biochemical oxidation of organic matter under standard laboratory conditions for five (5) days at a temperature of twenty degrees centigrade (20°C), expressed in milligrams per liter.
BRANCH SEWER: An arbitrary term for a sewer which receives sewage from lateral sewers from a relatively small area.
BUILDING CONNECTION: The connection to the public sewer and extension therefrom of the sewer to the property line in an alley or street, or to the easement line in an easement, whichever is applicable, depending on the location of the public sewer.
BUILDING OFFICIAL: The Chief Building Inspector, or authorized representative.
BUILDING SEWER: The service line from the building to the sewer main.
BYPASS: The intentional diversion of waste streams from any portion of an industrial user’s facility.
CATEGORICAL STANDARD: Limits for pollutants that are set by the EPA for individual types of industry listed in 40 CFR 403.
COD (chemical oxygen demand): The quantity of oxygen consumed from a chemical oxidation of inorganic and organic matter present in the water or wastewater, expressed in milligrams per liter.
COLLECTION SYSTEM: Any and all lines, manholes, or other mechanical or physical appurtenances which may be involved with the conveyance of wastewater to or from the City water reclamation plant(s).
COOLING WATER: The clean wastewater discharged from any heat transfer system such as condensation, air conditioning, cooling, or refrigeration.
DAILY COMPOSITE SAMPLE: A sample of effluent, discharge or other source of pollutants continuously collected, manually or automatically, over a normal operating day. Samples shall be collected over a twenty-four (24) hour period or at least an eight (8) hour period during production, with one (1) sample being drawn at least once every two (2) hours. Composites should be flow proportional wherever feasible.
DAILY DETERMINATION OF WASTEWATER QUALITY: For composite samples, "daily determination of wastewater quality" shall be the concentration of any parameter tested in a daily composite sample. For grab samples, the "daily determination of wastewater quality" shall be the arithmetic average (weighted by flow value) of the concentrations of any parameter in each grab sample obtained in any calendar day.
DEVELOPER: Any person engaged in the organizing and financing of a sewage collecting system within an area contributing to a branch, main or a trunk sewer of the City sewer system. Such may be either a subdivider or a legally constituted improvement district.
DISCHARGE: The disposal of sewage, water or any liquid from any sewer user into the sewerage system.
DOMESTIC WASTE: A typical, residential-type waste which requires no pretreatment under the provisions of this chapter before discharging into the sanitary sewer system, excluding all commercial, manufacturing and industrial wastes.
EFFLUENT: Wastewater or other liquid – raw, partially or completely treated – flowing from a basin, treatment process, or treatment plant.
FINAL: The local limits established by ordinance and to remain in effect which are recommended to remain until the system is reevaluated as a whole, during the next local limits update.
GRAB SAMPLE: An individual sample of effluent, discharge or other source of pollutants collected in less than fifteen (15) minutes.
HAZARDOUS DISCHARGE: A discharge which is considered by the City to be an imminent hazard to health, the environment, or the POTW.
INDIRECT DISCHARGE: The introduction of pollutants into a POTW from any nondomestic source regulated under Section 307(b), (c) or (d) of the Clean Water Act as amended 33 U.S.C. § 1251, et seq.
INDUSTRIAL PRETREATMENT DISCHARGE PERMIT: The permit granted by the City to an industrial user granting the right to discharge to the sewer works subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the permit.
INDUSTRIAL USER: A source of indirect discharge.
INDUSTRIAL WASTE: Any liquid, free-flowing waste, including cooling water, resulting from any industrial or manufacturing process or from the development, recovery or processing of natural resources, with or without suspended solids excluding uncontaminated water.
INFLOW: Water other than wastewater that enters a sewer system (including sewer service connections) from sources such as roof leaders, cellar drains, foundation drains, drains from springs and swampy areas, manhole covers, cross connections between stormwater, surface runoff, street wash waters or drainage.
INTERFERENCE: Inhibition or disruption of the sewer system, treatment processes or operations which contribute to a violation of any requirement of a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit. The term includes prevention of sewage sludge use or disposal by the cities in accordance with Section 405 of the Act, or any criterial guidelines or regulations developed pursuant to the Solid Waste Disposal Act (SWDA), the Clean Air Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, or more stringent State criteria (including those contained in any State sludge management plan prepared pursuant to Title IV of SWDA) applicable to the method of disposal or use employed by the City.
INTERIM: Guiding limits while the POTW or City investigates other sources of pollutants and ways of controlling those sources.
LATERAL SEWER: A sewer which discharges into a branch or other sewer and has no other common tributary to it.
MAIN SEWER: A sewer which receives sewage from one (1) or more branch sewers as tributaries.
MAINTENANCE: Keeping the treatment works in a state of repair, including expenditures necessary to maintain the capacity (capability) for which said works were designed and constructed.
NATURAL OUTLET: Any outlet into a watercourse, ditch, or other body of surface or ground water.
NPDES PERMIT: The permit or permits issued to and held by the City under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, pursuant to 33 U.S.C. § 1342 and 40 CFR Parts 122 through 125.
PARAMETER: See "treatment parameter."
PASS-THROUGH: An effluent flow which exits the POTW in quantities or concentrations which alone or in conjunction with a discharge or discharges from other sources is a cause of a violation of any requirement of the POTW’s NPDES permit (including an increase in the magnitude or duration of a violation).
PERMITTEE, PERMIT HOLDER: Any person, firm, association, corporation or trust which owns, operates, possesses or controls an establishment or plant being operated under a valid industrial pretreatment permit to discharge waste into the City sewer system.
pH: The logarithm of reciprocal of the weight of hydrogen ions in grams per liter of solution.
POTW: Publicly owned treatment works.
PRETREATMENT: The reduction of the amount of pollutants, the elimination of pollutants, or the alteration of pollutant properties in wastewater prior to or in lieu of discharging or otherwise introducing such pollutants into the POTW, as further defined and described in 40 CFR 403.3(q).
PRETREATMENT STANDARDS or PRETREATMENT REQUIREMENTS: Any substantive or procedural requirements relating to pretreatment, including the specific pollutant limits set forth in Section 7-02-001-0008.
PUBLIC SEWER: A lateral, branch, main or trunk sewer controlled and maintained by the City of Flagstaff.
RECLAIMED WASTEWATER: The treated effluent which is the product of the municipal wastewater system, although not suitable for human consumption, may be used for certain industrial or commercial purposes.
REPLACEMENT: Those expenditures made for obtaining and installing equipment, accessories and/or appurtenances during the useful life of the treatment works which are necessary to maintain the capacity and performance of the treatment works for which they were designed and constructed.
REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLE: A sample which takes a portion of the user’s discharge which will be indicative of all the constituents of the discharge.
SANITARY SEWER: A sewer which carries sewage and to which storm, surface, and ground waters are not intentionally admitted.
SEVERE PROPERTY DAMAGE: Substantial physical damage to property, damage to the treatment facilities which caused them to become inoperable, or substantial and permanent loss of natural resources which can reasonably be expected to occur in the absence of a bypass. "Severe property damage" does not mean economic loss caused by delays in production.
SEWAGE/SEWERAGE: A combination of water-carried wastes from residences, business buildings, institutions, and industrial establishments, together with such ground, surface, and stormwater as may be present.
SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT: Any arrangement of devices and structures used for treating sewage.
SEWER: A pipe or conduit for carrying sewage.
SEWER TAP: Includes a hole cut into the main line and saddle which to connect to.
SLUG LOAD: Any pollutant discharged in quantities large enough to cause interference, upset, or pass-through at the POTW.
STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION (SIC): A coded classification of industries based upon economic activity developed by the U.S. Department of Commerce as published in the Standard Industrial Classification Manual, 1987, Office of Management and Budget.
STANDARD METHODS: The procedure as described in the most current edition of Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater published by the American Health Association, or the most current edition of Manual of Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
STORM SEWER or STORM DRAIN: A sewer or drainage which carries storm and surface waters, but excludes sewage and polluted industrial wastes.
SURCHARGE: An additional charge levied against industrial users for exceeding certain thresholds of BOD or TSS, as described in Section 7-02-001-0040(H) and set forth in Section 7-02-001-0041(A).
SUSPENDED SOLIDS (SS): Solids measured in milligrams per liter that either float on the surface of or are in suspension in water, wastewater or other liquids and which are largely removable by a laboratory filtration device, as defined in the "standard methods" as defined in this section.
SYSTEM DESIGN CAPACITY: The design capacity for normal domestic wastewater as established by accepted engineering standards.
TREATMENT PARAMETER: A fundamental characteristic of sewage around which treatment is designed, such as, but not limited to, flow, BOD, and suspended solids.
TSS: Total suspended solids, expressed in milligrams per liter, in a user’s discharge.
TRUNK SEWER: A sewer which receives sewage from many tributary main sewers and serves as an outlet for a large territory.
UPSET: An exceptional incident in which there is unintentional and temporary noncompliance with categorical pretreatment standards because of factors beyond the reasonable control of the industrial user. This does not include noncompliance due to operational error, improperly designed treatment facilities, inadequate treatment facilities, lack of preventive maintenance, or careless or improper operation.
U.S.C.: The United States Code, as amended.
USER: Any person, lot, parcel of land, building, premises, municipal corporation or other political subdivision that discharges, causes or permits the discharge of wastewater into the sewage system.
VOC (volatile organic compounds): Those parameters included in EPA method 624/625.
WASTEWATER SYSTEM: All facilities for collection, pumping, treating, and disposing of sewage. As used in this chapter, the terms "sewer system" or "wastewater system" shall have the same meaning and definition.
WATERCOURSE: A channel in which a flow of water occurs, either continuously or intermittently. (Ord. 1104, 12/04/1979; Ord. 1236, 11/29/1982; Ord. 1681, Amended, 12/04/1990; Ord. 1693, Amended, 05/07/1991; Ord. 1723, Amended, 04/07/1992; Ord. 1950, Revised, 08/05/1997; Ord. 2015-09, Amended, 06/02/2015; Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018. Ord. 2021-10, Amended, 04/20/2021; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0004)
7-02-001-0003 INTERFERENCE WITH THE WATER SERVICES DIVISION; DIGGING UP STREETS WITHOUT A PERMIT; TAMPERING WITH EQUIPMENT PROHIBITED
Every person who shall in any way interfere with employees of the Water Services Division in any discharge of their duties, either in the tapping of any sewer pipe, main, or lateral belonging to the City, or the cleaning, laying, or connection of any such pipe or main or lateral, or who shall dig up or cause to be dug up, any street or alley in the City for the purpose of connecting with the sewer system of the City without first obtaining a permit from the City Engineer, or who, having a permit, shall dig up any portion of any street or alley of the City for the purpose of connecting with the sewer system of the City and shall fail or neglect to place the street or alley in its original condition, or who shall maliciously or willfully break, damage, destroy, uncover, deface, or tamper with any structure, appurtenance, or equipment which is a part of the municipal sewer system shall be guilty of a petty offense. (Ord. 1104, 12/04/1979; Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0005)
7-02-001-0004 RESPONSIBILITY FOR CLEANING, REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT OF BUILDING SEWERS AND CONNECTIONS
A. Property Owner Responsibilities.
1. The property owner shall be responsible for the cleaning, unstopping, maintenance and repair of the sewer connection piping serving the owner’s property from the owner’s home or building to the public sewer main.
2. Where the correction of a stoppage requires the repair or replacement of a damaged or broken section which is located off-property in a street or alley, the necessary repairs must be made by a licensed contractor, the scope of which licenses allows them to work within a public right-of-way subject to securing a right-of-way permit from the Engineering Division.
3. After repairs are made to a sewer connection in a concrete or asphalt street, the street shall be cut, filled, and compacted to grade, the top lift being one (1) foot of road base material approved by the City Engineering Division. Upon completion, the street shall be opened to traffic and the City Public Works Division contacted to repair the street.
4. When the repairs to a sewer connection are required under a sidewalk, curb or gutter, the sidewalk, curb or gutter shall be square cut to avoid unnecessary damage. After completion, the excavation shall be backfilled and compacted to grade and the City Public Works Division contacted to repair the sidewalk, curb or gutter.
5. If in the opinion of the City Water Services Director an unnecessary amount of street, sidewalk, or curb and gutter is damaged in the process of making the repair, the contractor shall be charged for the repair of that amount.
B. City Responsibilities.
1. If the property owner perceives the location of a sewer service problem to be the City’s main sewer line, the property owner should contact the City’s Water Services Director.
2. The City will cooperate with the property owner to locate the cause of a sewer service problem, including the performance of appropriate tests or inspections on the City’s main line. If the location of the sewer service problem is identified to be in the property owner’s service line, responsibility for the repairs shall be pursuant to subsection (A) of this section. The City will cease any repair efforts if responsibility for the repairs falls on the property owner pursuant to subsection (A) of this section.
3. If the location is determined to be in the City’s main line, the City will initiate the appropriate repair action.
4. If the location of the sewer problem cannot be identified, the City will proceed with the appropriate excavation to locate the cause of the problem. If the location of the problem is determined to be within the property owner’s service line, responsibility for the repairs shall be pursuant to subsection (A) of this section. In addition, the property owner shall reimburse the City for costs incurred by the City in performing the necessary excavation if responsibility for the repair is on the property owner pursuant to subsection (A) of this section. If the location of the problem is within the City’s main line, the City shall perform the appropriate repairs and the property owner shall bear no responsibility for the costs of excavation. (Ord. 1631, Amended, 08/01/1989; Ord. 2015-09, Amended, 06/02/2015; Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0006)
7-02-001-0005 UNSANITARY DISPOSAL OF EXCREMENT PROHIBITED
It shall be unlawful for any person to deposit, or permit to be deposited, in an unsanitary manner, upon public or private property within the City, or in any area under the jurisdiction of the City, any human or animal excrement or other objectionable waste. (Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0007)
7-02-001-0006 TREATMENT OF POLLUTED WASTES REQUIRED
It shall be unlawful to discharge to any natural outlet within the City or in any area under the jurisdiction of the City, any sewage, industrial wastes, or other polluted waters, except where suitable treatment has been provided, in accordance with provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 1104, 12/04/1979; Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0008)
7-02-001-0007 PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES
A. The Water Services Director shall have the authority to regulate the volume and flow rate of discharge to the sewage works and to establish permissible limits of concentration for various specific substances, materials, or wastes that can be accepted into the sewage works, and to specify those substances, materials, waters or wastes that are prohibited from entering the sewage works.
B. The following are prohibited from entering the City wastewater collection system:
1. Any substance that interferes with the POTW or wastewater collection system.
2. Any liquids, solids, or gases which by reason of their nature or quantity could be sufficient, either alone or by interaction with other substances, to cause injury to the POTW from fire or explosion. At no time shall two (2) successive readings on an explosion hazard meter, at the point of discharge to the POTW, be more than five percent (5%), nor any single reading over ten percent (10%), of the lower explosive limit (LEL) of the meters. Prohibited materials include, but are not limited to: gasoline, kerosene, naphtha, trichloroethylene, xylene, ethers, alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, peroxides, chlorates, perchlorates, bromates, carbides, hydrides and sulfides, waste streams with a closed cup flash point of less than one hundred forty degrees Fahrenheit (140°F) or sixty degrees centigrade (60°C) using the test methods specified in 40 CFR 261.21.
3. Any water which contains a solid or viscous substance which could obstruct the flow in the collection system or interfere with the POTW.
4. Any particles greater than one-half (1/2) inch in any dimension, animal tissues, manure, ashes, cinders, sand, metal, glass, straw, paper, wood, plastics, gas, tar, asphalt and grinding wastes.
5. Any substance that can cause corrosive damage to the POTW or collection system and any substance with a pH of less than 6.0 standard units (s.u.) or greater than 11.0 (s.u.).
6. Any liquid or vapor which causes the temperature entering the POTW to exceed one hundred four degrees Fahrenheit (104°F)(40°C) or any liquid or vapor with a temperature greater than one hundred sixty degrees Fahrenheit (160°F)(71°C).
7. Any toxic or radioactive substance in sufficient quantity to interfere with the POTW or collection system or to create a health or environmental hazard.
8. Any substance requiring unusual attention or expense of the City unless specifically authorized. Compensatory payments be determined by the City to be paid by the user who contributes any such authorized substance.
9. Any noxious or malodorous liquid, gas or solid which creates a public nuisance, health or environmental hazard, or inhibits entry into any part of the wastewater system for maintenance or monitoring.
10. Any water with a volume greater than twenty (20) gallons per minute (GPM) containing dyes, inks or other color-causing substances that change the typical color in the wastewater collection system.
11. Any substance causing a hazard to health or to the environment.
12. Petroleum oil, nonbiodegradable cutting oil or products of mineral oil origin in amounts that cause interference or pass-through.
13. Any trucked or hauled pollutants, except at discharge points designated by the POTW.
14. Unless otherwise approved by the Water Services Director, any stormwater, surface water, groundwater, roof runoff, surface drainage, or unpolluted process waters that may constitute inflow as defined herein.
15. Any combination of substances contributed by one (1) or more users which results in any of the above situations.
16. The following pesticides are expressly prohibited from discharge into the City sewer system: 4,4’-DDD; 4,4’-DDE; 4,4’-DDT; aldrin; and heptachlor. (Ord. 1693, Amended, 05/07/1991; Ord. 1896, Amended, 11/21/1995; Ord. 1958, Amended, 10/07/1997; Ord. 1989, Amended, 01/19/1999; Ord. 2002-08, Amended, 07/16/2002; Ord. 2007-23, Amended, 03/20/2007; Ord. 2015-09, Amended, 06/02/2015; Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2021-10, Amended, 04/20/2021; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0009)
7-02-001-0008 STANDARDS FOR DISCHARGE
A. A technically based determination of local industrial user discharge limits for heavy metals, organics and other pollutants, for which there exists a specific discharge limit at the POTW, be made by the City Water Services Director and EPA. Such determination shall take into account removal percentages of the POTW, and dilution factors.
B. The following specific limits shall apply to all industrial user discharges and may be modified, with prior notice to the industrial user and an opportunity to respond, to comply with applicable State and/or Federal regulations.
Parameter Maximum |
(mg/L) |
---|---|
Inorganics |
|
Lead |
0.08 |
Copper |
0.20 |
Zinc |
3.0 |
Mercury |
0.017 |
Cyanide (Total) |
0.24 |
Arsenic |
0.18 |
Selenium |
0.015 |
Sulfides |
5.0 |
HEM [a] |
200 |
Volatile Organic Compounds |
|
Toluene |
0.14 |
Total Trihalomethanes |
0.32 |
Bromide |
0.5 |
Conventional Pollutants |
|
BOD |
700 lbs/day* |
TSS |
130 lbs/day* |
pH |
6.0 < pH ≤ 11.0 |
Ammonia |
173 |
Total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) |
173 |
Nitrate/nitrite |
10 |
* Lbs/day = Pollutant concentration in mg/L x 8.34 (pounds/gallon) x flow in million gallons per period.
C. The City may set limits based on mass measurements of pollutants for a particular substance or a particular user if it is necessary for adequate regulation. Discharge limits be set in order to meet any limits set for sludge disposal.
D. Industrial users meet the requirements of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, 40 CFR 403 and the amendments thereof. No discharge may exceed any Federal categorical standard or cause the POTW to exceed its AZPDES or APP permit. The City may request approval to modify a Federal categorical standard, according to 40 CFR 403.
E. Dilution may not be used to meet a standard or limit unless it is expressly authorized by the categorical standard set by the EPA or by the City.
F. Bypass Prohibition.
1. Notice of Bypass to Occur.
a. If an industrial user knows in advance of the need for a bypass, it shall submit prior notice to the Water Services Director, if possible, at least ten (10) days before the date of the bypass.
b. An industrial user shall submit oral notice of an unanticipated bypass that exceeds applicable pretreatment standards to the Water Services Director within twenty-four (24) hours from the time the industrial user becomes aware of the bypass. A written submission shall also be provided within five (5) days of the time the industrial user becomes aware of the bypass. The written submission shall contain a description of the bypass and its cause; the duration of the bypass, including exact dates and times, and, if the bypass has not been corrected, the anticipated time it is expected to continue; and steps taken or planned to reduce, eliminate, and prevent reoccurrence of the bypass.
2. Prohibition of Bypass. Bypass is prohibited, and the Water Services Division may take enforcement action against an industrial user for a bypass unless:
a. Bypass was unavoidable to prevent loss of life, personal injury, or severe property damage;
b. There were no feasible alternatives to the bypass;
c. The user submitted notices as required above.
G. O&M Requirements. Industrial users required to install suitable pretreatment facilities to treat waste streams which do not meet City discharge limits shall provide necessary maintenance on such equipment to ensure their continued and efficient operation.
An industrial violation of City discharge limits, which is due to operational error, improperly designed treatment facilities, inadequate treatment facilities, lack of preventative maintenance, carelessness or improper operation will not be considered unintentional by the City of Flagstaff.
All industrial users shall maintain their general facilities in such a manner as to eliminate or minimize the possibility of discharge of substances by that industry, which are in violation of applicable pretreatment standards. (Ord. 1693, Amended, 05/07/1991; Ord. 1896, Amended, 11/21/1995; Ord. 1950, Revised, 08/05/1997; Ord. 2002-08, Amended, 07/16/2002; Ord. 2007-23, Amended, 03/20/2007; Ord. 2015-09, Amended, 06/02/2015; Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2021-10, Amended, 04/20/2021; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0010)
7-02-001-0009 INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION
A. Each industrial user shall be classified into one (1) of the following categories as designated by 40 CFR 403.3(t)(1) and (2):
1. Significant: Defined as any industry that:
a. Is subject to categorical standards as defined by 40 CFR 403.6 and 40 CFR Chapter I, Subchapter N.
b. Discharges an average process wastestream of twenty-five thousand (25,000) gallons per day (0.025 million gallons per day) or more to the POTW (excluding sanitary, noncontact cooling and boiler blowdown wastewater).
c. Contributes a process wastestream which makes up five percent (5%) or more of the average dry weather hydraulic or organic (BOD, TSS, etc.) capacity of the POTW.
d. Has a reasonable potential, in the opinion of the Director, to adversely affect the POTW’s operation or for violating any pretreatment standard or requirement in accordance with 40 CFR 403.8(f)(6) or this chapter.
2. The Control Authority may determine that an industrial user subject to categorical pretreatment standards under Section 403.6 and 40 CFR Chapter I, Subchapter N is a nonsignificant categorical industrial user rather than a significant industrial user on a finding that the industrial user never discharges more than one hundred (100) gallons per day (GPD) of total categorical wastewater (excluding sanitary, noncontact cooling and boiler blowdown wastewater, unless specifically included in the pretreatment standard) and the following conditions are met:
a. The industrial user, prior to the Control Authority’s finding, has consistently complied with all applicable categorical pretreatment standards and requirements;
b. The industrial user annually submits the certification statement required in CFR Section 403.12(q) together with any additional information necessary to support the certification statement; and
c. The industrial user never discharges any untreated concentrated wastewater.
B. The City will notify all users of Federal and local requirements which may be applicable to them. Upon request, significant industrial users shall receive a copy of:
1. This chapter;
2. Applicable parts of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations;
3. An application for an industrial pretreatment discharge permit;
4. Applicable categorical standards;
5. Any other pertinent materials;
6. Any changes in Federal or local requirements as they occur;
7. City enforcement response plan.
C. The industrial user may request certification of its industrial user classification from the EPA according to 40 CFR 403.6(a). The industrial user may request variation from Federal categorical standards according to 40 CFR 403.13 and the Clean Water Act. (Ord. 1693, Rep&ReEn, 05/07/1991; Ord. 2015-09, Amended, 06/02/2015; Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0011)
7-02-001-0010 INDUSTRIAL SELF-MONITORING
A. Significant industrial users, at the user’s expense, must provide safe and convenient access for sampling by the City. A City-approved manhole must be provided from which a sample that is representative of the total discharge can be taken. There must be unobstructed access to the open flow in the manhole so that a grab sample can be taken and so that sampling equipment can be set up in the manhole.
B. Sampling and analysis must be performed by significant industrial users, at their own expense, at least twice each year, in two (2) separate quarters, (January – March and July – September), and results of such sampling submitted to the City before the last day of each respective quarter or as directed by the City.
C. If a test result is not within the limits of this chapter or the categorical standards from any semiannual sampling, completed by the permitted industrial user, the industrial user shall immediately notify the City within twenty-four (24) hours of becoming aware of the violation (i.e., issuance of final lab report). The industrial user, or the City if they so choose, shall repeat the sampling and analysis and submit the results of the repeat analysis within thirty (30) days after becoming aware of the violation, or more often if it is determined to be necessary by the City.
D. Grab samples must be used when sampling for pH, cyanide, total phenols, oil and grease, sulfide, and volatile organics.
E. Twenty-four (24) hour composite samples must be obtained through flow-proportional composite sampling techniques, where feasible. The City may waive flow-proportional composite sampling for any industrial user that demonstrates that flow proportional sampling is infeasible. In such cases, samples may be obtained through time-proportional composite sampling techniques or through a minimum of four (4) grab samples where the user demonstrates that this will provide a representative sample of the effluent being discharged.
F. The flow must be measured by the industrial user at the time that the sample is taken, according to 40 CFR 403.12.
G. The methods of sampling must be performed in accordance with 40 CFR 136 and any other applicable Federal, State, or local requirements. The sampling location and type must be approved by the City. An authorized representative of the industry (see Section 7-02-001-0012) shall sign and submit with these sample results a statement verifying the validity of the methods and location.
H. All records of sampling, analysis and flows must be kept by the industrial user and the City for at least three (3) years. All records must be available to the City upon request. This period of retention shall be extended during the course of any unresolved litigations regarding the industrial user or POTW or when requested by the State Director or the EPA Regional Administrator. (Ord. 1693, Enacted, 05/07/1991; Ord. 2015-09, Amended, 06/02/2015; Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2021-10, Amended, 04/20/2021; Ord. 2022-30, Amended, 11/15/2022; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0012)
7-02-001-0011 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
A. Within one hundred eighty (180) days of the promulgation by the EPA of a categorical standard or within one hundred eighty (180) days of a final administrative decision, the industrial users that are subject to the standard must report the information provided for in 40 CFR 403.12(b). This information must also be supplied by existing sources of discharge as well as new sources that discharge after the standards have been promulgated.
B. All industrial users must immediately report to the Water Services Division any discharge, including accidental discharge, which contains a slug load, a prohibited substance, or any substance which might be harmful to the POTW, the collection system, the environment or to any person.
C. The industrial user must provide a written report (separate from the immediate report) within five (5) days of the detection of the upset. The report must include the nature and volume of the discharge, the period of noncompliance including exact dates and time or if not corrected the anticipated time the upset is expected to continue, the action being taken by the industrial user to correct the problem and preventive measures needed to avoid future spills.
D. The significant industrial user shall report to the City prior to any significant changes in production, including, but not limited to, production rate, product, raw materials utilized, rate of discharge, concentration of pollutants being discharged, etc.
E. If in the course of self-monitoring, a categorical or significant industrial user becomes aware of a violation of the limits set forth in their discharge permit, they shall notify the City within twenty-four (24) hours of becoming aware of such.
F. Repealed by Ord. 2021-10.
G. All industrial users shall notify the POTW, the EPA Regional Waste Management Division Director, and State hazardous waste authorities in writing and within one hundred eighty (180) days of any discharge into the POTW of a substance, which, if otherwise disposed of would be a hazardous waste under 40 CFR Part 261 as required in 40 CFR 403.12(p)(1) through (4). (Ord. No. 1693, Enacted, 05/07/1991; Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2021-10, Amended, 04/20/2021; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0013)
7-02-001-0012 SIGNATORY REQUIREMENTS
A. The reports required by this chapter must be signed as follows:
1. By a responsible corporate officer, if the industrial user submitting the reports is a corporation. For the purpose of this subsection (A), a responsible corporate officer means:
a. A president, secretary, treasurer, or vice-president of the corporation in charge of a principal business function, or any other person who performs similar policy or decision-making functions for the corporation; or
b. The manager of one (1) or more manufacturing, production, or operation facilities, provided, the manager is authorized to make management decisions which govern the operation of the regulated facility including having the explicit or implicit duty of making major capital investment recommendations, and initiate and direct other comprehensive measures to assure long-term environmental compliance with environmental laws and regulations; can ensure that the necessary systems are established or actions taken to gather complete and accurate information for control mechanism requirements; and where authority to sign documents has been assigned or delegated to the manager in accordance with corporate procedures.
2. By a general partner or proprietor if the industrial user submitting the reports is a partnership or sole proprietorship respectively.
3. By a duly authorized representative of the individual designated in subsection (A)(1) of this section if:
a. The authorization is made in writing by the individual described in subsection (A)(1) of this section;
b. The authorization specifies either an individual or a position having responsibility for the overall operation of the facility from which the industrial discharge originates, such as the position of plant manager, operator of a well, or well field superintendent, or a position of equivalent responsibility, or having overall responsibility for environmental matters for the company; and
c. The written authorization is submitted to the City of Flagstaff, Water Services Division.
4. If an authorization under subsection (A)(3) of this section is no longer accurate because a different individual or position has responsibility for the overall operation of the facility, or overall responsibility for the environmental matters for the company, a new authorization satisfying the requirements of subsection (A)(3) of this section must be submitted to the Division prior to or together with any reports to be signed by an authorized representative. (Ord. No. 1693, Rep&ReEn, 05/07/1991; Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2022-30, Amended, 11/15/2022; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0014)
7-02-001-0013 CONFIDENTIALITY OF BUSINESS INFORMATION
A. Any information, except effluent data as defined by 40 CFR 2.302, submitted to the City of Flagstaff pursuant to this chapter, may be claimed as confidential by the submitter. Any such claim must be asserted at the time of submission by stamping the words "CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS INFORMATION" on each page containing such information. If no claim is made at the time of submission, the City may make the information available to the public without further notice. If a claim is asserted, the information will be treated in accordance with the procedures in 40 CFR Part 2 (Public Information).
B. For the purposes of this section "effluent data" shall be defined as:
1. Information necessary to determine the identity, amount, frequency, concentration, temperature, or other characteristics (to the extent related to water quality) of any pollutant which has been discharged by the source (or of any pollutant resulting from any discharge from the source), or any combination of the foregoing;
2. Information necessary to determine the identity, amount, frequency, concentration, temperature, or other characteristics (to the extent related to water quality) of the pollutants which, under an applicable standard or limitation, the source was authorized to discharge (including, to the extent necessary for such purpose, a description of the manner or rate of operation of the source); and
3. A general description of the location and/or nature of the source to the extent necessary to identify the source and to distinguish it from other sources (including, to the extent necessary for such purposes, a description of the device, installation, or operation constituting the source).
C. For the purposes of this section, the following shall be considered to be "effluent data" only to the extent necessary to allow the regulatory agency having jurisdiction to disclose publicly that a source is (or is not) in compliance with an applicable standard or limitation, or to allow such regulatory authority to demonstrate the feasibility, practicability, or attainability (or lack thereof) of an existing or proposed standard or limitation:
1. Information concerning research, or the results of research, on any product, method, device, or installation (or any component thereof) which was produced, developed, installed, and used only for research purposes; and
2. Information concerning any product, method, device, or installation (or any component thereof) designed and intended to be marketed or used commercially but not yet so marketed or used. (Ord. 1693, Rep&ReEn, 05/07/1991; Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0015)
7-02-001-0014 INTERCEPTORS; TYPE, CAPACITY, LOCATION, MAINTENANCE
A. The City of Flagstaff has adopted a Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Discharge Manual for regulatory compliance. A copy of this plan will be posted on the Division website and is maintained by the City Clerk as a public record. The manual describes: (1) owner pretreatment requirements; (2) installation, operation, and maintenance standards; (3) participating pumper program; (4) plan review process; (5) waiver process.
B. A City-approved grease interceptor is required for a food service establishment (FSE). An FSE is defined as an operation that stores, prepares, serves, vends, or otherwise provides food for human consumption at the retail level. Grease interceptor sizing is to be in accordance with the City’s FOG Discharge Manual.
C. A City-approved sand/oil interceptor is required for any business that performs automotive repairs or service facilities that wash vehicles, or business where oily and flammable liquid wastes are produced. A two (2) week notice is required for an inspection if contents will be taken to a City-owned facility.
D. A City-approved lint interceptor is required for any business with more than one (1) residential size washing machine or any amount of industrial size washing machines. An industrial size washing machine is one that has a tub three and one-half (3.5) cubic feet or larger and/or an American Household Appliance Manufacturers Association ("AHAMA") capacity of twenty-five (25) pounds or more. Residential machines will be any washing machine with less capacity than industrial machines.
E. If a blockage is found in the collection system and it can be determined by the City to be caused by a particular user’s discharge, then the City can require the user to install a City-approved interceptor, at the user’s expense, to catch the substance causing the blockage. If any interceptor is determined by the City to be inadequate in size or design, the City may require the user to install or upgrade such interceptor at the user’s expense.
F. All interceptors shall be of a type and capacity approved by the Director and shall be located to be readily and easily accessible for cleaning and inspection.
G. Sand/oil interceptors shall be constructed of impervious materials capable of withstanding abrupt and extreme changes in temperature. They shall be of substantial construction, watertight, and equipped with easily removable and accessible covers. When bolted covers are required, they shall be gas-tight and water-tight.
H. All interceptors shall be maintained by the owner and/or user at his or her own expense. The interceptor must always be kept in continuously efficient operation and a record of maintenance performed on such interceptor shall be kept by the user on a form (or other means) provided by the City.
I. The City shall periodically inspect such interceptors and/or records to ensure they are being kept in efficient operation. A cleaning schedule will be set by the City. (Ord. 2021-08, Rep&ReEn, 04/20/2021; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30))
7-02-001-0015 CONTROL MANHOLES
When required by the Water Services Director, the owner of any property served by a building sewer carrying potentially harmful or industrial wastes shall install a suitable control manhole in the building sewer to facilitate observation, measurement and sampling of the wastes. Such manhole, when required, shall be accessible and safely located and shall be constructed in accordance with plans approved by the Director. The manhole shall be installed by the owner at their expense and shall be maintained by them so as to be safe and accessible at all times. Users whose effluent must be treated before it enters the wastewater collection system or whose effluent may potentially contain any prohibited substance may be required to install a control manhole for sampling purposes. The manhole must be located so that a representative sample can be taken and there must be unobstructed access to the open flow in the manhole so that a grab sample can be taken and so that sampling equipment can be set up in the manhole. (Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0017)
7-02-001-0016 INSPECTIONS AND MONITORING
A. Any authorized employee of the Water Services Division shall, upon presentation of their credentials, have access to any commercial or industrial premises connected to or disposing of any type waste to the City wastewater system for the purpose of surveillance and/or an inspection of the premises to determine the nature and quantity of wastes discharged to the City wastewater system, or for examining or copying records, required by 40 CFR 403.12(m). The commercial/industrial user must make available to the City any and all records which would enable them to make an accurate determination of the constituents and flow of the user’s waste stream.
B. Authorized employee of the Division, whose duty it may be to enter upon commercial or industrial premises to make inspections and collect samples or measure the quantity of wastes discharged to the City sewer, shall be provided with credentials to identify them as authorized representatives for the Division.
C. No person, except an authorized employee of the Division, shall have or exhibit any credentials of that Division. It shall be the responsibility of each employee or authorized representative of the Division, upon resignation or dismissal, to deliver and surrender at the office of the Water Services Director all credentials of the Division in his/her possession.
D. Questionnaires will be provided to all new businesses entering the City of Flagstaff to gather information pertaining to waste that may be generated by such. If any waste other than domestic is discharged from such an establishment, the City may perform an inspection of such premises at least annually or more often as necessary to determine its status of compliance with this chapter.
E. The City of Flagstaff or its designated representative shall have the authority to randomly sample industrial user waste streams and analyze for any pollutants that would be anticipated to be present for that particular user utilizing EPA approved methods. The City will review and analyze self-monitoring reports submitted by industrial users and make notification to such user of any compliance action to be taken as a result of such.
F. The information from the City’s inspection and monitoring activity will be available to the administrative authority of the State and/or EPA. This information will also be made available to the general public upon request with the exception of that information protected by Section 7-02-001-0013. The City will maintain these records for a minimum of three (3) years.
G. Repealed by Ord. 2021-10. (Ord. 1693, Amended, 05/07/1991; Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2021-10, Amended, 04/20/2021; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0018)
7-02-001-0017 PROVISION OF FALSE INFORMATION
A. Reports, documents, questionnaires or any other information provided to the City as required by this chapter by a commercial or industrial user shall be subject to:
1. The provisions of 18 U.S.C. § 1001 relating to fraud and false statements.
2. The provisions of Sections 309(c)(4) of the Act, as amended, governing false statements, representation or certification.
3. The provisions of Section 309(c)(6) of the Act regarding responsible corporate officers.
B. Failure or refusal by the industrial user to provide information requested by the City as provided for in this chapter will result in enforcement action being taken against such user. (Ord. 1693, Rep&ReEn, 05/07/1991; Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0019)
7-02-001-0018 PUBLIC NOTIFICATION, DEFINITION OF SIGNIFICANT VIOLATION
A. The City shall give notice of any decisions being made about the pretreatment program which may interest the public, special interest groups, or government agencies. Information about the operation or requirements of the program will be given to any party which requests it. The Water Commission may be used for public information and input if there is an interest expressed in this.
B. The City will publish in the largest local newspaper, at least once each year, a list of industrial users who have not been in compliance with any substantial portion of this chapter at any time during the previous year. For the purpose of this section, an industrial user is in significant noncompliance if its violation meets one or more of the following criteria:
1. Chronic violation of wastewater discharge limits, defined here as those in which sixty-six percent (66%) or more of all of the measurements taken during a six (6) month period exceed (by any magnitude) the daily maximum limit or the average limit for the same pollutant parameter;
2. Technical review criteria (TRC) violations, defined here as those in which thirty-three percent (33%) or more of all of the measurements for each pollutant parameter taken during a six (6) month period equal or exceed the product of the daily maximum limit or the average limit multiplied by the applicable TRC (TRC = 1.4 for BOD, TSS, fats, oil and grease, and 1.2 for all other pollutants except pH);
3. Any other violation of a pretreatment effluent limit (daily maximum or longer-term average) that the Control Authority determines has caused, alone or in combination with other discharges, interference or pass through (including endangering the health of POTW personnel or the general public);
4. Any discharge of a pollutant that has caused imminent endangerment to human health, welfare or to the environment or has resulted in the POTW’s exercise of its emergency authority to halt or prevent such a discharge;
5. Failure to meet within ninety (90) days after the schedule date, a compliance schedule milestone contained in a local control mechanism or enforcement order for starting construction, completing construction, or attaining final compliance;
6. Failure to provide, within thirty (30) days after the due date, required reports such as baseline monitoring reports, ninety (90) day compliance reports, periodic self-monitoring reports, and reports on compliance with compliance schedules;
7. Failure to accurately report noncompliance;
8. Any other violation or group of violations which the Water Services Director determines will adversely affect the efficient operation of the City water reclamation plants or implementation of this chapter. (Ord. 1693, Rep&ReEn, 05/07/1991; Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2021-10, Amended, 04/20/2021; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0020)
7-02-001-0019 ENFORCEMENT
This chapter will be enforced pursuant to the general enforcement provisions found in Chapter 7-01, and any additional specific enforcement procedures set forth herein. (Ord. 1693, Rep&ReEn, 05/07/1991; Ord. 1950, Revised, 08/05/1997; Ord. 2002-08, Amended, 07/16/2002; Ord. 2015-09, Amended, 06/02/2015; Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0021)
7-02-001-0020 UPSET AN AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
An upset shall constitute an affirmative defense to an action brought for noncompliance with categorical pretreatment standards if the industrial user can demonstrate through properly signed contemporaneous operating logs, or other relevant evidence, that:
A. An upset occurred and the industrial user can identify the specific cause(s) of the upset;
B. The facility was at the time being operated in a prudent and quality manner and in compliance with applicable operation and maintenance procedures;
C. The industrial user has submitted the reports required in Section 7-02-001-0011 in a timely manner. (Ord. 2018-32, Enacted, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30))
7-02-001-0021 SUSPENSION OF WATER AND/OR SEWER SERVICE
A. For hazardous discharges: The violation of any section of this chapter shall be sufficient cause for the City to discontinue, after informal notice (phone call), water or sewer service to any premises that appears to present an imminent endangerment to the health and welfare of persons or the POTW.
B. For instances of noncompliance other than hazardous discharges: The City will provide written notice to the industrial user, by certified, return receipt requested mail, at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance and provide the industry with an opportunity to respond before proceeding with discontinuance of water or sewer service.
C. Such service shall not be restored until the violations have been discontinued or eliminated and the City may undertake any legal proceedings as may be necessary to halt, enjoin or punish the illegal discharge, and/or to recover any expenses the City may incur as a result of handling or eliminating any illegal discharge. (Ord. 2018-32, Enacted, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30))
7-02-001-0022 DISREGARD OF SAMPLES
In any circumstance in which clear and convincing evidence demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the Director, that one (1) or more effluent samples or analyses thereof taken or performed by or for an industrial user, as required by Section 7-02-001-0010 and/or such user’s wastewater discharge permit or compliance schedule, is not accurate or representative of such user’s discharge, then the Director or his designee may, but shall not be required to, disregard such sample(s) or analysi(e)s for purposes of determining any surcharge or penalty imposed by this chapter; provided, that such action by the Director (or designee) does not contravene any State or Federal law, rule or regulation. The foregoing authorization of the Director to disregard samples or analyses shall (1) create no independent right in any industrial user, and (2) be exercised, if at all, in the sole discretion of the Director. Any determination made by the Director hereunder shall be final. (Ord. 2018-32, Enacted, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30))
7-02-001-0023 CREDIT FOR PRETREATMENT EXPENDITURES
The Director as part of a consent order or similar negotiated settlement may, but shall not be required to, allow a credit against, or grant a rebate of, any surcharge or penalty imposed for violation of any pretreatment standards, for up to sixty percent (60%) of such substantiated expenditures made within one (1) year of such violation for improvement of the industrial user’s pretreatment facilities as the Director, in his sole discretion, shall determine as appropriate and likely to correct or ameliorate the violation giving rise to such surcharge or penalty. The foregoing authorization of the Director to credit pretreatment expenditures or grant rebates therefor shall not apply to any surcharge or penalty resulting from a violation of pretreatment standards that causes:
A. A passthrough or interference at the POTW;
B. A violation of any requirement of the POTW’s NPDES permit; or
C. An endangerment of the health or safety of POTW personnel or the general public. (Ord. 2018-32, Enacted, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30))
7-02-001-0024 PUBLIC RECLAIMED WASTEWATER PIPELINE AND SEWER EXTENSIONS; APPROVAL BY CITY ENGINEER
No public reclaimed wastewater pipeline or public sewer extension shall be made until the plans and specifications are approved by the City Engineer. Public reclaimed water pipeline and public sewer extensions shall be constructed in accordance with standards and specifications as set forth in the City of Flagstaff General Construction Standards and Specifications. Such document is on file in the office of the City Engineer. (Ord. 1723, Amended, 04/07/1992; Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0022)
7-02-001-0025 CONSTRUCTION AND OWNERSHIP OF PUBLIC RECLAIMED WATER PIPELINES, PUBLIC SEWER LINES AND OTHER EQUIPMENT MAINTAINED BY DIVISION
A. In new subdivisions and developments where public sewers are authorized by the City, such public sewers shall be constructed at the developer’s expense. Detailed plans and specifications for public sewer extensions must be approved by the City Engineer prior to construction. The engineering cost for the preparation of plans and specifications, the staking of the location of the new public sewers, the cost of inspecting the construction, the preparation of as-built plans and the cost of easements shall be assumed by the developer. The City will perform the inspection during construction at the developer’s expense.
B. The ownership of all public sewer lines, pumping stations, treatment facilities, and equipment and other appurtenances to the sewer system maintained, or accepted for maintenance by the Division shall be vested in the City, and in no case shall the owner of any premises have the right to claim any part except where otherwise provided in this code.
C. Where extensions of public reclaimed water pipelines are authorized by the City, such pipelines shall be constructed at the reuser’s expense. Detailed plans and specifications for public reclaimed water pipeline extensions shall be approved by the City Engineer prior to construction. The engineering cost for the preparation of the plans and specifications, the staking of the location of the new reclaimed water pipeline, the cost of inspecting the construction, the preparation of as-built plans and the cost of easements shall be assumed by the reuser. The City will perform the inspection during construction at the reuser’s expense.
D. The ownership of all public reclaimed water pipelines, pumping stations, treatment facilities, equipment and other appurtenances to the reclaimed water system maintained, or accepted for maintenance by the City shall be vested in the City, and in no case shall the owner of any premises have the right to claim any part except where otherwise provided in this code. (Ord. 1723, Amended, 04/07/1992; Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0023)
7-02-001-0026 PUBLIC RECLAIMED WATER PIPELINE EXTENSION AND CONVERSION POLICY FOR REUSERS
A. Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them herein, unless the text clearly indicates otherwise:
CONVERSION AGREEMENT FOR RECLAIMED WATER: A written agreement between the City and the reclaimed water reuser for reimbursement of the City’s costs incurred in converting the reuser’s potable water system to a reclaimed water system, by the extension of, and connection to, a public reclaimed water pipeline, approved by the City Council and executed in the name of the City by the Mayor.
POINT OF DELIVERY: A location designated by the City for acceptance and measuring of the reclaimed water by the reuser. The point of delivery shall include a vault, pit, meter, valves, and other appurtenances necessary to meter reclaimed water to the reuser.
RECLAIMED WATER AGREEMENT: A written agreement between the reclaimed water reuser and the Division for connection to an existing public reclaimed water pipeline, approved and executed in the name of the Water Services Director.
REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT FOR RECLAIMED WATER: A written agreement between the reclaimed water reuser and the City for reimbursement of the reuser’s costs incurred in providing for the extension of, and connection to, a public reclaimed water pipeline, approved by the City Council and executed in the name of the City by the Mayor.
REUSER: Any person or persons requesting or required to connect to the reclaimed water system of the City for any residential or nonresidential use, use where potable water quality is not required by City, State, or Federal regulations.
B. Plans and Specifications for Public Reclaimed Water Pipeline Extensions. A reuser who wishes to extend or install reclaimed water facilities must employ an engineer, registered in Arizona, to perform the field engineering and prepare detailed plans and specifications for the extension in accordance with good engineering practice, and adopted general construction standards and specifications of the City and regulations of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality for the reuse of water. The final detailed plans and specifications for the reclaimed water pipeline extension shall be approved by the City Engineer before construction begins.
C. Costs of Extensions and Conversions. The reuser causing an extension of a public reclaimed water pipeline, conversion of an existing irrigation system to reclaimed water, and the construction of the point of delivery shall pay in full for the rights-of-way and easements, the purchase, construction and installation of the reclaimed water pipeline, and all other costs of the extension and/or conversion. However, the City reserves the right to increase the diameter of the extension through cash or a reimbursement agreement.
D. Recovery of Costs of Extensions and Conversions. Subject to City approval, reusers may recover costs incurred from converting an existing irrigation system to use reclaimed water or from extending public reclaimed water pipelines in accordance with subsection (C) of this section. Recovery of costs shall be in the form of a rebate amounting to ten percent (10%) per year of said costs for a period of ten (10) years. Rebates shall be paid to the reuser at the end of each full calendar year of reclaimed water usage. The total amount of the allowable costs to be recovered shall be agreed to prior to the reuser obtaining reclaimed water and shall be in the form of a written agreement between the City and the reuser. No interest shall be paid to the reuser on the costs being recovered.
E. Replacement and/or Repair. All persons or other entities who create, cause to be built, or build any such extensions of services as contemplated herein or convert existing irrigation systems to use reclaimed water, shall also pay for any and all such replacements as becomes necessary as a direct or indirect result of the creation, building or construction of such extensions and/or conversions. For example, repairs or replacements of sidewalks, paving or other utilities damaged or disturbed during the building of reclaimed water pipeline extensions and/or conversions. Costs of said replacements and/or repairs may be included in the costs incurred from subsection (D) of this section.
F. Reimbursement Agreement Between City and Reuser. Before the reuser incurs any costs in the extension of any public reclaimed water pipeline to provide service for any individual or property, the reuser desiring such service shall execute a reimbursement agreement for reclaimed water with the City which shall include the following:
1. A warranty of quality of work and materials for public reclaimed water pipelines and facilities installed which shall run to the benefit of the City for a period of at least one (1) year from the date of acceptance by the City.
2. A diagram of all property which will be served by the reclaimed water pipeline to be installed and an irrigation plan for the property.
3. A statement that the City acquires ownership of public reclaimed water pipelines, appurtenances, and easements upon completion and acceptance by the City.
4. The regulations for reuse of reclaimed water, quantity, quality, and cost of the reclaimed water.
5. The terms for cost recovery by the reuser of reclaimed water pipeline extension and/or conversion costs if applicable.
G. Conversion Agreement between City and Reuser. Before the City incurs any costs in the extension of any public reclaimed water pipeline needed to convert a reuser’s private, potable water system to a reclaimed water system, the City and the reuser shall execute a conversion agreement for reclaimed water. Conversion agreements are subject to City approval and limited to projects that provide a "net present value" cost recovery to the City within ten (10) years. Net present value shall be determined by the estimated cost of the project and the current prime interest rate. Recovery of costs shall be in the form of billing for consumption of reclaimed water at seventy-five percent (75%) of the reuser’s present potable water rate. Recovery of costs estimates shall be based on consumption history as determined by the City, or on an engineered estimate in the case of new sites. The availability of conversion agreements shall always be subject to budgetary constraint. Conversion agreements shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following:
1. Place of use;
2. Quality standards;
3. Point of delivery;
4. Commodity rate;
5. Costs to City;
6. Costs to user;
7. Compliance with regulations;
8. Commencement of service;
9. Termination of service;
10. Resale of reclaimed water;
11. Inspection.
H. Penalty. Any person who excavates or causes an extension to be made for the purpose of laying any reclaimed water pipeline in public streets, alleyways or upon the property of the City without first complying with the provisions hereof, shall be subject to a fine of not less than two hundred dollars ($200.00) nor more than three hundred dollars ($300.00). A separate offense shall be deemed committed upon each day during or on which a violation occurs or continues.
I. The Director shall approve, execute and enforce reclaimed water agreements, for the purpose of expanding the reclaimed water program to all residential and nonresidential reusers located adjacent to existing public reclaimed water pipelines.
J. Reclaimed Water Agreement between the Division and the Reuser. Before connecting to an existing public reclaimed water pipeline, the reuser requesting such connection shall execute a reclaimed water agreement with the Division which shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following:
1. Place of use;
2. Quality standards;
3. Point of delivery;
4. Commodity rate;
5. Costs to user;
6. Compliance with regulations;
7. Commencement of service;
8. Termination of service;
9. Resale of reclaimed water;
10. Inspection. (Ord. 1723, Rep&ReEn, 04/07/1992; Ord. 2002-07, Amended, 07/16/2002; Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0024)
7-02-001-0027 MAIN SEWER EXTENSION POLICY FOR AREAS BEYOND PRESENT CITY TRUNK LINES
A. Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them herein, unless the text clearly indicates otherwise:
CITY: The word "City" shall mean the City of Flagstaff in the County of Coconino and the State of Arizona, except as otherwise indicated.
DEVELOPER-OWNER: Any person or persons requesting or required to connect to the sewer system of the City in developing one (1) or more parcels of land. The term includes subdividers, industrial developers, private property owners, companies and legally constituted improvement districts who improve or serve with sewers, platted or unplatted property.
SEWER LINES includes:
1. LATERAL SEWER: A sewer which discharges into a branch or other sewer and has not other common sewer tributary to it.
2. BRANCH SEWER: An arbitrary term for a sewer which receives sewage from lateral sewers from a relatively small area.
3. MAIN SEWER: A sewer which receives sewage from one (1) or more branch sewers as tributaries.
4. TRUNK SEWER: A sewer which receives sewage from many tributary main sewers, and serves as an outlet for a large territory.
B. Plans and Size or Sewer Line Extensions. A developer-owner who wishes to extend or install sewer facilities must employ an engineer, registered in Arizona, to perform the field engineering and prepare detailed plans and specifications for the sewer extension in accordance with good engineering practice, and adopted standards set forth in the Uniform Building Code (current adopted edition), Uniform Fire Code (current adopted edition), general construction standards and specifications of the City, current subdivision regulations, general land use plan currently adopted, and any applicable State health regulations and any applicable City Code requirements or standards. The final detailed plans and specifications for the sewer extensions must be approved by the City Engineer before construction begins.
C. Costs of Extension. The developer-owner causing an extension of sewer line shall pay in full for the rights-of-way and easements, the purchase, construction and installation of the sewer lines, and all other costs of extension. However, the City reserves the right to increase the diameter of the extension, if it is deemed advisable, and the City may participate in the oversizing costs, through cash or a reimbursement agreement.
D. Replacement of Repair. All persons or other entities who create, cause to be built, or build any such extensions of any such services as contemplated herein shall also pay for any and all such replacements as becomes necessary as a direct or indirect result of the creation, building or construction of such extensions. For example, repairs or replacement of sidewalks, paving or other utilities damaged or disturbed during the building of sewer line extensions.
E. Agreement between City and Developer-Owner. Before the extension of any sewer line shall be made to serve a subdivision, platted or unplatted property, to provide service for any individual or unplatted property, the developer-owner desiring such service shall execute an agreement with the City which shall include the following:
1. A warranty of quality of work and materials for sewer lines and facilities installed which shall run to the benefit of the City for a period of at least one (1) year from the date of acceptance by the City.
2. A diagram of all property which may be served by any sewer line to be installed.
3. A statement that the City acquires ownership of sewer line appurtenances and easements upon completion and acceptance of the work by the City.
4. A statement of the developer-owner’s proportionate share of the cost for previously installed sewer lines if any reimbursement agreements are in existence concerning the sewer line. (Ord. 1104, 12/04/1979; Ord. 1112, 02/04/1980; Ord. 1642, Amended, 11/07/1989; Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0025)
7-02-001-0028 PRIVATE SEWERAGE SYSTEMS; CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE WITHIN THE CITY PROHIBITED GENERALLY
Except as provided in this chapter, it shall be unlawful to construct or maintain within the City any privy, privy vault, septic tank, cesspool, or other facility intended or used for the disposal of sewage. (Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0026)
7-02-001-0029 PRIVATE SEWERAGE SYSTEMS; WHEN PERMITTED, TO BE CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED IN SANITARY MANNER
Where a public sanitary sewer is not available within the City, or in any area under the jurisdiction of the City, the building sewer shall be connected to a private sewage disposal system, complying with the provisions and recommendations of the Arizona Department of Health Services and the Sanitary Code of the County Health Department. Such private sewage disposal system shall be constructed, maintained, and operated at all times in a sanitary manner. (Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0027)
7-02-001-0030 PRIVATE SEWERAGE SYSTEMS; DISCONTINUANCE
At such time as a public sewer becomes available to property served by a private sewage disposal system, a direct connection shall be made to the public sewer in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and any septic tank, cesspool or similar private sewage disposal facilities shall be abandoned and filled with suitable material within ninety (90) days of the aforesaid connection. (Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0028)
7-02-001-0031 PRIVATE SEWERAGE SYSTEMS; AUTHORITY OF DIRECTOR OF HEALTH DEPARTMENT
No statement contained in the preceding two (2) sections shall be construed to interfere with any additional requirements that may be imposed by the Health Departments of the State and County. (Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0029)
7-02-001-0032 PERMIT REQUIRED
No unauthorized person shall uncover, make any connections with or opening into, use, alter, or disturb any public sewer or appurtenance thereof without first obtaining a written permit from the City Community Development Division. (Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0030)
7-02-001-0033 APPLICATION FOR BUILDING CONNECTION
Each person desiring a building connection shall make application to the Community Development Division. All applications for building connections to be constructed by Water Services Division shall be accompanied by the current fee for such work. (Ord. 1104, 12-4-79; Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0031)
7-02-001-0034 DIRECTOR TO APPROVE DESIGN NUMBER, LOCATION, SIZE AND CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDING CONNECTIONS
The design, number, location, manner of connection and size of all building connections shall be subject to the approval of the Water Services Director. The Division will install all building connections less than eight (8) inches in diameter, except as provided elsewhere in this chapter. All building connections eight (8) inches in diameter or larger shall be installed by a private contractor at the property owner’s expense. Building connections shall be installed on lateral branch and main sewers only, unless specifically authorized and approved by the Director. All building connections shall be constructed in accordance with standards and specifications on file in the Engineering Division. (Ord. 1112, 2-4-80; Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0032)
7-02-001-0035 SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR INSTALLING BUILDING CONNECTIONS IN NEW SUBDIVISIONS AND DEVELOPMENTS
In new subdivisions or developments where public sewer extensions are authorized by the City and constructed at the developer’s expense, the City may authorize the developer or his agent, if he so desires, to install building connections with "wyes" and connect the building sewers to the building connection under the following provisions:
A. The construction of the public sewer, building connections, and connections of the building sewers to the building connection shall be under the supervision of a registered engineer holding registration in the State, who shall submit "as-built transparency plans," bearing the registered engineer’s registration seal and number, to the Engineering Division. It shall be the duty of the developer to require that all building connections, serving lots in the development upon which no buildings are constructed, be effectively sealed until such time as buildings will be constructed on the lots left vacant. Such sealed connections shall be inspected and approved by the City Engineer before being backfilled and shall be designated for location on the "as-built plans." The effective seal shall consist of a vitrified clay stopper inserted in the bell of the sewer extending to the property line from the public sewer; such stopper shall be jointed according to the standard details on file in the Engineering Division.
B. Before any building sewer construction is commenced, plumbing permits must be obtained by the developer or his agent from the Building Official.
C. When the "as-built plans" are prepared by the Engineering Division, a record of the building connections will be made. (Ord. 1104, 12/04/1979; Ord. 1112, 02/04/1980; Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0033)
7-02-001-0036 RECORDS TO BE KEPT BY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
The Community Development Division shall keep a record of all building connections made, the purpose for which they are to be used. (Ord. 1112, 02/04/1980; Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0034)
7-02-001-0037 SEWER TAP FEE
Each person, firm or corporation requesting a sewer tap to be installed by the City shall pay the fee as hereby established:
Four (4) inch sewer tap: $400.00.
Six (6) inch sewer tap: $400.00.
Procedures for owner/contractor:
Owner/contractor shall pay capacity fees if applicable.
Owner/contractor shall obtain a permit from the Engineering Division and pay a permit fee before starting excavation.
When notified by Arizona 811, Division personnel will locate the sewer main for owner/contractor.
Owner/contractor excavates site and shores trench if necessary, shoring shall be determined by Division personnel.
Owner/contractor provides barricades, lights and traffic control as determined by the Engineering Inspector.
Wastewater collection personnel installs the saddle and makes the tap in the sewer main.
Owner/contractor installs building connection to the saddle and completes the connection.
Engineering Inspector inspects the owner/contractor’s work and approves if work is completed satisfactorily.
Owner/contractor compacts and backfills trench, replaces pavement if necessary.
Final inspection is done by the Engineering Inspector.
Approval (permit sign-off) is made by the Engineering Inspector.
Owner/contractor shall not tap the main sewer at any time. (Ord. 1339, 11/20/1984; Ord. 1681, Amended, 12/04/1990; Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0035)
7-02-001-0038 SEWER USER CHARGES
In order to provide for the protection of the public health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Flagstaff, a system of charges for sewerage use services is hereby established. (Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0036)
7-02-001-0039 THE COLLECTION OF USERS CHARGES SHALL BE UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE CITY’S MANAGEMENT SERVICES DIRECTOR
The Management Services Director is authorized to collect all user charges, industrial cost recovery charges and all other charges prescribed by this chapter. (Ord. 1104, 12/04/1979; Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0037)
7-02-001-0040 RATE ESTABLISHMENT AND REVIEW PROCEDURE
A. Rates established by ordinance of the City Council shall be based upon the City’s determination of the cost of rendering sewerage services. The rates shall be established to provide for adequate funding for operation and maintenance of sewage works as required by the Environmental Protection Agency. The Council may also consider the funding of debt service, capital replacement, capital improvements and other costs through user charges.
B. In addition to other pertinent factors deemed relevant by the City Council, the rate schedules adopted by the City Council may include the following cost factors:
1. Appropriate indirect costs of the Division and other City divisions in rendering sewer related services such as purchasing, accounting, billing, administration, equipment maintenance, and other indirect costs.
2. Annual debt service charge for the retirement of sanitary sewer bonds.
C. Rate schedules shall distribute cost based upon the volume of wastewater discharged as well as BOD and SS of the wastewater discharged.
D. Repealed by Ord. 2024-19.
E. Financial Management System. The user charge system shall include an adequate financial management system that will accurately account for O&M revenues and expenditures associated with the treatment works. The accounting system must segregate O&M revenue and expenditure from other wastewater revenue and expenditures to assure adequate revenue to properly operate and maintain the treatment works. All revenues collected for operation and maintenance (including replacement) shall be deposited in a separate fund. This fund shall have two (2) accounts, one (1) for O&M and one (1) for replacement.
F. Notification. All users of the system shall be notified at least annually in conjunction with a regular billing for sewage service as to:
1. The rate schedule in effect.
2. The part of user charges attributable to wastewater treatment services.
G. Inconsistent Agreements. The user charge system shall take precedence over any terms or conditions of agreements or contracts between the City and users (including industrial users, special districts, other municipalities, or Federal agencies or installations) which are inconsistent with the requirements of Section 204(b)(1)(A) of the Clean Water Act and these regulations.
H. Toxic Pollutants and Pollutants in Excess of Specified Limits. The user charge system shall provide that each user which discharges any toxic pollutants or others which cause an increase in the cost of managing the effluent or the sludge of the City’s treatment works shall pay for such increased costs by the following formula:
Total Cost* of Any Pollutant
Surcharge = Total of Any Pollutant
*Cost = Operation and Maintenance Plus Replacement Costs
I. Wastewater Treatment By-Products. All revenue from the sale of treatment related by-products shall be used to offset the cost of operation and maintenance. User charges shall be proportionally reduced for all users. Total annual revenues received from the sale of a by-product shall be credited to the treatment works O&M cost no later than the fiscal year immediately following their receipt. (Ord. 1554, Amended, 03/01/1988; Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0038)
7-02-001-0041 SEWER USE CHARGES, CAPACITY CHARGES
The sewer user charges to be charged by the Customer Service Section to all users and to all others that have reasonable access to sewer mains is presented in the following schedule:
The City Council may adjust these rate schedules as it deems necessary.
A. Sewer User Charges.
MONTHLY RATE PER ONE THOUSAND (1,000) GALLONS OF WATER CONSUMPTION
The following monthly service rates shall be charged for customers receiving City of Flagstaff sewer service inside the limits of the City of Flagstaff.
The monthly base service charge applies whether the water meter is active or inactive. The monthly service charge is based on the fixed cost of operation and maintaining the sewer system so that the system is available to collect wastewater from the parcel when service is activated. Parcels with shutoff water meters will continue to pay base monthly service fee since sewer service is available and may be activated and used by the property owner at any time. The sewer base service charge will be based on the water meter size. In the absence of a City water meter, the Customer Service Director will determine the appropriate sewer base service charge.
Sewer volume charges are based on water consumption as determined in Section 7-02-001-0045 and will be billed monthly per one thousand (1,000) gallons of water consumption.
Sewer-only service customers will be charged a monthly base service fee and sewer volume charge based on estimated water consumption as approved by the Customer Service Director. If the Customer Service Director determines that adequate water meter information is not available for billing a residential customer as described above, then the customer will be charged the average monthly billing for that user class.
Meter Size |
09/01/2024 |
01/01/2026 |
01/01/2027 |
01/01/2028 |
01/01/2029 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
3/4" |
$9.92 |
$11.76 |
$12.94 |
$13.59 |
$14.27 |
1" |
$16.54 |
$19.60 |
$21.56 |
$22.64 |
$23.77 |
1 1/2" |
$33.06 |
$39.18 |
$43.10 |
$45.26 |
$47.52 |
2" |
$52.90 |
$62.69 |
$68.96 |
$72.41 |
$76.03 |
3" |
$115.74 |
$137.15 |
$150.87 |
$158.41 |
$166.33 |
4" |
$165.34 |
$195.93 |
$215.52 |
$226.30 |
$237.62 |
6" |
$330.66 |
$391.83 |
$431.01 |
$452.56 |
$475.19 |
8" |
$529.06 |
$626.94 |
$689.63 |
$724.11 |
$760.32 |
10” |
$760.86 |
$901.62 |
$991.78 |
$1,041.37 |
$1,093.44 |
|
09/01/2024 |
01/01/2026 |
01/01/2027 |
01/01/2028 |
01/01/2029 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Residential: |
|||||
Single-Family and Multifamily |
$5.23 |
$6.20 |
$6.82 |
$7.16 |
$7.52 |
Nonresidential (*): |
|||||
Nonresidential A |
$4.29 |
$5.08 |
$5.59 |
$5.87 |
$6.16 |
Includes: Car Washes, Commercial, Hotels/Motels, Institutional, Laundromats, Manufacturing, Schools |
|
|
|
|
|
NONRESIDENTIAL B |
$6.70 |
$7.94 |
$8.73 |
$9.17 |
$9.63 |
Includes: Industrial Laundries, Pet Food Manufacturers, Restaurants |
|||||
NON-RESIDENTIAL C |
$27.90 |
$33.06 |
$36.37 |
$38.19 |
$40.10 |
Includes: Ice Cream Cone Manufacturers (*) New customer types not listed above will apply to the Water Services Director to establish their rate. |
Scavenger wastes – Restaurant grease (charge per 100 gallons) |
$11.00 |
|
|
|
|
Scavenger wastes – Septage (charge per 100 gallons) |
$11.00 |
|
|
|
|
Scavenger wastes – Mud sump waste (charge per 100 gallons) |
$31.00 |
|
|
|
|
Scavenger wastes delivered to the treatment plant at times other than specified in the scavenger waste permit. |
$146.00 |
|
|
|
|
Sewer surcharges: |
|||||
Biochemical oxygen demand – per pound concentrations over 300 milligrams per liter |
$0.421 |
|
|
|
|
Suspended solids – per pound for concentrations over 350 milligrams per liter |
$0.292 |
|
|
|
|
If a customer’s discharge exceeds the BOD and TSS limit already included in the monthly rate calculation for that customer class listed above, then sewer surcharges may be added as a condition to the customer user permit, compliance agreement or administrative order. Any surcharges imposed by this chapter shall be based on the average of all sampling conducted during the applicable billing period over the total flow for such period.
BOD and TSS included in monthly rates for specific customer classes are as follows:
Customer Class |
BOD mg/L |
TSS mg/L |
---|---|---|
Car Washes |
20 |
150 |
Laundromats |
150 |
110 |
Commercial |
200 |
175 |
Manufacturing |
200 |
175 |
Pet Food Manufacturers |
700 |
525 |
Ice Cream Cone Manufacturers |
9,700 |
100 |
All customers served directly by the City and located outside the City limits shall pay at a rate of one hundred ten percent (110%) times the rate for the same classification of service inside the City.
In the case of one (1) meter serving a user that has different classifications of business, the Director shall be authorized to adjust the rate per one thousand (1,000) gallons based upon the contribution of each classification.
The user shall be determined according to customer class or wastewater solids characteristics (see rate schedule above).
B. Capacity Charges.
1. A capacity charge, as prescribed below, shall be assessed upon:
a. Initial connection to the municipal sewer system; or
b. Any subsequent expansion or modification of the user’s building or facility which results in an increased contribution to the sewer system from:
(1) For single- or multifamily residential users, an increase in the number of residential units; or
(2) For commercial or industrial users, an increase in the number of fixture units.
c. Size of water meter installed on the property.
d. Each additional water meter added will require additional sewer capacity fees unless specifically designated as a landscape meter.
2. The capacity charges for the various types of users are as follows:
a. Customer (capacity) charge, dollars.
b. Residential.
c. Single-family residential and townhomes (per unit):
EFFECTIVE 09-01-2024 |
$4,086 |
d. Multiple residential, condos and mobile home (per unit):
EFFECTIVE 09-01-2024 |
$4,086 |
When a change of use occurs that increases the volume of discharge to the sewer system, regardless of whether a change in ownership has taken place, the capacity charge shall be based on the capacity charge for the new use less the existing capacity charge rate for the previous use. No refund shall be made in the case of reduced volume of discharge from a change of use.
e. Nonresidential:
Meter size |
Effective 09/01/2024 |
---|---|
3/4" |
$4,086 |
1" |
$6,824 |
1-1/2" |
$13,608 |
2" |
$21,780 |
3" |
$40,863 |
4" |
$68,120 |
6" |
$136,198 |
8" |
$217,927 |
10" |
$313,302 |
The above list is the minimum capacity charge for each meter size. Flows and loadings exceeding 0.67 pounds per day for new connections, as determined by the Water Services Director, will be multiplied by $10.94 per gallon and $1.891 per pound to determine the capacity fee for any meter size.
If connection is made to the sewerage system without appropriate permit, the capacity charge is immediately due and payable upon the earliest date that such permit was required. No connection to the sewerage system shall be made without the proper permit and payment of the capacity charge except as provided below for installment payments.
C. Capacity Fee Installment Payments. Capacity fees may be paid for by installment payments in accordance with the following conditions:
1. A capacity fee that totals an amount greater than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00) may be paid as follows:
a. No less than one-third (1/3) of the total capacity fee due is to be paid upon receipt of the application for connection to the sewerage system.
b. The balance due of the capacity fee is to be paid in equal monthly installments over no more than thirty-six (36) months to include an interest rate calculated to be the prime rate plus one-half percent (1/2%) at the time of the application.
c. The customer agrees to secure the balance due to the City by a letter of credit drawn in favor of the City, or in any other form of security satisfactory to the City Manager, City Attorney and Management Services Director. (Ord. 1590, Amended, 11/1/1988; Ord. 1681, Amended, 12/04/1990; Ord. 1727, Amended, 12/03/1991; Ord. 1796, Amended, 03/16/1993; Ord. 1809, Amended, 06/15/1993; Ord. 1825, Amended, 12/07/1993; Ord. 1849, Amended, 12/06/1994; Ord. 1944, Amended, 05/20/1997; Ord. 1945, Amended, 05/20/1997; Ord. 1950, Amended, 08/05/1997; Ord. 1981, Amended, 09/15/1998; Ord. 1999, Amended, 07/06/1999; Ord. 2000-24, Amended, 10/03/2000; Ord. 2002-05, Amended, 05/21/2002; Ord. 2006-27, Amended, 11/07/2006; Ord. 2010-23, Amended, 09/07/2010; Ord. 2016-23, Amended, 04/19/2016; Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0039)
7-02-001-0042 SCAVENGER WASTE AND GREASE HAULERS
A. "Scavenger waste" is defined as sewage or human excreta that is removed from a septic tank or other on-site wastewater treatment facility, privy, sewage vault, river can, rocket can, or fixed or transportable chemical toilet or other similar units.
B. "Grease" is defined as fats, oils and grease (FOG); organic polar compounds derived from animal and/or plant sources as detectable in cooking oils, food scraps containing grease, butter or oil, lard or tallow, meat fat, grease and juices, gravies, sauces, shortening and dairy products.
C. Authorized Scavenger Waste Haulers. Only scavenger wastes generated within Coconino County shall be authorized to discharge into the sewerage system.
1. The Water Services Director shall require haulers of scavenger waste to obtain a scavenger waste discharge permit for each vehicle that hauls wastes to the treatment plant.
2. Septage haulers shall not discharge mixed loads of grease and septic tank or scavenger waste or any other type of waste. Scavenger waste haulers may discharge loads only at locations designated by the Director and at such times as are established by the Director. The Director may collect samples of each hauled load to ensure compliance with applicable standards. The Director may require the scavenger waste hauler to provide a waste analysis of any load prior to discharge. The discharge of hauled septic tank waste is subject to all other requirements of this chapter.
3. The Director shall establish hours for operation and acceptance for discharging of scavenger waste. The hours of operation shall be available on the Flagstaff Water Services website and posted at the entrance gate of the water reclamation plant.
4. Septage haulers are required to weigh in before and after discharging to the water reclamation plant or POTW, provided a scale is available.
5. Discharge of scavenger waste at hours other than those established by the Director shall be at the discretion of the plant operator and will be subject to a fee set forth in Section 7-02-001-0041. Scavenger waste haulers must provide a completed City waste-tracking or manifest form for every load, prior to entering the water reclamation plant. This form shall include, at a minimum, the name and address of the waste hauler, permit number, truck identification, names, addresses and phone number of sources of waste, and volume and characteristics of waste. Scavenger waste haulers shall maintain records of all waste-tracking or manifest forms for at least five (5) years.
D. Authorized Grease Haulers. Grease will only be accepted for discharge into the designated grease receiving station from generators that have written acceptance by the Director and will be subject to the following conditions:
1. The Director shall require grease haulers to obtain a scavenger waste discharge permit for each vehicle that hauls wastes to the treatment plant.
2. Grease haulers shall not discharge mixed loads of grease and septic tank or scavenger waste or any other type of waste. Grease haulers may discharge loads only at locations designated by the Director and at such times as are established by the Director. The Director may collect samples of each hauled load to ensure compliance with applicable standards. The Director may require the grease hauler to provide a waste analysis of any load prior to discharge. The discharge of hauled grease is subject to all other requirements of this chapter.
3. The Director shall establish hours for operation and acceptance for discharging of grease. The hours of operation shall be available on the Flagstaff Water Services website and posted at the entrance gate of the water reclamation plant.
4. Grease haulers are required to weigh in before and after discharging to the water reclamation plant or POTW, provided a scale is available.
5. Discharge of grease at hours other than those established by the Director shall be at the discretion of the plant operator and will be subject to a fee set forth in Section 7-02-001-0041.
6. Grease haulers must provide a completed City waste-tracking or manifest form for every load, prior to entering the water reclamation plant. This form shall include, at a minimum, the name and address of the grease hauler, permit number, truck identification, names, addresses and phone number of sources of waste, and volume and characteristics of waste. Grease haulers shall maintain records of all waste-tracking or manifest forms for at least five (5) years. (Ord. 2021-07, Rep&ReEn, 04/20/2021; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30))
7-02-001-0042.1 SCAVENGER WASTE DISCHARGE PERMITS
A. All authorized persons or companies, as defined in Section 7-02-001-0042, wishing to discharge scavenger wastes or grease must first obtain a scavenger waste discharge permit for each vehicle that will haul scavenger waste or grease from the Director. Vehicle permit applications shall be provided by the City and must include the following information:
1. Business name;
2. Business phone number;
3. Name of business owner or responsible party;
4. Business physical location;
5. Business mailing address;
6. Business email address;
7. Name(s) of operator(s);
8. Operator phone number(s);
9. Vehicle information:
a. Year/make/model;
b. License plate number/state;
c. Tank capacity;
d. Type of hauled waste(s);
e. ADEQ license number;
10. Any additional information as required to meet applicable Federal and/or State regulations or as deemed necessary to prevent incidences of overloading, interference or pass-through at the water reclamation plant and/or interference, damage, etc., to the wastewater collection systems.
B. The permit provided for in this section shall be issued by the Director to all applicants who comply with the terms and conditions set forth in this section as follows:
1. For each vehicle utilized for the transportation of scavenger wastes or grease for disposal into the sewerage system, payment or prorated portion of the annual fee as established per Section 3-10-001-0008, License Fees.
2. Once permits are obtained, all waste haulage equipment operated by companies with permits shall be registered with the Management Services Division and shall submit documentation that fee has been paid and shall be identifiable by display of the license plate number.
3. The permit issued as provided for in this section shall expire January 2nd of each year and not more than one (1) year after the date of issue. It shall be the responsibility of the hauler to seek renewal of their permit, at least thirty (30) days prior to the expiration date.
4. Noncompliance with any part of this section or subsequent regulations shall subject the permit holder to revocation of permit to utilize the services of the City sewerage system for disposal of scavenger wastes or grease. Reissuance of permit to discharge after revocation shall be at the discretion of the Director and may be subject to such conditions as deemed appropriate.
5. The Director may establish regulations as are deemed necessary to control the discharge of scavenger wastes so as to prevent incidences of overloading, interference or pass-through at the water reclamation plant and/or interference, damage, etc., to the wastewater collection systems. All discharges shall comply with the prohibited substances restrictions set forth in Section 7-02-001-0007.
6. The water reclamation plant does not accept hazardous waste as defined by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and the Code of Federal Regulations.
7. The waste hauler will be financially responsible for any damage to or interference with the publicly owned treatment works (POTW), or for any expense to the City (including testing) caused by the discharge from the hauler. The waste hauler and/or generator will be charged for all expenses in monitoring and handling their discharge.
8. Waste haulers may not discharge unless a plant operator is present and has approved the discharge. The operator may refuse to accept any discharge if it is suspected to contain wastes which are considered unacceptable to the City water reclamation plants.
9. The waste hauler shall have sampling taps or outlets (as approved by the Water Services Division) on each truck for proper sampling of contents. The waste hauler shall be subject to random sampling/monitoring by the City.
10. Waste haulers will position their trucks at the direction of the plant operator to prevent spills. Any traces of the hauler’s discharge must be removed by the hauler immediately.
11. Waste haulers shall not bypass any control device while discharging to the City water reclamation plant or POTW.
12. Waste haulers cleaning trucks at the water reclamation plant shall be subject to a truck clean out fee set forth in Section 3-10-001-0008. Truck shall be empty prior to clean out. Septic tank and scavenger waste haulers shall be subject to the enforcement guides set forth in Section 7-02-001-0019.
13. Provision of false information by either the generator or the hauler shall also be considered a violation of this code and subject to the provisions of Sections 7-02-001-0017 and 7-02-001-0019.
C. The Director may revoke a permit for any of the following actions or inactions by the permittee:
1. Disposing hauled waste at any location not designated or approved by the Director.
2. Misrepresenting or failing to fully disclose all relevant facts in the waste hauler discharge permit application.
3. Falsifying information provided on waste tracking forms or waste disposal manifests.
4. Failure to provide a waste tracking form or waste disposal manifest.
5. In the event that the City implements an electronic or web-based waste tracking form or waste disposal manifest reporting system, all reports shall be submitted on this system.
6. The hauler shall be responsible for any fees associated with an electronic or web-based reporting system.
7. Tampering with samples collected from waste loads.
8. Refusing to allow the Director timely access to the facility premises or records.
9. Failing to meet effluent requirements.
10. Failing to pay fines or penalties.
11. Failing to pay waste disposal charges.
12. Failing to complete a waste hauler discharge permit application.
13. Violating any general or specific permit condition or requirement, or any terms of the waste hauler discharge permit or this section. (Ord. 2021-07, Enacted, 04/20/2021; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30))
7-02-001-0043 SEWER RATES TO BE ADDED TO WATER BILLS
All sewer user charges to be added to and collected with the bills as rendered for water by the Customer Service Section, and all of the rules and regulations promulgated by the Management Services Director shall apply to, and be effective in, the collection of such sewer service charges. (Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0041)
7-02-001-0044 WHEN BILLS PAYABLE; DISCONNECTION OF SERVICE FOR FAILURE TO PAY; RECONNECTION FEE
All bills for sewer service shall be due and payable on the billing dates of the various districts, and if not paid within thirty (30) days thereafter will be considered delinquent and the sewer service may be discontinued without notice. In the event extraordinary costs are incurred by the City to discontinue the sewer service, such costs shall be paid by the customer before service is continued. (Ord. 1104, 12/04/1979; Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0042)
7-02-001-0045 DETERMINATION OF WASTEWATER VOLUME CHARGE AND BILLINGS: NONRESIDENTIAL
A. In the absence of suitable data to make a determination for nonresidential users as to the amount of water discharged to the sewer system, the sewer volume charge shall be based on the amount of water supplied to the premises. The Director may require or permit the installation of acceptable additional water or sewer meters at such party’s expense and in such a manner as to determine the quantity of water actually entering the sewer system, in which case, the quantity of water used to determine the sewer charge shall be the quantity of water actually entering the sewer system as so determined. The meter (or meters) must measure the total flow unless another method has been approved by the City.
B. It shall be the responsibility of each user, who chooses or is required to perform the purchase and installation of such meters, to notify and gain approval of the City Water Services Division. Upon initial written verification, by a qualified individual, that the meter has been installed and is functioning accurately and efficiently, the user assumes daily operation and maintenance of such meters.
If at any time, the Division determines that such meter is insufficient for the purpose it is intended, whether because of inability to repair, increased discharge rate of waste stream, etc., the user shall replace the meter or have modifications performed to the existing meter, at the user’s expense and in such a way that is considered satisfactory to the City Water Services Director.
C. All significant industrial users shall have a City-approved sewer flow meter or other City-approved means of measuring their effluent. This meter shall be equipped to provide a permanent record of the flow measurements. All records of the flow shall be kept for a minimum of three (3) years and must be available to the City.
D. It shall be the responsibility of all industrial users who are required or choose to install flow measurement devices to provide a security system which would provide the City with unrestricted access to such meter, yet at the same time provide protection from user access unauthorized by the City, tampering, vandalism, the elements or any other factor which may inhibit accurate flow measurement of the waste stream.
E. The industrial user shall keep their wastewater collection lines free from debris, turbulence or any other entity that may inhibit the accurate measurement of sewer flow.
RESIDENTIAL:
A. Sewer volume charge shall be based on the average monthly water billed to each customer during the preceding December, January, February and March and shall represent sewage flow for full-time residential customers.
B. If the Director determines that adequate water meter information is not available for billing a residential customer as described above, then the customer shall be charged the average monthly billing for that user class.
C. Upon approval of the Director, any individual user may, at his own expense and subject to the regulations of the Division, install a separate meter in order to determine the quantity of water actually entering the sewer system and future sewer charges shall be limited to that water actually entering the sewer system as so determined by the Director.
D. If, within ten (10) days of billing, a customer files a written complaint with the Director alleging that a significant portion of his water usage does not enter the sewer system, the Director, in accordance with written appeals procedure, shall provide an opportunity for the customer to present their supporting documentation to an employee designated by the Director to hear complaints.
E. Upon approval of the Director, metered water usage may be used to determine the sewer use charge when it can be shown to be more accurate than using the average winter water usage. (Ord. 1590, Amended, 11/1/1988; Ord. 1676, Amended, 10/02/1990; Ord. 1693, Amended, 05/07/1991; Ord. 2003, Amended, 09/21/1999; Ord. 2002-05, Amended, 05/21/2002; Ord. 2002-08, Amended, 07/16/2002; Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0043)
7-02-001-0046 PAYMENT OF BILLS AND CHARGES
A. All notices sent out by the City regarding sewer user accounts, and all notices regarding any other matter pertaining to the user of the City sewer system, shall be sent to the house and street number of such property. To ensure proper delivery of notices, all errors in house numbers should be promptly reported to the Customer Service Section.
B. The sewer account and bill shall distinguish the amount of the sewer user charge from any industrial cost recovery charge, if applicable.
C. All rates and service charges are payable when rendered and shall be paid by the due date. If the total of such bill is not received by the City within five (5) days after the due date the consumer shall be charged an additional five dollar ($5.00) nonrefundable late payment penalty fee. Consumers on a payment plan that has been approved by the Water Services Division may be exempted from the late payment penalty fee.
All charges shall be considered delinquent thirty (30) days after bill date. If the total of such bill is not paid within ten (10) days after the date of delinquency (thirty (30) days from bill date), a notice may be placed at the service address notifying of the past due amount and service charge which must be paid within twenty-four (24) hours. After twenty-four (24) hours, the water or sewer service may be disconnected from the premises of the delinquent consumer. The total amount of the bill due and any deposit, if such deposit is required, shall be collected before again providing sewer service or water service. Any closed, delinquent account requiring special collection effort may be assessed a delinquent collection charge to cover the additional cost as established by the Customer Service Director.
D. A consumer’s water or sewer service may be disconnected for nonpayment of a bill for service rendered at a previous location served by the City, provided such bill is not paid within thirty (30) days after the unpaid bill has been presented to the consumer at his new location.
E. Any expense caused to the City for the repair or replacement of damaged, stolen, tampered with or misused sewer or water facilities shall be charged against and collected from the person or persons who caused the expense.
F. When a user of the water or sewer system has been notified of the amount of charges remaining due after the deduction of their security deposit, and payment for same has not been received, the Customer Service Director may assign the account to a bona fide collection agency.
G. Before water or sewer service will be turned on to any premises all charges against the premises when due and payable to the City as required by this chapter, or including any of the following items must have been paid: on account of labor supplied or materials furnished by the Water Services Division in the installation of service pipes connecting the premises with the City sewer mains, or for tapping the City sewer system; on account of water or sewer service previously supplied to the premises; whether used by the applicants or by some previous occupant of the premises; or on account of the assessment of any fine or penalty; or for turning water or sewer services off or on; or for repair or replacement of damaged, stolen or misused sewer works facilities. (Ord. 1809, Amended, 06/15/1993; Ord. 1849, Amended, 12/06/1994; Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0045)
7-02-001-0047 NOTICE PRIOR TO DISCONNECT
Before discontinuing water or sewer service for nonpayment of any sewer user charge, deposit or other assessment provided for in this chapter, the Customer Service Director shall give written notice to the person of the discontinuance and an opportunity to appear before the Customer Service Director or his designee on any disputed matter relative to the discontinuance of sewer service. (Ord. 1104, 12/04/1979; Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0046)
7-02-001-0048 SERVICE CONNECTIONS
Every separate building to be provided with sewer service shall have its own separate sewer service connection to the City sewer main, except that two (2) or more buildings located on the same lot or on contiguous lots under the same ownership or property known as a court, apartment house or block covering more than one lot, may be provided sewer service through the same connection as long as the single ownership continues. Upon change from such single ownership, a new and separate connection shall be immediately made for the building or premises to replace the indirect connection. No person having sewer service shall provide sewer service to any other sewer user, whether gratuitously or for a charge. (Ord. 1873, Enacted, 06/20/1995; Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0047)
7-02-001-0049 PERMITS REQUIRED FOR INDUSTRIAL USERS
All significant industrial users, as defined by Section 7-02-001-0009(A)(1), shall obtain a permit for connection and discharge or any modification that changes the treatment, production, flow, etc., of the existing facility to the City’s sewer system from the Director. (Ord. 1693, Amended, 05/07/1991; Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2021-10, Amended, 04/20/2021; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30))
7-02-001-0050 INDUSTRIAL USER PERMITS
A. The significant industrial user shall make application for such permit, at least ninety (90) days prior to commencement of discharge, on a form provided by the Director. An applicant shall pay a fee as determined by the City of Flagstaff for each application and thereafter be issued an industrial pretreatment discharge permit which shall be valid for a period of five (5) years from the date of issuance or less as determined by the Director.
09/01/2024 |
$1,950.00 for 5 years |
B. Upon expiration of such permit, an applicant who holds a valid wastewater discharge permit and is in compliance with the terms and conditions established by this chapter shall file an application for renewal of an industrial pretreatment discharge permit, at least ninety (90) days prior to the expiration date of the previous permit, together with the existing fee and, thereafter, shall be issued a renewed industrial pretreatment discharge permit, which shall be valid for a period of five (5) years from the date of issuance of the renewal or less as determined by the Director.
C. The applicant shall submit the information contained in subsections (D) through (G) of this section and any other information requested by the City at the time of submittal, or the application will be rejected and the applicant required to resubmit with the appropriate fee.
D. An applicant seeking an industrial pretreatment discharge permit or renewal shall submit, as part of its application, the results of an analysis, compliant with standard methods, conducted by a laboratory certified by the State of Arizona Department of Health Services, of a representative daily composite sample of the effluent discharge from the applicant’s plant.
E. An applicant shall submit as part of its application for a permit a discharge report which includes, but is not limited to, the nature of process, volumes, rates of flow, production quantities, concentrations in the wastewater discharge and any other information that may be relevant to the generation of waste.
F. An applicant, as part of its application for a permit, shall submit a plan showing the location and size of on-site sewers, sampling point, pretreatment facilities, City sewers and any other pertinent physical details.
G. An applicant as part of its application for a permit shall list each product manufactured, the type, amount and rate of production and the chemical components and quantity of liquid or gaseous materials stored on site, even though they may not normally be discharged into the sewer system.
H. In the event a producer of industrial waste which is authorized to make a connection to the City sewer for pretreated industrial waste disposal under the provisions hereof is sold, leased, or its operation is assumed or taken over by another person, firm or corporation other than that named in the permit, a new application for a permit shall be made by the new owner, lessee or operator. No permit issued under the provisions hereof shall be assignable and a violation of this provision shall be grounds for summary suspension or revocation of such permit by the Director.
I. It shall be a condition of the permit that the City may at any time test any of the wastes being discharged by the company or plant for quality or quantity. A duly authorized City representative may enter the permittee’s premises at any time during business or operational hours for the purpose of inspecting plant operations to estimate quality or quantity of wastes.
J. It shall be a condition of the permit that the permittee shall install facilities, approved by the City Engineer at the permittee’s expense for the purpose of the City’s representative inspecting, observing and sampling representative flows in accordance with Section 7-02-001-0015.
K. It shall be a condition of the permit that additional periodic reports as may be required by the Director to properly monitor the discharge of the industrial wastes be submitted to the Director.
L. Issuance of an industrial pretreatment discharge permit shall not release the permit holder from the obligation to comply with all other provisions of this chapter.
M. The City may change the conditions of any permit in order to comply with requirements of Federal or State regulations. An industrial user may petition the Director to modify their permit for monitoring parameters or process changes. The user must submit sampling reports and/or documentation to support their petition. (Ord. 1693, Amended, 05/07/1991); Ord. 2002-08, Amended, 07/16/2002; Amended Ord. 2006-27; 11/07/2006; Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2021-10, Amended, 04/20/2021; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30))
7-02-001-0051 PERMITTEE REQUIREMENTS
A. Each permittee shall provide protection from accidental discharge of prohibited materials or other wastes regulated by this chapter. If such discharge may occur, permittee must report it to the Water Services Director as described in Section 7-02-001-0011.
B. In order that officers, agents and employees of permittees will be informed of the City’s requirements, permittees shall make available to their employees copies of this chapter together with such other wastewater information and notices which may be furnished by the City from time to time for the purposes of improving and making more effective water pollution control. A notice shall be furnished and permanently posted on the permittee’s bulletin board advising officers, agents and employees whom to call in case of an accidental discharge in excess of the limits authorized by the permit.
C. Any possible connection or entry point for a hazardous and/or prohibited substance to the permittee’s plumbing or drainage system shall be appropriately labeled to warn operating personnel against discharge of such substances. (Ord. 1693, Rep&ReEn, 05/07/1991; Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30))
7-02-001-0052 SEWER SERVICE OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS
A. For all places outside the corporate limits of the City not mentioned in this chapter where sewer service is rendered by the City, and for which no rate is specifically fixed, the rate to be charged, including a connection charge, shall be as fixed by the City Council.
B. City sewer service offered to users outside the City limits shall be offered by the City subject to compliance by the users with the terms of this chapter. (Ord. 1693, Repealed, 05/07/1991; Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0059)
7-02-001-0053 DISCONNECTION OF SERVICE
The violation of any section of this chapter shall be sufficient cause for the City to discontinue water or sewer service to any premises, and such service shall not be restored until such violations have been discontinued or eliminated and all outstanding charges paid. The discontinuance of sewer service shall be accomplished by physically cutting and blocking the building connection. A charge for disconnecting and reconnecting shall be paid to the Customer Service Section for reconnecting the sewer service. (Ord. 1693, Amended, 05/07/1991; Ord. 2018-32, Amended, 12/04/2018; Ord. 2024-19, Amended, 07/03/2024 (Res. 2024-30). Formerly 7-02-001-0061)