Chapter 13.06 SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM

The Director shall have free access at proper hours to all buildings and premises served by the sewerage system for the purpose of inspecting pipes and fixtures, and the manner in which the provisions of this chapter are being complied with. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

Article II. Definitions¹

13.06.050 Definitions generally.

These definitions apply to the entire chapter unless otherwise stated or clearly indicated from the context. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.060 Abbreviations.

The following abbreviations have the designated meanings:

AHMC	–	Airway Heights Municipal Code
BOD	–	biochemical oxygen demand
CFR	–	Code of Federal Regulations
COD	–	chemical oxygen demand
EPA	–	U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
ERU	–	equivalent residential unit
GFC	–	general facility charge
GPD	–	gallons per day
IU	–	industrial user
l	–	liter
LEL	–	lower explosive limit
Mg	–	milligrams
mg/l	–	milligrams per liter
NPDES	–	National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
O&M	–	operations and maintenance
POTW	–	publicly owned treatment works
RCRA	–	Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
SCC	–	Spokane County Code
SCF	–	sewer connection fee
SIC	–	standard industrial classification
SIU	–	significant industrial user
SWDA	–	Solid Waste Disposal Act (42 USC 6901, et seq.)
TRC	–	technical review criteria
TSS	–	total suspended solids
ULID	–	utility local improvement district
USC	–	United States Code

(Ord. C-405, 1998; Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.070 Act.

The “Act” means the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, also known as the Clean Water Act, as amended (33 USC 1251, et seq.) (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.080 Applicable pretreatment standard or applicable standard.

The “applicable pretreatment standard” or “applicable standard,” for any specified pollutant, is the most stringent of the standards reflected in:

A. The prohibited discharge standards, general or specific prohibitions (AHMC 13.06.930 and 13.06.940);

B. Local limits (AHMC 13.06.990 or imposed by the Director);

C. Applicable state standards; or

D. Categorical pretreatment standards (AHMC 13.06.970). (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.090 Approval authority.

“Approval authority” means the Director of the Washington State Department of Ecology. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.100 Authorized representative of the user.

“Authorized representative of the user” means:

A. If the user is a corporation:

1. The president, secretary, treasurer, or a 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

2. The manager of one or more manufacturing, production or operation facilities, if authority to sign documents has been assigned or delegated to the manager in accordance with corporate procedures.

B. If the user is a partnership or sole proprietorship, a general partner or proprietor, respectively.

C. If the user is a federal, state or local governmental facility, a director or highest official appointed or designated to oversee the operation and performance of the activities of the government facility, or his/her designee.

D. The individuals described in subsections (A) through (C) of this section may designate another authorized representative if the authorization is in writing, the authorization specifies the individual or position responsible for the overall operation of the facility from which the discharge originates or having overall responsibility for environmental matters for the company, and the written authorization is submitted to the Director. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.110 BOD.

“BOD,” denoting biochemical oxygen demand, is the quantity of oxygen utilized in the biochemical oxidation of organic matter under standard laboratory procedure in five days at 20 degrees centigrade, expressed in parts per million by weight or as a concentration (e.g., mg/l). (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.120 Building drain.

“Building drain” is that part of the lower piping of a drainage system which receives the discharge from piping inside the walls of a structure or building to a point two feet outside the outer face of a structure, wall or foundation and conveys it to the sewer or an on-site sewage disposal system. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.130 Categorical pretreatment standard or categorical standard.

“Categorical pretreatment standard” or “categorical standard” means any regulation containing pollutant discharge limits promulgated by the EPA in accordance with Sections 307(b) and (c) of the Act (33 USC 1317) which apply to a specific category of users and which appear in 40 CFR Chapter I, Subchapter N, Parts 405 through 471. (Cross-references: AHMC 13.06.970 and 13.06.1180(A).) (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.140 Categorical user.

“Categorical user” means a user subject to regulation under a categorical standard. (Cross-references: AHMC 13.06.1020 and 13.06.1080(F)(4).) (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.150 City.

“City” means the City of Airway Heights. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.160 Combined sewer.

“Combined sewer” is a sewer which conveys any category of wastewater, as permitted by the Director, and performs the functions of both a sanitary and a storm sewer. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.170 Commercial unit.

“Commercial unit” is any commercial establishment not classified, or used, as a residential dwelling unit. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.180 Composite sample.

“Composite sample” means the sample resulting from the combination of individual wastewater samples taken at selected intervals based on an increment of either flow or time. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.190 Day(s).

“Day(s)” means working day(s) unless otherwise noted. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.200 Director or PW Director.

“Director” or “PW Director” means the Public Works Director for the City of Airway Heights, or his/her designee. (Cross-reference: AHMC 13.06.1310.) (Ord. C-571 § 3, 2004; Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.210 Discharge – Direct, indirect.

A. “Discharge” or “indirect discharge” are identical for purposes of this chapter. Unless otherwise apparent from the context, the term means a release of wastewater, sewage or effluent into the POTW. For purposes of Article IV of this chapter, the term does not include releases of wastewater defined as sanitary or domestic sewage in AHMC 13.06.220.

B. “Direct discharge” refers to any release of wastewater, sewage or effluent into the outside environment or natural outlet. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.220 Domestic wastewater.

“Domestic wastewater” is wastewater of similar volume or chemical composition which is typically generated by residential dwelling units. Such wastewater typically includes 0.2 pounds of BOD, and 0.17 pounds of TSS, per 100 gallons, all measured per capita, per day. The term is contrasted with “industrial process wastewater” or “process wastewater” described in AHMC 13.06.270, sometimes also referenced as “nondomestic wastewater,” and is also distinguished from other categories of wastewater identified in AHMC 13.06.760(A). (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.230 Double plumbing dry side sewer.

“Double plumbing dry side sewer” is a sewer installed at the time of on-site sewage disposal system construction, which will connect the structure’s wastewater system to a public sewer when the public sewer becomes available. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.240 Dry line sewer.

“Dry line sewer” is a public or private sewer lateral that is intended for future use when authorized by the Director. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.245 Equivalent residential unit.

“Equivalent residential unit” is the unit used to calculate sewer consumption. One equivalent residential unit equals approximately 245 gallons of water consumed per day or as determined by the most recently adopted Comprehensive Sewer Plan of the City. (Ord. C-571 § 4, 2004; Ord. C-405, 1998)

13.06.250 Grab sample.

“Grab sample” means a sample which is taken from wastewater or a waste stream on a one-time basis without regard to the flow in the wastewater or waste stream and without consideration of time. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.260 Health Officer.

“Health Officer” means the Spokane County Health District Health Officer, or his/her designee. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.270 Industrial process wastewater or process wastewater.

A. “Industrial process wastewater” or “process wastewater” is that category of water-carried waste which, during a manufacturing or commercial processing activity, comes into direct contact with or results from the production or use of any raw material, intermediate product, finished product, by-product, or waste product. (Source: 40 CFR 401.11(q).) The term is contrasted with “domestic wastewater,” described in AHMC 13.06.220, and also distinguished from other categories of wastewater identified in AHMC 13.06.760.

B. The term includes two subcategories:

1. “Manufacturing process wastewater,” which is wastewater of a nature, concentration, or constituency traditionally originating from industrial or manufacturing customers. This generally includes sewage from one or more heavy industrial or manufacturing process sources or industrial cleanup procedures. It includes one process discharge or several commingled process discharges.

2. “Nonmanufacturing process wastewater,” which includes all other process wastewater. This generally includes wastewater from business, institutional or commercial customers which generate nondomestic wastewater components derived from a business or commercial process other than manufacturing or heavy industry. Examples of included sources are wastewater from commercial laundries, radiator shops and photo finishers, as well as wastewater from vehicles used for storage or transportation of wastewater, such as septic tank pumpers or haulers. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.280 Interference.

“Interference” means a discharge which, alone or in conjunction with a discharge or discharges from other sources:

A. Inhibits or disrupts the POTW, its treatment processes or operations, or its sludge processes, use or disposal;

B. Which causes or contributes to a violation of the city of Spokane’s NPDES permit or prevents sludge use or disposal in compliance with any of the following laws: Section 405 of the Clean Water Act; the Federal Solid Waste Disposal Act (SWDA), including Title II thereof, commonly referred to as the Federal Resource Recovery and Conservation Act (RCRA); any state regulations contained in any state sludge plan prepared pursuant to Subtitle D of the SWDA, the Federal Clean Air Act; the Federal Toxic Substances and Control Act; the Federal Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act; or any more stringent state or local law; or

C. Which would be designated as or would cause POTW sludge to be designated as “dangerous waste” under Chapter 173-303 WAC (Washington State Dangerous Waste Regulations). (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.290 Lateral or lateral sewer.

“Lateral” or “lateral sewer” is a sewer to which side or private sewers may be connected from adjacent or vicinity properties. The service area for a lateral is determined by the Director, based upon generally accepted engineering practices and subject to the practice of the Department of Public Works. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.300 Local limits.

“Local limits” are provided for in AHMC 13.06.990(B). They are specific to the city of Spokane’s POTW. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.310 Lower explosive limit.

“Lower explosive limit” is the lowest concentration of a gas-in-air mixture at which a gas can ignite. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.320 Medical waste.

See Chapter 14, Laws of the State of Washington, 1992 Regular Session. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.330 National pretreatment standard.

See AHMC 13.06.970. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.340 Natural outlet.

“Natural outlet” is any outlet into a watercourse, pond, ditch, lake or other body of surface water or ground water. It does not include connections to the City’s collection system, authorized on-site sewage or storm water disposal systems, or other authorized sewage disposal mechanisms or systems. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.350 New source – Existing source.

A. “New source” is any person who is or may be a categorical user who has commenced operations or construction of a building, structure, facility or installation after the date of publication of proposed categorical pretreatment standards under Section 307(c) of the Act, which standards will be applicable to such user if thereafter promulgated in accordance with Section 307(c); provided, that:

1. The building, structure, facility or installation is constructed as a site at which no other user is located;

2. The building, structure, facility or installation totally replaces the process or production equipment that causes the discharge of pollutants at an existing source; or

3. The production or wastewater generating processes of the building, structure, facility or installation are substantially independent of an existing source at the same site. In determining whether these are substantially independent factors, such as the extent to which the new facility is integrated with the existing plant, and the extent to which the new facility is engaged in the same general type of activity as the existing source should be considered.

B. For purposes of its definition, a person may be a categorical user where, because of the nature of its business or industrial activities, statements or other objective basis, said person appears to become a categorical user. The Director may identify persons subject to this provision.

C. Construction on a site at which an existing source is located results in a modification rather than a new source if the construction does not create a new building, structure, facility or installation meeting the criteria of subsection (A)(2) or (A)(3) of this section but otherwise alters, replaces or adds to existing process or production equipment.

D. Construction of a new source as defined under this section is commenced at the earliest time a person has:

1. Begun, or caused to begin as part of a continuous on-site construction program:

a. Any placement, assembly or installation of facilities or equipment;

b. Significant site preparation work, including clearing, excavation, or removal of existing buildings, structures or facilities which is necessary for the placement, assembly, or installation of new source facilities or equipment; or

2. Entered into a binding contractual obligation for the purchase of facilities or equipment which are intended to be used in its operation within a reasonable time. Options to purchase or contracts which can be terminated or modified without substantial loss, and contracts for feasibility, engineering, and design studies do not constitute a contractual obligation under this section.

E. “Existing source” means any categorical user other than a new source. This includes a person who becomes a categorical user subsequent to promulgation of an applicable categorical pretreatment standard, unless such user meets the entire definition of a “new source.” (Source: 4 CFR 403.3(k).) (Cross-reference: AHMC 13.06.350 (A).) (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.360 New user – Existing user.

A. “New user” means a noncategorical user that applies for a City building permit or who newly occupies any premises and seeks to discharge wastewater into the City’s collection system after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter or applicable amendments thereto, the same being 30 days after enactment. Any person that buys an existing premises already engaged in discharging industrial process wastewater as opposed to domestic wastewater will be considered an “existing user” if the Director determines no significant changes have been made in the user’s operations.

B. “Existing user” means a noncategorical user other than a new user. (Cross-reference: AHMC 13.06.630.) (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.370 Noncontact cooling water.

“Noncontact cooling water” is that category of wastewater consisting of water used for cooling, generally in an industrial or manufacturing process, which does not come into direct contact with any raw material, intermediate product, waste product or finished product. The term excludes other categories of wastewater identified in AHMC 13.06.760(A). (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.380 Nonstandard strength sewage.

“Nonstandard strength sewage” is wastewater accepted for discharge into the collection system but which does not meet the criteria for acceptance as standard strength sewage, whether because of special characteristics, special treatment requirements, special monitoring, or additional handling as a condition of acceptance. Specific criteria defining this class of wastewater are determined by the Director, in the exercise of sound discretion, considering the purposes set forth in this chapter, the public health, safety and welfare, and cost and expense of the collection system. The Director may further consider average concentrations of total suspended solids, BOD and phosphorus or other factors, and may include any wastewater determined by the Director to have any of the following characteristics:

A. Containing more than 300 milligrams per liter of total suspended solids (TSS);

B. Containing more than 300 milligrams per liter of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD); or

C. Any other nonstandard strength sewage, as defined by statute, ordinance, regulation, resolution, or by Director’s order. (Cross-references: AHMC 13.06.760(B), 13.06.830, 13.06.880(B).) (Ord. C-998 § 2, 2022; Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.390 NPDES.

“NPDES” refers to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit program administered by the Washington State Department of Ecology. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.400 On-site sewage disposal system.

“On-site sewage disposal system” is any system or combination of piping, treatment, or other facilities that stores, treats, and/or disposes of sewage and effluent on the property where it originates, or on adjacent or nearby property under the ownership of the user of the system or in which the user has a recorded interest for the purpose of maintaining the system on such other property. In general, these include, but are not limited to, septic tank disposal systems. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.410 Pass-through.

“Pass-through” means a discharge which exits the POTW into waters of the United States 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). (Source: 40 CFR 403.3(n).) (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.420 Person.

“Person” is an all inclusive reference to any individual or group, firm, association, partnership, political subdivision, government agency, municipality, industry, public or private corporation, or any other entity. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.430 pH.

“pH” is the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.440 Pollutant.

“Pollutant” is any substance proscribed or limited with respect to its introduction into the City’s collection system by federal or state pretreatment regulatory requirements, or by requirements adopted pursuant to this chapter reflecting the City’s wastewater pretreatment program. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.450 POTW.

“POTW” means a treatment works as defined by Section 212 of the Act, which is owned by a state or municipality (as defined by Section 502(4) of the Act). This definition includes any devices and systems used in the storage, treatment, recycling and reclamation of municipal wastewater or industrial wastes of a liquid nature. It also includes public sewers, pipes and other conveyances only if they convey wastewater to a POTW treatment plant. The term may also refer to the municipality as defined in Section 502(4) of the Act, which has jurisdiction over the discharges to and from such a treatment works. For purposes of any enforcement work performed by the City under the city of Spokane authorization, the term includes the sewage collection system of the City as well as the city of Spokane. (Source: 40 CFR 403.3(o).) (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.460 Pretreatment.

“Pretreatment” means the reduction of the amount of pollutants, the elimination of pollutants, or the alteration of the nature of pollutant properties in wastewater prior to or in lieu of discharging or otherwise introducing such pollutants into a POTW. The reduction or alteration may be obtained by physical, chemical or biological processes, process changes or by other means, except as prohibited by 40 CFR 403.6(d) and this chapter, including AHMC 13.06.930(F). (Source: 40 CFR 403.3(q).) (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.470 Pretreatment program.

“Pretreatment program” or “wastewater pretreatment program” is that set of City requirements, principally embodied in these definitions and Article IV of this chapter, together with regulations, policies, orders and individual permit requirements, and applicable provisions of the Act and Title 40 CFR relating to pretreatment, monitoring, sampling and conditioning of wastewater prior to discharge into the POTW. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.480 Pretreatment requirements.

“Pretreatment requirements” means any substantive or procedural requirement related to pretreatment imposed on a user, other than a pretreatment standard. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.490 Pretreatment standard or standard.

A. “Pretreatment standard,” “national pretreatment standard” or “standard” means any regulation containing pollutant discharge limits, promulgated by the EPA in accordance with Section 307(b) and (c) of the Act, which applies to users. This term includes prohibited discharge limits established pursuant to 40 CFR 403.5, categorical pretreatment standards, and federal standards as identified in this chapter. (Source: 40 CFR 403.3(j).)

B. Sources of pretreatment standards include prohibited discharge standards, categorical pretreatment standards, and local limits, all as may be more specifically set forth in Article IV or in rules or regulations promulgated as a part of the City’s pretreatment program. (See AHMC 13.06.390.) (Cross-reference: AHMC 13.06.970.) (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.500 Private pump station.

“Private pump station” is an appurtenance of a side sewer, private sewer, or on-site sewage disposal system which, alone or in conjunction with the side sewer or private sewer, conveys standard strength sewage or effluent by lifting or pumping to another sewer. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.510 Private sewer.

“Private sewer” is a sewer not owned or maintained by the City. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.520 Private storm sewer.

“Private storm sewer” is a storm sewer not owned or maintained by a public authority and connected to a public sewer or discharged into a natural outlet. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.530 Prohibited discharge standards or prohibited discharges.

“Prohibited discharge standards” or “prohibited discharges” means absolute prohibitions against the discharge of certain substances. For purposes of this chapter, these prohibitions appear in AHMC 13.06.930 and 13.06.940. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.540 Public sewer.

“Public sewer” is a sewer owned or controlled and maintained by a public authority. The term includes any publicly controlled and maintained sanitary or other, storm or combined sewers. It does not include side sewers, side sewer stubs after connection to the sewer collection system, or private sewers. (Cross-reference: AHMC 13.06.570.) (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.550 Residential dwellings.

“Residential dwellings” are units that are considered as, but not limited to, single-family residences, duplexes, triplexes, hotels, motels, apartments, condominiums or mobile homes located on a single tax parcel. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.560 Sanitary sewage.

“Sanitary sewage” is redefined as “domestic wastewater” in AHMC 13.06.220. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.570 Sanitary sewer.

“Sanitary sewer” is a sewer which conveys sanitary sewage. Additionally, the term is also applied to any public sewer except a storm sewer. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.580 Sewage.

“Sewage” is a combination of the water-carried wastes from domestic, business, commercial, industrial, or manufacturing sources, including residences, business buildings, institutions, and industrial establishments. Sewage also includes surface water and storm water when discharged into a sewer. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.590 Sewer.

“Sewer” is a pipe, conduit, structure, or appurtenance for conveying sewage. These definitions further identify this term according to who owns or maintains the sewer: private sewer, private storm sewer, side sewer, or special side sewer, as opposed to public sewers. In general, public sewers are also subdivided according to what they convey: sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and combined sewer. The term “sewer” also includes any dry line sewer. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.600 Sewer Standards Handbook.

“Sewer Standards Handbook” refers to the Airway Heights Public Works Standards Manual which details proper controls for design, inspection and construction of sewer systems in conformance with this chapter. The standards may contain specifications relative to materials, design, construction, procedure, policy, inspection, backfilling and responsibilities in sewer installations. (Cross-reference: AHMC 13.06.1460.) (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.610 Side sewer.

“Side sewer” is a sewer not directly controlled or maintained by a public authority, which begins two feet outside the outer face of a structure wall or foundation, conveying wastewater from the building(s) drain(s) to a public sewer or private sewer. The term “side sewer” also includes any double plumbing dry side sewer and temporary sewer connections. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.620 Side sewer stub.

“Side sewer stub” is that portion of a side sewer located between the public sewer line and a point near the property line of the premises to be served. After connection has been made to the premises, the side sewer stub shall become part of a side sewer and shall be maintained by the property owner to the point of entry into the public sewer. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.630 Significant industrial user.

“Significant industrial user” means:

A. All users subject to categorical pretreatment standards, also referenced as a “categorical user”;

B. Any other user, also referenced as a “noncategorical user,” that:

1. Discharges an average of 25,000 gallons per day or more of process wastewater to the POTW, excluding sanitary sewage, noncontact cooling water and boiler blowdown wastewater. As used here, “boiler blowdown wastewater” means specially treated water to render it suitable for use inside high pressure boilers,

2. Contributes process wastewater which makes up five percent or more of the average dry weather hydraulic or organic capacity of the POTW treatment plant, or

3. Is designed as such by the Director on the basis that the user has a reasonable potential for adversely affecting the POTW’s operation or for violating any pretreatment standard or requirement (in accordance with this chapter or 40 CFR 403.8(f)(6)), and

4. Any user so designated by this chapter, or by regulation or order of the Director, considering pollutant characteristics, the concentration or mass loading limits established by federal or state standards or by standards locally developed to address POTW or environmental conditions (Source: 40 CFR 403.3(t)); and/or

C. A user may be both a categorical and a noncategorical user, and shall comply with any respective provisions, as may apply. For purposes of definition, “categorical users” are further broken down into classifications of “new source” or “existing source,” as defined in AHMC 13.06.350. “Noncategorical users” are broken down into classifications of “new user” or “existing user” as defined in AHMC 13.06.360. (Source: 40 CFR 403.3(t).) (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.640 Slug load.

“Slug load” means:

A. Any discharge at a flow rate or concentration which could cause a violation of the prohibited discharge standards in this chapter; or

B. Any discharge not of a routine, regular, or episodic nature, including but not limited to an accidental spill or a noncustomary batch discharge. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.650 Special side sewer.

“Special side sewer” is a side sewer connected to a lateral or other public or private sewer which is outside the normal service area of said sewer as determined by the Director. Unless otherwise indicated or required by the context, all side sewer requirements shall apply to special side sewers. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.660 Standard strength sewage.

“Standard strength sewage” is wastewater which complies with specifications designated by the Director, City resolution, or this chapter as not requiring special treatment, monitoring or additional handling prior to acceptance by the POTW, considering chemical, physical, and organic content, including but not limited to BOD, suspended solids and phosphorus. The definition of “standard strength sewage” may be adjusted by City resolution. (Cross-reference: AHMC 13.06.760(B).) (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.670 Storm water.

“Storm water” is that category of wastewater consisting of flows occurring during or following any form of natural precipitation, and resulting from such precipitation, including snow melt. This includes but is not limited to flows discharged from roof, yard, footing, springs, pools and storm drains of any type. The term is distinguished from other categories of wastewater identified in AHMC 13.06.760(A). (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.680 Storm sewer or storm drain.

“Storm sewer” or “storm drain” is a sewer which conveys storm water. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.690 Suspended solids.

“Suspended solids” means the total suspended matter that floats on the surface of or is suspended in water, wastewater, or other liquid, and which is removable by laboratory filtering. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.700 System of sewerage.

“System of sewerage” is the system of sewers, outfalls, works, plants and facilities for wastewater collection, treatment and disposal, or any and all such facilities of the City of Airway Heights or the city of Spokane used or dedicated to provide public sewer service. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.710 Temporary sewer connections.

“Temporary sewer connections” are sewer connections for structures such as temporary offices at a construction site. (Cross-reference: AHMC 13.06.1510.) (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.720 Total solids.

“Total solids” are all matter that can be removed by total evaporation as contained in the Manual of Standard Methods, under total residue. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.730 Twenty-four-hour flow proportional composite sample.

“Twenty-four-hour flow proportional composite sample” is a composite sample, taken over a period of 24 hours, in which the size and numbers of the individual samples in the composite reflect the discharge rate at the time each individual sample is taken. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.740 Upset.

“Upset” means an exceptional incident in which there is unintentional and temporary noncompliance with categorical pretreatment standards because of factors beyond the reasonable control of the user. An upset does not include noncompliance to the extent caused by operational error, improperly designed treatment facilities, inadequate treatment facilities, lack of preventive maintenance, or careless or improper operation. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.750 User or industrial user.

A. “User” or “industrial user” means any person who is a source of discharge, also sometimes referenced as indirect discharge.

B. “Categorical user” and “noncategorical user” are subgroups within the definition of “significant industrial user” in AHMC 13.06.630. (40 CFR 403.3(b) and (h).) (Cross-references: AHMC 13.06.210, 13.06.250, 13.06.260.) (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.760 Wastewater.

A. “Wastewater” includes anything released into the POTW and generally includes water-carried wastes from domestic, business, commercial, manufacturing or industrial sources. For purposes of reference, four categories of wastewater, based on its generic source, are identified in usage:

1. “Sanitary sewage,” defined in AHMC 13.06.560 as redefined under “domestic wastewater” in AHMC 13.06.220;

2. “Storm water,” defined in AHMC 13.06.670;

3. “Industrial process wastewater” or “process wastewater,” defined in AHMC 13.06.270;

4. “Noncontact cooling water,” defined in AHMC 13.06.370.

B. Additionally, “wastewater” is divided into two general classes for purposes of rates and treatment requirements:

1. “Standard strength sewage,” defined in AHMC 13.06.660; and

2. “Nonstandard strength sewage,” defined in AHMC 13.06.380.

C. “Domestic wastewater” is identified in AHMC 13.06.220. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

Article III. General Requirements

13.06.770 Mandatory sewer service – No rights created.

A. No wastewater, except storm water, shall be directly discharged into a natural outlet within the City. All wastewater, sewage, wastes and waters generated in the City, except storm water, must be discharged into the collection system of the City and the POTW of the city of Spokane and/or into authorized on-site sewage disposal systems. This obligation applies to the owner of the premises and to persons in possession, charge, or control of the premises where prohibited discharges either originate or occur. (Cross-reference: AHMC 13.06.840.)

B. This chapter shall not create rights for any individual or group to require construction of public sewers, connection thereto, or otherwise to receive sewer service from the City. The City reserves all rights to deny, limit, or curtail service. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.780 On-site sewage disposal systems – Policy to limit.

A. It is the policy and intent of the City, Spokane County, the city of Spokane, the Spokane County Health District and various other agencies of the state and federal governments that on-site sewage disposal be limited and discouraged, and, except where specifically authorized by permit regulations, prohibited in all areas and that all sewage be discharged into the collection system and into the POTW.

B. No on-site sewage disposal system requiring a permit from the Spokane County Health District may be constructed, altered, used or maintained without a written permit from the Health Officer certifying that it meets the requirements of the Health District. On-site sewage disposal systems must also meet the requirement of the Director and this chapter.

C. An on-site sewage disposal system is not permitted when:

1. Public sewer service is available, as defined in subsection (D) of this section;

2. For any premises occupied by a significant industrial user; or

3. The public health or safety would be adversely affected.

D. For purposes of this section, public sewer service is deemed “available” when determined by the Director and:

1. A street, highway, alley or easement in which a public sewer is located runs within any point 200 feet or less from the boundaries of the premises concerned and the Director determines that such connection is feasible; or

2. A street, highway, alley or easement in which a public sewer is located runs within a distance greater than 200 feet from the boundaries of the premises, the anticipated sewage flow from the premises is greater than 1,000 gallons per day and the Director determines that such connection is feasible.

E. Every owner, agent or occupant of any property constructing, using or maintaining an on-site sewage disposal system after public sewer service becomes available shall discontinue use of the on-site facility and connect to the collection system and the POTW, through the City’s collection system and in the manner specified in AHMC 13.06.790, upon the earlier of:

1. The time the on-site system fails, or requires a second pumping from the time sewer is made available, repair or replacement; or

2. Within one year after public sewer service became available. The Director may extend the one-year time frame for good cause. (Cross-reference: AHMC 13.06.790(A).)

F. “Public sewer,” as used in this section, means a sewer comprising part of the Airway Heights collection system and the Spokane sewerage system and not an interim public sewer.

G. No private sewer facility, septic tank, sump or the like shall be used or remain on any property if the property can be served by the City sewer, and any existing private sewer facility, septic tank, sump or the like shall be filled with soil, rock or other suitable material and abandoned by the owner or occupier of the property. The Clerk-Treasurer or his/her designee is authorized to issue a loan for the cost of the sewer connection fee for private commercial and residential sewer facilities over a period not to exceed 360 months plus a fixed interest rate of 2.5 percent per annum. A one-time charge of $15.00 shall be added to the aforementioned charges to cover administrative and clerical costs. City staff are hereby further authorized to limit said installment contracts to said general facility charge as approved by City Council resolution. The loan balance under such installment contracts shall be a lien upon the described property as provided in RCW 35.67.200, enforceable in accordance with RCW 35.67.220 through 35.67.280, and as an additional or concurrent method of enforcement, water service to the property may be terminated in accordance with RCW 35.67.290 until the delinquent payments have been paid. The loan balance including principal and interest and penalties, if any, shall be paid in full at the time of property ownership transfer. Upon full payment of the contract, the Clerk-Treasurer or his/her designee shall execute and mail to such property owner a release of any lien related to the installment contract. (Ord. C-777 § 1, 2012; Ord. C-571 § 5, 2004; Ord. C-423, 1999; Ord. C-399, 1998; Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.790 Proper connection of all premises.

A. No person shall use or occupy any building within the City, except a garage or storage building when used exclusively for those purposes, unless such building has sanitary toilet facilities connected to the City sewer system, provided the requirement to connect to the City sewer shall not apply if no City sewer line exists within 200 feet of the property. Connection to the City sewer shall be accomplished at the expense of the owner or occupier of the building.

B. Every owner, agent, or occupant of any structure or premises used for human occupancy, employment, recreation, or other purposes requiring sanitary facilities, or when the Director or Health Officer so orders, shall construct or cause to be constructed all necessary sanitary facilities and a proper and sufficient sewer for connection to the public sewer, in accord with Airway Heights requirements, unless specifically exempted therefrom in writing by the Director or Health Officer.

C. A separate and independent side sewer shall be provided for each parcel of land, except as authorized by the Director.

D. The side sewer provided shall connect said building, structure or property, and all toilets, commercial grease interceptors, oil/water separators, sand traps, pipes and fixtures therein used as a receptacle of or conductor of wastewater, to the public sewer. Except for existing commercial grease interceptors, oil/water separators and sand traps, all connections to drywells, cesspools, septic tanks or other on-site sewage disposal facilities shall be removed or bypassed, and said facilities shall be abandoned according to the Spokane County Health District and the City of Airway Heights regulations and/or standards. (Cross-reference: AHMC 13.06.1460.)

E. All excavations for building sewer installations shall be properly safeguarded with lights and barricades so that the same may not be a menace to public safety. All streets, sidewalks, alleys, parkways and other public property disturbed in the course of the work shall be restored in a manner satisfactory to the City.

F. Upon discovery of a violation of this section, a notice of noncompliance may be given to the owner, agent or person in possession, charge, or control of the premises and may allow up to 30 days for compliance; provided, a longer or shorter time may be set by the Director or Health Officer as may be deemed necessary to protect the public health and safety; provided further, in no event shall this extend the requirements of AHMC 13.06.780(E)(2). No notice is required prior to or as a condition of taking any enforcement action. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.800 Private sewer to serve only one parcel – Easements.

A. As an additional condition of allowing connection of a private sewer, the property owner may be required to execute and record at her/his expense an easement appurtenant to and for the benefit of premises crossed by a private sewer on a form supplied by the Director. Said easement shall be in a form approved by the City Attorney. It shall run with the land and allow perpetual access to said private sewer through all premises crossed. Grantors of property crossed by a private sewer shall mutually covenant to maintain said sewer for the use and enjoyment of all premises crossed or affected, as determined by the Director.

B. Said easement shall not be subject to revocation without the written approval of the Director. The City shall have no maintenance or repair obligations for said private sewer, and shall be held harmless from any liabilities or damages involving the private sewer. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.810 Multiple dwelling units – Owner-occupant duties.

A. Every owner, agent, and/or person in possession, charge, or control of any hotel, motel, mobile home park, condominium, apartment house, or other multiple dwelling unit arrangement shall furnish adequate means of disposing of wastewater originating from the premises, as are approved by the Director. This section is supplemental to authority which may be exercised by other City officials.

B. In cases of hotels, motels, mobile home parks, condominiums, apartment houses, other multiple dwelling unit arrangements, or any other areas the Director deems to require public sewer service, the Director may require multiple tenants or the property owners to appoint an agent or agents responsible and accountable to the City for making payment for public sewer service whenever multiple billings are deemed unreliable or inconvenient. Failure of an agent to discharge any duty imposed by this section shall not relieve any property owner, tenant, occupant, customer or any other person of any legal obligation imposed herein and the City reserves all rights and remedies at contract and law. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.820 Disorders on private premises – Prompt repair.

A. When any sewer, pipe, drain or on-site sewage disposal system located on private premises becomes obstructed, broken, out-of-order, or otherwise inoperative, the Health Officer or the Director shall, if the owner of such private facilities or his/her agent fails to correct the problem after two days’ notice to do so, and upon a determination that the public health and safety is or could be endangered thereby, cause such sewer to be removed, reconstructed, repaired, pumped, altered, or cleansed, as he may deem expedient, at the expense of the owner of such private facilities as aforesaid. No notice is necessary in cases of imminent danger to the public health and safety.

B. Said broken, obstructed, out-of-order, or otherwise inoperative sewers, pipes, or on-site sewage disposal systems are declared public nuisances which may be summarily abated at the sole expense of the premises owner and/or responsible persons, notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.830 Nonstandard strength sewage – Special arrangements.

A. Nonstandard strength sewage shall be made to conform to standard strength sewage, consistent with the requirements of this chapter prior to discharge into the collection system and the POTW, at the generator or source’s sole expense and liability.

B. The Director may, however, by special agreement or arrangement, accept nonstandard strength sewage, subject to additional charges and terms as the Director deems appropriate. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.840 Duty imposed – Who is responsible.

A. Whenever this chapter imposes a duty on any identified person, party, or permit holder, said duty or obligation is imposed on said person, party or permit holder’s successors in interest, in addition, but not by way of limitation.

B. When this chapter imposes a duty or prohibition upon a customer, user, or other responsible party, said duty or prohibition applies in addition, and not by way of limitation, upon the owner of the realty upon which the wastewater source is located and upon all executive officers, managing agents and other persons in charge of the industrial or other facility generating the discharge. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.850 Unlawful disposal of sewage.

A. Except as authorized by this chapter, no person may dispose of sewage, water-carried wastes or polluted waters.

B. Sanitary sewage shall be disposed of only into sanitary or combined sewer, with proper payment of all fees or charges therefor, or to an authorized on-site sewage disposal system.

C. Industrial process wastewater and noncontact cooling water shall be disposed of only into a sanitary or combined sewer, or other sewer or place approved by the Director, with proper payment of all fees or charges therefor. (Cross-reference: AHMC 13.06.1600.) (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.860 Prohibited uses of sanitary sewer.

A. No person may discharge or cause to be discharged any storm sewage or storm water into a sanitary sewer. (Cross-reference: AHMC 13.06.1600.)

B. It is unlawful to pump out sewage containers into a sanitary sewer. (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.870 Use of storm sewers – Combined sewers – Natural outlets.

Except as hereafter provided, no person may discharge or cause to be discharged any wastewater, except storm waters, into a storm sewer. Additionally, notwithstanding the foregoing, noncontact cooling water or other wastewater (some unpolluted industrial process wastewater) may be discharged upon approval of the Director and the Eastern Regional Office of the Department of Ecology to a storm sewer, combined sewer, or natural outlet. Any such discharges shall not cross over a public walk or way. (Cross-reference: AHMC 13.06.1600.) (Ord. C-571 § 6, 2004; Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.880 Prohibited uses – Public sewers.

Absolute prohibited uses of a public sewer are set forth in AHMC 13.06.930 and 13.06.940. In addition to these requirements, no person shall directly or indirectly discharge or suffer or permit a discharge into any public sewer any of the following without previous written authorization from the Director and payment of all required fees and charges therefor:

A. The contents of any tank or container owned or used by any person in the business of pumping, collecting, transporting or receiving sewage, effluent, seepage, or other waste substances unless said person obtained prior testing and written consent, as required by the Director, and paid all fees assessed for such discharge; or

B. Any nonstandard strength sewage. (Cross-references: AHMC 13.06.380 and 13.06.1600.) (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.890 Obstructing sewer prohibited.

No person may deposit any garbage, rubbish, dead animal or substance having a tendency to obstruct the flow of the sewer, access portal, manhole, lamphole, flush tank or sewer opening. (Cross-reference: AHMC 13.06.1600.) (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.900 Breaking structures – Appurtenance prohibited.

No person may break, damage, destroy, uncover, deface or tamper with any structure, appurtenance or equipment which is part of the wastewater collection system, including, but not limited to, any portal, manhole, lamphole, catch basin, pump station, power source, supporting structures or substrate, or any part whatsoever of a public sewer. (Cross-reference: AHMC 13.06.1600.) (Ord. C-381, 1997)

13.06.910 Unauthorized connection to public sewers.

No unauthorized person may uncover, make any connection with, open into, use, alter, damage, or disturb any public sewer or appurtenance thereof without first obtaining written permission from the Director, obtaining permits as required by this chapter, and paying fees therefor. (Cross-reference: AHMC 13.06.1600.) (Ord. C-381, 1997)

Article IV. Pretreatment

Part One. General Pretreatment Provisions