Chapter 13.07
WATER AND WASTEWATER ASSESSMENTS, RATES, FEES AND CHARGES
Sections:
13.07.030 Nonpermitted/illegal connections.
13.07.070 Payment during suspension of water and wastewater service.
13.07.080 Special service agreement.
13.07.100 Miscellaneous fees and charges.
13.07.010 Purpose.
This chapter provides the basis for assessment fees, utility rates, and other service charges for connection to or utilization of the water/wastewater system for providing utility service. Assessment fees, utility rates, and other service charges shall include, but not be limited to, general facility fees, regional capacity charges, local facility fees, connection charges, utility service rates, account maintenance charges, plan check and system development fees and charges. The rates, fees, charges, penalties, interest, and required deposits for water service are set forth in the unified fee schedule. Any rate fee, charge, or similar set forth herein is in addition and supplemental to those set forth in the unified fee schedule.
The water/wastewater utility will periodically review all utility fees and charges to determine its continuing ability to recover costs incurred by the utility in providing water and wastewater services to utility customers and to ensure that necessary funds are available for the operation and maintenance of the water and wastewater systems. (Ord. 2973 § 2, 2022; Ord. 2909 § 6 (Att. E), 2018; Ord. 2746 § 4, 2009; Ord. 2216 § 2, 1995)
13.07.015 Definitions.
The definitions set forth herein shall apply throughout this title, unless expressly stated otherwise. Any definition contained in any other chapter or section of this title shall apply to all chapters and sections of this title, unless context clearly indicates otherwise, along with the following definitions:
A. “Equivalent residential units” or “ERU” is a unit of measurement based upon a standard single-family residential home used to establish rates, fees and charges and volume capacity limits. A standard single-family home is considered a standard ERU with other uses measured against this baseline. See BMC 17.142.535 for the definition of single-family home used herein.
B. A “general facility fee” or “GFF,” also known as a “utility connection charge,” is a fee charged on all new or expanded service connections to a utility system established for that utility service and set forth in the city’s unified fee schedule. A general facility fee or utility connection charge is separate and distinct from a utility service fee or charge. A general facility fee, as applied to water and sewer connections, is a form of system development charge authorized by RCW 36.92.025.
C. A “local facility fee” or “LFF,” also known as a “local utility connection charge,” is a fee charged on all new service connections to a local utility system facility established for that utility service and set forth in the city’s unified fee schedule. A local facility fee or local utility connection charge is separate and distinct from a utility service fee or charge, a general facility fee, and a regional capacity charge. A local facility fee, as applied to water and sewer connections, is a form of system development charge authorized by RCW 36.92.025.
D. A “special service agreement,” also known as a “utility service agreement,” is a type of agreement(s) required by this code to be executed prior to issuance of a building permit for all new or expanded water and sewer service connections and may be required in this title prior to any connection to the city’s sanitary sewer system. Special service agreements provisions are set forth in this title in BMC 13.07.080 and 13.08.275.
E. A “multifamily dwelling” is defined as a building or portion thereof having three or more attached dwelling units per BMC 17.142.375, regardless of ownership, including condominiums located on the same parcel of land.
F. A “zero-lot-line property” is a piece of residential property that has a building located at or near the edge of the property line, or over the property line, with separate ownership of the residential. Rowhouses, garden homes, patio homes and townhomes are all types of properties that may be zero-lot-line homes. They may be attached (as in a townhome) or detached, single story or multistory. Such separate ownerships are treated as separate single-family residential units, each requiring a separate meter. For example, a building located on two parcels with a zero lot line with each parcel having a separate single-family residential unit with each having a separate sewer connection, i.e., meter.
G. “Accessory dwelling unit” is defined under BMC 17.142.027.
H. “Illegal connection(s)” and/or “nonpermitted connection(s)” are any direct or indirect connection(s) to the city sanitary sewer system or portion thereof without first having permission from the city. A “nonpermitted connection” referred to in this chapter is an “illegal connection.”
I. An “illegal discharge” is the discharge of any waste products that (1) have not been approved by the city in writing for discharge to the city sanitary sewer system, (2) have been identified for off-site disposal (BMC 13.08.245 to 13.08.255), (3) to make or cause to be made or to maintain any discharge to any portion of the city sanitary sewer system, directly or indirectly, without first having permission from the city, and (4) any disposal of waste to the city of Blaine sanitary sewer system required for off-site disposal.
J. “High strength discharge, prohibited and restricted discharges” are the discharge of any organic effluent to the city sewer system at levels that exceed 30 pounds of waste load for BOD (biochemical oxygen demand) or TSS (total suspended solids). Such discharges are considered prohibited discharges unless expressly allowed pursuant to a special service agreement as provided in BMC 13.07.080.
K. “Additional surcharge” is a surcharge for high strength customers which exceed 120 pounds of waste load and shall be assessed on a monthly basis based on test results.
L. “Fish processors” are those businesses engaged in processing fish, shellfish and seafood for commercial purposes who are legally connected to the city sanitary sewer system for disposal of organic material other than standard domestic wastewater from toilet facilities.
M. “Flow factor” is the measurement of the flow of water through a valve that may also be used as a tool to equate meter size to equivalent residential units.
N. A “regional capacity charge (RCC)” is a charge assessed on all new or expanded service connections to the water system as published in the applicable unified fee schedule.
O. A “water service charge” shall be assessed for connection to and utilization of the municipal water system for the purpose of receiving water service pursuant to the utility rate schedule established for water service.
P. A “residential unit” shall be defined as a single dwelling unit served by a single water meter, with or without an accessory dwelling unit, regardless of ownership. A duplex dwelling unit is counted as two residential units, regardless of ownership.
Q. A “fire protection service charge” is a charge for connection to and utilization of the municipal water system for the purpose of receiving water for fire service protection.
R. A “temporary/construction water service” is a temporary water service provided for construction activities or similar purposes approved in advance by the director of public works.
S. A “federal agency unit” is a federal agency water service from a single water meter.
T. The “director of public works” shall refer to the director of public works for the city or his/her designee.
U. A “wastewater service charge” is a charge assessed for connection to and utilization of the municipal wastewater system for the purpose of receiving wastewater. (Ord. 2973 § 2, 2022; Ord. 2909 § 6 (Att. E), 2018)
13.07.020 Assessments.
Fees provided for in this section shall be as set forth in the unified fee schedule. The general facility fee and connection/inspection fees as described in subsections (A) and (B) of this section shall be adjusted annually based on the preceding year-end Seattle Consumer Price Index, unless otherwise adjusted on the basis of a special rate study conducted for that purpose. The local facility fees as described in subsections (E) and (F) of this section shall include an interest charge as allowed by law. The applicable interest charge shall be included in the fee set forth in the unified fee schedule.
A. Standard Flow Factor Equivalent Residential Units (ERU) for Commercial/Industrial Calculation. The following table shall be used to determine the ERU equivalent for the flow factor of various sizes of displacement type meters. Five-eighth-inch to three-quarter-inch meters shall have a flow factor equal to one ERU. This table shall be used to determine the ERU for calculation of general facility fees, regional capacity charges, and other such factors which require the determination of an ERU.
|
Meter Size |
Meter Flow Factor Equivalent ERUs |
Maximum Continuous Flow Rate (gpm) |
|---|---|---|
|
5/8" or 3/4" |
1.0 |
10 |
|
1" |
2.5 |
15 |
|
1.5" |
5.0 |
25 |
|
2" |
8.0 |
50 |
|
3" |
16.0 |
80 |
|
4" |
25.0 |
160 |
|
6" |
50.0 |
250 |
|
8" |
80.0 |
500 |
|
10" |
115.0 |
800 |
|
Marina pump-out station |
1.0 |
10 |
B. General Facility Fee – Water/Wastewater.
1. A general facility fee (GFF) shall be charged on all new or expanded service connections to a utility system pursuant to the unified fee schedule established for that utility service. The general facility fee shall be proportionate to the cost of providing facilities and services to previously unserviced property and all changes in use that increase water demand or wastewater discharges to the municipal utility system. The fee shall reflect the appropriate amount of the share for that connection to the utility’s system net allocable plant, and shall be computed based on equivalent residential units (ERUs). Existing connections within the system as of the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title shall be considered to have paid their proportionate share of the general facility fee for existing use.
2. Residential. Calculation of the general facility fee to determine the ERU equivalent assessment for residential service shall be computed based on the number of ERUs served and shall be apportioned and assessed as follows:
|
Single-family residence/Duplex/Zero-lot-line property |
1.00 ERU/unit |
|
Multifamily (3 or more attached units) |
0.85 ERU/unit |
|
Accessory dwelling units |
0.50 ERU/unit |
|
Hotel/motels |
0.25 ERU/unit |
3. Commercial/Industrial. Calculation of the general facility fee to determine the ERU equivalent assessment for commercial/industrial service shall be computed based on the water meter size, and shall be calculated according to the applicable standard flow factor set forth in Table 1.0 in subsection (A) of this section.
4. Irrigation Systems. Calculation of general facility fees to determine the ERU equivalent assessment for irrigation systems shall be computed based on the meter size of the area being irrigated, and shall be calculated according to the applicable standard flow factor set forth in Table 1.0 in subsection (A) of this section.
5. A utility service agreement shall be executed prior to issuance of a building permit for all new or expanded water and sewer service connections. The agreement shall include, but shall not be limited to, specifications of general facilities fees and associated charges for new or expanded water and sewer utility services.
The charges and fees specified in a utility service agreement shall be paid prior to issuance of a building permit for all new or expanded water and sewer service connections. These charges shall be in addition to rates and other fees, assessments, and charges established for utility service.
6. For additional services on previously serviced property and changes in use that increase water demand, utility connection charges shall be due within 30 days of the city’s notification mailing. If payment is not received within this period, all subsequent water utility payments of existing accounts for charges on this property shall be applied in the following hierarchy:
a. First priority: the general facility fee delinquent amount in arrears;
b. Second priority: utility service charges, delinquent amount in arrears;
c. Third priority: utility service charges, current billing period amount.
7. The utility’s general facility fee shall be in addition to any fees, rates or charges set forth in a special service agreement(s) or provisions for mitigation of impacts or requirements for expansion/upgrading to the utility system by any development or project, provided:
a. Utility general facility fee credits shall be given for the value of mitigation or improvements related to additional capacity. The credits shall be proportional to the additional capacity provided by the planned capital improvement portion of the utility general facility fee;
b. The total credit, if any, as provided in this subsection shall not exceed the amount of the utility general facility fee that applies to the additional capacity provided by the planned capital improvement portion of the utility general facility fee.
C. Connection/Inspection Fee – Water/Wastewater.
1. A connection/inspection fee shall be charged for all service connections to the utility system pursuant to the utility fee schedule.
2. Additional fees may be charged if a re-inspection is required as a result of the property owner’s/developer’s failure to comply with the correction notice from a prior inspection, inaccessibility of facilities for scheduled inspections, or an unsafe site.
3. In the event it becomes necessary to remove and restore surface improvements including but not limited to asphalt, concrete and concrete streets and sidewalks in order to install a service connection, an additional fee shall be levied pursuant to the unified fee schedule, or as set forth in this title.
4. The connection/inspection fee or deposit shall be assessed and paid at the time of execution of the utility service agreement.
5. For service to properties located outside the city limits, the applicable rates, charges and/or fees for a new service shall be 150 percent of the charge for a similar connection within the city limits, except that those making connection to an existing water association main under the provision of a specific agreement shall be subject to the same rates, fees and charges for properties located within the city limits.
D. Regional Capacity Charge (RCC) – Water.
1. A regional capacity charge (RCC) shall be assessed on all new or expanded service connections to the water system as published in the unified fee schedule. The RCC shall be proportionate to the cost of providing water facilities to previously unserviced property and all changes in use that increase water demand to the regional water system. The fee shall reflect the appropriate amount of the share for that connection to the regional assets in the utility system as defined in the wholesale water agreement between the city and Birch Bay Water and Sewer District, and shall be computed based on equivalent residential units (ERUs) set forth in this section. Existing connections within the system as of the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title shall be considered to have paid their proportionate share of the RCC for existing use.
2. A utility request form from public works shall be executed by the property owner prior to issuance of a building permit for all new or expanded water service connections including the associated charges for new or expanded water services. The charges and fees specified in the utility service agreement and in the unified fee schedule shall be paid prior to issuance of a building permit for all new or expanded water and sewer service connections. The rates, charges and fees set in a utility service agreement shall be in addition to any applicable rates and other fees, assessments, and charges established in the unified fee schedule for the utility service.
3. For additional services on previously serviced property and changes in use that increase water demand, utility connection charges shall be due within 30 days of the city’s notification mailing. If payment is not received within this period, all subsequent water utility payments of existing accounts for charges on this property shall be applied in the following hierarchy:
a. First priority: utility connection charges, delinquent amount in arrears;
b. Second priority: utility service charges, delinquent amount in arrears;
c. Third priority: utility service charges, current billing period amount.
4. The RCC fee shall be in addition to any fees, rates or charges set forth in a special service agreement(s) or provisions for mitigation of impacts or requirements for expansion/upgrading to the utility system by any development or project, provided:
a. RCC credits shall be given for the value of mitigation or improvements related to additional regional capacity. The credits shall be proportional to the additional capacity provided by the planned capital improvement portion of the utility general facility fee;
b. The total credit, if any, as provided in this subsection shall not exceed the amount of the utility general facility fee that applies to the additional capacity provided by the planned capital improvement portion of the utility general facility fee.
E. Local Facility Fee (LFF) – Water. Property owners seeking to establish a connection, directly or through branch line facilities, to local water system facilities to serve real property located within city-designated local service areas shall pay a local facility fee to ensure an equitable sharing in the costs of such facilities. The amount of the fee shall be calculated based on customer classifications within a local service area. Such classifications shall be rational and provide for equitable sharing of costs. Property owners that do not connect to the local system shall be exempt from the fee. The applicable LFF, including an interest charge, shall be set forth in the unified fee schedule.
When a developer uses private funds to construct improvements to the city’s water system facility, or portion thereof, to provide service within a city-designated service area that includes the developer’s development, if the city has a local facility fee that applies to such service area, a LFF credit will be given to the developer for the value of such improvements as provided herein. The amount of credit shall be proportional to the additional capacity provided by the privately funded improvement that is not necessary to serve the development as determined by the city engineer. “Additional capacity” means the system capacity that can be used to serve an area beyond the developer’s development within the designated service area and that is not necessary to serve the developer’s development. Nothing herein shall be construed as requiring the city to accept any particular improvements for credit purposes and the decision whether or not to accept any particular improvements is vested in the city’s sole discretion. Credits provided under this section are not transferable except to an individual lot owner within the service area.
F. Local Facility Fee (LFF) – Wastewater. Property owners seeking to establish a connection, directly or through branch line facilities, to local sewer system facilities to serve real property located within city-designated local service areas shall pay a local facility fee to ensure an equitable sharing in the costs of such facilities. The amount of the fee shall be calculated based on customer classifications within a local service area. Such classifications shall be rational and provide for equitable sharing of costs. Property owners that do not connect to the local system shall be exempt from the fee. The applicable LFF, including an interest charge, shall be set forth in the unified fee schedule.
When a developer uses private funds to construct improvements to the city’s sewer system facility, or portion thereof, to provide service within a city-designated service area that includes the developer’s development, if the city has a local facility fee that applies to such service area, a LFF credit will be given to the developer for the value of such improvements as provided herein. The amount of credit shall be proportional to the additional capacity provided by the privately funded improvement that is not necessary to serve the development as determined by the city engineer. “Additional capacity” means the system capacity that can be used to serve an area beyond the developer’s development within the designated service area and that is not necessary to serve the developer’s development. Nothing herein shall be construed as requiring the city to accept any particular improvements for credit purposes and the decision whether or not to accept any particular improvements is vested in the city’s sole discretion. Credits provided under this section are not transferable except to an individual lot owner within the service area. (2973 § 2, 2022; Ord. 2909 § 6 (Att. E), 2018; Ord. 2785 § 2, 2011; Ord. 2750 § 13, 2009; Ord. 2746 § 4, 2009; Ord. 2638 § 1, 2006; Ord. 2625 § 2, 2005; Ord. 2473 § 1, 2000; Ord. 2386 § 1, 1998; Ord. 2279 § 1, 1996; Ord. 2245 § 1, 1996; Ord. 2216 § 2, 1995)
13.07.030 Nonpermitted/illegal connections.
A. Illegal Discharge. An illegal discharge is a violation of this chapter. It is unlawful and a misdemeanor to make or cause to be made or to maintain any discharge to any portion of the city sanitary sewer system, directly or indirectly, without first having permission from the city, or to make any illegal discharge as defined in this title. Any illegal discharge is subject to enforcement as provided in Chapter 13.22 BMC.
B. Illegal Connection. An illegal connection is a violation of this chapter. It is unlawful and a misdemeanor to make or cause to be made or to maintain any sewer connection with any sewer system facility in the city or with any portion of the city’s sewer system which is connected directly or indirectly with any portion of the city sanitary sewer system without first having permission from the city, or to make any illegal connection as defined in this title. Any illegal connection is subject to enforcement as provided in Chapter 13.22 BMC.
C. Every day an illegal connection exists, and/ or an illegal discharge is made, shall be a separate violation.
D. An illegal connection may be shut off by the city five business days after delivery of written notice to the property owner of the illegal connection and the notice of intent to shut off and/or disconnect a connection. In addition to any other available remedies, any activity that is the cause of an illegal connection or an illegal discharge shall be either discontinued or disconnected from service immediately at the discretion of the public works director. Provided, however, if the city public works director determines that the unpermitted connection is causing a public health or safety concern, or damage to the operation or physical condition of the city’s sewer treatment facilities, the city public works director may direct the immediate disconnection of the nonpermitted connection after delivery of written notice to the property owner or posting notice on the property.
E. An illegal connection seeking to permit the connection shall be required to pay any applicable GFF, regional capacity charge, and any other applicable connection fees, charges, and penalties listed in the current unified fee schedule in effect at the time an application for connection is approved by the city in writing; not the fees applicable when the nonpermitted connection was made. All service charges for unpermitted connections prior to obtaining an approved connection shall accrue interest at the rate of 12 percent per annum from the date the illegal connection was discovered until paid in full. Prior to approving any nonpermitted connection, all fees, charges and any applicable service charges for the service received shall be paid in full prior to the approval of such connection. Any unpaid service charge, including interest and all owed connection fees for an unpermitted connection, shall be considered a delinquent utility payment and shall be a lien upon the property until paid in full.
F. In addition to any other remedy, including those in Chapter 13.22 BMC, the city may cause the disconnection of any illegal connections, and may repair facilities, treat contaminants, conduct environmental remediation, or any other damage caused by or related to the illegal discharge, at the cost of the violator and recover from the violator all costs incurred by the city in relation thereto. Such costs shall also be considered a past due and delinquent utility fee and be a lien upon the property. (Ord. 2909 § 6 (Att. E), 2018)
13.07.040 Rates – Water.
The rates, fees, charges, penalties, interest and required deposits for water service are set forth in the unified fee schedule. Any rate, fee, charge or similar set forth herein is in addition and supplemental to those set forth in the unified fee schedule.
A. Residential Water Service Charges. A water service charge shall be assessed for connection to and utilization of the municipal water system for the purpose of receiving water service pursuant to the utility fee schedule established for water service.
Rates for out-of-city municipal services shall be 150 percent of the municipal rate within city limits.
1. Residential Service Charge. The residential water service charge shall be calculated on a monthly billing with charges based on water meter size and volume of usage. The commodity charge shall be computed to the nearest 100 cubic feet. A “residential unit” shall be defined as a single-family living unit, with or without an accessory dwelling unit, served by a single water meter. The rates shall be as set in the unified fee schedule.
2. Residential Low-Income Senior/Certified Disabled Service. The residential water service charge for low-income senior/disabled shall be calculated on a monthly billing with charges based on meter size and volume of usage. The rates shall be as set in the unified fee schedule. The commodity charge shall be computed to the nearest 100 cubic feet. For procedures and qualifications for low-income senior/disabled service rate adjustments, see BMC 13.18.010(D).
B. Sprinkler and Fire Protection Service Charges. The fire protection service charge for water shall be assessed for connection to and utilization of the municipal water system for the purpose of receiving fire service protection pursuant to the utility fee schedule established for fire protection services. The fire protection service rate shall be billed monthly and shall be based on the size and type of service provided.
Fire protection service charges set forth herein shall be granted only during such times as there is no appreciable registration by meters maintained by the utility. Water used for purposes other than extinguishing fires through a fire service connection shall be charged at a rate not less than double the residential rate provided by this chapter.
Rates for out-of-city municipal services shall be 150 percent of the municipal rate within city limits.
C. Temporary/Construction Water Service Charges. The temporary/construction water service charge shall be assessed to all users of the water system for the purpose of receiving temporary/construction water services, pursuant to the utility fee schedule established for temporary/construction water service charges.
The charges for service, less deposit, shall be calculated at the conclusion of use and shall be based on the type and size of the meter and volume of water used. The commodity charge shall be computed to the nearest 100 cubic feet. The base charge shall include meter and appurtenance rental and set-up charge.
Persons desiring temporary water service from a fire hydrant, hose connection, or meter for the purposes of construction, special events, or other activities that are limited in duration shall make application to the utility on the form provided and make a deposit pursuant to the utility fee schedule established for temporary/construction meters.
Temporary/construction meters shall be limited to six-month duration and may be renewed subject to approval by the operations manager and payment received for service rendered to date.
Rates for out-of-city municipal services shall be 150 percent of the municipal rate within city limits.
D. Wholesale Water Service Charges. The utility may enter into agreements to sell surplus or wholesale water to other public agencies or special purpose service districts organized pursuant to the laws of the state. Such service shall be provided through a special service agreement under such terms and under such conditions as established by the city council. All surplus and/or wholesale water special service agreements shall be subject to approval by the Blaine city council.
E. Federal Agency Service Charges. A “federal agency” unit shall be defined as a federal agency account serviced by a single water meter. The federal agency service charge for water shall be calculated on a monthly billing with charges based on water meter size and volume of usage. The commodity charge shall be computed to the nearest 100 cubic feet. The applicable rates shall be set forth in the unified fee schedule. (Ord. 2909 § 6 (Att. E), 2018; Ord. 2750 § 9, 2009; Ord. 2746 § 4, 2009; Ord. 2566 § 2, 2004; Ord. 2222 § 2, 1996; Ord. 2216 § 2, 1995)
13.07.060 Rates – Wastewater.
The rates, fees, charges, penalties, interest and required deposits for wastewater service are set forth in the unified fee schedule. Any rate, fee, charge or similar set forth herein is in addition and supplemental to those set forth in the unified fee schedule.
A. Wastewater Service Charges. A wastewater service charge shall be assessed for connection to and utilization of the municipal wastewater system for the purpose of receiving wastewater service pursuant to the unified fee schedule. To preserve a reservation of capacity in the system obtained by the payment of a general facilities fee, owners of vacant or temporarily unoccupied structures or dwellings who have turned off water service shall pay minimum monthly charges to support costs of operating and maintaining the wastewater system which has been designed to accommodate their active use. This monthly “inactive service” rate shall be a percentage of the normal service/base rate as published in the unified fee schedule. Failure to pay these minimum monthly charges will result in assessment of the current general facilities fee prior to restoring service.
Certain types of commercial and/or industrial customers that have disposal and/or treatment requirements that exceed the standard waste loads of the city’s sewer treatment plant shall be required to execute a special services agreement. Such users include but are not limited to the following: high strength, fish processes, some home occupations, and other nonresidential customers that in the opinion of the city public works director require a special service agreement to assure the applicable waste load surchage limits set forth in this section are met and the city sewer treatment plant and operations are protected.
All fees for services provided outside the city limits shall be charged at 150 percent of the municipal rate within the city limits and will be permitted only per the provisions in BMC 13.08.411.
1. Residential Single-Family or Duplex Service Charge. The residential service charge for wastewater shall be a flat monthly base rate per unit. A “residential unit” is defined as a single-family, with or without an accessory dwelling unit, single-family attached or duplex dwelling unit (counted as two units) regardless of ownership, including condominiums.
2. Accessory Dwelling Unit Charge. No additional water meter will be issued for the servicing of an ADU. The service charge for wastewater for both units shall be a flat monthly rate of 150 percent of the single-family charge.
3. Residential Low-Income Senior/Certified Disabled Service Charge. The residential wastewater service charge for low-income senior/disabled shall be a flat monthly base rate as indicated in the unified fee schedule. To receive this discount the resident must have a separate billing account associated with either a water or electric meter. For procedures and qualifications for low-income senior/disabled service rate adjustments, see BMC 13.18.010(D).
4. Residential Multifamily Service Charge. The residential multifamily wastewater service charge shall be a flat monthly base rate charged to the multifamily dwelling per the number of units served. Detached units shall require a separate water meter per unit and shall be billed as single-family/duplex rate. Multifamily rate will apply to the number of units served by a building structure, where there are three or more attached dwellings. Condominium multifamily dwellings served by a single water meter may elect for the entire building to have their wastewater service charges associated with the electrical meter accounts for the purpose of receiving individual monthly billing for each unit billed at the appropriate rate per the unified fee schedule.
5. Commercial/Industrial Service Charge. Commercial/industrial wastewater service charges shall be assessed for connection to and use of the municipal wastewater system for collection and treatment at the monthly rates established by resolution in the unified fee schedule. The monthly commercial/industrial wastewater service charge shall be calculated based on customer class, water meter size, and volume of water usage. The customer classification is determined by the type of business or industry and the strength of the waste delivered by the customer as detailed in Table 2.0. The monthly base charge shall be established by water meter size and include a base amount of flow in hundreds of cubic feet (ccf). A commodity charge shall be assessed monthly based on flow volumes (in ccf) exceeding the amount included in the base charge. An additional surcharge for high strength and other special use customers which exceed maximum thresholds of waste load for BOD (biochemical oxygen demand), TSS (total suspended solids), and other characteristics detailed per contract shall be assessed on a monthly basis. A special service agreement for high strength and special use customers is required prior to commencement of service.
B. Commercial Classifications.
1. Standard Strength. Commercial/industrial customers shall pay the rates and charges for standard strength (nonhigh or unique wastes) as further described in this section and Table 2.0, and as set forth in the unified fee schedule. A special agreement may be required in the discretion of the city public works director if it is determined that there are conditions that require testing or monitoring of the waste discharge. As an alternative to monthly billing based on the water meter usage, property owner may request a special services agreement.
2. High Strength. Prohibited and restricted discharges (BMC 13.08.245 to 13.08.255) to the city sewer system are not considered a permissible high strength discharge subject to requirements of this section. Commercial/industrial customers that deliver organic effluent to the city sewer system at levels that exceed 30 pounds of waste load for BOD (biochemical oxygen demand) or TSS (total suspended solids) shall be classified as high strength (see Table 2.0). An additional surcharge for high strength customers which exceed 120 pounds of waste load shall be assessed on a monthly basis based on test results.
a. Any property owner or operator delivering high strength discharge to the city sewer system shall be required to execute a special service agreement with the city prior to any discharge of high strength discharge to the city sanitary sewer system. Discharge of high strength discharge to the city sanitary sewer system without a special agreement in place or in violation of a special agreement shall be an illegal discharge. Under a special agreement a strength surcharge based on BOD and TSS poundage values measured by tests conducted during the billing period shall be assessed when appropriate. In order to conduct these tests, the installation of a control manhole shall be required as provided for in BMC 13.07.080 and 13.08.265. Customer classes shall be based on the sewage strength as defined herein:
|
Commercial/Industrial Classification |
BOD |
TSS |
|---|---|---|
|
Class I – Standard Strength |
0 – 30 lbs/day |
0 – 30 lbs/day |
|
Class II – High Strength |
> 30 lbs/day |
> 30 lbs/day |
All discharges to the city sewer system shall be limited as set forth in Table 2.1, below.
|
Commercial/Industrial Classification |
Surcharge Limits |
Maximum Limits |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
BOD |
TSS |
BOD |
TSS |
|
Class II – High Strength |
120 lbs/ |
120 lbs/ |
200 lbs/ |
200 lbs/ |
High strength customers shall not exceed the maximum limits set forth in Table 2.1 of this section without prior approval from the public works director in the form of a special agreement pursuant to BMC 13.07.080, and may only occur after two weeks after the approval of such agreement. Customers shall be required to dispose of waste product which will exceed maximum limits, at their sole expense, to an off-site disposal facility. Exceeding the maximum limits without prior written approval from the public works director in the form of a special service agreement constitutes an illegal discharge and shall be subject to enforcement as provided in this title, including all applicable fines and fees. Repeat offenses may result in termination of high strength service as per the terms of this title and any provision of a special service agreement for disposal. Upon termination of a special service agreement the customer shall be required to dispose of all high strength waste to an off-site facility at their sole expense.
3. Commercial/industrial customers classified as high strength discharge who believe they have practices that minimize the impact on the waste load to a level that meets standard strength parameters may appeal their classification as set forth herein:
a. Completion and submittal to the public works department of a written request for a change of classification. Submittal must be accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation detailing the strength and volume of wastewater being discharged from the property owner’s premises into the municipal system. Such analysis shall be completed in accordance with the latest edition of standard methods by personnel certified in the monitoring and testing of commercial and industrial wastewater effluent.
b. The city public works director may grant the reclassification, require additional testing, and/or deny the reclassification. The city reserves the right to require the property owner to install monitoring manholes/test stations and equipment, and periodically require additional testing to ensure proper classification of the service. The city, in addition to all other rights and remedies, shall have the right to periodically test and inspect all wastewater flow meters installed by property owners for recording wastewater flows, and/or require the property owners to provide for the testing and inspection of the wastewater flow meters, and submit a written certified report of the findings to the city.
c. Appeals of the city public works director’s decision may be appealed pursuant to BMC 13.22.060.
C. Fish Processors. Fish processors discharging effluent to the city sewer system shall be required to execute a special service agreement prior to any discharge. The city may require that the owner and/or operator of a facility discharging to the city sanitary sewer system install and maintain a facility for pretreatment based on the nature and make-up of discharge to the city’s sanitary sewer system. Pretreatment may include removal of the following characteristics as approved by the public works director:
1. Removal of solids greater than one-quarter inch in size to include entrails and offal.
2. Removal or reduction of dyes and pigments to an acceptable level.
3. Reduction of BOD and TSS loading to the limits acceptable under the high strength standard.
Off-site fish processors are required at their sole expense to dispose off site in a lawful manner all waste products from the pretreatment process determined to be unacceptable for delivery to the LPWRF by the city public works director.
Wastewater rates for the collection, treatment, and disposal of domestic wastewater and pretreated fish processing water via the city sanitary sewer system shall be assessed at the commercial wastewater service rate as high strength discharge or as specified in a special service agreement.
D. Special Discharges. Wastewater customers that engage in processes which pose a potential risk of delivering either restricted discharges (BMC 13.08.245 to 13.08.255) as part of routine operations, or are an irregular discharge such as a recreational vehicle dump station, may require a special service agreement that requires pretreatment of the waste for discharge to the sewer system, if allowable, as provided for in BMC 13.08.275.
E. Bulk Transport Disposal Services. The LPWRF is not designed to accept bulk transport or septage waste. Bulk disposal services disposal of septage or similar waste into the city systems shall be prohibited.
F. Wholesale Wastewater Services. The utility may receive and treat wastewater from adjacent wastewater districts and other public agencies that have been organized pursuant to the laws of the state. Such service shall be through a wholesale contract, under such terms and conditions established by the Blaine city council. All special service agreements that provide for wholesale wastewater treatment shall be approved by the Blaine city council.
G. Federal Agency Service Charges. A “federal agency” unit shall be defined as a federal agency account serviced by a single water meter. The federal agency wastewater service charge shall be calculated on a monthly billing based on customer class, water meter size, and volume of water usage. See unified fee schedule for rate information.
H. Recreational Vehicle Dump Stations. A special agreement for customers with ancillary recreational vehicle dump stations shall be required, as provided for in BMC 13.08.275. Recreational vehicle dump stations shall be assessed a separate monthly service charge as an ancillary use in addition to the monthly service charge of the primary facility. Recreational vehicle dump stations may require a facility for pretreatment based on the nature and makeup of discharge to the city’s wastewater system per Chapter 13.08 BMC. Potable water facilities located within 50 feet of the dump station must provide backflow protection with a reverse backflow prevention assembly approved by the public works director. For the purposes of this title, a recreational vehicle, recreational vehicle park including a recreational vehicle dump station, which includes a sanitary dumping station, are as defined in BMC 17.108.020, 17.108.040, and 17.108.050.
I. Charges for Unpolluted Water (i.e., Storm Water) Discharges. Owners of properties where such prohibited discharges described in BMC 13.08.235 have been identified shall be given written notice of violation providing 60 days for elimination of the discharge, unless the city public works director determines that a shorter notice period is necessary for public health and safety and/or the safe operations of the city’s sewer treatment plant. If the property owner fails to comply within the time provided, the city public works director shall notify the city finance department of such violation, and initiate monthly charges to the property at triple the normal monthly service charge as provided in the unified fee schedule. On confirmation by the city public works department that the prohibited discharge has been eliminated, the city finance department will resume billing at the previolation rate.
J. The city reserves the right to periodically test and inspect all wastewater flow meters installed by property owners for recording wastewater flows, and/or require the property owners to provide for the testing and inspection of the wastewater flow meters, and submit a written certified report of the findings to the city.
K. Other Commercial Discharges. Other commercial or industrial waste discharges that deliver waste other than toilet waste to the sanitary sewer system may require assessment of the composition of the waste delivery to ensure that it complies with the city NPDES and code requirements (specifically BMC 13.08.245 to 13.08.255). A special service agreement may be required by the public works director.
L. Any disposal of waste to the city of Blaine sanitary sewer system required for off-site disposal shall be considered an illegal discharge as defined in this title and shall be subject to all applicable fines and fees and shall be enforced to the full extent of the law as outlined in Chapter 13.22 BMC. (Ord. 2909 § 6 (Att. E), 2018; Ord. 2785 § 3, 2011; Ord. 2780 § 1, 2010; Ord. 2760 § 1, 2010; Ord. 2750 § 10, 2009; Ord. 2746 § 4, 2009; Ord. 2660 § 1, 2007; Ord. 2596 §§ 1, 2, 2004; Ord. 2566 § 3, 2004; Ord. 2266 § 1, 1996; Ord. 2222 § 2, 1996; Ord. 2216 § 2, 1995)
13.07.070 Payment during suspension of water and wastewater service.
Any property owner with facilities served by a city wastewater connection who suspends water and wastewater service must continue to pay the monthly inactive wastewater service rate listed in the unified fee schedule in order to preserve entitlement to a wastewater connection. Failure to pay these reduced monthly rates will result in the owner being required to pay the accumulated past due inactive service charges or the current general facility fee, whichever is less, prior to reactivation of the service. (Ord. 2909 § 6 (Att. E), 2018; Ord. 2746 § 4, 2009)
13.07.080 Special service agreement.
A. A special service agreement may be required for commercial/industrial customers having disposal needs which exceed standard waste loads to the plant (i.e., high strength, fish processors, etc.) as determined by the city public works director. Special service agreement for wastewater disposal shall on a form approved by the city attorney and may be executed by the city public works director. A special service agreement shall include, at a minimum, the following components:
1. Billing/rate computation;
2. Testing and reporting;
3. Discharge rates, including added surcharges for exceeding thresholds of waste loads, or a strength surcharge based on BOD and TSS poundage values measured by tests conducted during the billing periods;
4. NPDES permit requirements;
5. Special discharge notification/alert;
6. Special needs/facilities;
7. Seasonal demands (if required);
8. Special discharge pretreatment (if required);
9. Prohibited discharges;
10. Dispute resolution.
B. Special service agreement shall specify under what conditions or limits, if any, waste products cannot be accepted for discharge and therefore shall be identified for off-site disposal (BMC 13.08.245 to 13.08.255). In all special service agreements, the city shall have the right to periodically test and inspect all wastewater flow meters installed by property owners for recording wastewater flows, and/or require the property owners to provide for the testing and inspection of the wastewater flow meters, and submit a written certified report of the findings to the city.
C. Operations, maintenance, repair and calibration of such metering devices shall remain the responsibility of the property owner. Failure by the property owner to properly maintain such devices shall not be grounds for billing adjustment. (Ord. 2909 § 6 (Att. E), 2018)
13.07.090 Reserved.
(Ord. 2909 § 6 (Att. E), 2018)
13.07.100 Miscellaneous fees and charges.
The city shall set all rates, fees, charges and assessments in the unified fee schedule to recover all or a portion of its administrative and operational expenses related to the services set forth herein.
A. Service fee – Office. Reserved.
B. Service fee – Field.
1. A service fee shall be charged for all service calls to the owner’s premises pursuant to the utility fee and rate schedule established for utility service. Service calls shall include but not be limited to turn-on/turn-off of water service, after-hours utility location requests, cross-connection control inspection, testing of meters, after-hours service calls, and repeat service calls during normal working hours.
2. After-hours, weekend, and holiday service requests shall require acknowledgment by signature of the requesting party on the form which identifies the additional services and fees provided by the service specialist. The service fee shall be added to the regular utility billing for service in accordance with the unified fee schedule. (Ord. 2909 § 6 (Att. E), 2018; Ord. 2746 § 4, 2009; Ord. 2216 § 2, 1995)