Chapter 13.08 SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM

A. “B.O.D.” (denoting biochemical oxygen demand) means the quantity of oxygen utilized in the biochemical oxidation of organic matter under standard laboratory procedure in five days at twenty degrees centigrade expressed in parts per million by weight.

B. “Building drain” means that part of the lowest horizontal piping of the drainage system which receives the discharge from soil, waste, and other drainage pipes inside the walls of the building and conveys it to the building sewer, beginning five feet outside the inner face of the building wall.

C. “Building sewer” means the extension from the building drain to the public sewer or other place of disposal.

D. “Combined sewer” means a sewer receiving both surface runoff and sewage.

E. “Garbage” means solid wastes from the preparation, cooking, and dispensing of food, and from the handling, storage, and sale of produce.

F. “Industrial wastes” means the liquid wastes from industrial processes as distinct from sanitary sewage.

G. “Natural outlet” means any outlet into a watercourse, pond, ditch, lake or other body of surface or groundwater.

H. “Person” means any individual, firm, company, association, society, corporation, or group.

I. “pH” means the logarithm of the reciprocal of the weight of hydrogen ions in grams per liter of solution.

J. “Properly shredded garbage” means the wastes from the preparation, cooking and dispensing of food that have been shredded to such degree that all particles will be carried freely under the flow conditions normally prevailing in public sewers, with no particle greater than one-half inch in any dimension.

K. “Public sewer” means a sewer in which all owners of abutting properties have equal rights, and is controlled by public authority.

L. “Sanitary sewer” means a sewer which carries sewage and to which storms, surface and ground waters are not intentionally admitted.

M. “Sewage” means a combination of the water-carried wastes from residences, business buildings, institutions, and industrial establishments.

N. “Sewage treatment plant” means any arrangement of devices and structures used for treating sewage.

O. “Sewage works” means all facilities for collecting, pumping, treating and disposing of sewage.

P. “Sewer” means a pipe or conduit for carrying sewage.

Q. “Shall” is mandatory; “may” is permissive.

R. “Slug” means any discharge of water, sewage, or industrial waste which in concentration of any given constituent or in quantity of flow exceeds for any period of duration longer than fifteen minutes more than five times the average twenty-four-hour concentration or flows during normal operation.

S. “Storm sewer” or “storm drain” means a sewer which carries storm and surface waters and drainage but excludes sewage and polluted industrial wastes.

T. “Superintendent” wherever used in this chapter shall be held and construed to mean the city manager, and any act in this chapter required or authorized to be done by the superintendent may be done on behalf of the superintendent by an authorized employee.

U. “Suspended solids” means solids that either float on the surface of, or are in suspension in, water, sewage, or other liquids, and which are removable by a laboratory filtering.

V. “Watercourse” means a channel in which a flow of water occurs, either continuously or intermittently.

W. Word Construction. “Person” or “customer” wherever used in Chapter 13.04 and this chapter means and includes person of either sex, associations, copartnerships, and corporations, whether acting by themselves or by a servant, agent or employee; the singular number shall be held and construed to include the plural and the masculine pronoun to include the feminine. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1061 §9, 1990; prior code §§14.08.010--14.08.200)

13.08.020 Definitions for rate making purposes.

A. An “apartment house” is a building containing two or more family units.

B. “Bungalow apartments” are a group of buildings containing three or more apartment units under separate roofs, or which are supplied by a central heating plant, or all being under the same ownership; provided further, that central heating plant shall not cross any dedicated street or alley; and provided further, that the superintendent of the sewer department shall determine the size of the building sewer service pipe to said premises.

C. A “duplex apartment” is a building containing two apartment units only.

D. Combination commercial business and domestic consumers under the same roof, or a detached building occupying the same platted lots directly in rear of the main building served through one connection, are two units.

E. A “boarding house” is one having four or more boarders, but considered one unit.

F. An “apartment” is one or more rooms used for housekeeping in which there is a sink and the charge shall be the same as a dwelling unit rate.

G. A “trailer court” is a commercial business which has two or more trailer family units.

H. One person occupying a building constitutes a family.

I. A “multiple tenant business” is a building containing two or more separate businesses which is served through one sewer connection. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1060 §1, 1990; prior code §14.08.210)

13.08.030 Sewer department main connection.

A connection to the sewer department main must be made on the same lot as is occupied, wholly or in part, by a building. Service pipes must not run to dwellings on other lots, unless authorized by the superintendent. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.08.220)

13.08.040 Placing sewer main tap.

No person shall place a tap in the sewer mains unless authorized and inspected by the superintendent or other authorized personnel. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.08.230)

13.08.050 Tapping mains--Notice.

Notice shall be given to the sewer department at least forty-eight hours in advance for tapping the mains. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.08.240)

13.08.060 Latecomer agreements defined.

“Latecomer agreements” shall be agreements executed pursuant to RCW 35.91.010 et seq. wherein the city may contract with owners of real estate for the construction of water and sewer facilities serving the property, which property is located within the city or within ten miles from the city limits, and whereby the city may provide a fair pro rata share of reimbursement to the owners from persons who subsequently share in the use of such facilities after the construction and dedication thereof to the city, and acceptance by the city of such facilities. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.08.250)

ARTICLE II. ADMINISTRATION

13.08.070 Sewer department--Created.

There is created in the water-sewer utility department of the city a subdepartment to be known as the sewer department. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.12.010)

13.08.080 Officials designated.

The superintendent of the sewer department shall have in his charge and under his control the management, maintenance, and operation of the sewer department of the city including all the system, auxiliary pumping apparatus, treatment plants, pipes and of all persons employed thereon, and of all construction work undertaken. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1061 §10, 1990; prior code §14.12.020)

13.08.100 Cooperation of other departments.

It shall be the duties of the employees of the police, engineering, fire and street departments to give vigilant aid to the superintendent of the sewer department in the enforcement of Chapter 13.04 and this chapter, and to this end they shall report all violations thereof, which come to their knowledge, to the office of the superintendent of the sewer department. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.12.040)

13.08.110 Engineering.

The city engineer and his deputies shall, upon request of the superintendent of the sewer department, do all the engineering and surveying required in the prosecution of any work to be done under the direction of the superintendent, and shall furnish him full reports of such civil engineering and surveying, and the expense thereof shall be charged to the sewer department. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.12.060)

13.08.120 Right of entry.

The superintendent and other duly authorized employees of the city bearing proper credentials and identification shall be permitted to enter all properties for the purposes of inspection, observation, measurement, sampling, and testing in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. The superintendent or his representatives shall have no authority to inquire into any processes including metallurgical, chemical, oil, refining, ceramic, paper, or other industries beyond that point having direct bearing on the kind and source of discharge to the sewers or waterways or facilities for waste treatment. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.12.070)

13.08.130 Conduct of inspections--Liability.

While performing the necessary work on private properties referred to in Section 13.08.120, the superintendent or duly authorized employees of the city shall observe all safety rules applicable to the premises established by the company and the company shall be held harmless for injury or death to the city employees and the city shall indemnify the company against loss or damage to its property by city employees and against liability claims and demands for personal injury or property damage asserted against the company and growing out of the gauging and sampling operation, except as such may be caused by negligence or failure of the company to maintain safe conditions as required in Section 13.08.590. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.12.080)

13.08.140 Easement access.

The superintendent and other duly authorized employees of the city bearing proper credentials and identification shall be permitted to enter all private properties through which the city holds a duly negotiated easement for the purposes of, but not limited to, inspection, observation, measurement, sampling, repair, and maintenance of any portion of the sewage works lying within the easement. All entry and subsequent work, if any, on said easement, shall be done in full accordance with the terms of the duly negotiated easement pertaining to the private property involved. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.12.090)

ARTICLE III. FEES--RATES--CHARGES

13.08.150 Overhead charges.

There may be charged to the sewer department such sum per year, as the city council may fix as a general expense item, for reimbursement to the department of finance and utilities department and office of city attorney for general supervision and additional work of the departments for the sewer department. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.16.010)

13.08.160 Sewer service connection charge.

From and after July 1, 2007, all new sewer service connections inside the city shall be charged as follows according to the corresponding water meter size:

Meter Size	Inside City	Outside City
3/4"	$3,000	$6,000
1"	$4,500	$9,000
1 1/2"	$6,000	$12,000
2"	$12,000	$24,000
3"	$18,000	$36,000
4" or greater	$36,000	$72,000

Starting on January 1st of the year 2029, and every year thereafter, a two and one-half percent annual increase shall be imposed on fees and fee schedules within this chapter. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1364 §3, 2007: Ord. 1352 §6, 2006)

13.08.165 Special connection charge.

A. Imposed.

1. In addition to sewer line connection permit fees required by ordinance, there is imposed upon the owners of properties which have not been assessed or charged or borne an equitable share of the cost of the city’s sewer system shall pay prior to connection to a city sewer line a special connection charge in an amount to be computed under subsection (A)(2) of this section.

2. The special connection charge shall be paid in cash or under installment contract with interest thereon at a rate commensurate with the annual one-year rate for U.S. Treasury notes and bonds, adjusted for constant maturities, as published in the Federal Reserve Bulletin or otherwise available from the Federal Reserve Bank, for the year connection is made with the city sewer line, computed annually on unpaid balances. Such contract shall provide for a down payment of five percent of the total connection charge, payable upon execution of such contract and for payment of the balance in forty quarterly installments payable on each January 1st, April 1st, July 1st and October 1st. Such installment contract shall provide that any unpaid balance may be paid in full in any year at the time the first quarterly payment of such year is due and payable, shall describe the property served by the sewer line, shall be acknowledged by the property owner and shall be recorded by the Goldendale city clerk, in the office of the Klickitat County auditor, at the expense of the property owner. Delinquent payments under such installment contract 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 and concurrent method of enforcing the lien, the sewer service to such property may be cut off in accordance with RCW 35.67.290 until the delinquent installments are paid. Upon full payment of the contract, the Goldendale city clerk on behalf of the city shall execute and deliver to the property owner a release of such lien.

B. Computation.

1. The special connection charge imposed in subsection (A)(1) of this section, in order that property owners bear their equitable share of the cost of the sewer line system, shall be computed as follows:

a. For Lateral Sewer Lines. The number of units of property frontage to be served by the sewer line, determined in the manner prescribed in RCW 35.44.030 and 35.44.040 for determining “assessable units of frontage” or by such other method or combination of methods of computing assessments which may be deemed to more fairly reflect the special benefits to the property being assessed as authorized in RCW 35.44.047; provided, that, for all sewer lines that are connected more than one year after the city sewer line was constructed, interest shall be added thereto at a rate commensurate with the annual one-year rate for U.S. Treasury notes and bonds, adjusted for constant maturities, as published in the Federal Reserve Bulletin or otherwise available from the Federal Reserve Bank, for the year the city sewer line was or is completed and available for connection until the connection is made, but excluding both the year of completion of construction and the year connection is made; except that for connection to sewer lines constructed prior to 1953, interest shall be added thereto at the one-year rate for U.S. Treasury notes and bonds, adjusted for constant maturities, for the year 1953. Interest charged pursuant to this subsection (B)(1)(a)shall not exceed ten percent per year and shall not exceed ten years.

b. For Main Sewer Lines. The rate of assessment per square feet of property area to be served by the sewer line shall be determined on the basis that special benefits are conferred on the property in the manner prescribed in RCW 35.44.030 and 35.44.040 or by such other method or combination of methods of computing assessments which may be deemed to more fairly reflect the special benefits to the property being assessed as authorized by RCW 35.44.047; provided, that, for all sewer lines that are connected more than one year after the city sewer line was constructed, interest shall be added thereto at a rate commensurate with the annual one-year rate for U.S. Treasury notes and bonds, adjusted for constant maturities, as published in the Federal Reserve Bulletin or otherwise available from the Federal Reserve Bank, for the year the city sewer line was or is completed and available for connection until the connection is made, but excluding both the year of completion of construction and the year connection is made, except that, for connection to sewer lines constructed prior to 1953, interest shall be added thereto at the one-year rate for U.S. Treasury notes and bonds, adjusted for constant maturities for the year 1953. Interest charged pursuant to this subsection (B)(1)(b) shall not exceed ten percent per year and shall not exceed ten years.

C. Such special connection charge for property abutting on a street in which a sewer line can be constructed or extended to serve such property shall be computed as if the sewer line were so constructed or extended; and the special connection charge for property located back from the margin of the street in which the sewer line exists and outside of the assessment district created therefor shall be made giving consideration to the distance of the property from the street margin. In no case shall credit be allowed for the cost of extra length of side sewer line required for connection to the city’s sewer lineage system; provided, that in cases where application of the foregoing formula to a particular property results in a charge which because of unusual conditions is in excess of charges to similar properties, the city clerk is authorized to reduce the special connection charge to the amount charged to properties similarly situated.

D. For connection to side sewer lines constructed by the city, the property owner for whose benefit connection is made shall pay the cost of the side sewer line. The cost shall be computed as follows: the actual cost to the city of the side sewer line, plus fifteen percent for city design and administrative costs, plus interest at a rate commensurate with the annual one-year rate for U.S. Treasury notes and bonds adjusted for constant maturities, as published in the Federal Reserve Bulletin or otherwise available from the Federal Reserve Bank, for the year the city sewer line was or is completed and available for connection and applied until the connection is made, but excluding both the year of completion of construction and the year connection is made. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1248 §2, 1999)

13.08.170 Warrant against water-sewer utility fund.

If any connection or any needed repair to an existing condition shall not be made within the time herein provided, the city council is authorized and directed to cause the same to be made and to file a statement of the costs thereof with the city clerk-treasurer, and thereupon a warrant shall be issued under the direction of the city council by the city clerk-treasurer and against the water-sewer utility fund for the payment of such cost. The amount of such cost, together with a penalty of fifty dollars, plus interest at ten percent per year upon the total amount of such costs and penalty, shall be assessed against the property upon which the building or structure is situated and shall become a lien thereon as hereinafter provided. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.16.030)

13.08.180 Service rates and charges.

A. For purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply:

1. “Residential users” is defined as a residential dwelling unit which dwelling unit has its own separate water meter and serves less than four units.

2. “Commercial user” is defined as any user which is not a residential user.

B. The monthly charges for public sewer service for a residential user inside the city limits shall be as follows:

1. Each residential user shall pay a base charge of thirty-one dollars and fifty cents, which includes the first one thousand cubic feet of water consumption.

2. In addition to the base charge, each residential user shall pay seventy cents per each one hundred cubic feet of water consumption over and above the first one thousand cubic feet of water consumption. This amount shall be based upon the average water consumption for the previous period between November 15th and March 15th. This average water consumption shall be used for billing purposes for each billing period from April 1st of one year to March 1st of the following year.

3. A residential user who does not establish an average monthly consumption during the period between November 15th and March 15th because of absence, nonownership or other such similar reason shall pay the sum of thirty-one dollars and fifty cents per unit per month until such time as the residential user establishes the average water consumption as set forth in subsection (B)(2) of this section.

C. Residential Users Outside City Limits. The monthly charges for public sewer service for a residential user shall be as follows:

1. Each residential user shall pay a base charge of forty-seven dollars and twenty-five cents which includes the first one thousand cubic feet of water consumption.

2. In addition to the base charge, each residential user shall pay one dollar and five cents per each one hundred cubic feet of water consumption over and above the first one thousand cubic feet of water consumption. This amount shall be based upon the average water consumption for the previous period between November 15th and March 15th. This average water consumption shall be used for billing purposes for each billing period from April 1st of one year to March 1st of the following year.

3. A residential user who does not establish an average monthly consumption during the period between November 15th and March 15th because of absence, nonownership or other such similar reason shall pay the sum of forty-seven dollars and twenty-five cents per unit each month until such time as the residential user establishes the average water consumption as set forth in subsection (C)(2) of this section.

D. The monthly charges for public sewer service for a commercial user inside the city limits shall be as follows:

1. Each commercial user shall pay a base charge determined by the size of water meter as follows:

Sewer Rates

Inside City limits

Base Meter Charge
Meter Size	Year 2024	Year 2025	Year 2026	Year 2027	Year 2028
3/4"	$55.80	$65.29	$76.38	$83.26	$90.75
1"	$83.70	$97.93	$114.58	$124.89	$136.13
1 1/2"	$167.40	$195.86	$229.15	$249.78	$272.26
2"	$279.00	$326.43	$381.92	$416.30	$453.76
3"	$558.00	$652.86	$763.85	$832.59	$907.53
4"	$837.00	$979.29	$1,145.77	$1,248.89	$1,361.29

2. Multiple User Service Charge. Sewer customers with multiple dwellings, multiple motel units, mobile home parks, or RV parks may be served by a master meter, if authorized by the city, and shall be charged the minimum charge for one thousand cubic feet of water and shall, in addition, pay a minimum monthly charge for each of such additional dwellings, motel units or cabins served through the meter as follows:

a. For each additional dwelling a minimum charge for five hundred cubic feet of: see table below.

b. For each mobile home in a mobile home park a minimum charge for five hundred cubic feet of: see table below.

c. For each additional motel unit or hotel room or cabin a minimum charge for five hundred cubic feet of: see table below.

d. For each RV space of transient mobile unit space a minimum charge for five hundred cubic feet of: see table below.

	Year 2024	Year 2025	Year 2026	Year 2027	Year 2028
a.	$12.00	$14.04	$16.43	$17.91	$19.52
b.	$6.00	$7.02	$8.21	$8.95	$9.76
c.	$6.00	$7.02	$8.21	$8.95	$9.76
d.	$6.00	$7.02	$8.21	$8.95	$9.76

For each of the above, the overage charge as set forth in subsection (D)(3) of this section shall apply.

3. In addition to the base charge, each commercial user shall pay one dollar and forty cents per each one hundred cubic feet of water consumption over and above the first one thousand cubic feet of water consumption. This amount shall be based upon the average water consumption for the previous period between November 15th and March 15th. This average water consumption shall be used for billing purposes for each billing period from April 1st of one year to March 1st of the following year.

E. The monthly charges for public sewer service for a commercial user outside the city limits shall be as follows:

1. Each commercial user outside the city limits shall pay a base charge determined by the size of water meter as follows:

Sewer Rates

Outside City Limits

Base Meter Charge
Meter Size	Year 2024	Year 2025	Year 2026	Year 2027	Year 2028
3/4"	$83.70	$97.93	$114.58	$124.89	$136.13
1"	$125.56	$146.90	$171.87	$187.34	$204.20
1 1/2"	$251.10	$293.79	$343.73	$374.67	$408.39
2"	$418.50	$489.65	$572.88	$624.44	$680.64
3"	$837.00	$979.26	$1,145.77	$1,248.89	$1,361.98
4"	$1,254.30	$1,467.53	$1,717.01	$1,871.54	$2,039.98

F. Where a commercial user’s sewer charges cannot be determined under subsection B of this section because of the inability to meter water to determine domestic sewage use, then a determination of use of the domestic sewage shall be made as follows:

Monthly, the business shall report to the city the average number of full-time equivalent employees they employed the preceding month. The city shall make a determination of sewer use using equivalent residential units (ERU) discharge tables as published by the Department of Ecology, criteria for sewage works design. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1479 §1(Exh. A)(part), 2017: Ord. 1345 §1(part), 2006: Ord. 1266 §2, 1999: Ord. 1190 (part), 1996; Ord. 1060 §§2, 3, 1990; Ord. 1037 §1, 1989: Ord. 1026 §1, 1988: prior code §14.16.040)

13.08.190 Deposit--Disconnection notice.

The city council shall have the right to demand a deposit of ten dollars to ensure the payment of sewer rentals as they become due, the deposit to be returned to the depositor when the service shall have been discontinued and when all accrued rentals have been paid. Five days’ written notice must be given to the city clerk-treasurer before disconnection of service. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.16.050)

13.08.200 Rate revision.

The city council expressly reserves the right to change or revise the rates hereinafter provided for any action of the council duly entered in its minutes. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.16.060)

13.08.210 Sewer accounts.

The city clerk-treasurer shall keep the accounts of the sewer department funds. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.16.070)

13.08.220 Custodian of funds.

The city clerk-treasurer shall be custodian of the sewer department funds. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.16.080)

ARTICLE IV. IMPROVEMENTS

13.08.230 Improvement financing system.

The system of financing improvements, renewals, and extensions of city sanitary and storm sewers of the Goldendale sewer department shall be as follows in this chapter. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.20.010)

13.08.240 Temporary lines installation, maintenance.

No line shall be considered a lateral line in the distribution system which is smaller than a six-inch line. All lines smaller than six inches shall be considered temporary lines and shall be installed and maintained by the property owner, effective as of the date of the ordinance codified herein. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.20.020)

13.08.250 Standard lateral line defined--Payment.

All lateral lines shall be paid for by local improvement assessments or cash payments to be levied upon the property benefited, subject to credits as set forth in this chapter. By the term “standard lateral line” is meant an eight-inch pipe line including manholes and wyes for service connections made to adjacent property. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.20.030)

13.08.260 Service mains--Sewer department ownership.

The ownership of all service mains and extensions thereof in public streets shall be vested solely in the Goldendale sewer department, and the person or persons responsible for the construction of such mains or extensions shall relinquish all interest in the ownership of such mains or extensions upon acceptance by the Goldendale sewer department. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.20.040)

13.08.270 Complete improvement--Depreciation rate.

Where lateral lines are in place and still giving service, and by reason of paving, it becomes necessary to replace them with a more durable or larger pipe, including all manholes, drains, and appurtenances to make a complete improvement, the cost of replacements up to and including eight-inch mains shall be paid by the improvement district or property owners and shall be credited therein the accrued depreciation of lines replaced. Depreciation shall be computed at a ten percent per year rate. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.20.050)

13.08.280 System improvement line defined--Construction expense.

All system improvement lines shall be paid for as hereinafter set forth. By “system improvement lines” is meant lines constructed for the purpose of improving the distribution system as a whole or in part and not used as a lateral; provided, however, that where lines used as feeders and also as laterals are installed, the expense of all construction related thereto shall be charged to the property. Whenever such a line is “replaced” as described in Sections 13.08.300 through 13.08.310, the property shall bear the cost. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.20.060)

13.08.290 Renewals defined--Expense responsibility.

Renewals of trunk lateral lines and standard trunk lateral lines shall be made at the expense of the sewer system. “Renewals” means the rebuilding of lines previously installed which have become useless through depreciation. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.20.070)

13.08.300 Replacement defined--Expense responsibility.

Replacements shall be made at the expense of the local improvement district or property owners causing the same. By “replacement” is meant the installation of new pipe, either feeder or lateral, or a change in level of service made necessary by construction of local improvements, such as paving, sidewalks, regraders, etc. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.20.080)

13.08.310 Replacement--Accrued depreciation credit.

There shall be credited upon the cost of such replacements of lateral lines the accrued depreciation of the line replaced, prorated to each lot in proportion to the amount paid by the lot upon the cost of the original lateral. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.20.090)

13.08.320 Sewer line maintenance.

The sewer department will maintain all sewer lines owned and operated by the city. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.20.100)

ARTICLE V. BUILDING SEWERS AND CONNECTIONS

13.08.330 Permit required.

No unauthorized person shall uncover, make any connections with or opening into, use, alter, or disturb any public sewer or appurtenance thereof without first obtaining a written permit from the superintendent. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.24.010)

13.08.340 Classes of permits--Application.

There shall be two classes of building sewer permits:

A. For residential and commercial service; and

B. For service to establishments producing industrial wastes. In either case, the owner or his agent shall make application on a special form furnished by the city. The permit application shall be supplemented by any plans, specifications, or other information considered pertinent in the judgment of the superintendent. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.24.020)

13.08.350 Cost responsibility.

All costs and expenses incident to the installation of the building sewer shall be borne by the owner. The owner shall indemnify the city from any loss or damage that may directly or indirectly be occasioned by the installation of the building sewer. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.24.030)

13.08.360 Separate required--Rear buildings.

A separate and independent building sewer shall be provided for every building; except, that where one building stands at the rear of another on an interior lot and no private sewer is available or can be constructed to the rear building through an adjoining alley, court, yard, or driveway, the building sewer from the front building may be extended to the rear building and the whole considered as one building sewer. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.24.040)

13.08.370 Old building sewers.

Old building sewers may be used in connection with new buildings only when they are found, on examination and test by the superintendent, to meet all requirements of this title. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.24.050)

13.08.380 Construction standards generally.

The size, slope, alignment, materials of construction of a building sewer, and the methods to be used in excavating, placing of the pipe; jointing, testing, and backfilling the trench, shall all conform to the requirements of the building and plumbing code or other applicable rules and regulations of the city. In the absence of code provisions or in amplification thereof, the materials and procedures set forth in appropriate specifications of the A.S.T.M. and W.P.C.F. Manual of Practice No. 9 shall apply. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.24.060)

13.08.390 Elevation.

Whenever possible, the building sewer shall be brought to the building at an elevation below the basement floor. In all buildings in which any building drain is too low to permit gravity flow to the public sewer, sanitary sewage carried by such building drain shall be lifted by an approved means and discharged to the building sewer. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.24.070)

13.08.400 Runoff or groundwater connections.

No person shall make connection of roof downspouts, exterior foundation drains, areaway drains, or other sources of surface runoff or groundwater to a building sewer or building drain which in turn is connected directly or indirectly to a public sanitary sewer. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.24.080)

13.08.410 Connection standards.

The connection of the building sewer into the public sewer shall conform to the requirements of the building and plumbing code or other applicable rules and regulations of the city, or the procedures set forth in appropriate specifications of the A.S.T.M. and W.P.C.F. Manual of Practice No. 9. All such connections shall be made gastight and watertight. Any deviation from the prescribed procedures and materials must be approved by the superintendent before installation. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.24.090)

13.08.420 Inspection--Supervised connection.

The applicant for the building sewer permit shall notify the superintendent when the building sewer is ready for inspection and connection to the public sewer. The connection shall be made under the supervision of the superintendent or his representative. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.24.100)

13.08.430 Excavations.

All excavations for building sewer installation shall be adequately guarded with barricades and lights so as to protect the public from hazard. Streets, sidewalks, parkways and other public property disturbed in the course of the work shall be restored in a manner satisfactory to the city. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.24.110)

13.08.440 Line depth.

All building sewer lines shall be installed and paid for by the property owner. All building sewer lines under dedicated streets and alleys shall be installed at least thirty inches under the surface, and at least below frost line (twenty-four inches) from property line to building, unless authorized by the superintendent of the sewer department. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.28.010)

13.08.450 Defective line.

Water will not be furnished where there are any defective building sewer lines, when such may be discovered, the supply shall be withdrawn, and shall not be turned on again until the defect has been repaired and the charge and/or fines have been paid. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.28.020)

13.08.460 Service pipe--Size determination.

A. The superintendent of the sewer department shall determine the size of the tap to be inserted into any sewer main and the size of building sewer pipe under any application or permit.

B. No person or family served with sewer by the city will be permitted to use it for any purpose other than that stated in the application and shall not in any way supply other persons or families. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.32.010)

13.08.470 Service pipe--Additional service.

Should any applicant or occupant of premises desire an additional service or to have service supplied for a purpose not stated in the application, a new application must be made and a permit obtained at the office of the sewer department. When additional units are added and not reported, the same shall be charged at the rate for such time the unit has been in use up to and including the month in which the matter is brought to the attention of the sewer department. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.32.020)

ARTICLE VI. PUBLIC SEWER USE

13.08.480 Waste disposal.

It is unlawful for any person to place, deposit, or permit to be deposited in any unsanitary manner upon public or private property within the city, or in any area under the jurisdiction of the city, any human or animal excrement, garbage, or other objectionable waste. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.36.010)

13.08.490 Discharge of polluted waters.

It is unlawful to discharge to any natural outlet within the city any sanitary sewage, industrial waste, or other polluted waters, except where suitable treatment has been provided in accordance with subsequent provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.36.020)

13.08.500 Sewage disposal facilities.

Except as hereinafter provided, it is unlawful to construct or maintain any privy, privy vault, septic tank, cesspool, or other facility intended or used for the disposal of sewage. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.36.030)

13.08.510 Toilet facilities.

The owner of all houses, buildings, or properties used for human occupancy, employment, recreation, or other purpose, situated within the city and abutting on any street, alley or right-of-way in which there is now located or may in the future be located, a public sanitary sewer of the city, is required at his expense to install suitable toilet facilities therein, and to connect such facilities directly with the proper sewer in accordance with the provisions of this title, within ninety days after date of official notice to do so; provided, that said public sewer is within two hundred feet of the property line. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.36.040)

13.08.520 Unpolluted waters--Prohibited.

No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged any stormwater, surface water, groundwater, roof runoff, subsurface drainage, uncontaminated cooling water, or unpolluted industrial process water to any sanitary sewer. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.36.050)

13.08.530 Unpolluted waters--Proper discharge.

Stormwater and all other unpolluted drainage shall be discharged to such sewers as are specifically designated as combined sewers or storm sewers, or to a natural outlet approved by the superintendent. Industrial cooling water or unpolluted process waters may be discharged, on approval of the superintendent, to a storm sewer, combined sewer, or natural outlet. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.36.060)

13.08.540 Prohibited discharges.

No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged any of the following described waters or wastes to any public sewers:

A. Any gasoline, benzene, naphtha, fuel oil, or other flammable or explosive liquid, solid, or gas;

B. Any waters or wastes containing toxic or poisonous solids, liquids, or gases in sufficient quantity, either singly or by interaction with other wastes to injure or interfere with any sewage treatment process, to constitute a hazard to humans or animals, create a public nuisance, or create any hazard in the receiving waters of the sewage treatment plant, including but not limited to cyanides in excess of two milligrams per liter as CN in the wastes as discharged to the public sewer;

C. Any waters or wastes having a pH lower than 5.5, or having any other corrosive property capable of causing damage or hazard to structures, equipment and personnel of the sewage works;

D. Solid or viscous substances in quantities or of such size capable of causing obstruction to the flow in sewers, or other interference with the proper operation of the sewage works such as, but not limited to, ashes, cinders, sand, mud, straw, shavings, metal, glass, rags, feathers, tar, plastics, wood, unground garbage, whole blood, paunch manure, hair and fleshings, entrails and paper dishes, cups, milk containers, etc., either whole or ground by garbage grinders. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.36.070)

13.08.550 Restricted discharges--Designated.

No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged the following described substances, materials, waters, or wastes if it appears likely in the opinion of the superintendent that such waters can harm either the sewers, sewage treatment process, or equipment, have an adverse effect on the receiving stream, or can otherwise endanger life, limb, public property, or constitute a nuisance. In forming his opinion as to the acceptability of these wastes, the superintendent will give consideration to such factors as to quantities of subject wastes in relation to flows and velocities in the sewers, materials of construction of the sewers, nature of the sewage treatment process, capacity of the sewage treatment plant, degree of treatability of wastes in the sewage treatment plant, and other pertinent factors. The substances prohibited are:

A. Any liquid or vapor having a temperature higher than one hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit (sixty-five degrees Celsius);

B. Any water or waste containing fats, wax, grease, or oils, whether emulsified or not, in excess of one hundred milligrams per liter or containing substances which may solidify or become viscous at temperatures between thirty-two and one hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit (zero and sixty-two degrees Celsius);

C. Any garbage that has not been properly shredded. The installation and operation of any garbage grinder equipped with a motor of three-fourths horsepower (0.76 horsepower metric) or greater shall be subject to the review and approval of the superintendent;

D. Any waters or wastes containing strong acid iron-pickling wastes, or concentrated plating solutions whether neutralized or not;

E. Any water or wastes containing iron, chromium, copper, zinc, and similar objectionable or toxic substances; or wastes exerting an excessive chlorine requirement, to such degree that any such material received in the composite sewage at the sewage treatment works exceeds the limits established by the superintendent for such materials.

F. Any waters or wastes containing phenols or other taste-producing or odor-producing substances, in such concentrations exceeding limits which may be established by the superintendent as necessary, after treatment of the composite sewage, to meet the requirements of the state, federal, or other public agencies of jurisdiction for such discharge to the receiving waters;

G. Any radioactive wastes or isotopes of such half-life or concentration as may exceed limits established by the superintendent in compliance with applicable state or federal regulations;

H. Any waters or wastes having pH in excess of 9.5;

I. Materials which exert or cause:

1. Unusual concentrations of inert suspended solids (such as, but not limited to, fuller’s earth, lime slurries, and lime residues) or of dissolved solids (such as, but not limited to, sodium chloride and sodium sulfate),

2. Excessive discoloration (such as, but not limited to, dye waste and vegetable tanning solutions),

3. Unusual BOD, chemical oxygen demand, or chlorine requirements in such quantities as to constitute a significant load on the sewage treatment works,

4. Unusual volume of flow or concentration of wastes constituting “slugs” as defined herein;

J. Waters or wastes containing substances which are not amenable to treatment or reduction by the sewage treatment processes employed, or are amenable to treatment only to such degree that the sewage treatment plant effluent cannot meet the requirements of other agencies having jurisdiction over discharge to the receiving waters. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.36.080)

13.08.560 Restricted discharges--Rejection--Treatment.

If any waters or wastes are discharged, or are proposed to be discharged to the public sewers, which waters contain the substances or possess the characteristics enumerated in Section 13.08.550, and which in the judgment of the superintendent may have a deleterious effect upon the sewage works, processes, equipment, or receiving waters, or which otherwise create a hazard to life or constitute a public nuisance, the superintendent may:

A. Reject the wastes;

B. Require pretreatment to an acceptable condition for discharge to the public sewers;

C. Require control over the quantities and rate of discharge; and/or

D. Require payment to cover the added cost of handling and treating the wastes not covered by existing taxes or sewer charges under the provisions of Section 13.08.600. If the superintendent permits the pretreatment or equalization of waste flows, the design and installation of the plants and equipment shall be subject to the review and approval of the superintendent, and subject to the requirements of all applicable codes, ordinances and laws. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.36.090)

13.08.570 Interceptors.

Grease, oil and sand interceptors shall be provided when, in the opinion of the superintendent, they are necessary for the proper handling of liquid wastes containing grease in excessive amounts, or any flammable wastes, sand or other harmful ingredients; except that such interceptors shall not be required for private living quarters or dwelling units. All interceptors shall be of a type and capacity approved by the superintendent, and shall be located as to be readily and easily accessible for cleaning and inspection. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.36.100)

13.08.580 Maintenance of required facilities.

Where preliminary treatment or flow-equalizing facilities are provided for any waters or wastes, they shall be maintained continuously in satisfactory and effective operation by the owner at his expense. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.36.110)

13.08.590 Control manhole.

When required by the superintendent, the owner of any property serviced by a building sewer carrying industrial wastes shall install a suitable control manhole together with such necessary meters and other appurtenances in the building sewer to facilitate observation, sampling, and measurement of the wastes. Such manhole, when required, shall be accessibly and safely located, and shall be constructed in accordance with plans approved by the superintendent. The manhole shall be installed by the owner at his expense, and shall be maintained by him so as to be safe and accessible at all times. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.36.120)

13.08.600 Measurements, tests, analyses.

All measurements, tests, and analyses of the characteristics of water and wastes to which reference is made in Chapter 13.04 and this chapter shall be determined in accordance with the latest edition of “Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater,” published by the American Public Health Association and shall be determined at the control manhole provided, or upon suitable samples taken at the control manhole. In the event that no special manhole has been required, the control manhole shall be considered to be the nearest downstream manhole in the public sewer to the point at which the building sewer is connected. Sampling shall be carried out by customarily accepted methods to reflect the effect of constituents upon the sewage works and to determine the existence of hazards to life, limb and property.

The particular analyses involved will determine whether a twenty-four-hour composite of all outfalls of a premises is appropriate or whether a grab sample or samples should be taken. Normally, but not always, BOD and suspended solids analyses are obtained from twenty-four-hour composites of all outfalls whereas pHs are determined from periodic grab samples. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.36.130)

13.08.610 Special agreements.

No statement contained in this chapter shall be construed as preventing any special agreement or arrangement between the city and any industrial concern whereby an industrial waste of unusual strength or character may be accepted by the city for treatment, subject to payment therefor by the industrial concern. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.36.140)

13.08.620 Protection from damage.

No unauthorized person shall maliciously, willfully or negligently break, damage, destroy, uncover, deface or tamper with any structures, apparatus, or equipment which is part of the municipal sewage works. Any persons violating this provision shall be subject to immediate arrest under charge of disorderly conduct. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.36.150)

13.08.630 Service discontinuance--Turn-on application.

Should it be desired to discontinue the use of sewer service supplied any premises, notice in writing shall be given to the city. The water shall then be shut off and upon proper application by the owner or agent, and payment in full of all arrearages, water shall be turned on again. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.44.010)

13.08.640 Service discontinuance--Nonliability.

A. The sewer department reserves the right to shut off or turn on the water from the mains at any time without notice, for repairs, extensions, or other necessary purposes without liability for damage.

B. The sewer department shall endeavor to notify customers, but shall not be responsible. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.48.010)

13.08.650 Protective devices--Expense.

A. The expense of tapping mains, making connections, testing completed work, and other protective devices that the superintendent may deem necessary to prevent the illegal use of the sewer shall in all cases be borne by the owner of the property benefited.

B. When grades are such that building sewer service lines may receive undue amounts of sewage, the property owner is responsible for taking measures to protect his property such as installing stop flow or check valves on his building sewer line and the city shall not be held liable. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.52.010)

ARTICLE VII. PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL

13.08.660 Compliance.

Where a public sanitary sewer is not available under the provisions of Section 13.08.510, the building sewer shall be connected to a private sewage disposal system complying with the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.40.010)

13.08.670 Permit application--Fee.

Before commencement of construction of a private sewage disposal system the owner shall first obtain a written permit signed by the superintendent. The application for such permit shall be made on a form furnished by the city, which the applicant shall supplement by any plans, specifications and other information as deemed necessary by the superintendent or city sanitarian. A permit and inspection fee of five dollars shall be paid to the city clerk-treasurer at the time the application is filed. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.40.020)

13.08.680 Permit effective when--Inspection.

A permit for a private sewage disposal system shall not become effective until the installation is completed to the satisfaction of the superintendent or city sanitarian. He shall be allowed to inspect the work at any stage of construction and, in any event, the applicant for the permit shall notify the superintendent or sanitarian when the work is ready for final inspection, and before any underground portions are covered. The inspection shall be made within forty-eight hours of the receipt of notice by the superintendent or sanitarian. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.40.030)

13.08.690 Type--Location--Layout.

The type, capacities, location and layout of a private sewage disposal system shall comply with all recommendations of the Department of Health of the state and city plumbing codes. No permit shall be issued for any private sewage disposal system employing subsurface soil absorption facilities, where the area of the lot is less than ten thousand square feet. No septic tank or cesspool shall be permitted to discharge to any public sewer or natural outlet. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.40.040)

13.08.700 Direct connection to public sewer.

At such time as a public sewer becomes available to a property served by a private sewage disposal system, as provided in Section 13.08.510, a direct connection shall be made to the public sewer in compliance with this title, and any septic tanks, cesspools, and similar private sewage disposal facilities shall be abandoned and filled with suitable material. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.40.050)

13.08.710 Public sewer connection deadline.

When a public sewer becomes available, the building sewer shall be connected to the sewer within sixty days and the private sewage disposal system shall be cleaned of sludge and filled with clean bank-run gravel or dirt. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.40.055)

13.08.720 Owner responsibility.

The owner shall operate and maintain the private sewage disposal facilities in a sanitary manner at all times at no expense to the city. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.40.060)

13.08.730 Article limitations.

No statement contained in this chapter shall be construed to interfere with any additional requirements that may be imposed by the health officer. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.40.070)

ARTICLE VIII. VIOLATIONS--PENALTIES

13.08.740 Charges to be lien.

All charges for connections and for sewage service provided for in Chapter 13.04 and this chapter, together with penalties and interest thereon, shall be a lien upon the property with which such connection is made or sewage service rendered respectively, superior to all other liens and encumbrances whatsoever except for general taxes and local special assessments. The city clerk-treasurer is authorized and directed, prior to the expiration of six months from the first day of the first month for which such charges were unpaid to certify to the auditor of Klickitat County all of such charges as a lien upon such property in the manner provided for in Chapter 193 of the Session Laws of Washington of 1941, and such property shall be subject to forfeiture pursuant to the terms of said chapter.

The property owner, for any units as described in Chapter 13.04 and this chapter, shall be responsible for any sewer service rendered by the city. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.64.010)

13.08.750 Notice of delinquent account.

A. All utility bills of the city shall be delinquent if payment therefor is not received by the city on or before the twenty-fifth day of each even-numbered month after the current charges are posted on the bill. Such current charges’ date shall be stated on the bill with particularity.

B. Upon lapse of a bill into delinquency, the billing clerk, or his designee, shall as soon as practicable cause a notice of delinquent account to be deposited in the United States mail, addressed to the owner of the property which is delinquent.

C. Deposit in the United States mail pursuant to subsection B of this section shall be deemed full and complete notice to the owner and consumer of the nature and amount of any particular utility billing.

D. The notice of delinquent account shall state that unless all delinquencies are corrected within ten days of the date of the notice of delinquent account, the city will disconnect or discontinue utility service without further notice or after a date certain to be stated in the notice of delinquent account. The notice of delinquent account shall further state that, if the customer has questions concerning the account or disputes the amount of the account, he may appeal to the clerk-treasurer, or his authorized designee, whose address and telephone number shall be stated on the notice of delinquent account.

E. Upon request the clerk-treasurer or designee shall be allowed to work out delinquent account payment arrangements or adjustments, including water/sewer charges, the delinquent penalty charge pursuant to subsection F of this section, and turn-on charges pursuant to Section 13.04.070(A). One delinquency balance arrangement will be allowed in any one-year period. Customers will be allowed to carry a balance of twenty-five dollars or less without penalty.

F. An account which has become delinquent may be assessed a penalty of five dollars. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1451 §1, 2015: Ord. 1322 §§1, 2(part), 2004)

13.08.760 Disconnection of utility service.

A. Should a delinquent account not be paid pursuant to Section 13.08.750, the clerk-treasurer or his designee shall immediately cause the water service to be cut off from the premises, and such utility service shall not be reconnected to the premises until all arrears, delinquent charges, service charges and unpaid charges are paid.

B. Service charges for reconnection will be fifty dollars. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1322 §§1, 2(part), 2004)

13.08.770 Violation--Correction notice.

Any person found to be violating any provision of this title except Section 13.08.620 shall be served by the city with a written notice stating the nature of the violation and providing a reasonable time limit for the satisfactory correction thereof. The offender shall, within the period of time stated in such notice, permanently cease all violations. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.64.030)

13.08.780 Time limit violation deemed misdemeanor.

Any person who continues any violation beyond the time limit provided for in Section 13.08.750 shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof, shall be fined in an amount not to exceed two hundred dollars for each violation. Each day in which any violation continues shall be deemed a separate offense. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.64.040)

13.08.790 Violator liability.

Any person violating any of the provisions of this title shall become liable to the city for any expense, loss or damage occasioned the city by reasons of such violation. (Ord. 1534 §1 (Exh. A), 2024; prior code §14.64.050)