Chapter 13.30 SEWER REGULATIONS

“BOD” (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 20 degrees centigrade, expressed in parts per million by weight. (Ord. 198 § 1.01, 1975)

13.30.010 Cover.

“Cover” means the depth of material lying between the top of the sewer and the finished grade immediately above it. (Ord. 198 § 1.02, 1975)

13.30.015 Downspout.

“Downspout” means the leader or pipe above ground which is installed to conduct water from the roof gutter. (Ord. 198 § 1.03, 1975)

13.30.020 Drain.

“Drain” means any conductor of liquids. (Ord. 198 § 1.04, 1975)

13.30.025 Garbage.

“Garbage” means solid waste from the preparation, cooking and dispensing of food and from the handling, sale and storing of produce. (Ord. 198 § 1.05, 1975)

13.30.030 Health officer.

“Health officer” means the official responsible for the public health or his authorized representative. (Ord. 198 § 1.06, 1975)

13.30.035 House drain or building drain.

“House drain” or “building drain” means the sewer pipe used for conveying sewage from the building to a point two and one-half feet outside the foundation wall, and if there is no foundation wall, to a point two and one-half feet beyond the outer line of any footing, piling, building support or porch under which it may run, whether such drain consists of one line extending from the building or of two or more such lines. (Ord. 198 § 1.07, 1975)

13.30.040 Industrial waste.

“Industrial waste” means the wastes from industrial process as distinguished from sanitary sewage. (Ord. 198 § 1.08, 1975)

13.30.045 Licensed side sewer contractor.

“Licensed side sewer contractor” means a bonded and licensed person approved by the superintendent as qualified and competent to do work incidental to the construction or repair of side sewers under a permit issued under this chapter. (Ord. 198 § 1.09, 1975)

13.30.050 Occupant.

“Occupant” means any person or owner in physical possession of the building or structure to which sewer service is available. (Ord. 198 § 1.10, 1975)

13.30.055 Permit.

“Permit” means a permit issued in conjunction with any permit and such permit shall be posted on the premises and shall be readily and safely accessible to the superintendent. (Ord. 198 § 1.11, 1975)

13.30.060 Person or owner.

“Person” or “owner” means any individual, firm, company, association, society, corporation, or group. (Ord. 198 § 1.12, 1975)

13.30.065 pH.

“pH” means the logarithm of the reciprocal of the weight of hydrogen ions in grams per liter of solution. (Ord. 198 § 1.13, 1975)

13.30.070 Private sewer.

“Private sewer” means the sewer line and disposal system constructed, installed, or maintained where connection with the public sewer system is not required herein. (Ord. 198 § 1.14, 1975)

13.30.075 Properly shredded garbage.

“Properly shredded garbage” means garbage that has been shredded to such a degree that all particles will be carried freely under the flow conditions normally prevailing in public sewers, with no particles greater than three-eighths-inch in any dimension. (Ord. 198 § 1.15, 1975)

13.30.080 Public place or public area.

“Public place” or “public area” means any space dedicated to or acquired for the use of the general public. (Ord. 198 § 1.16, 1975)

13.30.085 Public sewer.

“Public sewer” means a sewer in which all owners of abutting properties have equal rights, and is controlled by public authority. (Ord. 198 § 1.17, 1975)

13.30.090 Clerk.

“Clerk” means the clerk-treasurer of the town of Twisp. (Ord. 198 § 1.18, 1975)

13.30.095 Sewage.

“Sewage” means the combination of the water- carried wastes from residences, business buildings, institutions and industrial establishments, which wastes contain polluted matter subject to treatment at the sewage treatment plant; i.e., sanitary sewage. (Ord. 198 § 1.19, 1975)

13.30.100 Sewer.

“Sewer” means a pipe or conduit for carrying sewage. (Ord. 198 § 1.20, 1975)

13.30.105 Sewer plat.

“Sewer plat” means a plat issued by the superintendent in conjunction with any permit and the plat shall serve as his record of all matters pertaining to said permit. (Ord. 198 § 1.21, 1975)

13.30.110 Side sewer.

“Side sewer” means the extension from the public sewer to the house or other buildings. (Ord. 198 § 1.22, 1975)

13.30.112 Significant industrial user.

“Significant industrial user” or “SIU” means any commercial or industrial users that meet the definition of a significant industrial user under 40 CFR 403.3(v), as hereinafter amended, and as confirmed by the State of Washington Department of Ecology. (Ord. 747 § 1(A), 2019)

13.30.115 Superintendent.

“Superintendent” means the superintendent of the town of Twisp Sewer District No. 1 or his authorized agent or representative. (Ord. 628 § 1(II), 2011; Ord. 198 § 1.23, 1975)

13.30.120 Suspended solids.

“TSS” or “suspended solids” means the total suspended solids that either float on the surface or are in suspension in water, sewerage or other liquids, which are removable by filtering. (Ord. 747 § 1(B), 2019; Ord. 198 § 1.24, 1975)

Article II. Use of Public Sewer

13.30.125 Deposit of objectionable waste prohibited.

It shall be unlawful for any person to place, deposit, or permit to be deposited in any unsanitary manner upon public or private property within the town of Twisp, or in any area under the jurisdiction of the town, any human or animal excrement, garbage or other objectionable waste. (Ord. 198 § 2.01, 1975)

13.30.130 Privies, septic tanks, etc. prohibited.

Except as hereinafter provided, it shall be unlawful to construct or maintain any privy, privy vault, septic tank, cesspool or other facilities intended or used for the disposal of sewage. (Ord. 198 § 2.02, 1975)

13.30.135 Toilet facilities connection required.

The owner of each lot or parcel of real property within the town of Twisp, upon which lot or parcel there is situated any building or structure for human occupancy or use for any other purpose, shall install suitable toilet facilities therein and shall connect such facilities, together with all other facilities therein, the use of which results in the existence of sewage as defined herein, with the public sewer system at their own expense within 90 days after acceptance by the town of the public sewer line capable of serving such parcel, or within 90 days of notification of the property owner of such requirement to connect to the public sewer system, whichever occurs first. All property shall be deemed capable of being served by sewer lines of the town if the same can be connected by gravity flow or pumping into the town sewer lines. (Ord. 611 § 1, 2009; Ord. 595 § 1, 2008; Ord. 198 § 2.03, 1975)

13.30.140 Unavailability of public sewer line – Construction of private sewer and sewage disposal system.

Repealed by Ord. 595. (Ord. 198 § 2.04, 1975)

13.30.145 Availability of public sewer to private system – Connection required.

Whenever a public sewer becomes available to a lot or parcel previously served by a private sewage disposal system, a direct connection shall be made to the public sewer in compliance with this chapter and any septic tanks, cesspools and similar private sewage disposal facilities shall be abandoned and filled with suitable material. For the purposes of this section, “becomes available” shall mean whenever there is a public sewer line within 200 feet of the property line of any lot or parcel, and within 90 days of notification of the property owner of such requirement to connect to the public sewer system. (Ord. 595 § 1, 2008; Ord. 198 § 2.05, 1975)

13.30.150 Penalty for failure to connect to public sewer in timely manner.

In the event the side sewer and connection to the public sewer are not made within the time herein provided, following notice as provided, the superintendent is hereby authorized and directed to cause the same to be made and file a statement thereof with the clerk-treasurer of the town and thereupon a warrant shall issue under the direction of the town council for the payment of such costs. Such amount, together with a penalty of 10 percent thereof, plus interest at the rate of eight percent per annum upon the total amount of the cost and the penalty, shall be assessed against the property upon which side sewer and connection have not been placed as required and shall become a lien thereon as herein provided. (Ord. 198 § 2.06, 1975)

13.30.155 Private sewage system to comply with state regulations – Discharge regulations.

The type, capacities, location and layout of a private sewage system shall comply with all recommendations and regulations of the Department of Public Health of the State of Washington. No septic tank or cesspool shall be permitted to discharge to any public sewer or natural outlet or to ground surface. The owner shall operate and maintain the private sewage disposal facilities in a sanitary manner at all times at no expense to the town. (Ord. 198 § 2.07, 1975)

13.30.160 Newly constructed or available buildings required to be connected to sewer system – Time limit.

Any building hereafter constructed or made available for human occupation and use upon a lot or parcel of real estate capable of being served as defined in TMC 13.30.135 shall, within 90 days after an application for a side sewer permit shall have been made, or prior to occupancy of said premises, whichever event first occurs, be connected to the sewer system of the town. (Ord. 198 § 2.08, 1975)

Article III. Side Sewer Permits

13.30.165 Permit and compliance with chapter provisions – Required for all public or side sewer connections.

It shall be unlawful for any person to make any connection with any public or side sewer without complying with all of the provisions of this chapter in relation thereto and having first procured a permit to do so from the town. (Ord. 198 § 3.01, 1975)

13.30.170 Permit – Application – Contents.

Application for the permit required by the foregoing section shall be filed in the office of the town clerk-treasurer, stating the name of the owner, the correct address and proper legal description of the property to be served, dimensions and locations of any buildings on the property, and the whole course of the side sewer from the public sewer to its connection with the building or property to be served. The application shall be submitted to the superintendent for approval, who may change or modify the same and designate the manner and place in which such sewers shall be connected with the public sewer, and shall endorse his approval upon the application if the same is acceptable to him. The superintendent may require the permittee to furnish him plans pertaining to the application and issuance of the permit. (Ord. 198 § 3.02, 1975)

13.30.175 Permit approval – Issuance of sewer plat.

Upon approval of said application the superintendent shall issue for his own records a sewer plat showing the size and location of the public sewer, the point of connection, the location of any buildings on the lot, the course of the side sewer to its connection with the house or other building, the grade of such side sewer, and such other information as may be deemed pertinent. (Ord. 198 § 3.03, 1975)

13.30.180 Adherence to permit provisions required.

Upon approval of the application and issuance of the permit, it shall be unlawful to alter said permit or to perform any work other than is provided for in said permit. (Ord. 198 § 3.04, 1975)

13.30.185 Inspection results to be kept on record.

The superintendent shall prepare and keep on file in his office all cards and records of sewer connections showing the information obtained in the course of inspection of completed work done under such permit. (Ord. 198 § 3.05, 1975)

13.30.190 Employment of licensed side sewer contractor – Permit securing responsibility.

It shall be unlawful to construct, extend, relay, repair or to make connection to any side sewer inside the property line without obtaining a permit from the superintendent as hereinabove provided. The superintendent may issue such permit to the owner or occupant of any property to construct, extend, relay, repair or make connections to any side sewer inside the property lines; in such event, however, such owner or occupant shall comply with the applicable provisions of this chapter, except that he need not employ a licensed side sewer contractor to do the work if he makes the installation himself. However, should the owner or occupant employ another person to make the installation of the side sewer, it must be a licensed side sewer contractor, and such contractor shall secure the permit, but in such event the owner, occupant or other person shall lay no pipe pursuant to such permit. (Ord. 198 § 3.06, 1975)

13.30.195 Side sewer contractor’s license required for work in public areas.

It shall be unlawful to make any connection to any public sewer, or to lay, repair, alter or connect any side sewer in any public area except by the holder of a side sewer contractor’s license issued by the superintendent. (Ord. 198 § 3.07, 1975)

13.30.200 Tampering with public sewer by contractor prohibited – Exception.

No licensed side sewer contractor shall break, alter, or tamper with any public sewer, except that he may connect a wye or tee which exists for that purpose, under the supervision of the superintendent. (Ord. 198 § 3.08, 1975)

13.30.205 Unguarded excavations prohibited.

It shall be unlawful for any person, whether owner, occupant or side sewer contractor, to leave unguarded any excavation made in connection with the construction or repair of any side sewer within four feet of any public place or fail to maintain the lateral support of any public place in connection with the construction, alteration or repair of any side sewer. (Ord. 198 § 3.09, 1975)

13.30.210 Work exclusively covered by permit to be done – Additional work may require new permit.

When a permit has been issued for a side sewer as herein provided, no work other than that covered by the permit shall be done without the approval of the superintendent, and he may, if he deems the additional work of sufficient consequence, require a new permit to cover the same. (Ord. 198 § 3.10, 1975)

13.30.215 Permit for side sewer disconnection required.

It shall be unlawful to disconnect any side sewer, or remove any portion of a side sewer without securing a permit from the superintendent to do so. The disconnected service shall be plugged at the property line to the satisfaction of the superintendent. There will be no charge made for a permit to disconnect or remove and service the sewer. (Ord. 198 § 3.11, 1975)

Article IV. Obtaining Side Sewer Permit

13.30.220 Application – Printed form.

Application for such permit shall be made on a printed form furnished by the town. (Ord. 255 § 1, 1980; Ord. 198 § 4.01, 1975)

13.30.225 Permit fee – Deposit.

The permit fee for each property owner seeking to connect to the town system of sewers shall be an amount equal to the actual cost to the town of the labor and materials required to install and make said connection, plus a sum equal the thirty-three and one-third percent of such actual cost of labor and materials. At the time when application for a side sewer permit for connection to the town system of sewers is made, the applicant shall pay to the town a deposit upon the estimated actual cost, the amount of which deposit shall be determined by the town superintendent, but in no event less than $100.00. Upon completion of the installation of the connection, the town shall render a statement for the full charge for such installation, which shall be paid by the applicant to the town within 10 days from the date of such statement, less the amount of the deposit paid with the application. Any such charge not so paid within 10 days of the date of the statement of charges shall bear interest at the rate of 12 percent per annum from date of the statement. (Ord. 255 § 2, 1980; Ord. 198 § 4.02, 1975)

13.30.230 Permit – Validity period – Renewal.

No permit issued under this chapter shall be valid for a period longer than 90 days unless extended or renewed by the superintendent upon application therefor prior to the expiration of same. Failure to renew said permit prior to the expiration thereof shall require the payment of a new permit fee. (Ord. 198 § 4.03, 1975)

13.30.235 Permit – Posting.

The permit required by this chapter must at all times during the performance of the work, and until the completion thereof, and approval by the superintendent be posted in some conspicuous place at or near the work and must be readily and safely accessible to the superintendent. (Ord. 198 § 4.04, 1975)

Article V. Inspection

13.30.240 Sewer trenches to be inspected prior to filling.

No side sewer trench shall be filled or any sewer covered until the work shall have been inspected and approved by the superintendent. (Ord. 198 § 5.01, 1975)

13.30.245 Work ready for inspection – Notification to superintendent.

Any person performing work under permit pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall notify the superintendent when the work will be ready for inspection and shall specify in such notification the location of the premises by address and the file number of the permit. The superintendent or a member of his staff shall make such inspection within 48 hours after receipt of notice, excluding Saturday, Sunday or holidays. (Ord. 198 § 5.02, 1975)

13.30.250 Contractor to be available to meet superintendent.

In the case of a licensed side sewer contractor, either the contractor or a competent representative shall be available to meet the superintendent on the premises when so directed. (Ord. 198 § 5.03, 1975)

13.30.255 Defects in work or materials – Posted notice.

If the superintendent finds the work or materials used is not in accordance with this chapter, he shall notify the person doing the work and also the owner or occupant of the premises by posting a written notice on the permit and such posted notice shall be all the notice required to be given of the defects in the work or materials found in such inspection. (Ord. 198 § 5.04, 1975)

13.30.260 Work completion limits.

All work within the limits of any public area shall be prosecuted to completion with due diligence, and if any excavation is left open and beyond a time reasonably necessary to fill the same, the superintendent may cause the same to be backfilled and the public area restored forthwith. (Ord. 198 § 5.05, 1975)

13.30.262 Adherents to town requirements.

All work done under a permit granted as provided in this chapter shall be in conformity with all the requirements of this chapter, as amended, Chapter 17.40 TMC, Design Standards, as amended, and the Town of Twisp Development Standards Manual, as amended. (Ord. 747 § 1(C), 2019)

13.30.265 Noncompliance with chapter provisions – Town assumption of work completion – Costs charged to responsible party.

If any work done under a permit granted as provided herein is not done in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and the plan and specification as approved by the superintendent, or when any side sewer is constructed, laid, connected or repaired and does not comply with the provisions of this chapter, or where it is determined by the health officer or the superintendent that a side sewer is obstructed, broken, or inadequate and is a menace to health or is liable to cause damage to either public or private property, or TMC 13.30.260 is violated, then, after notice by the health officer or superintendent, the contractor, owner, or person doing the work, as the case may be, refuses to properly construct, repair or complete such work within the time specified in such notice, the superintendent may perform such work as may be necessary to comply with this chapter and the cost of such work so done shall be charged to the property owner, occupant or contractor, as the case may be, and shall become immediately payable to the town upon written notice of such amount being delivered to such owner, occupant or contractor, or posted upon such premises. (Ord. 198 § 5.06, 1975)

Article VI. Side Sewer Construction

13.30.270 Grading requirements.

All side sewers shall be laid on a grade one-quarter-inch per foot (two percent) for four-inch pipe and one-eighth-inch per foot (one percent) for six-inch pipe or greater. (Ord. 198 § 6.01, 1975)

13.30.275 Available grade determination responsibility.

The applicant for permit shall be responsible for determining the available grade between building drain and sewer tee or stub. (Ord. 198 § 6.02, 1975)

13.30.280 Insufficient gravity flow – Artificial means to be employed.

In any case where the house or building drain is too low to permit gravity flow to the public sewer, the same shall be lifted by artificial means and discharged into the public sewer. (Ord. 198 § 6.03, 1975)

13.30.285 Waiver of requirements of TMC 13.30.270 – Adherence to certain requirements.

The requirements of TMC 13.30.270 may be waived by the superintendent in his discretion, but in such cases the following requirements will be adhered to:

(1) Upon approval by the superintendent, a backwater valve shall be installed on all side sewers below grade as above prescribed unless the superintendent waives this requirement;

(2) The effective operation of any backwater valve shall be the responsibility of the owner of the side sewer;

(3) No installation of any side sewer below grade as prescribed in this section nor any installation of any backwater valve shall be approved by the superintendent until the application has been executed and a grade release in form prescribed by the superintendent agreeing to save the town harmless from all damage resulting therefrom. (Ord. 628 § 1(JJ), 2011; Ord. 198 § 6.04, 1975)

13.30.290 Laying out side sewers.

Side sewers shall be laid out not less than 30 inches from any foundation wall, outer lines of any footings, pilings or buildings supports. (Ord. 198 § 6.05, 1975)

13.30.295 Minimum cover for side sewers.

Except as provided in this chapter, minimum cover for side sewers shall be three feet in outside parking strip, two feet in inside parking strip, three feet in a public alley at the property, three feet where side sewer crosses under a ditch, and 36 inches on private property. (Ord. 198 § 6.06, 1975)

13.30.300 Connections to be made to assigned tees or stub outs.

All connections shall be made to the tee or stub out assigned at the time the permit is issued, and no side sewer belonging to another owner shall be used unless written permission for such use accompanies the side sewer application. (Ord. 198 § 6.07, 1975)

13.30.305 Building sewer serving more than one property – Easement agreement.

(1) If a building sewer is to serve more than one property, by joint agreement of the owners, an approved document insuring that all properties involved shall have perpetual use of the side sewer, and having provisions for maintenance and for access for repair purposes shall be signed by the record owners.

(2) This document shall be notarized and recorded with the county auditor and shall be referred to as an “easement.” (Ord. 198 § 6.08, 1975)

13.30.310 Excavation measurement to be given at permit issuance – Prospecting calculation required.

Excavation should be made at the measurement given by the superintendent at the time the permit is issued, but the side sewer contractor shall prospect two feet in all directions from the distance and depth given. (Ord. 198 § 6.09, 1975)

13.30.315 Pipe size requirements.

Except as provided in this chapter, all side sewers servicing a single house may be of four-inch pipe or larger. All side sewers servicing multiple dwellings, commercial establishments, schools, or any building other than single-family residences shall be of six-inch pipe or larger. (Ord. 198 § 6.10, 1975)

13.30.320 Connections permitted to be made through existing systems – Requirements.

(1) Any connections to a septic tank, cesspool, or privy vault, will be removed and direct connection made to the house or building drain; provided, however, that connection may be made through existing septic tanks or cesspools, but in such event cast iron pipe shall be used through such cesspool or septic tank.

(2) In all cases, such cesspool or septic tank shall be properly disinfected and filled with suitable material. (Ord. 198 § 6.11, 1975)

13.30.325 Use of existing systems in new or converted buildings.

The use of any existing side sewer may be permitted by the superintendent if it conforms to all requirements of this chapter in cases where a new or converted building or new installation replaces an old one. (Ord. 198 § 6.12, 1975)

13.30.330 Side sewer connection – Prior approval required.

No side sewer connection shall be made to the public sewer until that section of sewer main has been approved by the town of side sewer connections. (Ord. 198 § 6.13, 1975)

13.30.335 Damage prevention required.

The side sewer contractor or other persons doing the work shall prevent any damage to the sewer main, tee or stub out, and shall so conduct his trenching operations as to prevent the possibility of damage occurring. Undercutting of sewer main and wye is prohibited. (Ord. 198 § 6.14, 1975)

13.30.340 Tapping sewer main.

In the event there is no suitable tee or stub-out, a tap to the main may be made only by the town of Twisp. The tap shall be made in the manner solely determined by the superintendent. All costs associated with completing such tap to a main shall be paid by the person requesting such tap within 20 days of mailing or providing a statement to the person, contractor or agent of the person that requested such tap. (Ord. 747 § 1(D), 2019; Ord. 198 § 6.15, 1975)

13.30.345 Unsuitable bedding – Overexcavation and preparation of bedding required.

The bottom of the trench must be smooth and free of large rocks which may injure the side sewer pipe. Where unsuitable bedding is found, as determined by the superintendent, the side sewer contractor or other persons doing the work shall overexcavate and prepare a bedding as follows:

(1) Hard foundation: Overexcavate a minimum of three inches and install a bedding of properly graded sand. (Ord. 198 § 6.16, 1975)

13.30.350 Filling overexcavation.

Any authorized overexcavation below the pipe grade shall be filled with bedding material as outlined in TMC 13.30.345(1). (Ord. 198 § 6.17, 1975)

13.30.355 Joint, bedding and pipe preparation and placement.

The side sewer contractor or other persons doing the work shall carefully remove the plug from the tee or stub out and shall prevent the entrance of all foreign material into the pipe. The type of joint to be used for connecting the side sewer pipe to the tee or stub out shall be that for which the wye was designed. Rubber or plastic joint adapters shall be used as required to connect pipes and wyes of different materials or joint designs. Selected bedding material as outlined in TMC 13.30.345 shall be hand-tamped in a moist condition under and around the wye and connection to the wye made so as to prevent any pressure on the wye. Care shall be taken to prevent the dislodging of this hand-tamped material during the balance of the backfill and water settling operation. All sewers shall be laid true to grade with the bells upgrade. Pipe shall be firmly bedded for the full length of the barrel in the prepared trench bottom. Pipe shall be carefully centered prior to the joining. Joints shall be installed in strict compliance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Spigot ends shall be thoroughly cleaned before applying gasket cement and rubber gaskets. The interior surface of the bell previously laid shall be thoroughly cleansed and coated with gasket cement or lubricant as recommended by the manufacturer. After the section being laid has been carefully aligned, the joint shall be completed. (Ord. 198 § 6.18, 1975)

13.30.360 Tee connection, vertical risers and approved plugs.

(1) The first joint inside the property line and the first joint outside the building foundation wall shall each be a tee with the branch installed upward.

(2) The tee connection shall be of the same size as the service run. A vertical riser shall be installed in the tee after testing the side sewer as outlined in Article VIII of this chapter. This riser shall be brought to within 12 inches of the finish grade and capped with an approved plug. The plug shall be machined to fit the standard joint of the pipe being used, with the standard gasket. If the inspection riser is under a paved driveway, then it shall be brought to a point just beneath the surface and the plug enclosed in a suitable cleanout casting and cover. (Ord. 198 § 6.19, 1975)

13.30.365 Sewer pipe connection materials.

The connection to the sewer pipe at the building shall be a suitable rubber gasket sleeve or adaptor, or other type of connection specifically approved by the superintendent. (Ord. 198 § 6.20, 1975)

13.30.370 Trench backfill.

Backfill of the trench shall be done in a manner which will prevent damage to the pipe. All backfill between the sewer main and private property line, where applicable, shall be water settled or mechanically tamped in a manner approved by the superintendent. (Ord. 198 § 6.21, 1975)

13.30.375 Laying of parallel water and sewer lines.

Parallel water and sewer lines, wherever possible, shall be laid at least 10 feet apart horizontally. Wherever it is necessary for sewer and water lines to cross each other, the crossing shall be made at an angle of approximately 90 degrees, and the sewer shall be located three or more feet below the water line if possible. (Ord. 198 § 6.22, 1975)

13.30.380 Conditions of strict compliance impracticable – Indemnification for sub-standard installation.

Where physical conditions render compliance with the foregoing provisions of this article impracticable, the superintendent may issue a special permit for installation of a side sewer requiring compliance with said provisions insofar as is reasonably possible, but such permit shall be issued only upon condition that the permittee execute and deliver to the town of Twisp an instrument, in form furnished by the superintendent, agreeing to save harmless and indemnify the town of Twisp from any damage or injury resulting from such substandard installation. (Ord. 628 § 1(KK), 2011; Ord. 198 § 6.23, 1975)

13.30.385 Point of connection directed by town council.

The point of connection to the town’s sewer line of any side sewer serving any multiple family dwelling shall be as directed by the town council of Twisp. (Ord. 198 § 6.24, 1975)

13.30.390 Ninety-degree turns.

All 90-degree turns shall consist of a long sweep 90-degree turn or two 45-degree turns with a short coupler between to allow for augur passage for cleaning. (Ord. 198 § 6.25, 1975)

13.30.395 Request for change of use classification – Request for waiver of larger pipe installation.

(1) Whenever a request for change of use classification for any single-family dwelling served by a four-inch side sewer shall be made, which request for change of use classification would require a side sewer size six inches or larger, as required by TMC 13.30.315, the applicant/owner of the property shall, at the expense of the applicant/owner, install such larger size side sewer, as required by TMC 13.30.315, and connect the same to the town sewer collection system, in accordance with the provisions and inspection requirements of the town.

(2) Waiver of installation of such larger side sewer pipe may be obtained only upon application made to and approved by the town council, and as a condition for granting approval of such waiver request, the town council shall require that the applicant/owner agree to assume and pay any and/or all damages to persons and/or property which may be sustained and/or incurred by the town, or any other person whomsoever. Further, the town council shall require as a condition for granting of such waiver a hold harmless agreement executed by the applicant/owner with surety thereon satisfactory to the town and approved by the town attorney. (Ord. 293 §§ 1, 2, 1984; Ord. 198 § 6.26, 1975)

Article VII. Pipe Materials

13.30.400 Approved pipe types.

The following pipe may be used between the sewer main and the house connection:

Class 2400 A.B.S. 4-inch – PVC ASTM D-3034 or 3033

Such PVC pipe shall have no solid welded joints. (Ord. 747 § 1(E), 2019; Ord. 198 § 7.01, 1975)

Article VIII. Testing

13.30.405 Service sewers – Leakage testing.

All service sewers shall be tested for leakage in the presence and at the option of the superintendent or his authorized representative. (Ord. 198 § 8.01, 1975)

13.30.410 Service sewers – Testing procedure.

Service sewers shall be tested by plugging the line on the upstream side of the inspection tee and completely filling the system to the lowest fixture, drain, or cleanout within the building itself. (Ord. 198 § 8.02, 1975)

13.30.415 Maximum rate of leakage.

The rate of leakage in the service sewer shall not exceed the following amounts per 100 feet of pipe:

4-inch pipe:	1.6 gal./hr.
6-inch pipe:	2.4 gal./hr.

(Ord. 198 § 8.04, 1975)

13.30.420 Testing in sections.

The rates of leakage given in TMC 13.30.415 shall be used for a head of water at the low point of the system up to and including 15 feet. If a greater head would occur, due to the elevation of the building above the sewer, an additional tee or tees may be inserted in the line and the service sewer tested in sections. In this case, each section so tested shall meet the foregoing requirements. (Ord. 198 § 8.05, 1975)

13.30.425 Tentative test prior to backfilling.

A tentative test may be made by the side sewer contractor or owner prior to backfilling the trench at the time of inspection of the pipe-laying; however, the final acceptance test for leakage shall be made following backfill of all but the inspection tee, so that the complete backfill load will be on the pipe. (Ord. 198 § 8.06, 1975)

Article IX. Illegal Connections

13.30.430 Diverting storm water, surface runoff or underground drainage unlawful.

It shall be unlawful to divert or cause to be diverted any storm water, surface runoff, or underground drainage to any sewer, manhole or other appurtenant structure or portion of the sewer system. (Ord. 198 § 9.01, 1975)

13.30.435 Unlawful discharging to sewer system – Unlawful connections to sanitary sewers.

No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged any storm water, surface water, groundwater, roof run-off, sub-surface drainage, cooling water, or unpolluted industrial process water to any portion of the sewer system, and no roof drains, yard drains, or roofing drains of any type shall be connected to the sanitary sewers in any manner. (Ord. 198 § 9.02, 1975)

13.30.440 Illegal connections – Proof of nonexistence.

At the time of inspection of the service sewer, it shall be visibly demonstrated to the superintendent or his representative that there is no illegal connection to the service sewer by running water into the roof drains and observing the flow at the inspection riser, or by such other measures as the superintendent may deem necessary. (Ord. 198 § 9.03, 1975)

Article X. Tampering with System

13.30.445 Unlawful acts.

It shall be unlawful to break, damage, destroy, deface, alter or tamper with any structure, appurtenances or equipment which is part of the sewer system of the town of Twisp, or without authority from the superintendent, to break, damage, destroy, or deface any public walk, curb, or pavement, or to make openings or excavations in a public area for the purpose of connection to any public sewer. (Ord. 198 § 10.01, 1975)

13.30.450 Excavations to follow standards and regulations set by superintendent.

All excavations made by any person in any public area shall be made and backfilled in accord with the standards and regulations promulgated by the superintendent. (Ord. 198 § 10.02, 1975)

Article XI. Prohibited Substances

13.30.455 Prohibited substances enumerated.

It shall be unlawful to discharge or cause to be discharged any of the following described water or wastes in any public sewer, drain ditch or natural outlet:

(1) Any liquid or vapor having a temperature of higher than 150 degrees Fahrenheit;

(2) Any water or waste which contains more than 100 parts per million by weight of fat, oil or grease;

(3) Any gasoline, benzine, naphtha oil, or other flammable or explosive liquids, solids or gas;

(4) Any garbage that has not been properly shredded as herein defined;

(5) Any ashes, cinders, sand, mud, straw, hair, shavings, metal, glass, rags, feathers, tar, plastic, wood, manure, or any other solid or viscous substance capable of causing obstruction to the flow of sewers or other interference with the proper operation of the sewage works;

(6) Any waters or waste having a pH lower than 6.0 or higher than 11.0 or having any other corrosive property capable of causing damage or hazard to structures, equipment or personnel of the sewerage works;

(7) Any waters or wastes containing a toxic or poisonous substance in sufficient quantity to injure or interfere with any sewage treatment process, constitute a hazard to humans, animals, fish or fowl, or create any hazard in the receiving waters of the sewage treatment plant;

(8) Any waters or wastes containing suspended solids of such character and quantity that unusual attention or expense is required to handle such materials at the sewage treatment plant;

(9) Any noxious or malodorous gas or substance capable of creating a public nuisance;

(10) Any waters or waste that contains greater than 300 parts per million of BOD or TSS, unless the requirements of TMC 13.30.480, as amended, are met. (Ord. 747 § 1(F, G), 2019; Ord. 198 § 11.01, 1975)

13.30.460 Interceptors required for discharge of certain materials.

No grease, oil, sand, liquid or other waste containing grease or flammable material or other harmful ingredients in excessive amounts shall be discharged to any public sewer without the installation of interceptors of a type and capacity to be approved by the superintendent, and located so as to be readily accessible for cleaning and inspection. Such interceptors shall be maintained at the expense of the owner and shall be in continuously efficient operation at all times. (Ord. 198 § 11.02, 1975)

13.30.465 Preliminary treatment.

Whenever preliminary treatment is necessary to reduce the BOD to 300 parts per million by weight, or to reduce the objectionable character or constituents to within the maximum limits prescribed by TMC 13.30.455, such preliminary treatment shall be at the sole expense of the owner of the premises and shall be installed when the superintendent determines that the same is necessary to comply with the standards prescribed. In such cases, all plans, specifications and other pertinent information relating to such proposed preliminary treatment facilities shall be submitted to the superintendent prior to commencement of construction, and no construction thereof shall be commenced until the superintendent’s approval is noted on the plan. In the event of such installations, they shall be maintained continuously in efficient operation by the owner at his own expense. (Ord. 198 § 11.03, 1975)

13.30.470 Industrial waste control manhole.

Where any property served by a side sewer carries industrial waste, the owner or occupant shall install a control manhole in the side sewer to facilitate observation, sampling and measurement of the wastes when the same may be required by the superintendent. Such manhole shall be accessibly and safely located and shall be constructed and installed in accordance with plans approved prior to installation by the superintendent, and shall be maintained and installed by the owner or occupant at his sole expense. (Ord. 198 § 11.04, 1975)

13.30.475 Measurements, tests and analyses.

All measurements, tests and analyses of the characteristics of waste and waters to which reference is made in this chapter shall be determined in accordance with the standards prescribed in “Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Sewage” published jointly by the American Health Association and the American Waterworks Association. (Ord. 198 § 11.05, 1975)

13.30.480 Significant industrial user – Contract required.

(1) Any new SIU, or any existing user that is or becomes an SIU, shall not discharge wastewater into the town’s public sewer system unless such user has complied with provisions of Chapter 173-216 WAC, as amended, and has obtained and executed an industrial users discharge contract with the town. The language and format of the industrial users discharge contract shall be as determined and approved by the town. Any violation of the terms and conditions of the industrial users discharge contract shall be deemed to be a violation of this chapter, and subjects the user to the penalties established in this chapter. Included in the industrial users discharge contract shall be the allocation of available wastewater facility capacity to the user, as well as the development charges and rates that shall be paid by the user. Complying with the provisions of Chapter 173-216 WAC and obtaining an industrial users discharge contract shall not relieve a user of its obligation to comply with all federal and state pretreatment standards or requirements, or with any other requirements of federal, state or local laws or ordinances.

(2) At least 90 days prior to the anticipated date of discharge of wastewater into the town’s sewer system that will qualify the user as an SIU, any existing user that is or becomes an SIU, and new users considered by the town to fit the definition of an SIU, shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 173-216 WAC, and shall apply for an industrial users discharge contract and submit to the town the information set forth in subsection (3) of this section on an application as provided by the town.

(3) All users required to comply with the provisions of Chapter 173-216 WAC, as amended, and obtain an industrial users discharge contract, must submit the following baseline information to the town in their application:

(a) The user shall submit the name and address of the facility discharging the wastewater, including the name of the operator and owners.

(b) The user shall submit a list of any environmental control permits held by the facility.

(c) The user shall submit a brief description and nature of operations, average rate of production, and a list of all raw materials and chemicals used or stored in the facility, number of employees, hours of operation, hours and duration of wastewater discharge, anticipated BOD and TSS in mg/L of wastewater discharge, wastewater discharge flow and average of maximum daily gallons per minute and gallons per day, each product produced, amount of product produced, type and amount of raw materials processed. The description shall also include a schematic process diagram including the discharge point, floor plan, site plan, mechanical and plumbing detail and any sampling chambers, appurtenances by size, location and elevation.

(d) Any agreements, mandates, permits, draft reviews, or any other correspondence with any regulatory authorities relating to the facility.

(4) Upon submission of the application and baseline information as set forth in subsection (3) of this section, the town will evaluate the information, and may require additional information. Within 30 days of receipt of a completed application, the town will determine whether or not to issue an industrial users discharge contract. Upon determination to issue, the industrial users discharge contract shall be issued within 60 days of full evaluation, acceptance and compliance with Chapter 173-216 WAC, which includes an approval from the State of Washington Department of Ecology. The town may, in its discretion, deny any application for an industrial users discharge contract. Upon finding that the town, and concurrence by the State of Washington Department of Ecology, that a commercial or industrial user does not meet the criteria determined to be an SIU, the user will be notified of the determination and the requirements of this section shall not be applicable. Such user is obligated to notify the town if circumstances should change in a discharge to the town’s public sewer system and file a new application prior to increasing the wastewater discharge volume or strength.

(5) Any SIU that fails to enter into an industrial users discharge contract with the town may not discharge into the town’s public sewer system. Any SIU who discharges to the town’s public sewer system that has not entered into an industrial users discharge contract with the town shall be subject to a surcharge of the normal wastewater rates charged to the user as if said user had entered into an industrial users discharge contract with the town. Such surcharge shall be 200 percent of the normal wastewater rates, which shall be added to the wastewater rates charged to SIUs for such discharge amount. Such surcharge shall be in addition to any penalties imposed under this chapter.

(6) Industrial users discharge contracts may be reassigned or transferred to a new owner or operator only if the user gives 30 days’ advanced written notice to the town, and only if the town approves the assignment or transfer of the industrial users discharge contract in writing.

(7) An industrial users discharge contract may be terminated for, but not limited to, the following:

(a) Failure to notify the town of significant changes to wastewater discharge prior to such changed discharge;

(b) Misrepresentation or failure to disclose all relevant facts in the industrial users discharge contract application;

(d) Tampering with monitoring and sampling equipment;

(e) Refusing the town timely access to the facility, premises and records;

(f) Exceeding the contracted capacity as defined in the industrial users discharge contract;

(g) Failure to pay any surcharges or penalties as provided in this chapter;

(h) Failure to pay any sewer and/or water utility charges from the town;

(i) Failure to meet compliance schedules;

(j) Failure to provide adequate notice of the transfer of a contracted facility;

(k) Violation of any pretreatment standard or requirement, or any terms of the industrial users discharge contract; and

(l) At such time that the town’s wastewater treatment facility has reached its industrial capacity either under the terms of its permits or by reason of lack of treatment capacity.

In the event that the town determines that an industrial users discharge contract shall be terminated because of a violation, the town will provide written notice of the violation and a correction time limit as set forth in TMC 13.30.570 before terminating such industrial users discharge contract. In the event that the town’s wastewater treatment facility has reached its industrial capacity as set forth in subsection (7)(l) of this section, the town will provide written notice of such, and the date that the user’s industrial users discharge contract shall be terminated. In the event of a termination of the industrial users discharge contract, the user shall immediately cease any SIU discharge to the town’s public sewer system. (Ord. 747 § 1(H), 2019; Ord. 198 § 11.06, 1975)

Article XII. Restrictions on Trees and Shrubs

13.30.485 Planting of certain trees near public sewers prohibited.

It shall be unlawful for any person to plant within 35 feet of any public sewer any willow, poplar, cottonwood, soft maple, gum tree, or any other tree or shrub and whose roots are likely to enter and obstruct the flow of sewers. (Ord. 198 § 12.01, 1975)

13.30.490 Removal of unwanted trees – Notice to owner or occupant – Removal by town upon failure to respond to notice – Costs responsibility.

The superintendent is authorized to cause the removal of any trees and shrubs from any public area, or the roots of any trees and shrubs which extend into any public area when such trees and shrubs or the roots thereof are obstructing or are liable to obstruct any public sewer. Before making any such removal, the superintendent shall give 10 days’ notice in writing to the owner or occupant of the abutting property upon which such trees or shrubs are located, requiring such owner or occupant to remove same, or such notice may be posted on the premises or on such trees or shrubs. If such owner or occupant fails to remove such trees or shrubs and roots within the time specified by such notice, the superintendent is authorized to do so, and the cost thereof shall be charged to the owner or occupant, and upon giving written notice of the amount thereof to the owner or occupant or by posting such notice on such person’s property, the cost thereof shall be immediately payable to the town by such owner or occupant. (Ord. 198 § 12.02, 1975)

Article XIII. Authority of Superintendent

13.30.495 Right of entry for inspection, observation, testing etc.

The superintendent or his representatives, bearing proper credentials and identification, shall be permitted to enter upon all and any premises at all reasonable times for the purpose of inspection, observation, measurements, samplings, testing of sewers and sewage waste and performing all other acts or duties required of him in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, and it is unlawful for any person to prevent or attempt to prevent any such entrance or obstruct or interfere with any such officer or employee while so engaged. (Ord. 198 § 13.01, 1975)

13.30.500 Superintendent’s authority to expand upon rules and regulations.

The superintendent, on authority of the town council, may make rules and regulations and amend the same from time to time, not consistent with the provisions of this chapter, as he shall deem necessary and convenient to carry out the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 198 § 13.02, 1975)

Article XIV. Licensing of Side Sewer Contractors

13.30.505 Qualification.

As a condition precedent to entering into contracts with property owners in the town of Twisp for the installation of side sewers connecting with the sewers installed by the town and of soliciting said work, the contractors shall be accepted and licensed in writing as qualified side sewer contractors by the town. (Ord. 198 § 14.01, 1975)

13.30.510 Surety bond.

The licensed side sewer contractor shall execute and deliver a surety bond of the amount of $3,000 in favor of said town, conditioned that he will perform all side sewer work in conformance with this chapter. (Ord. 198 § 14.02, 1975)

13.30.515 Issuance of license – Prerequisites.

Before being issued a license, a side sewer contractor must comply with the requirements established from time to time by the superintendent. Upon fulfilling such requirements of the superintendent and delivering the bond required in TMC 13.30.510, the contractor will be issued a license by the town upon payment of an annual fee to be set by resolution of the town council from time to time. (Ord. 628 § 1(LL), 2011; Ord. 198 § 14.03, 1975)

13.30.520 Liability insurance policy – Hold harmless agreement.

(1) The side sewer contractor shall maintain a comprehensive liability insurance policy with minimum limits as follows:

(a) Bodily injury liability: $50,000/ $100,000.

(b) Property damage liability: $50,000.

(2) The insurance policy or certificate of insurance in form satisfactory to the town must be filed in the office of the town. The side sewer contractor shall provide that the following hold harmless agreement shall be covered by insurance, subject to the minimum limits of liability specified above, and that evidence of the covering of this hold harmless agreement be furnished:

The contractor shall protect, indemnify, and save the town of Twisp harmless from and against any damage, cost of liability for injury or death to persons or to damage or destruction of property arising out of the work performed by the contractor.

(3) All insurance policies written by private insurance carriers shall be endorsed to provide that the policy shall not be cancelled or reduced in coverage until after 10 days’ prior written notice, as evidenced by return receipt of registered letter, has been given to the town. (Ord. 198 § 14.04, 1975)

13.30.525 Violation – Withdrawal of license.

If the licensed side sewer contractor violates any provisions of this chapter, his license shall be withdrawn immediately by the superintendent and it shall be re-issued only upon a review of the case by the town council. This cancellation of license shall not exempt the side sewer contractor from any other penalties provided elsewhere in this chapter. (Ord. 198 § 14.05, 1975)

Article XV. Side Sewer Contract with Owner

13.30.530 Costs to be borne by owner.

All costs and expense incidental to the installation, connection and maintenance of a side sewer shall be borne by the owner or occupant of the premises served by the side sewer. (Ord. 198 § 15.01, 1975)

13.30.535 Compliance with town regulations required.

Contracts between property owners and side sewer contractors shall provide that the side sewer contractor will comply with all town regulations. (Ord. 198 § 15.02, 1975)

13.30.540 Release of lien from labor and materials.

The contractor will furnish the property owner with a release of lien from both labor and material or an affidavit stating the same has been paid before payment is accepted for side sewers. (Ord. 198 § 15.03, 1975)

Article XVI. Safety Equipment

13.30.545 Protective barricades.

The side sewer contractor before beginning in a public area shall have at the site sufficient barricades to properly protect the work. The barricades shall be illuminated during the nighttime hours with a minimum of four flares of flashing signals. (Ord. 198 § 16.01, 1975)

13.30.550 Shoring required for unstable ground conditions.

The contractor shall have stockpiled, within the town of Twisp and immediately available for use, sufficient shoring to adequately protect workmen where unstable ground conditions are encountered. (Ord. 198 § 16.02, 1975)

13.30.555 Compliance with safety and protection regulations required.

In addition to the foregoing provisions, the side sewer contractor shall comply with all laws, ordinances and regulations of the state, county, city or town, relating to the safety and protection of the area affected. (Ord. 198 § 16.03, 1975)

Article XVII. Restoration of Roadways

13.30.560 Strict compliance with rules and regulations required.

If in the installation of any side sewer it shall become necessary to cut a road surface, dig a trench, lay the pipe, make the connection to the wye, backfill the trench and restore the roadway surfacing within the limits of any public thoroughfare or right-of-way, such work shall be conducted in strict accordance with the rules and regulations of the state, county, or town having jurisdiction of said thoroughfare or right-of-way. (Ord. 198 § 17.01, 1975)

Article XVIII. Penalties

13.30.565 Violation – Liability to town of costs incurred by town.

Any person who shall violate any provision of this chapter shall be liable to the town for any expense, loss, damage, cost of inspection or cost of correction incurred by the town by reason of such violation including any cost to the town incurred in collecting from such person said loss, damage, expense, cost of inspection or cost of correction. (Ord. 198 § 18.01, 1975)

13.30.570 Violation – Written notice – Correction time limit.

Any person found to be violating any provision of this chapter shall be served by the town with 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 and make all necessary corrections. (Ord. 198 § 18.02, 1975)

13.30.575 Violation – Failure to comply – Penalty and interest.

Any person who shall continue any violation beyond the time limit provided for in TMC 13.30.570 shall, in addition to the items of expense provided in TMC 13.30.565, become liable to the town for a penalty in the amount of 10 percent of such expense items, together with interest thereon at eight percent per annum from the date of the time limit provided in TMC 13.30.570. (Ord. 198 § 18.03, 1975)

13.30.580 Violation – Civil penalty.

Any person, or persons, who shall violate any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a civil infraction and, in addition to any other penalty provided in this chapter, shall be assessed a civil penalty of not more than $250.00 for each violation. In the event of a continuing violation, each day that such violation continues shall be deemed a separate violation. (Ord. 628 § 1(MM), 2011; Ord. 369 § 1, 1991; Ord. 198 § 18.04, 1975)