Agenda Packets - 2003/02/10 - Laserfiche WebLink

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7 With the increased precipitation in 2002, groundwater levels have risen higher than historical levels. Homes that unlawfully have their sump pumps connected to the sanitary sewer system then contribute much higher volumes of flow. The prohibition of discharge of storm water to the City’s sanitary sewer system was added to the City Code in 1988. Since most of the homes in Mounds View were constructed prior to the date, there are no records of how sump pumps, floor drains, or roof drains are connected. The best, and perhaps the only, way to determine if there is an unlawful discharge of storm water is to inspect the plumbing of each property. Staff recommends that the City Council consider an addition to the City’s Ordinance (See EXHIBIT B). This is a draft Section 907.06 of the City Code. Subdivisions 1 through 9 were added. The changes would implement a program to have all City properties inspected to confirm that there is no unlawful discharge into the sewer system. In the event that a property wishes not to allow the City to perform an inspection, a surcharge would be added to their quarterly utility bill. Example program: • Adopt a revised ordinance. • Hire an inspector for a period of two years. • Inform residents of the revised ordinance. • Give property owners about 18months to rectify any unlawful discharges. • Include financial incentives, if the Council chooses. • Property owners contact inspector to schedule inspection during the first 18 months • After 18 months, a surcharge will be added to the utility bill of all non- inspected property. This is simple a concept program and draft ordinance intended to foster discussion with the City Council. The 2003 Street Improvement Project was the catalyst for looking into possible ways to address the storm water inflow problem. The thought was that if there are known properties currently discharging sump pump water into the sanitary sewer, perhaps with the 2003 Street Improvement Project the City should look at providing a storm sewer lead (service) into which properties can connect. This would be a PVC pipe which connect into the City’s storm sewer system. It would run a few feet below grade and several feet behind the curb. The street project will proceed independent of the proposed storm water discharge elimination program. Staff and the City engineering consultant will review sewer tapes to identify potential problem areas. Staff will also direct-mail a questionnaire to properties in the street project area to see if more problem areas can be determined. Armed with this information, storm sewer lead would be added to the project where feasible.