Transcript Sump Pump Policy - Central MA Regional Stormwater Coalition

Part 2
Sump Pump Discharge Policy
September 26, 2013
Community Innovation Challenge Grant
2013
Central Massachusetts Regional Stormwater Coalition
Why Are Sump Pumps a Concern?
1. Quantity
• Discharge reduces capacity in storm drain
system to manage flow from road
surface.
2. Quality
• Discharge can include pollutants that then
enter the storm drain system and surface
waters.
Central Massachusetts Regional Stormwater Coalition
Sump Pumps in the MS4 Permit
Not listed as an “allowable” non-stormwater
discharge
but
Not specifically prohibited, either!
• MS4 Permit
does allow
groundwater infiltration” and
pumped groundwater”.
“uncontaminated
“uncontaminated
Central Massachusetts Regional Stormwater Coalition
Sump Pumps in Sanitary Sewers
• Clean Water Act does not prohibit sump pumps from
entering sanitary sewer system. Local prohibition
began when Towns applied for federal funding for
POTW’s.
• Many CMRSWC Towns are eliminating sump pumps
from sanitary sewer as part of inflow & infiltration
projects.
Challenge: there are places where a sump pump
is required to prevent property damage.
Central Massachusetts Regional Stormwater Coalition
Community Response to Sump Pumps
• Most CMRSWC Towns prohibit connection to
sanitary sewer via local Bylaw.
• Disconnection is not always feasible:
1. Often easy to reconnect after inspection.
2. Not always an alternative discharge.
 Lack of adequate space to discharge.
 Cannot result in an unsafe conditions.
 Cannot result in discharge of pollution to
environment.
Many MA communities struggle with this.
Central Massachusetts Regional Stormwater Coalition
Objectives of the Policy
Reasonable, consistent approach for allowing
connection to storm drain system.
1. Owner: has responsibility for costs and permits;
provides right-of-way; allows inspection; identifies
pump type and flow estimate; documents fixtures
connected to system; provides backflow prevention
device; executes Agreement.
2. Town: can require oil/water separator or secondary
containment; water quality testing; data on pump
installed; has right of inspection.
Central Massachusetts Regional Stormwater Coalition
Components of the Policy
Narrative
Application
Application Review
Central Massachusetts Regional Stormwater Coalition
Residential and
Commercial
Agreements
Requirements to Implement Policy
1. Existing Bylaw doesn’t prohibit connections or
includes a discretionary waiver process.
2. Town has staff to review application and manage
process.
3. Right of inspection: Town Bylaw provides authority
for staff to enter any premises and any building
thereon for the purpose of making the inspection.
Central Massachusetts Regional Stormwater Coalition
Right of Refusal
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Municipal system lacks capacity
Drainage includes flow from multiple sources
Drainage includes flow from industrial source(s)
Receiving water is impaired or subject to local control
Connection is within 100 feet of a septic system
Connection is within a drinking water Zone 1
Connection is within a drinking water Zone 2 and water
department/district has not approved in writing.
8. Discharge would create a safety hazard.
9. Connection jeopardizes public health, safety or natural
resources.
10. Connection or owner fails to satisfy requirements or
terms of Agreement.
Central Massachusetts Regional Stormwater Coalition