HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 303-09TO:
FROM:
DATE:
REPORT TYPE:
SUBJECT:
HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: UTILITIES
JULY 20, 2009 CMR: 303:09
CONSENT
Approval of the City of Palo Alto Sanitary Sewer Management Plan as
Required by the State Water Resource Control Board
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that Council certify the attached Sanitary Sewer Management Plan (SSMP) as
required by the State Water Resources Control Board and the San Francisco Regional Water
Quality Control Board. Once approved, the elements of the SSMP will be used as a guide to
effectively manage the City's sanitary sewer collection system.
BACKGROUND
On May 2, 2006, pursuant to its authority under California Water Code § 13263, the State Water
Resource Control Board (SWRCB) adopted the Statewide General Waste Discharge Requirement
(WDR) and issued Water Quality Order No. 2006-0003 to regulate wastewater collection system
management. The purpose of the WDR is to protect the water quality in the State and prevent
public nuisance associated with sewer overflows. The WDR applies to all public collection
system agencies in California that own or operate collection systems with more than one mile of
pipe or sewer lines that convey untreated wastewater to a publicly owned treatment facility. Prior
to the May 2006 Order, the City had been required by the Regional Water Quality Control Board
to develop and implement the SSMP by August 2008. However, the new Order established a
deadline and required certification of SSMP by the governing board on August 2,2009.
In compliance with the Order, on November 2, 2006, the City filed a Notice of Intent (NOI) with
the State Water Resources Control Board and developed a schedule for developing and certifying
the SSMP. On October 22,2007, the Council reviewed and approved the schedule that contained
due dates for developing various elements of the plan.
DISCUSSION
The SSMP is a document that describes the activities an agency uses to manage its wastewater
collection system effectively. The intent of the SSMP, as required by the WDR, is to implement a
formalized criteria and procedure for design and construction, rehabilitation, operation, and
maintenance of the City's wastewater collection system. The SSMP was initially developed by the
CMR: 303:09 Page 1 of3
Engineering, Utilities Operations and Environmental Compliance staff and has been reviewed and
finalized by a qualified consulting engineer. In summary, the SSMP contains the following
elements:
Components of SSMP
Elements Requirements Description
1 Goals The goals as defined under the plan are to properly
manage, operate and maintain the City's wastewater
collection system in order to reduce and prevent
Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO's), as well as to
mitigate any SSO's that occur.
2 Organization Identifies the names and telephone numbers for
management, administrative and maintenance positions
responsible for implementing specific elements in the
SSMP program.
3 Legal Authority Identifies the legal authorities for enforcing the
violation of the Sewer Use Ordinance for illicit
discharges and discharge of Fat Oil and Grease (FOG)
to the sewer.
4 Operation & Maintenance Identifies the plan for the routine operation and
Plan maintenance of the collection system which includes a
map of the system.
5 Design Standards Identifies the City's engineering standards for design,
construction, maintenance and rehabilitation of the
wastewater collection system and its associated
apparatus.
6 Emergency Response Plan Defines the procedure for responding to a sewer
overflow, field documentation of each incident, and
requirements for reporting to regulatory agencies.
7 Fats, Oil & Grease (FOG) Describes the City's FOG source control program to
reduce the amount of grease substances that are being
discharged to the sewer.
8 System Evaluation and Describes the City's capital improvement plan based on
Capacity Assurance the 2004 Master Plan for capacity assessment of the
collection system.
9 Monitoring Measurement Describes how the implementation of the plan will be
and Plan Modification monitored, modified or updated
10 SSMP Audit Describes how the annual audit of the plan will be
conducted and the reporting of the results to the
regulatory agencies.
11 Communication Program Describes communication of the implementation of the
plan with the citizens and customers.
RESOURCE IMPACT
On an annual basis, the City spends approximately $14 million on design, construction,
maintenance, environmental enforcement, and administration of sanitary sewer collection system.
While there is no immediate impact, full implementation of the SSMP will require additional
CMR: 303:09 Page 2 of3
funding. Additional funding will be required to increase sewer mains cleaning frequency and to
initiate a preventive maintenance program for the City-owned laterals. The intent of the WDR and
the SSMP is to provide a plan and schedule to help reduce and prevent SSOs. Most of the
information required to complete the SSMP elements is readily available. Utilities continues to
rehabilitate 20,000 to 30,000 linear feet of pipe every year through the Council approved Capital
Improvement Project (CIP) budget and these funds will continue to be used to meet the
requirements of the SSMP. Utilities also continues to operate and maintain the collection system
and those approved budgets and efforts will be focused on meeting the plan elements. Any
increased efforts in the operations and maintenance of the collection system identified by the
SSMP development, including additional collection system condition assessments, may result in
future requests for increased funding.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
This request does not represent a change in policy.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The SWRCB, not the City, is the lead agency responsible tor environmental review pursuant to the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). On May 5, 2006, SWRCB determined that its
action to adopt the Statewide General Waste Discharge Requirements was exempt from CEQA
because it was an action taken by a regulatory agency to assure the protection of the environment
and the regulatory process involves procedures for protection of the environment. (Cal. Code of
Regs., Title 14 § 15308). In addition, the SWRCB determined that its action was exempt from
CEQA pursuant to Cal. Code of Regs., Title 14 § 15301 to the extent that it applies to existing
sanitary sewer collection systems that constitute "existing facilities" involving negligible or no
expansion of capacity.
The Council's approval of the Palo Alto Sanitary Sewer Management Plan is similarly exempt.
ATTACHMENT
A. Sanitary Sewer Management Plan (SSMP)
PREPARED BY:
DEPARTMENT APPROVAL:
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
CMR: 303:09
JAVAD GHAFFARI
Manager ofWGW Operations
~ DE BATCHELOR
Assistant Director of Utilities Operations
VALE~NG
Director of Utiliti~s
....... I I
'''?..... L., /l
JAMES KEENE
City Manager
i ,-t~ ~-, ..
Page 3 of3
Wastewater Collections
SEWER SYSTEM
MANAGEMENT PLAN
City of Palo Alto
Sewer System Management Plan
Updated: July, 2009
I/~ ;,..; - -
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
i
Table of Contents
Title Page
Table of Contents................................................................................................................................i
Definitions, Acronyms, and Abbreviation Definitions...................................................................iii
Introduction........................................................................................................................................1
Regulatory Requirements and Compliance Dates ..........................................................................2
Plan and Schedule ..........................................................................................................................2
1. Element 1 – Goals ......................................................................................................................1-1
2. Element 2 – Organization ..........................................................................................................2-1
2.1. Organizational Structure .......................................................................................................2-1
2.2. Responsible and Authorized Representatives......................................................................2-3
2.3. Chain-of-Communication for Reporting and Responding to SSOs.......................................2-4
3. Element 3 – Legal Authority......................................................................................................3-1
3.1. Legal Authority ......................................................................................................................3-1
3.2. Sewer Use Ordinance (Relevant to SSMP)..........................................................................3-3
4. Element 4 – Operation and Maintenance Program .................................................................4-1
4.1. Collection System Maps .......................................................................................................4-2
4.2. Operation and Maintenance Program...................................................................................4-2
4.3. Rehabilitation and Replacement Program ............................................................................4-4
4.4. Training Program ..................................................................................................................4-5
4.5. Resources & Budget .............................................................................................................4-6
5. Element 5 – Design and Performance Provisions ..................................................................5-1
5.1. Standards for Installation, Rehabilitation and Repair............................................................5-1
5.2. Standards for Inspection and Repair ....................................................................................5-1
6. Element 6 – Sanitary Sewer Overflow Emergency Response Plan......................................6-1
6.1. Notification ............................................................................................................................6-1
6.2. Responsibility of Dispatch Center.........................................................................................6-2
6.3. SSO Response .....................................................................................................................6-3
6.4. Sanitary Sewer Overflow Cleanup........................................................................................6-6
6.5. Documentation......................................................................................................................6-7
6.6. Reporting ..............................................................................................................................6-7
6.7. Training...............................................................................................................................6-14
7. Element 7 – Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Control Program .................................................7-1
7.1. Goals for the FOG Program..................................................................................................7-2
7.2. Source Control ......................................................................................................................7-2
7.3. Food Service Establishment Inspections ..............................................................................7-3
7.4. 2008 Inspection Highlights of Food Service Establishments ................................................7-5
7.5. Outreach ...............................................................................................................................7-6
7.6. Regional FOG Groups ..........................................................................................................7-6
7.7. Inspections and Compliance.................................................................................................7-7
7.8. FOG Acceptance at RWQCP and Maximizing Energy Recovery .........................................7-8
8. Element 8 – System Evaluation and Capacity Assurance Plan.............................................8-1
9. Element 9 – Monitoring, Measurement and Program Modifications.....................................9-1
9.1. Monitoring, Measurement .....................................................................................................9-1
9.2. Program Modifications ..........................................................................................................9-3
10. Element 10 – Program Audits...............................................................................................10-1
11. Element 11 – Communication Program...............................................................................11-1
SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ii
Table of Tables
Table 1 – Compliance Dates for SSMP Applicable to Palo Alto
(10,000< Population<100,000)
Table 2-1 – Phone Numbers for SSO Responders
Table 3-1 – Summary of Legal Authorities
Table 4-1 – Collection System Budget Summary for Fiscal Year 2008-09
Table 4-2 – Tools and Equipment Inventory List
Table 6-1 – Schedule for Dispatching a Response Team
Table 7-1 – Summary of FOG FSE Inspections for 2005-2008 & 2009 Goals
Table 9-1 – SSMP Monitoring Parameters, by SSMP Element
Table of Figures
Figure 2-1 – Organization Chart for City of Palo Alto Water, Gas and Wastewater
Figure 6-1 – Guide For Reporting SSOs To Regulatory Authorities – Part 1
Figure 6-2 – Guide For Reporting SSOs To Regulatory Authorities – Part 2
SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN
DEFINITIONS, ACRONYMS, AND ABBREVIATION DEFINITIONS
iii
Definitions, Acronyms, and Abbreviation Definitions
Definitions, Acronyms, and Abbreviation Definitions
ASTM; American Society for Testing and Materials
AWWA; American Water Works Association
BAPPG; Bay Area Pollution Prevention Group
BMPs; Best Management Practices
CCTV; Closed Circuit Television
City; City of Palo Alto
CIP; Capital Improvement Plan
CIWQS; California Integrated Water Quality System
CWEA; California Water Environment Association
Dispatch; City Communication Center
ECD; Environmental Compliance Division
FOG; Fats, Oil and Grease
FSE; Food Service Establishment
FSR; Field Service Representative
FTE; Full-time Equivalent
FY; Fiscal Year
GCD; Grease Control Device
GIS; Geographical Information System
GPS; Global Positioning System
GWDR; General Waste Discharge Requirements No. 2006-0003, Statewide
General Waste Discharge Requirements for Sanitary Sewer
Systems, dated May 2, 2006.
GWI; Ground Water Infiltration
ICOMMM; A Sewer Maintenance Database
I/I; Infiltration/Inflow
LRO; Legally Responsible Official
MGS; Million Gallons per Day (MGD)
MMPM; Monitoring, Measurement, and Plan Modifications
MSC; Municipal Service Center
MSDS; Material Safety Data Sheet
OERP; Overflow Emergency Response Plan
SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN
DEFINITIONS, ACRONYMS, AND ABBREVIATION DEFINITIONS
iv
OES; Office of Emergency Services
O&M; Operations and Maintenance
PARWQCP; Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant
PE; Polyethylene Pipe
PM; Preventative Maintenance
PVC; Polyvinylchloride Pipe
PWD; Public Works Department
RWQCB; Regional Water Quality Control Board
RWQCP; Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant
SCADA; Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
SECAP; System Evaluation and Capacity Assurance Plan
SDR; Standard Dimension Ratio
SSMP; Sewer System Management Plan
SSO; Sanitary Sewer Overflows
SSOERP; Sanitary Sewer Overflow Emergency Response Plan
SWRCB; State Water Resources Control Board
VCP; Vitrified Clay Pipe
WGW; Water, Gas and Wastewater
SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN
INTRODUCTION
1
Introduction
This Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) describes the City of Palo Alto’s (City’s)
wastewater collection system management activities. The purpose of these activities is
to:
1. Maintain and improve the condition of the collection system infrastructure,
2. Control infiltration/inflow (I/I) and provide appropriate sewer capacity, and to
3. Minimize the number and impact of sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) that occur.
The State Water Resources Control Board (SWB) has issued statewide waste
discharge requirements for sanitary sewer systems which include requirements for
development of an SSMP. The State Water Board requirements are outlined in Order
No. 2006-0003-DWQ, Statewide General Waste Discharge Requirements for Sanitary
Sewer Systems, dated May 2, 2006 (SWB SSO WDR), and Order No. WQ-2008-0002-
EXEC, dated February 20, 2008.
The SSMP is also required by the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control
Board (RWQCB). Requirements are outlined in the Sewer System Management Plan
Development Guide dated July 2005, by the RWQCB in cooperation with the Bay Area
Clean Water Agencies (BACWA).
This SSMP includes the elements required by both the SWB and RWB, and is
organized following the SWB outline. Both SWB and RWB SSMP requirements are
included and addressed in each element. Requirements language is shown verbatim
from the SWB SSO WDR and the RWB SSMP Development Guide. The SWB SSO
WDR uses the term “Enrollee” to mean each individual municipal wastewater agency
that has completed and submitted the required application for coverage under the WDR
(in this case, the Enrollee is the City of Palo Alto).
SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN
INTRODUCTION
2
Regulatory Requirements and Compliance Dates
The City of Palo Alto’s SSMP contains 11 elements and it is designed to meet both the
RWQCB and the GWDR requirements. Table 1 provides the list of the elements of
each plan with respective compliance due dates:
Table 1 – Compliance Dates for SSMP Applicable to Palo Alto
(10,000< Population<100,000)
SSMP Element Compliance Dates
RWQCB SWRCB
• Plan and Schedule NR 11/02/07
Element 1 • Goals 08/31/06 11/02/07
Element 2 • Organization 08/31/06 11/02/07
Element 3 • Emergency Response Plan 08/31/06 05/02/09
Element 4 • FOG Control Program 08/31/06 05/02/09
Element 5 • Legal Authority 08/31/07 05/02/09
Element 6 • Measures and Activities
(O&M Plan)* 08/31/07 05/02/09
Element 7
• Design & Construction Standards
(Design and Performance Standard)*
08/31/07 08/02/09
Element 8 • Capacity Management
8/31/08 08/02/09
Element 9
• Monitoring, Measurement, and
Program Modifications
08/31/08 08/02/09
Element 10 • Program Audits
08/31/08 08/02/09
Element 11 • Communication Program NR 08/02/09
• Final SSMP Certification
NR 08/02/09
o * variations between the two requirements
o NR= not required
Plan and Schedule
In compliance with the GWDR, the Utilities Engineering and Operations staff developed
a schedule with milestones for developing and certifying the SSMP. On October 22,
2007, the City Council passed a resolution approving the SSMP Development Plan and
Schedule.
SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN
ELEMENT 1 – GOALS
1-1
1. Element 1 – Goals
SWRCB Requirements:
The goal of the Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) is to provide a plan and schedule to
properly manage, operate, and maintain all parts of the sanitary sewer system. This will help
reduce and prevent SSOs, as well as mitigate any SSOs that do occur.
RWQCB Requirements:
Each wastewater collection system agency shall, at a minimum, develop goals for the Sewer
System Management Plan as follows:
• To properly manage, operate, and maintain all parts of the wastewater collection
system
• To provide adequate capacity to convey peak flows
• To minimize the frequency of SSOs
• To mitigate the impact of SSOs
In August, 2006, the City of Palo Alto Developed the SSMP goals based on the
RWQCB’s order dated July 7, 2005. In May 2009, the City revised this section of the
SSMP using the GWDR guidelines. The goal of the SSMP is to address both RWCQB
and the GWDR requirements. The goals of the City of Palo Alto SSMP are to:
• Properly manage, operate and maintain the wastewater collection system in
order to provide a reliable service now and into the future.
• Develop and maintain design construction standards and specifications for the
installation and repair of the collection system and its associated infrastructure.
• Cost effectively minimize infiltration/inflow (I/I) and provide adequate system
capacity to handle peak flows during a storm event.
• Maintain a comprehensive and up-to-date map of wastewater collection system.
• Coordinate with the City Public Works Operation to maintain Storm Water maps.
• Respond to sanitary sewer overflows quickly and mitigate the impact of the
overflow.
• Implement a collection system maintenance program to minimize the frequency
of sanitary sewer overflows.
• Provide training on a regular basis for WGW staff in collection system
maintenance and operations.
• Encourage and support participation in the quarterly meetings with the
neighboring collection system agencies and the partners to the City’s wastewater
treatment plant.
• Maintain a Fats, Oil, and Grease (FOG) program to limit fats, oils, grease, and
other debris that may cause blockages in the sewage collection system.
• Develop a closed-circuit televising (CCTV) program for the sewer collection
system.
SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN
ELEMENT 2 – ERGANIZATION
2-1
2. Element 2 – Organization
SWRCB Requirements:
The Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) must identify:
a. The name of the responsible or authorized representative as described in Section J of
this Order.
b. The names and telephone numbers for management, administrative, and maintenance
positions responsible for implementing specific measures in the SSMP program. The
SSMP must identify lines of authority through an organization chart or similar document
with a narrative explanation; and
c. The chain of communication for reporting SSOs, from receipt of a complaint or other
information, including the person responsible for reporting SSOs to the State and
Regional Water Board and other agencies if applicable (such as County Health Officer,
County Environmental Health Agency, Regional Water Board, and/or State Office of
Emergency Services (OES)).
RWQCB Requirements:
Each wastewater collection system agency shall, at a minimum, provide information regarding
organization:
• Identify agency staff responsible for implementing, managing, and updating the SSMP
• Identify chain of communication for responding to SSOs
• Identify chain of communication for reporting SSOs
2.1. Organizational Structure
An organization chart for the Water Gas and Wastewater operation is shown in
Figure 2-1 on the following page. This organization shows the lines of authority
for administrative and field staff who respond to SSOs. Following Figure 2-1, a
brief description of the the City staff responsible for implementing various aspects
of the SSMP is provided.
SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN
ELEMENT 2 – ERGANIZATION
2-2
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SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN
ELEMENT 2 – ERGANIZATION
2-3
2.2. Responsible and Authorized Representatives
City staff responsible for implementing various aspects of the SSMP are as
follows:
City of Palo Alto Utilities Director
Oversees the overall program, communicates with City Manager, provides
reports to the City Council and designates Legally Responsible Official (LRO) to
certify SSO reports.
Assistant Director of Utilities Operations
Oversees the program and communicates with the media.
Water Gas Wastewater Operations Manager
Manages the program and reviews reports and certifies SSO’s.
Wastewater Collections Supervisor
Manages field operations and maintenance activities, provides relevant
information to agency management, prepares and implements contingency
plans, leads emergency response, investigates and reports SSO’s, and trains
field crews.
Water Gas Wastewater Supervisor
Responds to after hour sewer overflow incidents. Oversees field operation,
compiles and submits the 2-hour report.
Water Gas Wastewater Engineering Manager
Establishes policy, plans strategy, reviews and certifies SSMP, leads engineering
staff, allocates resources, delegates responsibility and authorizes outside
contractors to perform services.
Senior Wastewater Project Engineer
Manages and administers the capital improvement program (CIP).
Inspector
Conducts inspections for CIP projects. Ensures that new and rehabilitated assets
meet agency standards.
Field Operation Crews
Responds to SSOs. Performs preventive maintenance activities and mobilizes
and responds to notification of stoppages and SSO’s.
Manager, Environmental Compliance Division (ECD)
Manages the development, implementation and administration of various
environmental compliance and water pollution prevention programs for the
Regional Water Quality Control Plant. Maintains and updates the City’s Sewer
Use Ordinance.
SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN
ELEMENT 2 – ERGANIZATION
2-4
Manager, Environmental Control Program
Administers the City’s FOG, Industrial Waste, and Storm Water programs.
ECD Industrial Waste Investigator
Conducts inspections of industrial, commercial, and food service facilities.
ECD Industrial Waste Inspector, Storm Water
Investigates the illegal discharge of wastewater to the storm drains.
ECD Industrial Waste Inspector, Sampling
Collects samples and inspects discharge locations including creeks and grease
removal devices.
ECD Engineering Tech III
Inspects food service facilities.
Manager, Communications (Utilities)
Disseminates urgent and pertinent information to the public in a timely manner.
2.3. Chain-of-Communication for Reporting and
Responding to SSOs
In response to an SSO event, Water Gas Wastewater (WGW) immediately
implements its Sanitary Sewer Overflow Response Plan (Response Plan),
discussed in more detail in Element 6. The Response Plan provides direction for
the immediate verbal and written notification of City staff and agencies.
Important phone numbers for City staff involved in SSO response are shown on
Table 2-1.
Table 2-1 – Phone Numbers for SSO Responders
Responsible Party Name Phone Number
Field Service
Representative
(FSR)
Refer to daily schedule (650) 496-6780
WGW Crew Refer to daily schedule (650) 496-6780
Wastewater
Supervisor
Frank Alvarado (650) 496-6917
Legally Responsible
Official (LRO)
Javad Ghaffari (650) 496-6932
Utilities Director Valerie Fong (650) 329-2277
SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN
ELEMENT 2 – ERGANIZATION
2-5
A list of radio call signs for WGW Operations personnel is included in the
Element 2 Appendix. This list also includes several additional phone numbers.
List of Documents in the Element 2 Appendix (see separate tab):
1. WGW Radio Call Signs
SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN
ELEMENT 3 – EEGAL AUTHORITY
3-1
3. Element 3 – Legal Authority
SWRCB Requirements:
Each Enrollee must demonstrate, through sanitary sewer system use ordinances, service
agreements, or other legally binding procedures, that it possesses the necessary legal
authority to:
a. Prevent illicit discharges into its sanitary sewer system (examples may include I/I,
stormwater, chemical dumping, unauthorized debris and cut roots, etc.);
b. Require that sewers and connections be properly designed and constructed;
c. Ensure access for maintenance, inspection, or repairs for portions of the lateral owned
or maintained by the Public Agency;
d. Limit the discharge of fats, oils, and grease and other debris that may cause blockages,
and
e. Enforce any violation of its sewer ordinances.
RWQCB Requirements:
Each wastewater collection system agency shall, at a minimum, describe its legal authority,
through sewer use ordinances, services agreements, or other legally binding procedures to:
• Control infiltration/inflow (I/I) from satellite wastewater collection systems and laterals
• Require proper design and construction of new and rehabilitated sewers and
connections
• Require proper installation, testing, and inspection of new and rehabilitated sewers
3.1. Legal Authority
The City of Palo Alto Council has the power to enact ordinances and other legally
binding instruments to regulate usage and prevent discharges to protect and
foster human health and the environment. The City has approved and adopted
the Sewer Use Ordinance (Palo Alto Municipal Code, PAMC, Title 16, Chapter
16.09), the Utilities Rules and Regulations, and the Utility Standards to govern
the collection, maintenance, and construction of the wastewater facilities within
the City.
The specific purpose of the City’s Sewer Use Ordinance is to prevent the
discharge of any pollutant into the sewer system, the storm drain system, or
surface waters, which would 1) obstruct or damage the collection system; 2)
interfere with, inhibit or disrupt the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant
or it’s treatment processes; 3) pass through the treatment system and contribute
to violations of the regulatory requirements placed upon the plant; or 4) result in
or threaten harm to or deterioration of human health or the environment.
SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN
ELEMENT 3 – EEGAL AUTHORITY
3-2
The Utilities Rules and Regulations, approved and adopted by resolution of the
City of Palo Alto City Council, govern the business operation of the City’s utilities.
The Utilities Rules and Regulations can be found online at:
http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/depts/utl/forms_and_downloads.asp
The Utility Standards are the City’s standard specifications for installation,
rehabilitation and repair of facilities, and govern the requirements for proper
design, construction, and maintenance of water, gas, and wastewater utility
facilities and connections within the City of Palo Alto. The Utility Standards are
also available online at:
http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/news/displaynews.asp?NewsID=998&TargetID=243
Enforcement is found in the Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC). Violations of the
PAMC can be addressed through criminal, judicial, administrative, and/or
injunctive action. For other lesser violations, the City may assess monetary fines
as well.
Specific references to the GWDR legal authority requirements are shown in
Table 3-1.
Table 3-1 – Summary of Legal Authorities
GWDR Requirement Reference
Prevent illicit discharge into the
sanitary sewer system
PAMC 16.09.075;
PAMC 16.09.100 – 102;
PAMC 16.09.105;
PAMC 16.09.110;
PAMC 16.09.117
Require that sewers and
connections be properly designed
and constructed
Utility Standards, Water, Gas and
Wastewater, 2005
Ensure access for maintenance,
inspection, or repairs for portions of
lateral owned or maintained by the
City
Utilities Rules and Regulations 8,
Access to Premises, 7/1/98
Limit the discharge of fats, oils, and
grease and other debris that may
cause blockages
PAMC 16.09.102 – 103;
PAMC 16.09.110
Enforce any violation of the sewer
ordinances
PAMC 16.09.130;
PAMC 16.09.140 – 145
SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN
ELEMENT 3 – EEGAL AUTHORITY
3-3
3.2. Sewer Use Ordinance (Relevant to SSMP)
Reference:
http://www.amlegal.com/nxt/gateway.dll/California/paloalto_ca/title16buildingregu
lations*/chapter1609seweruseordinance*?f=templates$fn=altmain-
nf.htm$q=%5Band%3Asewer%20use%20ordinance%5D%20$x=server$3.0#LP
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3.2.1. 16.09.005 Purpose
The overall goal of this chapter and the city’s water quality control program is
to prevent and control pollution and protect and foster human health and the
environment. The specific purpose of this chapter is to prevent the discharge
of any pollutant into the sewer system, the storm drain system, or surface
waters, which would: 1) obstruct or damage the collection system; 2) interfere
with, inhibit or disrupt the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant (the
“plant”), or its treatment processes, or operations, or its sludge processes,
use or disposal; 3) pass through the treatment system and contribute to
violations of the regulatory requirements placed upon the plant; or 4) result in
or threaten harm to or deterioration of human health or the environment. It is
the intent of the City to update and modify this chapter as needed to continue
to provide a program for pretreatment of industrial wastes which is approved
by federal and state regulatory agencies. Therefore this chapter is designed
to be no less stringent than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
“General Pretreatment Regulations for Existing and New Sources of Pollution”
published at Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 403, as
applicable, and as such regulations may be amended from time to time
(hereinafter the “Pretreatment Regulations”). (Ord. 4252 § 1, 1994: Ord. 3889
§ 1 (part), 1989)
3.2.2. 16.09.075 Limitations on Point of Discharge.
No person shall discharge any substances directly into a manhole or other
opening in a city sewer, other than through an approved building sewer or
other location approved by the superintendent. (Ord. 3889 § 1 (part), 1989)
3.2.3. 16.09.100 Prohibitions.
Wastes discharged into the sewer system shall not have characteristics which
by themselves or by interaction with other wastes may:
(a) Endanger the health and safety of the public or city personnel
(b) Cause damage to the sewer system
(c) Create nuisance such as odors or coloration
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(d) Result in extra cost of collection, treatment, or disposal
(e) Interfere with, inhibit or disrupt any wastewater treatment process of
the plant, its treatment processes, sludge processes, or operations in
such manner to cause violations of the plant’s NPDES permit, or any
regulatory requirement, or result in the use of sludge in noncompliance
with any applicable requirements. This shall include instances due to
flow rate and/or pollutant concentration and applies to increases in
magnitude or duration of violation by the plant
(f) Exit the plant into waters of the United States in quantities or
concentrations which contribute to a violation of any regulatory
requirement applicable to the plant. This shall include increases in
magnitude or duration of any violation or period of noncompliance
(g) Cause the temperature of the influent flow to the plant to exceed 40ºC
(104ºF)
(h) Prevent, hinder, delay, or impede compliance with effluent quality
requirements established by regulatory agencies, or exceed the same
(i) Cause wastewater quality to fall outside reclamation feasibility limits.
(Ord. 3889 § 1 (part), 1989)
3.2.4. 16.09.101 Root Control Chemicals.
No person shall discharge, dispose of or add to the sanitary sewer system
any substance containing greater than five percent copper by weight, to
control roots or for any other purpose. No person shall discharge, dispose or
add to the storm drain system any substance to control roots (Ord. 4760 §
10, 2002: Ord. 4252 § 6, 1994: Ord. 4070 § 4, 1992).
3.2.5. 16.09.102 Grease Disposal Prohibited.
No person shall dispose of any grease, or cause any grease to be disposed,
by discharge into any drainage piping, by discharge into any public or private
sanitary sewer, by discharge into any storm drainage system, or by discharge
to any land, street, public way, river, stream or other waterway (Ord. 4070 §
5, 1992).
3.2.6. 16.09.103 Grease Removal Device Required –
Garbage Disposers Prohibited.
(a) The owner of every newly constructed, remodeled, or converted
commercial or industrial facility with one or more grease generating
activities, including food service facilities with new or replacement
kitchens, for which a building permit is issued on or after January 1, 1992,
shall install or cause to be installed a grease interceptor for each grease
generating activity, of a size equal to or greater than the minimum size
meeting the definition of “grease interceptor,” as set forth in Section 209 of
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the 1997 Uniform Plumbing Code or the equivalent section of a
subsequently adopted edition of the California Plumbing Code.
(b) The owner of every commercial or industrial generator of grease, including
food service facilities, serviced by a sewer collection line found to have a
grease blockage, a history of grease blockage, or accelerated line
maintenance resulting from grease disposal shall install or cause to be
installed, upon notification by the superintendent, a grease removal
device.
(c) The owner of every commercial or industrial generator of grease, including
food service facilities, for which installation of grease removal devices is
not required pursuant to subsection (a) or (b) of this section, shall install or
cause to be installed a grease removal device for each grease generating
activity, on or before January 1, 1997.
(d) All grease removal device(s) shall be installed on the premises where
grease is used or generated and shall be sized in conformance with
Chapter 10 of the 1997 Uniform Plumbing Code or the equivalent section
of a subsequently adopted edition of the California Plumbing Code. The
contents of all grease removal devices shall be removed periodically as
necessary to prevent violations of this chapter. At a minimum, the contents
shall be removed every six months. All grease removal devices shall be
kept in good repair and shall be maintained in continuous operation. A log
of all grease removal activities shall be maintained at the facility showing
the date of removal, the amount removed, and the disposition of the
removed contents. The log shall be retained for a period of three years
and shall be available for inspection by city inspectors upon request.
(e) Effective January 1, 2003, the installation of any food waste disposer
(grinder) at any food service facility with one or more grease generating
activities is prohibited.
(f) Effective January 1, 2007, no food service facility with one or more grease
generating activities shall utilize a food waste disposer (grinder) for the
purpose of food waste disposal to the sanitary sewer (Ord. 4760 § 11,
2002: Ord. 4070 § 6, 1992).
3.2.7. 16.09.105 Unpolluted Water.
(a) Unpolluted water shall not be discharged through direct or indirect
connection to the sanitary sewer system unless a permit is issued by the
City. As used in this section, unpolluted water shall include stormwater
from roofs, yards, foundation, or underdrainage, which meets all state and
federal requirements for discharge to surface waters of the United States.
The City may approve the discharge of such water to the sewer system
only when no reasonable alternative method of disposal is available. If a
permit is granted for the discharge of such water into the sewer system,
the user shall pay the applicable charges and fees and shall meet such
other conditions as required by the superintendent.
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(b) After January 1, 2003, non-emergency discharges greater than 200
gallons per day from once-through cooling systems using potable water as
a coolant shall not be discharged to the sanitary system; provided, that the
superintendent may approve an exception in the following instances: (1)
for once-through cooling water used for benchtop reflux or distillation or
other similarly sized activity or (2) for short term use only, upon the
determination that the use is for a research activity for which another
source of cooling is not easily available.
(c) After January 1, 2006, non-emergency discharges of any amount from
once-through cooling systems using potable water as a coolant shall not
be discharged to the sanitary system; provided, that the superintendent
may approve an exception in the following instances: (1) for once-through
cooling water used for benchtop reflux or distillation or other similarly sized
activity or (2) for short term use only, upon the determination that the use
is for a research activity for which another source of cooling is not easily
available (Ord. 4760 § 13, 2002: Ord. 4252 § 7, 1994: Ord. 3889 § 1
(part), 1989).
3.2.8. 16.09.106 Storm Drains – Prohibited Discharges.
(a) It shall be unlawful to discharge any domestic waste or industrial waste
into storm drains, gutters, creeks, or the San Francisco Bay. Unlawful
discharges to storm drains shall include, but not be limited to, discharges
from toilets, sinks, industrial processes, cooling systems, boilers, fabric
cleaning, equipment cleaning, vehicle cleaning, construction activities,
including, but not limited to, painting, paving, concrete placement,
sawcutting and grading, swimming pools, spas, and fountains, or
substances added to the storm drain to control root growth, unless
specifically permitted by a discharge permit or unless exempted pursuant
to guidelines published by the superintendent.
(b) It shall be unlawful to cause hazardous materials, domestic waste or
industrial waste to be deposited in such a manner or location as to
constitute a threatened discharge into storm drains, gutters, creeks or the
San Francisco Bay. A “threatened discharge” is a condition creating a
substantial probability of harm, when the probability and potential extent of
harm make it reasonably necessary to take immediate action to prevent,
reduce or mitigate damages to persons, property or natural resources.
Domestic or industrial wastes that are no longer contained in a pipe, tank
or other container are considered to be threatened discharges unless they
are actively being cleaned up.
(c) Interior floor drains shall not be connected to storm drains.
(d) Exterior drains located in the following areas shall not be connected to
storm drains:
a. Equipment or vehicle washing areas
b. Areas where equipment fluids are routinely changed
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c. Areas where hazardous materials, chemicals or other uncontained
materials that are easily transported by wind or water are stored and
are not secondarily contained
d. Loading dock areas, except that loading dock drains to the storm
drain system may be allowed if a valve or equivalent device is
provided, which remains closed except when it is raining. Secondary
containment shall be provided for any rooftop equipment, tanks or
pipes containing other than potable water, cooling water, heating
system hot water, steam, water condensate or equivalent
substances, which the superintendent determines will otherwise
cause a probable discharge to the storm drain system.
(e) After January 1, 2003, new buildings, except for single-family and duplex
residences, shall provide a covered area for a dumpster. The area shall be
designed to prevent water run-on to the area and run-off from the area.
(f) After January 1, 2003, new multi-family residential development projects
with 25 or more units shall provide a covered area for occupants to wash
their vehicles. A drain shall be installed to capture all vehicle washwaters
and shall be connected to an oil/water separator prior to discharge to the
sanitary sewer system. The oil/water separator shall be cleaned at a
frequency of at least once every six months or more frequently if
recommended by the manufacturer or the superintendent. Oil/water
separators shall have a minimum capacity of 100 gallons.
(g) Storm drain inlets shall be clearly marked with the words “No dumping –
Flows to Bay,” or equivalent (Ord. 4760 § Revised 4/2004 16 14, 2002:
Ord. 4252 § 8, 1994: Ord. 3988 § 2, 1990).
3.2.9. 16.09.110 Standards.
The following standards shall apply to all discharges to the sewer at a
designated sampling location determined by the superintendent to be
consistent with the dilution prohibition contained in Section 16.09.121:
(a) The categorical standards set forth in 40 CFR Chapter I, Subchapter N,
Parts 405-471 shall apply to all applicable sources. The definitions and
procedures for establishing individual effluent limitations shall be as
specified therein. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as allowing
less stringent limitations.
(b) Local limitations, in addition to those specified in this section, shall be
developed by the superintendent based upon the prohibitions contained in
Section 16.09.100 . These limitations will be imposed on appropriate
dischargers via industrial waste discharge permits or modifications to
existing permits.
(c) In addition to the requirements of (a) and (b) above, the following
requirements shall apply where they are more stringent:
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Parameter Average
Concentration
Instantaneous
Oil & grease* (mg/l) -- 20 --
Oil & grease (total) (mg/l) -- 200 --
Suspended solids (mg/l) 3000 6000 --
Total dissolved solids (mg/l) 5000 10000 --
Temperature, (Degrees F)
<30 gpm & ,30 minutes
All other times
150 F
120 F
Fluoride (mg/l) 65 65
pH** 11.0 5.0
*Gravity separation at a temperature of 20oC and a pH of 4.5.
** Where the pH is monitored continuously, no individual deviation from
the above range shall exceed twenty minutes in length for discharges less
than ten thousand gallons per day nor ten minutes in length for
dischargers greater than ten thousand gallons per day. The total time of
deviations during any seven calendar day period shall not exceed a total
of sixty minutes. Any pH reading less than or equal to 2.0 or greater than
or equal to 12.5 is prohibited.
(d) Dyes. Wastes showing excessive coloration shall not be discharged into
the sewer system. Excessive coloration shall be defined as any coloration
in a waste which, for any wave length, displays less than sixty percent of
the light transmissibility of distilled water under the following conditions:
a. After filtration through a 0.45 micron membrane filter.
b. In the pH range of 5.5 to 11.0.
c. Through a one centimeter light path.
d. A maximum spectrum band width of 10 nanometers.
e. Through the wave length range from four hundred to eight hundred
nanometers.
(e) Explosives. No solids, liquids, or gases which by themselves or by
interaction with other substances may create fire or explosion hazards,
including wastestreams with a closed cup flashpoint of less than 140° F.
(60° C.) shall be discharged. Flammable substances including, but not
limited to, acetone, alcohols, benzene, gasoline, xylene, hexane and
naphtha shall not be discharged into the sewer system except where
present in contaminated groundwater discharges being discharged under
an exceptional waste permit issued by the city. Where groundwater
discharges contain such contaminants, the discharger shall monitor the
sewer atmosphere for explosivity and flammability using a properly
calibrated meter designed for the purpose. The frequency of such
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monitoring shall be defined in the permit. Whenever ten percent of the
lower explosive level is exceeded, the discharger shall immediately notify
the superintendent of the potential hazard in the sewer within fifteen
minutes of making the determination of threatened explosivity. The
discharger shall follow verbal notification with a written explanation of the
cause of the explosive hazard within five working days, with corrective
actions taken to alleviate the situation and measures taken to prevent a
reoccurrence. The discharger shall not recommence without prior written
approval of the superintendent or his/her designated representative.
Where flammable substances are used in processes, separate collection
and disposal outside the sewer system shall be provided.
(f) Oil and Grease. Oil and/or grease shall not be discharged into the sewer
system if the average concentration of floatable oil and/or grease (defined
as that which is subject to gravity separation at a temperature of 20° C.
and at a pH of 4.5) exceeds twenty mg/liter; nor shall the total oil and/or
grease concentration exceed two hundred mg/liter. In addition, the
discharge of petroleum oil, nonbiodegradable cutting oil, or products of
mineral origin in amounts that cause interference or pass through, as
defined by EPA regulations, shall be prohibited.
(g) Hazardous, Noxious or Malodorous Substances. No industrial waste shall
be discharged which alone or in combination with other wastes may create
a public nuisance or hazard, make human entry into the sewers unsafe, or
which constitutes a discharge of hazardous waste.
Permitted dischargers shall be required to certify at least every six months
in their Periodic Report of Continued Compliance (PRCC) that their waste
does not constitute a hazardous waste, and that during the previous six
months no discharge of hazardous waste has occurred. Dischargers shall
be required (as a condition to permission to discharge) to file with the Palo
Alto fire department a current Hazardous Materials Management Plan
(HMMP) pursuant to Title 17 of this code and to have on site copies of
material safety data sheets for all hazardous materials stored, generated,
or used at the discharger’s site. Should any discharge of a hazardous
waste occur, the discharger shall verbally notify the EPA, the Regional
Water Quality Control Board and the superintendent as soon as possible,
but in no event later than twenty-four hours after such discharge.
Appropriate records of hazardous waste disposal manifests, inventories of
stored virgin and used hazardous materials, and other documentation
required by the HMMP shall be kept and made available for inspection
and/or copying at the city’s request.
Mercaptans and dissolved sulfides shall not be discharged in
concentrations exceeding 0.1 mg/liter.
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(h) Organic Solvents. Except as permitted by other sections of this chapter,
the sewer shall not be used as a means of disposal for organic solvents.
Wastewater discharged to the sewer shall not contain a sum total greater
than one thousand milligrams per liter of acetone, ethanol, methanol, or
isopropyl alcohol in any combination. Dischargers having organic solvents
on site or using same shall provide and use a separate collection and
disposal system outside the sewer system and shall provide safeguards
against their accidental discharge to the sewer. An approved solvent
management plan to prevent entry to the sanitary sewer and accidental
spill prevention plans shall be filed by the discharger as a condition of
permission to discharge to the sanitary sewer. Records of appropriate
disposal and handling shall be maintained by the discharger and shall be
available for inspection and copying by city personnel.
Organic solvents shall include, but shall not be limited to, those used in
dry cleaning establishments, and shall also include separator water
generated by dry cleaning equipment. Neither the organic solvent nor the
separator water may lawfully be discharged to the sewer or storm drain
system.
(i) Total Toxic Organics. The prohibition against disposal of organic solvents
contained in 16.09.110(h) may be replaced by a specific limitation on total
toxic organics (TTO). Any such limitation must be contained in an
industrial waste permit and either based on the appropriate categorical
standard of the pretreatment regulations or the following:
Total toxic organics (TTO) is the sum of all quantifiable values greater
than 0.01 mg/l from the list of toxic organic pollutants contained in 40 CFR
Part 433.11(e). The sum of the TTO shall be less than 1.0 mg/l as an
instantaneous maximum. No individual toxic organic compound (except for
phenol) shall exceed 0.75 mg/l as an instantaneous maximum. These
limitations are subject to change in the future as the requirements placed
on the plant become more stringent and as the process for establishing
the industrial waste limitations is refined.
(j) Radioactivity. The discharge of radioactive wastes into the sewer system
shall conform to the requirements of California Radiation Control
Regulations, Title 17, California Code of Regulations, Chapter 5,
Subchapter 4, and as subsequently amended.
(k) Solids. No material shall be discharged to the sanitary sewer that will
obstruct or damage the collection system, treatment system, or
appurtenances. Specific prohibitions are as follows:
a. Inert Solids. The discharge of inert solids including, but not limited
to sand, glass, metal chips, bone, plastics, etc. into the sewer is
prohibited. Settling chambers or treatment works shall be installed
where necessary to prevent the entry of inert solids into the sewer
system.
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b. Solid Particles. Industrial wastes shall not contain particulate matter
that will not pass through a one half-inch screen; this subsection
shall not apply to domestic sewage from industrial establishments.
(l) Stored Liquid Wastes. Liquid aqueous-based wastes that have been
collected and held in tanks or containers shall not be discharged into the
sewer system except at locations authorized by the superintendent to
collect such wastes. Wastes of this category include but are not limited to:
a. Chemical toilet wastes
b. Industrial wastes collected in containers or tanks
c. Pleasure boat wastes
d. Septic tank pumping
e. Trailer, camper, housecar, or other recreational vehicle wastes.
3.2.10. 16.09.117 Requirements for Construction Operations.
(a) A spill response plan for hazardous waste, hazardous materials and
uncontained construction materials shall be prepared and available at the
construction sites for all projects where the proposed construction site is
equal to or greater than one acre of disturbed soil and for any other
projects for which the city engineer determines that a plan is necessary to
protect surface waters. Preparation of the plan shall be in accordance with
guidelines published by the city engineer.
(b) A storm water pollution prevention plan shall be prepared and available at
the construction sites for all projects equal to or greater than one acre of
disturbed soil and for any other projects for which the city engineer
determines that a storm water management plan is necessary to protect
surface waters. Preparation of the plan shall be in accordance with
Chapter 16.28 of this code and with guidelines published by the city
engineer.
(c) Prior approval shall be obtained from the city engineer or designee to
discharge water pumped from construction sites to the storm drain. The
city engineer or designee may require gravity settling and filtration upon a
determination that either or both would improve the water quality of the
discharge. Contaminated ground water or water that exceeds state or
federal requirements for discharge to navigable waters may not be
discharged to the storm drain. Such water may be discharged to the
sewer, provided that the requirements of Section 16.09.110 are met and
the approval of the superintendent is obtained prior to discharge. The City
shall be compensated for any costs it incurs in authorizing such discharge,
at the rate set forth in the Municipal Fee Schedule.
(d) No cleanup of construction debris from the streets shall result in the
discharge of water to the storm drain system, nor shall any construction
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debris be deposited or allowed to be deposited in the storm drain system.
(Ord. 4760 § 19, 2002: Ord. 4252 § 14, 1994)
3.2.11. 16.09.130 Damage to Facilities.
When a discharge causes an obstruction, damage, or any other impairment to
city facilities, the City may assess a charge against the discharger to
reimburse the city for costs incurred to clean or repair said facility (Ord. 3889
§ 1 (part), 1989).
3.2.12. 16.09.140 Enforcement – Criminal Penalties.
As provided in 1.08 of Title 1 of this code, violations of the provisions of this
title shall be subject to criminal penalties. The following designated employee
positions may enforce the provisions of this chapter by the issuance of
citations. Persons employed in such positions are authorized to exercise the
authority provided in Penal Code Section 836.5 and are authorized to issue
citations for violations of this chapter. The designated employee positions are:
industrial waste inspector industrial waste investigator, associate engineer;
manager, environmental control programs, supervisor, industrial waste, and
manager, environmental compliance division. (Ord. 4252 § 16, 1994: Ord.
4070 § 9, 1992: Ord. 3889 § 1 (part), 1989)
3.2.13. 16.09.141 Enforcement – Judicial Civil Penalties.*
Any person who intentionally or negligently violates any provision of this
chapter or any provision of any permit issued pursuant to this chapter shall be
civilly liable to the City in a sum of not to exceed twenty-five thousand dollars
per day for each day in which such violation occurs. The city may petition the
Superior Court pursuant to Government Code Section 54740 to impose,
assess, and recover such sums. The remedy provided in this section is
cumulative and not exclusive, and shall be in addition to the penalty
provisions of Chapter 1.08 of this code and all other remedies available to the
city under state and federal law (Ord. 4252 § 18, 1994).
*Editor’s Note: Former Section 16.09.141, Public Notification of Violations,
previously codified herein and containing portions of Ordinance No.3889 was
repealed in its entirety by Ordinance No. 4252. See Section 16.09.144 for
public notification of violations.
3.2.14. 16.09.142 Enforcement – Administrative Civil
Penalties.
(a) Complaint. The superintendent may serve an administrative complaint on
any person who has violated any provision of this chapter. The complaint
shall state:
a. The act or failure that constitutes the violation
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b. The provisions of law authorizing the civil liability to be imposed
c. The proposed civil penalty
The complaint shall be served by personal delivery or certified mail
on the person subject to requirements that the superintendent
alleges were violated, and shall inform the person served that a
hearing on the complaint shall be conducted within sixty days after
service, unless the person charged with the violation waives his or
her right to a hearing.
(b) Hearing. Unless the person charged with the violation(s) waives his or her
right to a hearing, the city manager or designee of the city manager shall
conduct a hearing within sixty days. If the hearing officer finds that the
person has caused a violation, he or she may assess administrative
penalties against the person. In determining the amount of the civil
penalty, the hearing officer may take into consideration all relevant
circumstances, including, but not limited to, the extent of harm caused by
the violation, the economic benefit derived through any noncompliance,
the nature and persistence of the violation, the length of time over which
the violation occurs, and corrective action, if any, attempted or taken by
the discharger. Civil penalties that may be imposed are as follows:
a. An amount not to exceed two thousand dollars per day for failing or
refusing to furnish technical or monitoring reports
b. An amount not to exceed three thousand dollars per day for failing
or refusing to comply in a timely fashion with any compliance
schedule established by the city
c. An amount not to exceed five thousand dollars per day of violation
for discharges in violation of any waste discharge limitation, permit
condition or requirement issued by the city
d. An amount not to exceed ten dollars per gallon for discharges in
violation of any suspension, cease and desist order or other orders,
or prohibition issued, reissued or adopted by the city
(c) Appeal. Any person against whom penalties are assessed by the hearing
officer may appeal the decision of the hearing officer within thirty days of
notice of the decision. The city council may hear the appeal or deny
review of the case. If the city council decides to hear the appeal, it shall
conduct the appeal in accordance with procedures established by the
council. The decision of the city council shall be in writing and shall be
final. All civil penalties imposed in accordance with this section shall be
payable within thirty days of the decision of the hearing officer; provided,
that if the decision is appealed, all penalties shall be payable within thirty
days after the city council decision on the appeal.
(d) Lien. The amount of any civil penalties imposed under this section which
have remained delinquent for a period of sixty days shall constitute a lien
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against the real property of the discharger from which the violation
occurred resulting in imposition of the penalty. The superintendent shall
cause the amount of uncollected penalty to be recorded with the county
recorder, in accordance with Section 54740.5 of the California
Government Code, as the same from time to time may be amended (Ord.
4252 § 19, 1994).
3.2.15. 16.09.143 Enforcement – Administrative Citation.
Any person who violates any provision of this chapter or any provision of any
permit issued pursuant to this chapter shall be subject to the administrative
citation provisions contained in Chapter 1.12 of this code (Ord. 4760 § 20,
2002: Ord. 4287 § 2, 1995: Ord. 4252 § 20, 1994).
3.2.16. 16.09.144 Enforcement – Administrative Compliance
Order.
Any person who violates any provision of this chapter or any provision of any
permit issued pursuant to this chapter shall be subject to the administrative
compliance order provisions contained in Chapter 1.16 of this code (Ord.
4760 § 21, 2002: Ord. 4252 § 21, 1994).
3.2.17. 16.09.145 Enforcement – Notice of Non-Compliance.
(a) Unless the superintendent finds that the severity of the violation warrants
immediate action under Sections 16.09.140 , 16.09.141 or 16.09.142 or
permit revocation or suspension, he or she shall issue a notice of
noncompliance which:
a. Enumerates the violations found
b. Orders compliance by a certain date
If the violations are not abated in the time period identified further
action may be taken by the superintendent, including, but not
limited to, suspension, revocation or modification of the
discharger’s permit pursuant to Section 16.09.040 .
(b) Subject to the following limitations, and in addition to the provisions of
subsection (a), the superintendent may require a discharger that has
violated any discharge limits contained in this chapter to install a
temporary system for the capture, testing and release of wastewater:
a. The requirement will apply to facilities that have produced multiple
violations for the same parameter at the same sampling point,
when the superintendent determines that appropriate corrective
measures have proved difficult to identify or implement.
b. The requirement will apply only to those specific areas of a facility
from which the superintendent determines that the discharge may
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be originating, rather than to the entire flow from the facility, unless
there is no reasonable way to determine where the discharge may
be originating.
c. The requirement will not be applied in the case of very infrequent
violations or when the superintendent determines that a capture
system is impractical. If the superintendent determines that a
capture system is impractical, the superintendent may require an
alternative compliance measure of equivalent effectiveness.
d. The requirement will be terminated following a demonstration of
compliance. Twenty-one consecutive, violation-free calendar days
of sampling by the discharger followed by four days of violation-free
sampling by the superintendent shall constitute a demonstration of
compliance (Ord. 4760 § 22, 2002).
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4. Element 4 – Operation and Maintenance Program
SWRCB Requirements:
The Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) must include those elements listed below that are
appropriate and applicable to the Enrollee’s system:
a. Maintain an up-to-date map of the sanitary sewer system, showing all gravity line segments and
manholes, pumping facilities, pressure pipes and valves, and applicable stormwater conveyance
facilities;
b. Describe routine preventive operation and maintenance activities by staff and contractors,
including a system for scheduling regular maintenance and cleaning of the sanitary sewer
system with more frequent cleaning and maintenance targeted at known problem areas. The
Preventative Maintenance (PM) program should have a system to document scheduled and
conducted activities, such as work orders;
c. Develop a rehabilitation and replacement plan to identify and prioritize system deficiencies and
implement short-term and long-term rehabilitation actions to address each deficiency. The
program should include regular visual and TV inspections of manholes and sewer pipes, and a
system for ranking the condition of sewer pipes and scheduling rehabilitation. Rehabilitation and
replacement should focus on sewer pipes that are at risk of collapse or prone to more frequent
blockages due to pipe defects. Finally, the rehabilitation and replacement plan should include a
capital improvement plan that addresses proper management and protection of the infrastructure
assets. The plan shall include a time schedule for implementing the short- and long-term plans
plus a schedule for developing the funds needed for the capital improvement plan;
d. Provide training on a regular basis for staff in sanitary sewer system operations and
maintenance, and require contractors to be appropriately trained; and
e. Provide equipment and replacement part inventories, including identification of critical
replacement parts.
RWQCB Requirements:
Collection System Map: Each wastewater collection system agency shall maintain up-to-date maps
of its wastewater collection system facilities.
Resources and Budget: Each wastewater collection system agency shall allocate adequate
resources for the operation, maintenance, and repair of its collection system.
Prioritized Preventive Maintenance: Each wastewater collection system agency shall prioritize its
preventive maintenance activities.
Scheduled Inspections and Condition Assessment: Each wastewater collection system agency
shall identify and prioritize structural deficiencies and implement a program of prioritized short-term
and long-term actions to address them.
Contingency Equipment and Replacement Inventories: Each wastewater collection system
agency shall provide contingency equipment to handle emergencies, and spare/replacement parts
intended to minimize equipment/ facility downtime.
Training: Each wastewater collection system agency shall provide training on a regular basis for its
staff in collection system operations, maintenance, and monitoring.
Outreach to Plumbers and Building Contractors: Implement an outreach program to educate
commercial entities involved in sewer construction or maintenance about the proper practices for
preventing blockages in private laterals. This requirement can be met by participating in a region-
wide outreach program.
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4.1. Collection System Maps
Since 1995, the Utilities Wastewater Engineering staff has been utilizing the
City’s Geographical Information System (GIS) to maintain the collection system
map. The GIS map includes lateral, mains, manholes, easements and other
infrastructure owned by the City. A copy of as-built drawings and associated
work orders (Minor Order) are scanned for map updates, cataloged and stored in
the City’s database. Hardcopies of records are maintained in WGW operations.
Any field discrepancy that is noted by the operation staff is documented on the
Map Update Request Form and mailed to the WW engineering group for
investigation. The engineering group updates the wastewater map after
completion of the as-built for each CIP project.
In addition to the GIS map, the Wastewater Engineering team publishes hard
copies of the 200-scale map book. The map books are 11”X17” and 24”x16” in
size and are in the WGW operation center and service vehicles that are assigned
to the wastewater operation. Hard copies of the map books are published every
other year.
Storm sewers are also shown on a GIS-based map and viewable by wastewater
operation staff. The City Public Works Engineering Division is responsible for
maintaining the storm sewer map. The storm sewer GIS is equipped with a tool
“FLO” that can electronically trace the location of any overflow from the source to
the downstream pipe or the final destination on the map (pump stations or a
creek). In addition to the GIS, a hard copy of the City’s storm water collection
map is maintained in the WGW operation center and service vehicles that are
assigned to the wastewater operation.
4.2. Operation and Maintenance Program
The City’s maintenance plan has four components:
• Routine maintenance
• Preventive maintenance
• Emergency maintenance
• Predictive maintenance
4.2.1. Routine Maintenance
The City’s routine maintenance program includes scheduled and planned
maintenance of the entire collection system on a regular basis. Currently, the
main focus of the routine maintenance is to ensure that the primary collection
lines (sewer mains) and their associated manholes are free of any obstacles.
For scheduling purposes, the entire collection system is divided into two
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regions known as north and south, and each region is divided into 14 basins.
The City has dedicated one VacCon truck and two qualified operators to each
region. Based on the pre-defined annual schedule for each basin, a work
order for each segment of the collection system within a basin is printed out
from the computer program. After each line cleaning, the operator uses the
work order to document the respective field activities. Upon completion of the
daily field work, the operators enter the information from the work orders into
the database. The small diameter pipes and the sewer laterals are being
cleaned with rods or the snake machine.
Prior to 2005, the primary sewer lines (sewer mains) were cleaned randomly
within 2-3 years period. In 2005, the City hired a contractor to hydro flush and
televise the entire collection system. The cleaning project lasted over 14
months and produced over 100 hours of video footage that are currently
being reviewed by the City engineers and inspectors. Since the completion of
the project, the City has established a schedule that includes cleaning of the
entire system within a 30 month period.
To avoid interruption of the sewer crews from their daily maintenance
activities, the City has an ongoing contract with a qualified plumbing company
for responding to the customers’ sewer calls. On average, the contractor
responds to five sewer calls a day. The contract service is being used only
during the weekdays and some holidays.
4.2.2. Preventative Maintenance
The City’s preventive maintenance program focuses on areas such as
downtown Palo Alto, which includes many food service facilities, or areas with
solid materials or roots. While the preventive maintenance is also a
scheduled maintenance, the frequency of the maintenance may vary
depending on the condition of the sewers. For example, FOG hot spot areas
of the collection system may be cleaned more frequently during the holiday
seasons than in the summer. The Flushing Program for Hot Spots is included
in the Element 4 Appendix.
As a part of the City’s preventive maintenance program, the operation crew
may coordinate their cleaning schedule taking into account food service
facilities. This is to ensure that FOG residue that may have been dislodged to
the collection system (during the facility’s interceptor cleaning) is removed
from the collection system before causing any blockage.
Areas with a large amount of roots, or areas that may not be easily
accessible, such as parks or easements, may be chemically treated. While in
the past the operation crew has applied “Root X”, or grease emulsifying
agents for removal of roots and grease, the City will soon contract this task to
a qualified chemical applicator.
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4.2.3. Emergency Maintenance
Emergency maintenance is conducted as a part of the daily response to the
primary or secondary sewer blockages that are called in or observed by the
field crew. In general, the secondary lines (laterals) are cleaned after report of
a blockage, or if the video of a sewer main indicates grease or roots build up
at the connections. After each emergency call, and depending on the severity
of the blockage or the age of the pipe, a follow up video inspection of the line
is scheduled. Based on the results of the inspection, if needed, further action
such as line replacement, root control or spot repair will be taken.
While the wastewater operation teams maintain the sewer mains and install
laterals and access holes, the majority of capital improvement projects are
handled through contracts with major construction companies.
4.2.4. Predictive Maintenance / Inspection Program
The City’s predictive maintenance program includes continuous monitoring of
the collection system using advanced technologies such as closed-circuit
television (CCTV), SCADA and in-line flow/level monitoring. Currently, after
each pipe cleaning event, the City’s crew uses CCTV to evaluate the
condition of the lines. A CCTV van equipped with various size cameras, a
hoist for lowering and lifting the camera, and an on-board computer is being
used for video inspection. The computer uses PicAx program for storing and
processing images. Each video footage is then downloaded into a GIS-based
program for further analysis. In addition to the video van, the City owns three
portable video systems that are being used for small diameter pipes and
secondary sewer lines.
In addition to CCTV and SCADA, the operation staff relies on periodic visual
inspection of the mains by opening and inspecting manholes in areas with
potential for accumulation of FOG.
4.3. Rehabilitation and Replacement Program
Prioritizing long term sanitary sewer main projects involves analyzing data from
CCTV inspections, the Sanitary Sewer Master Plan – Capacity Study (2004),
maintenance frequency and severity, overflows, and risk for potential overflow.
In November 2006, a qualified contractor completed a CCTV project that videoed
over 95% of the City’s wastewater collection system. The Wastewater engineers
utilized the ICOMM database, equipped with a rating system, to create a
Damage Severity Index (DSI) for the entire video catalog. Lines can be sorted
and prioritized by DSI, type of defect, location, or other attributes. Once a priority
list is established, the engineering division adds the list to its CIP plan.
The wastewater engineers also utilize the operation’s maintenance records as a
key indicator to develop a priority list for the CIP plan. Structural deficiencies that
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cause overflows are high priority items. Areas with a high risk of overflows move
up on the project’s priority list.
The City has an annual project for rehabilitation and replacement of its sanitary
sewer system. The funds that support the Capital Improvement Program come
from the City’s Sewer Fund. The sewer fund is an enterprise fund and sewer
fees are established to meet projected needs.
The City replaces non-plastic lower laterals and ABS laterals older than 10 years,
while replacing mains in CIP projects.
Short-term sewer projects that involve minor main or lateral replacement are
performed by the WGW operations’ crew or by a contractor. The City Purchasing
Department has a procedure in place that allows staff to expedite the process of
hiring a contractor to perform small CIP projects.
4.4. Training Program
The City uses a combination of in-house classes, on the job training, and
conferences, seminars, and other training opportunities to train its wastewater
collection system staff. The City encourages collection system staff to obtain
Technical Certification through the California Water Environment Association
(CWEA). A copy of the 2009 Collection System Maintenance Certification
Candidate Handbook is included in the Element 4 Appendix for reference. In
addition, vendors provide in-house training on tools or equipment newly
purchased for use in WGW operations. While the majority of the wastewater
collection system operators have 10 or more years of service with the City,
ongoing training on various aspects of the wastewater collection system is
essential to a successful operation. A portion of bi-weekly tailgate meetings is
dedicated to training on various wastewater topics.
Since 2007, the City of Palo Alto and its wastewater partner agencies have
formed a collection system group that meets on a quarterly basis. The meeting
is being used for information sharing and training of the collection system
operators. Most recently, overflow volume assessment and wastewater rerouting
procedures were demonstrated, and employees from local agencies had the
opportunity to participate in hands-on training.
On an annual basis, the WGW operators receive training on the following topics:
storm water pollution prevention, confined space entry, biological and chemical
hazards, VacCon safety, underground construction, use of gas detectors,
application of overflow control materials, back injury prevention, overflow
reporting and field documentation. In addition, the City provides free training and
seminars on various professional development topics including computer
application, writing, and communication skills.
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4.5. Resources & Budget
4.5.1. Budget
On an annual basis, the City of Palo Alto spends over 14 million dollars on
design, construction, operation, maintenance and administration of the
sanitary sewer collection system. A summary of the 2008-2009 budget is
shown in Table 4-1.
Table 4-1 – Collection System Budget Summary for Fiscal Year 2008-09
Fund Element
FY 2008-09
Starting
Budget
Comments
Operation & Engineering
10,050,000 Includes media
resources and public
education
CIP 4,000,000 CIP Projects
Environmental Compliance 110,000 FOG program
Total 14,1100,000
4.5.2. Tools and Equipment Inventories
A summary of major tools and equipment that are being used by operation
staff to maintain the City’s collection system is shown in Table 4-2 on the
following page. The smaller tools are kept inside the service vehicles and are
easily accessible to field personnel. However, the larger tools and equipment
are housed inside the City’s Municipal Service center (MSC). The MSC
building is accessible to employees who have an access key card to enter the
building.
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Table 4-2 – Tools and Equipment Inventory List
Description Number Comments
Flush Truck (VacCon) 2
Rodding Truck 1
Service Vehicles 3
Emergency Trailer 1
Standby Van 1
Shoring Trailer 1 Used for deep trenches
Dump Truck 5 yard 2
Dump Truck 10 yard 1
Backhoe 1
Service Vehicles 3
Video Van 1 Televising capability from 6” -24”
Video Camera 2 Used for laterals
6” Pump 1 MSC
2” Pump 2 MSC
11/2” Pump 1 MSC
Generators 3 MSC
Snake Machine 2 Standby vehicle
Smoke Machine
1 MSC
Spill Control Rubber Dam 10 Placed inside service vans and sewer
vehicles
Spill Control Rubber Matt 10 Placed inside service vans and sewer
vehicles
Gas Detector 4
4.5.3. Contingency Equipment and Replacement Inventories
As shown in Table 4-2, the City uses various types of equipment to operate
and maintain its 208 miles of wastewater collection system. To prevent any
down time, tools and equipment are serviced by qualified mechanics in the
General Shop, which is managed by Operations. In addition, the Fleet
department is responsible for maintenance of heavy equipment and
responding to regular or after-hour emergency repairs. Replacement parts
costing less than $5,000 can be purchased immediately by the supervisors or
the managers. The more expensive equipment such as pumps, trailers, or
trucks are purchased through a procurement process. The City also operates
a General Store that maintains spare parts and critical operational items for
use by the crew. After hour and weekend access to the store is limited to
managers and senior staff.
4.5.4. Record Keeping and Data Management
In 2005, the City purchased a new web-based application package for
tracking and analyzing wastewater collection system data. The new
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database, ICOM3, is capable of handling various operational tasks including
scheduling daily activities, tracking inspection reports, storing video footage
and compiling regulatory reports. The new program is being used by both
engineering and operations personnel. In addition, historically, both
engineering and operations have been storing hard copies and electronic
copies of sewer-related activities including work orders, as-built drawings,
reports, and the collection system maps.
Hard copies of SSO records are kept in the City’s Municipal Service Center,
building C- WGW operations, located at 3201 East Bayshore Road in Palo
Alto. The records must be kept for a minimum of five calendar years.
List of Documents in the Element 4 Appendix (see separate tab):
1. Flushing Program for Hot Spots
2. 2009 Collection System Maintenance Certification Candidate Handbook
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ELEMENT 5 – EESIGN AND PERFORMANCE PROVISIONS
5-1
5. Element 5 – Design and Performance Provisions
SWRCB Requirements:
a. Design and construction standards and specifications for the installation of new sanitary
sewer systems, pump stations and other appurtenances; and for the rehabilitation and
repair of existing sanitary sewer systems; and
b. Procedures and standards for inspecting and testing the installation of new sewers,
pumps, and other appurtenances and for rehabilitation and repair projects.
RWQCB Requirements:
Each wastewater collection system agency shall identify procedures and standards for
inspecting and testing the installation of new sewers, pump stations, and other appurtenances;
and for rehabilitation and repair projects.
5.1. Standards for Installation, Rehabilitation and Repair
The City has standard specifications for installation, rehabilitation and repair of
facilities. The Utility Standards: Water, Gas, and Wastewater include standard
detail design criteria, products, installation procedures and testing for wastewater
facilities. Utility Standards incorporate, by reference, other City department
standards including Public Works and Traffic, technical association standards
(i.e. ASTM, AASHTO, AWWA) and CALTRANS standards. Section 2730 of the
Utility Standards, the Wastewater Design Standards, is included in the Element
5 Appendix.
5.2. Standards for Inspection and Repair
Inspection and repair standards are included in the Utility Standards as noted
above. The City has five full time inspectors to monitor the construction of CIP
projects and customer service installations to ensure compliance with the City’s
specifications.
List of Documents in the Element 5 Appendix (see separate tab):
1. Wastewater Design Standards
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ELEMENT 6 – EANITARY SEWER OVERFLOW EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
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6. Element 6 – Sanitary Sewer Overflow Emergency
Response Plan
SWRCB Requirements:
Each Enrollee shall develop and implement an overflow emergency response plan that
identifies measures to protect public health and the environment. At a minimum, this plan must
include the following:
a. Proper notification procedures so that the primary responders and regulatory agencies
are informed of all SSOs in a timely manner;
b. A program to ensure an appropriate response to all overflows;
c. Procedures to ensure prompt notification to appropriate regulatory agencies and other
potentially affected entities (e.g. health agencies, Regional Water Boards, water
suppliers, etc.) of all SSOs that potentially affect public health or reach the waters of the
State in accordance with the MRP. All SSOs shall be reported in accordance with this
MRP, the California Water Code, other State Law, and other applicable Regional Water
Board WDRs or NPDES permit requirements. The Sewer System Management Plan
(SSMP) should identify the officials who will receive immediate notification;
d. Procedures to ensure that appropriate staff and contractor personnel are aware of and
follow the Emergency Response Plan and are appropriately trained;
e. Procedures to address emergency operations, such as traffic and crowd control and
other necessary response activities; and
f. A program to ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to contain and prevent the
discharge of untreated and partially treated wastewater to waters of the United States
and to minimize or correct any adverse impact on the environment resulting from the
SSOs, including such accelerated or additional monitoring as may be necessary to
determine the nature and impact of the discharge.
RWQCB Requirements:
Each wastewater collection system agency shall develop an overflow emergency response
plan with the following elements:
• Notification – Provide SSO notification procedures.
• Response – Develop and implement a plan to respond to SSOs.
• Reporting – Develop procedures to report and notify SSOs per SSO Monitoring and
Reporting Program.
• Impact Mitigation – Develop steps to contain wastewater, to prevent overflows from
reaching surface waters, and to minimize or correct any adverse impact from SSOs.
The components of Sanitary Sewer Overflow Emergency Response Plan are as shown
in the paragraphs below.
6.1. Notification
The initial notification of a blockage or SSO from the public is through the City’s
24-hour Dispatch Center. SSO-related calls are routed to the Dispatch Center
for proper documentation and tracking. The Dispatch Center is responsible for
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routing the calls to the appropriate response team. SSO’s observed by City
Utilities Staff in the course of their normal duties are also reported immediately to
the Dispatch Center and the WGW Operations Office Staff if feasible.
During the response time, the dispatcher is in communication with the
responding team to ensure each call is being routed to the appropriate supervisor
or other supporting team. The Dispatch Center records communications between
the callers, as well as the responders and any other supporting team that is being
dispatched to the SSO scene. Direct SSO calls to WGW operations are also
forwarded to the dispatch center for tracking and documentation.
6.2. Responsibility of Dispatch Center
Utilities customers can report overflows or sewer blockages by calling one of the
following numbers: (650-329-2579), (650-329-2413) or the emergency 911
number. These phone numbers are well publicized via the monthly utility bills to
customers. Upon a receipt of a sewer call, staff at the Dispatch Center collects
the following information:
a. Time and date of call
b. Incident number
c. Specific location
d. Nature of call
e. In case of SSO, start time of overflow
f. Caller’s name and phone number
g. Caller’s observation (e.g., odor, duration, location on property,
cleanouts or manholes)
h. Other relevant information
i. Responder call sign number
Depending on the time of the call, the dispatch center uses the schedule shown
in Table 6-1 to dispatch a response team.
Table 6-1 - Schedule for Dispatching a Response Team
Days Time 1st Responding Team 2nd Responding Team
0630-1600 FSR Crew
1600-2100 FSR Standby Crew
Weekdays*
2100-0630 Standby Crew
0800-1800 FSR Standby Crew Weekends &
Holidays** 1800-0800 Standby Crew
* On Fridays, the standby team starts at 1500 hours.
** Holiday calls are covered by an on-call contractor for responding to Category 2 SSO’s.
Contractors are trained in City procedures for responding to and reporting SSOs.
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Standby Crew procedure and responsibilities are described in the WGW Standby
Policy, which is included in the Element 6 Appendix.
6.3. SSO Response
In Palo Alto, depending on the time of the day, two teams are assigned to
respond to sewer related calls. The responsibility of each response team is
described as follow:
6.3.1. Responsibilities of the 1st Response Team
It is the responsibility of the first responder who arrives at the site of a sewer
overflow to protect the health and safety of the public by mitigating the impact
of the overflow to the extent feasible. Should the overflow not be the
responsibility of the City of Palo Alto but there is imminent danger to public
health, public or private property, or to the quality of waters of the U.S., then
emergency action, including traffic and crowd control, is taken until the
responsible party arrives on the scene and assumes command and control of
the incident. Upon arrival at an SSO, the response crew does the following:
• Determines the cause of the overflow, (e.g. sewer line blockage; pump
station mechanical or electrical failure, sewer line break, etc).
• Identifies and requests, if necessary, assistance or additional
resources to correct the overflow or to assist in determining the cause.
• Determines if private property is impacted. If yes, the dispatch center
immediately notifies the wastewater supervisor or the standby
supervisor.
• Takes immediate steps to stop the overflow (e.g. relieve pipeline
blockage, block the storm drain to recover some or all of the overflow,
manually operate pump station controls, repair pipe, etc). Additional
steps may be considered where overflows from private property
threaten public health and safety (e.g., an overflow running off of
private property into the public right-of-way).
• Requests additional personnel, materials, supplies, or equipment that
will expedite and minimize the impact of the overflow.
If the first response team is a Field Service Representative (FSR), the
response is limited to initial field assessment and basic containment of the
overflow. Based on the initial assessment, if needed, the 2nd response team
with the appropriate equipment will be called in. Each FSR is trained to arrive
to the scene as quickly as practicable, often within 20 minutes of receiving the
call. In the event that an SSO has entered a storm drain, the FSR will
document the amount of SSO that has entered the storm drain and notify the
Wastewater Collection Supervisor or Standby Supervisor. The FSR remains
at the site until the 2nd response team arrives.
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6.3.2. Responsibility of the 2nd Response Team
The level of response to each overflow may vary depending on the location
and the volume of SSO. As a guideline for the responding team, the SSO’s
are divided into the following categories:
• Level I - Discharge is contained and has not reached the storm drain.
Wastewater and debris will be collected for disposal to the collection
system. The Field Crew Lead or Primary Standby person is responsible
for collecting and documenting the field data on the City’s Main/Lateral
Overflow Report Form.
• Level II - Discharge enters a storm drain but the overflow has stopped.
When the overflow enters a storm water catch basin, the second
responding team uses the storm drain collection system map to block the
downstream storm drain to prevent wastewater flow from reaching a creek
or the bay. If the crew determines that further work is needed to remove
the blockage of the line, efforts must be given to eliminate the stoppage
before initiating the clean up process. Clean up must include washing off
the affected area and rinsing the storm drain with fresh water. Rinse
water is vacuumed for recovery. The Field Crew Lead or Primary Standby
person is responsible for collecting and documenting the field data on the
City’s Main/Lateral Overflow Report Form. The Supervisor-In-Charge
must be immediately notified to receive SSO information for filing the 2-
hour report.
• Level III – Overflow is on going and has reached the storm drain,
pump station, creek or the bay.
After the initial assessment by the responding team, the crew lead must
notify the Wastewater Collection System supervisor or the Standby
supervisor. The crew must continue to remove the blockage, minimize
flow to the storm drain and wait for further instruction.
It is the responsibility of the responding supervisor to determine the proper
course of action. The supervisor will utilize the wastewater collection
system map, storm drain collection system map and other documentation
to minimize the impact of the overflow to the environment. If the stoppage
is anticipated to result in a prolonged overflow, the supervisor requests
additional crew and equipment to remedy the situation, and if necessary,
initiates rerouting of the wastewater. If an SSO reaches the creek or the
bay, the supervisor may request additional assistance from outside
agencies that are the wastewater treatment plant partners (City of
Mountain View, City of Los Altos, Town of Los Altos Hills, Stanford
University and the East Palo Alto Sanitary District).
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If wastewater reaches a flowing creek, the supervisor may direct the crew
to collect water samples in the event sample analysis is expected.
Sampling must be in accordance to the sampling procedures.
The Field Crew Lead or Primary Standby person is responsible for
collecting and documenting the field data on the City’s Main/Lateral
Overflow Report Form. It is the supervisor’s responsibility to immediately
file the two-hour notification with the regulatory agencies.
In the event that a major SSO occurs, or when wastewater reaches the
creek or the bay, the Wastewater Supervisor/Supervisor-In-Charge must
notify the Utilities WGW Operations manager, Public Work’s Operation
Manager and the Environmental Control Program Manager.
6.3.3. SSO’s That Reach Surface Water
If an SSO is confirmed to have entered a creek or waterway, the wastewater
supervisor and the operation manager must be immediately notified. The
crew will do the following:
• Determine the extent of the SSO.
• Determine if the creek is safe to enter. During the winter storm season,
cleaning the creek may not be feasible due to high water flows.
• Supervisor must call in for additional help and equipment.
• If feasible, block the creek downstream of the affected area. Block the
creek in an area that is safe to enter and is accessible to set up a
pump or utilize VacCons.
• To extent feasible, remove the contaminated water.
• May collect samples from upstream and downstream of the location of
overflow.
• If a beach is contaminated, the supervisor must direct the crew to post
warning signs at the beach and other affected nearby locations with
public access.
6.3.4. Water Quality Sampling and Testing
Water quality sampling and testing is expected to occur when wastewater
enters a body of water. Samples may be collected by trained personnel or the
Supervisor-In-Charge. The water quality sampling procedures are listed
below:
• Use an ammonia test strip. If positive, then conduct sampling.
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• Samples should be collected as soon as feasible after the discovery of
the SSO event.
• Only take samples when it is safe to do so. Do not enter a confined
space area.
• The water quality samples should be collected from upstream and
downstream of the overflow (e.g. creeks). The water quality samples
should be collected near the overflow point of entry to the waterbody
and every 100 feet along the shore on impoundments (e.g. ponds).
• If the presence of ammonia is confirmed, additional samples must be
collected for total coliform, fecal coliform, biochemical oxygen demand
(BOD), and dissolved oxygen tests.
• If the beaches are contaminated, collect a sample every 100 feet from
the point of SSO entry to the beach.
• Follow-up sampling will be performed to determine when posted signs
can be removed. The Wastewater Supervisor will make follow-up calls
to affected agencies until posting has been discontinued.
6.3.5. SSO Resulting from Pump Station Failure
The City of Palo Alto operates only one wastewater lift station that is located
in Foothill Park and serves a small community of less than 30 customers.
The station houses two pumps that lift wastewater and discharges through
900 feet of force main into a 10-inch gravity sewer line. The pump station is
controlled by SCADA and maintained by the wastewater crew and the
Maintenance Mechanics on a regular basis. In case of any pump failure, the
high level sensor activates the SCADA alarm system and the standby crew
will be dispatched to the stations. To prevent overflow, wastewater from the
wet well can be pumped into a vacuum truck for disposal to a nearby sanitary
sewer manhole.
6.4. Sanitary Sewer Overflow Cleanup
Sewer overflow sites are cleaned after an overflow. No readily identified residue
(e.g., sewage solids, papers, rags, plastics, rubber products) will remain on site.
Where practical, contaminated areas including storm drain lines are to be
thoroughly flushed and cleaned of any wastewater or wash-down water. Solids
and debris are to be flushed, swept, raked, picked-up and placed in the sewer or
transported for proper disposal.
The overflow site is to be secured to prevent contact by members of the public
until the site has been thoroughly cleaned. Posting, if required, should be
undertaken pursuant to the Section titled Public Advisory Procedure.
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Where appropriate, the overflow site is to be disinfected and deodorized. Where
wastewater has resulted in ponding, the pond should be pumped dry and the
residue returned to a sewer line or off-site. If a pond area contains wastewater
which cannot be pumped dry, it may be treated with bleach. If wastewater has
reached a body of water that may contain fish or other aquatic life, bleach or
other appropriate disinfectant should not be applied, and the California State Fish
and Game Department should be contacted for specific instructions.
Use of portable aerators may be required where complete recovery of
wastewater is not practical and where severe oxygen depletion in existing
surface water is expected.
6.5. Documentation
The Wastewater Collection System supervisor is responsible for reviewing the
field documentation and reporting SSO’s to the appropriate agencies. Hard
copies of SSO records are maintained in the City of Palo Alto Municipal
Service Center (MSC) for a minimum of 5 years from the date of the SSO.
This period may be extended when requested by the Regional Water Board
Executive Officer.
Depending on the nature of the issue (blockage or SSO), the field crew will
use appropriate forms to document field activities. A Field Service Report is
filled out to document the call. If the blockage does not result in an overflow,
the crew fills out the Sewer Main/lateral Overflow Stoppage Report. If the
blockage causes an overflow, the crew fills out the Sewer Main/Lateral
Overflow Report (SSO compliance). For the Category 1 SSO (see next
section for definitions), the Supervisor-In-Charge must fill out the 2nd page of
the Sewer Main/Lateral Overflow Report (SSO compliance). These Report
forms are included for reference in the Element 6 Appendix.
6.6. Reporting
6.6.1. SSO Categories
Two categories of SSO’s are defined by the State Water Board as follows:
Category 1 SSO:
All discharges of sewage resulting from a failure in the City’s sanitary sewer
collection system that:
• Equal or exceed 1,000 gallons, or
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• Result in a discharge to a drainage channel1 and/or surface water, or
• Discharge to a storm drainpipe that was not fully captured and returned
to the sanitary sewer system
Category 2 SSO:
All other discharges that originate from the City-owned collection system and
do not meet the criteria as listed for a Category 1 SSO.
The City has further defined a Category 3 SSO as follows:
This category includes any discharge that originates from pipes, clean-outs or
manholes that are not owned and operated by the City. Reporting of these
SSO’s is optional.
6.6.2. Initial SSO reporting for Category 1 SSOs
• The Field Person will immediately notify the Supervisor-In-Charge.
• The Wastewater Collections Supervisor will notify the Water-Gas-
Wastewater Operation Manager. If the wastewater reaches the creek
and assistance from outside agencies is needed, the Assistant Director
of Utilities Operation will be notified.
• The Supervisor-In-Charge will review the field data for reporting to
regulatory agencies. A guide to reporting to regulatory agencies is
shown in Figures 6-1 and 6-2 on the following pages.
6.6.3. Follow up SSO reporting for Category 1
• The Supervisor-In-Charge is responsible for filing an electronic report
to RWQCB within 24 hours of becoming aware of the SSO by logging
into: http://www.wbers.net/
• Within 3 business days of the SSO incident, the Supervisor-In-Charge
must submit the initial report to the SWRCB’s by logging into CWIQS
data base @ http://ciwqs.waterboards.ca.gov/ciwqs
• Within 15 calendar days of the completion of response activities for an
SSO incident, Operation Manager must review and certify the report by
logging into CWIQS data base @
http://ciwqs.waterboards.ca.gov/ciwqs
1 A “drainage channel” is now defined on the State Water Board website as “…(1) a man-made canal
used to transport storm water as part of a municipal separate storm sewer system, or (2) an
intermittent or perennial stream bed.”
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Reports will be filed in accordance to the City of Palo Alto’s SSO Reporting
Procedure. See Figures 6-1 and 6-2 on the following pages for regulatory
requirements associated with reporting to regulatory agencies.
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Figure 6-1 – Guide For Reporting SSOs to Regulatory Authorities – Part 1
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Figure 6-2 – Guide For Reporting SSOs to Regulatory Authorities – Part 2
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6.6.4. Initial SSO reporting for Category 2
• If the wastewater enters the storm drain and is fully recovered, the field
crew will immediately notify the Supervisor-In-Charge.
• The Supervisor-In-Charge will review the field data for reporting to the
regulatory agencies. See Figures 6-1 and 6-2 for more information.
6.6.5. Follow-up SSO reporting for Category 2
Within 30 calendar days after the end of the calendar month in which the SSO
occurs, the Operations Manager must review and certify the report by logging
into CWIQS data base @ http://ciwqs.waterboards.ca.gov/ciwqs .
6.6.6. Private Lateral Discharges
The Wastewater Collections Supervisor may report private lateral SSO’s
using CIWQS at his discretion, specifying that the sewage discharge occurred
and was caused by a private line and identifying the responsible party, if
known.
6.6.7. No Spill Certification (Monthly)
Within 30 calendar days after the end of each calendar month, if there are no
SSO’s during the calendar month, the Wastewater Collections Supervisor will
submit an electronic report that the City did not have any SSO’s. The Utilities
Operations Manager will certify the report.
6.6.8. CIWQS Not Available
In the event that CIWQS is not available, the Wastewater Collection
Supervisor will fax all required information to the RWQCB office at (510) 622-
2460 in accordance with the time schedules identified above. In such an
event, the city will submit the appropriate reports using CIWQS as soon as
practical.
It is very important to NOT use the RWQCB fax number for 2-hour reporting
or 24-hour certification (such as shown in Figure 6-2). The RWQCB does not
accept those reports by fax due to their urgent nature.
6.6.9. Reporting to the City’s FOG Program
If an SSO is determined to be caused by grease from one or more food
service facilities, the City’s FOG program manager, located at the Regional
Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) will be notified. The wastewater
supervisor is responsible to report the following information to the FOG
program:
• Location of all affected laterals and the sewer main
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• Date, time, address, and cause of the SSO
• Severity of the FOG
• If available, a copy of the CCTV
6.6.10. Public Advisory Procedure
In the event wastewater reaches surface water, marsh lands or a local beach,
the Supervisor-In-Charge will initiate a public notification process by posting
signage at the affected area. The postings do not necessarily prohibit use of
recreational areas, unless posted otherwise, but provide a warning of
potential public health risks due to wastewater contamination.
6.6.11. Media Notification Procedure
When an overflow has been confirmed and is a threat to public health, the
following actions should be taken, if necessary, to notify the media:
1. Field crew verifies the overflow and reports back to the Supervisor.
2. The Supervisor or the Operation manager will contact the City’s Public
Communication Manager (PCM). The City’s PCM is responsible for
updating the Media.
3. The status report must include; time, location, volume of SSO, health
and safety concerns, road closures and other relevant information.
4. Any calls from the media should be routed to the PCM or the Assistant
Director of the Utilities Operations.
5. The following personnel are authorized to be interviewed by the media
and are the designated spokespersons:
Contact Name Phone Number
Clerkson, Linda 650-329-2656
Batchelor, Dean 650-496-6981
6.6.12. SSO Investigation and Mitigation
It is the responsibility of the Wastewater Supervisor to investigate an SSO
and determine the cause of the overflow. The supervisor must determine if
additional maintenance is needed or a repair/replacement is required. The
procedures for investigating the SSO are:
• Review the incident/overflow report
• Interview responding crew members
• Review past maintenance records
• Review past CCTV records
• Conduct new CCTV inspection if necessary
• If the SSO is caused by FOG, report to Environmental Compliance
Division for further investigation
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• If the SSO is located within the designated hot spot areas, consider
increasing the maintenance frequency
• If the SSO is due to pipe failure, schedule repair or replacement as
soon as feasible
• If the SSO is due to an under-sized pipe, infiltration/inflow or other
engineering defects, contact the Utilities Engineering Division for
inclusion in the CIP work
6.6.13. Post-SSO Debriefing
As soon as feasible after major SSO events, the participants – from the
person who received the call to the last person to leave the site – should meet
to review the procedures used and to discuss what worked and where
improvements could be made in responding to and mitigating future SSO
events. The results of the debriefing should be recorded and tracked to
ensure the action items are completed. These records will be attached to the
Wastewater Service Call Report.
6.6.14. Reporting Back to the Customer
In the event the initial overflow calls are from a citizen in Palo Alto, the
Supervisor-In-Charge should follow up in person or by telephone to thank the
caller for their efforts. The cause of the overflow and its resolution should also
be provided to the customer upon request.
6.7. Training
Training of wastewater collection system staff, including overflow emergency
response, is covered in Section 4.4 of this SSMP.
List of Documents in the Element 6 Appendix (see separate tab):
1. WGW Standby Policy
2. Field Service Report Form
3. Sewer Main / Lateral Stoppage Report Form
4. Sewer Main / Lateral Overflow Report Form
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ELEMENT 7 – EATS, OILS, AND GREASE (FOG) CONTROL PROGRAM
7-1
7. Element 7 – Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Control
Program
SWRCB Requirements:
Each Enrollee shall evaluate its service area to determine whether a FOG control program is
needed. If an Enrollee determines that a FOG program is not needed, the Enrollee must
provide justification for why it is not needed. If FOG is found to be a problem, the Enrollee must
prepare and implement a FOG source control program to reduce the amount of these
substances discharged to the sanitary sewer system. This plan shall include the following as
appropriate:
a. An implementation plan and schedule for a public education outreach program that
promotes proper disposal of FOG;
b. A plan and schedule for the disposal of FOG generated within the sanitary sewer
system service area. This may include a list of acceptable disposal facilities and/or
additional facilities needed to adequately dispose of FOG generated within a sanitary
sewer system service area;
c. The legal authority to prohibit discharges to the system and identify measures to
prevent SSOs and blockages caused by FOG;
d. Requirements to install grease removal devices (such as traps or interceptors), design
standards for the removal devices, maintenance requirements, BMP requirements,
record keeping and reporting requirements;
e. Authority to inspect grease producing facilities, enforcement authorities, and whether
the Enrollee has sufficient staff to inspect and enforce the FOG ordinance;
f. An identification of sanitary sewer system sections subject to FOG blockages and
establishment of a cleaning maintenance schedule for each section; and
g. Development and implementation of source control measures for all sources of FOG
discharged to the sanitary sewer system for each section identified in (f) above.
RWQCB Requirements:
Each wastewater collection system agency shall evaluate its service area to determine
whether a FOG control program is needed. If so, a FOG control program shall be developed as
part of the Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP). If an agency determines that a FOG
program is not needed, the agency must provide justification for why it is not needed.
Fats, oils, and grease, abbreviated as FOG, are an issue due to their ability to cause
sanitary sewer blockages that may result in discharges of untreated wastewater in Food
Service Establishments (FSE’s) and to storm drains, creeks and the San Francisco Bay.
FOG discharges result from improper management of food waste in residences and
commercial FSE’s. The RWQCP adopted ordinance language in 1992 requiring FSE’s
with grease generating activities to install grease removal devices. Additional ordinance
requirements addressing FOG from FSE’s were adopted in 2002, including a prohibition
on installation of food waste disposers (garbage disposals), and a requirement that
existing food waste disposers be removed by January 1, 2007. The Sewer Use
Ordinance was revised in 2008 to include more requirements for FSE’s to help reduce
the number of FOG-related SSOs, for purposes of FOG discharge prevention to the
sanitary sewer and pollution prevention to storm drain systems.
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7.1. Goals for the FOG Program
The City of Palo Alto has implemented a FOG Control Program due to the
significant number of FOG-generating FSE’s in the City. The benefits of a FOG
Control Program include FOG discharge prevention to the sanitary sewer and
storm drain systems, storm drain pollution prevention from SSO’s and FSE
practices, reducing the number of FOG-related SSO’s, improving public health
and safety, avoiding of overflow-related fines, minimizing property damage
claims, minimizing the risk of lawsuits, improving sewer maintenance and
improving the FSE business environment. The primary goal of the FOG program
is to reduce the number, severity and frequency of SSO’s linked to FOG and to
reduce the environmental impact, liability and exposure to the City, and the costs
associated with SSO clean up.
Since 1996, Palo Alto has maintained a food service program that included
developing and implementing Sewer Use Ordinance (SUO) provisions, site
inspection procedures, enforcement action procedures, Best Management
Practices (BMPs) and distribution of literature. The FOG Program began during
the second half of 2006 with the addition of a full time FOG Program Investigator.
In 2008, the program added a FOG database system running on a tablet PC
which is used for inspections, data formatting, generation of follow-up letters and
storm drain program inspections as they relate to FSE’s. Also during 2008,
criteria for a Grease Hauler Service Contract Work Plan was developed under
the FOG program. The Work Plan includes Program Objectives, Ordinance
Revisions, Request for Proposal (RFP), draft Agreement, draft Council Meeting
Review (CMR) and other documents related to this project.
7.2. Source Control
The City has several high density and high volume restaurant areas including
Downtown, Midtown, and the California Avenue Business District, which are
known hot spots of FOG discharge. There are also several smaller clusters of
FSE’s and other individual restaurants. These areas and specific FSE’s have
been the primary targets for increased inspection, enforcement, and preventive
cleaning.
The Partner Cities remain responsible for their collection systems and are
developing independent SSMP and FOG Control Programs. The City of Palo Alto
will continue to support the satellite systems as needed with creation of outreach
materials, training, and assistance with FSE inspections.
The City’s FOG Program staff manages plan check and specifications for newly
constructed and remodeled FSE’s to ensure items required by the Palo Alto
Municipal Code are completed prior to approval of building permits. The Water
Quality Plan Check Requirements for Newly Constructed, Tenant Improvement
and Remodeled FSE Projects are included in the Element 7 Appendix. Grease-
generating drainage fixtures must be connected to a GCD. Non-grease
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generating drainage fixtures including hot discharge equipment can be
connected directly to the sanitary sewer system. When drainage fixtures are
properly plumbed and the GCDs are properly maintained, there should be very
little to no FOG discharging to the sanitary sewer system. Improperly plumbed
pipes and drainage fixtures are generally associated with FOG buildup
downstream, and occurrences of sewer backups or SSO’s.
New buildings constructed to house food service facilities are required to include
a covered area for a dumpster. The area is designed to prevent water run-on to
the area and runoff from the area. Drains that are installed within the enclosure
for recycle and waste bins, dumpsters and tallow bins (used oil containers)
serving food service facilities are optional. Any such drains installed must be
connected to a GCD and the sanitary sewer. If tallow is to be stored outside, then
an adequately sized, segregated space for a tallow bin must be included in the
covered area.
7.3. Food Service Establishment Inspections
There are over 300 FSE’s in the City of Palo Alto. The FOG program includes
comprehensive inspections and enforcement. Inspections of FSE’s occur on a
routine basis, and the City conducts more frequent inspections and enforcement
where necessary.
The FSE’s are categorized by their potential to contribute FOG to the wastewater
collection system or storm drains. Facilities located in hot spots or that have
otherwise been problematic are addressed first and receive more frequent
inspections. FSE’s are prioritized in one of the following categories:
• Problem FSE’s in hot spots
• Problem FSE’s not in hot spots
• FSE’s in hot spots
• FSE’s that have only had minor issues in the past
• FSE’s with potential to generate FOG
• FSE’s without significant potential to generate FOG (juice bars, coffee
shops, etc.)
A list of FOG hot spots is included in the Element 7 Appendix.
Past experience has shown that some facilities will frequently not meet all
requirements and will need ongoing attention. These facilities will be re-visited as
necessary. Facilities that demonstrate compliance will receive less attention.
During the inspections, the FSE is ranked on a scale of 1 (worst) to 5 (best) on
their compliance with BMPs and ordinance requirements. FSE’s that cause
problems in the sanitary sewer, storm drain systems or have violations of their
BMPs are rated 1 or 2 depending on their location. The problematic facilities that
rank 1 or 2 have one of more of the following issues:
• Experienced back-ups or overflows
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• Contributed to FOG build up in the sanitary sewer (identified by CCTV or
cleaning records)
• Unresolved compliance issues
• Failed to follow the proper BMPs
• Failed to keep records
• Had storm drain violations
• Failed to comply with verbal or written directives
A Food Service Facility Inspection Survey form is included for reference in the
Element 7 Appendix.
In July of 2008, the ECD received updated lists of FSE’s from the County of
Santa Clara, Department of Environmental Health and the Consumer Protection
Division. Not all of the 393 facilities on the list require an inspection by the City of
Palo Alto, as many are farmer’s markets, gas stations and general food vendors.
Some of the facilities required more than one follow-up inspection.
In 2008, there were 374 FSE storm drain system inspections, which included
initial and follow-up FOG inspections. Thirty-three full FOG inspections were
conducted including 13 Green Business Compliance inspections, approving 9 to
be in compliance for the certification. Only 4 of the 33 FSE’s inspected were in
compliance at the time of full inspection. Efforts were concentrated in areas of
known problems and facilities with historical issues or known potential to
discharge grease. Two residential inspections were conducted at apartments
buildings in 2008, which were triggered by SSOs. We also conducted 5 FOG
Program inspections with our Partners: the Cities of East Palo Alto and Los Altos
Hills, and Stanford. Enforcement actions included 36 Compliance Directives, 58
Follow-up Letters, 1 Warning Letter, and 24 Notices of Non-compliance, 1
Compliance Agreement, and 4 Administrative Citations. There were 25 more
Compliance Directive type enforcement actions as they were replaced with an
automatically generating follow-up Letter with the new FOG Program Database.
Many of the FOG Program compliance issues were storm water related.
During the inspection, posters on BMPs for handling FOG are distributed. The
Bay Area Pollution Prevention Group (BAPPG) funded CalFOG to create a
poster that is available in English, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, and Vietnamese. In
2008, 49 posters were distributed (33 English, 13 Chinese and 3 Korean).
In addition to the Posters, BAPPG created food scrapers with the RWQCP’s
insignia and local disposal contact info from www.cleanbay.org and a phone
number. These food scrapers are BMP tools to help scrape off any remaining
food and FOG waste into the trash prior to rinsing kitchen items. The City
distributed at least 2 food scrapers to each FSE during inspections and during
many follow-up inspections. A total of 250 food scrapers were distributed to the
City of Los Altos for their FOG outreach projects.
Compliance with storm drain regulations is also assessed during the inspections.
Outdoor cleaning of kitchen equipment, dumping of mop water, and poor
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housekeeping around trash compactors, trash bins and tallow bins is addressed.
Packages provided by the Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention
Program (SCVURPPP) have been distributed to 40 FSE’s in 2008 during
inspections and with follow-up Letters. This package includes a letter from this
group; top ten BMPs for FSE’s and a poster addressing stormwater issues. The
package is designed for training staff in the proper procedures for cleaning FSE’s
inside and outside.
City staff educates the FSE management and staff on ordinance requirements
and BMPs to the extent practical during inspections. If a violation is observed, the
inspector issues a Compliance Directive as addressed in Follow-up Letters.
Follow-up Letters have taken more emphasis over Compliance Directives as they
can be generated with the new FOG Program database. Follow-up Letters are
sent or issued at the time of inspection as a “thank you” to the contact person for
their time and as a summary of the goals and observations during the inspection.
The Follow-up Letter reminds the FSE’s to complete tasks to achieve compliance
for outstanding violations. For FSE’s that do not achieve compliance,
enforcement will be escalated according to the RWQCP Pretreatment Program’s
Enforcement Response Plan.
7.4. 2008 Inspection Highlights of Food Service
Establishments
The City of Palo Alto highlights for the FOG inspection program are listed below:
• 33 full FOG inspections
• 374 FSE storm drain system inspections
• 36 Compliance Directives were issued
• 58 Follow-up Letters were issued
• 1 Warning Letters were issued
• 24 Notices of Noncompliance were issued
• 1 Compliance Agreements was issued
• 4 Administrative Citations including monetary penalties were issued
Enforceable actions included:
• Excessive FOG on and around tallow bins which are a threatened
discharge.
• Storm drain discharges or threatened storm drain discharges such as
washing kitchen equipment outside allowing wastewater to flow to the
storm drain system, and also dumping mop wastewater.
• Failure to keep a maintenance log that depicts GCD clean out activities.
• Failure to maintain a GCD by not cleaning the contents out frequent
enough not to allow excess FOG to pass down the line.
• Failure to have an adequate or properly functioning GCD.
• Contributing to at least one sanitary sewer overflow (SSO).
• The presence of food waste grinders that were to be removed by January
1, 2007.
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• For large cafeterias and markets to have their floor finish MSDS submitted
by a given due date to ensure they use a Zinc-Free Floor Finish or the can
contain its waste and treat it as hazardous waste.
7.5. Outreach
7.6.1. Residential
Outreach for residents is an important component of the FOG program.
The Clean Bay Campaign highlighted FOG as a pollutant of concern. In
addition to the ads that were part of the campaign, residents received
FOG BMP information in their utility bills. An example FOG ad is included
in the Element 7 Appendix. There were also ads in movie theater
previews and in local newspapers. In 2008, the City of Palo Alto continued
the collection of tallow (yellow grease or used cooking oil) at the City’s
recycling center.
7.6.2. California Water Environment Association
Presentation
In April of 2008, RWQCP staff presented the City of Palo Alto’s FOG
Program highlights at the California Water Environment Association’s
(CWEA) Annual Conference in Sacramento, CA. In 2009, RWQCP staff
also presented an Overview of the City’s FOG Program and its Results at
the CWEA Annual Pretreatment, Pollution Prevention and Stormwater
Conference in Monterey, CA.
7.6. Regional FOG Groups
7.7.1. California Fats, Oils, and Grease Workgroup
In 2008, RWQCP staff continued participating in the statewide California
Fats, Oils and Grease (CalFOG) workgroup, a collaboration of wastewater
agencies addressing management practices for fats, oils and grease.
RWQCP staff funded the startup of CalFOG, and created and designed
the CalFOG website (located at www.calfog.org) in 2004 and continues to
maintain the site. In 2009, RWQCP staff will continue to support the efforts
of CalFOG.
7.7.2. Bay Area Pollution Prevention Group
In 2008, RWQCP participated in Bay Area Pollution Prevention Group’s
(BAPPG) FOG Hauler Outreach Project. The goal of this project was to
create outreach material on the proper FOG disposal and grease pumping
requirements of AB 1333 for FOG haulers in the Bay Area. In 2008-2009,
City staff served as chair of BAPPG.
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7.7. Inspections and Compliance
The 2008 Clean Bay Pollution Prevention Plan includes a long-standing goal of
inspecting at least one-third of the FSE’s each year. The expanded FOG
program will include more rigorous inspections and enforcement but will maintain
the same goal for the number of inspections (Table 7-1).
Table 7-1 – Summary of FOG FSE Inspections for 2005-2008 & 2009 Goals
Year 2005 2006 2007 2008 Goal for 2009
Yearly Initial Inspections 10 117 88 33 110 (33%)
Yearly Total Inspections n/a n/a 286 374 200
FSE’s in Compliance at
Initial Inspection
n/a 37
(32%)
20
(23%)
40
(36%)
Compliance Directive 0 44 95 36 0*
Follow-up Letter 0 29 110 58 110
Notices of Noncompliance 2 30 32 24 20
Warning Letter 0 7 3 1 2
Compliance Agreement 0 0 4 1 0
*Compliance Directives will be classified as Notices of Noncompliance Letters in 2009
City staff has continued to prioritize FSE’s in problem areas where, according to
the City’s Water-Gas-Wastewater Division, major FOG build-up has been
identified. These areas have been targeted first due to the need for accelerated
line maintenance. When this round of inspections began in 2006, the intent was
to complete the initial inspections without too much follow-up and to create a
priority list for the next round. Due to the severity of the situations, the procedure
changed to do more follow-up and correct problems as they were discovered.
Once all of the facilities have received an initial visit, time demands are
determined and priorities are refined. Setting reasonable goals for inspection
frequency for each category and percentage of facilities in compliance will then
be possible, and a reduction of the number of 1- and 2-rated FSE’s in the system
should be achieved. The City will only know the percentage of 1- and 2-rated
FSE’s when all FSE’s have been inspected and ranked.
The City’s main goals for FSE’s are to have GCDs maintained frequently enough
to prevent FOG from escaping from GCDs and entering the sanitary sewer
system, ensuring drainage fixtures are correctly plumbed, keeping a
maintenance log for GCDs, not to wash kitchen equipment or discharge
wastewater to the storm drain system, and to maintain the tallow bin and trash
areas free of FOG and debris.
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The FOG investigator continued to inspect FSE’s that applied for the County of
Santa Clara’s Green Business Certification Program and will continue in 2009.
The initial goal of inspecting at least one-third of the total FSE’s each calendar
year was adjusted due to elevated levels of follow-up and enforcement actions, in
addition to program development tasks. The City plans to continue thorough
inspections of FSE’s in 2009.
7.8. FOG Acceptance at RWQCP and Maximizing Energy
Recovery
At the present time, the RWQCP can accept up to approximately 6,000 gallons of
grease waste hauler loads per day. The grease waste hauler loads are currently
processed by combining the GCD waste loads with the floatables from the plant’s
primary sedimentation tanks. This mixture is pumped to the scum concentrator
allowing the combined floatables to be bled into the incinerator where it is used
as a fuel source to incinerate the biosolids from the plant. The excess water and
bottom solid waste from the GCD waste loads are returned to the plant’s head-
works to be treated with the service area’s sanitary sewer waste. The ultimate
outcome of the FOG is an ash which is disposed at another location.
In 2008, City staff investigated FOG acceptance procedures at the RWQCP in
order to evaluate the possibility of accepting additional grease waste hauler loads
in the future.
City staff has met with several FOG to biodiesel companies to discuss the option
of converting the grease hauler loads combined or separately with floatables
from the sediment tanks to biodiesel. The City will continue to investigate this
process in 2009.
List of Documents in the Element 7 Appendix (see separate tab):
1. Water Quality Plan Check Requirements: Newly Constructed, Tenant
Improvement and Remodeled FSE Projects
2. List of FOG Hot Spots
3. Food Service Facility Inspection Survey Form
4. Example FOG Ad
SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN
ELEMENT 8 – EYSTEM EVALUATION AND CAPACITY ASSURANCE PLAN
8-1
8. Element 8 – System Evaluation and Capacity
Assurance Plan
SWRCB Requirements:
The Enrollee shall prepare and implement a capital improvement plan (CIP) that will provide
hydraulic capacity of key sanitary sewer system elements for dry weather peak flow conditions,
as well as the appropriate design storm or wet weather event. At a minimum, the plan must
include:
a. Evaluation: Actions needed to evaluate those portions of the sanitary sewer system that
are experiencing or contributing to an SSO discharge caused by hydraulic deficiency. The
evaluation must provide estimates of peak flows (including flows from SSOs that escape
from the system) associated with conditions similar to those causing overflow events,
estimates of the capacity of key system components, hydraulic deficiencies (including
components of the system with limiting capacity) and the major sources that contribute to
the peak flows associated with overflow events;
b. Design Criteria: Where design criteria do not exist or are deficient, undertake the
evaluation identified in (a) above to establish appropriate design criteria; and
c. Capacity Enhancement Measures: The steps needed to establish a short- and long-
term CIP to address identified hydraulic deficiencies, including prioritization, alternatives
analysis, and schedules. The CIP may include increases in pipe size, I/I reduction
programs, increases and redundancy in pumping capacity, and storage facilities. The CIP
shall include an implementation schedule and shall identify sources of funding.
d. Schedule: The Enrollee shall develop a schedule of completion dates for all portions of
the capital improvement program developed in (a)-(c) above. This schedule shall be
reviewed and updated consistent with the Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP)
review and update requirements as described in Section D. 14.
RWQCB Requirements:
Capacity Assessment: Each wastewater collection system agency shall establish a process
to assess the current and future capacity requirements for the collection system facilities.
System Evaluation and Capacity Assurance Plan: Each wastewater collection system
agency shall prepare and implement a capital improvement plan to provide hydraulic capacity
of key sewer system elements under peak flow conditions.
The Brown & Caldwell (B&C) and CH2MHILL Inflow/Infiltration (I/I) studies as well as
the Camp, Dresser and McKee (CDM) master plan study in the 1980’s provided the
basis for the City of Palo Alto’s 20-year CIP Rehabilitation/Augmentation Wastewater
Program adopted in 1990 by City Council. The rehabilitation projects recommended by
B&C are classified as priorities 1 through 4, but only priority 1 work was included in the
20-year CIP Wastewater Program. The early years of the 20-year program included
only cost-effective infrastructure projects, (i.e., diversion structures and rehabilitation
projects). By definition, excessive I/I occurs when the cost to treat the I/I exceeds the
cost to repair the sewer. Therefore, the rehabilitation projects were on a schedule that
was faster than the augmentation (capacity) projects.
SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN
ELEMENT 8 – EYSTEM EVALUATION AND CAPACITY ASSURANCE PLAN
8-2
Design for the CIP projects for sewer rehabilitation has been performed by City staff.
Most of the design of augmentation work was designed in-house with certain project
designs supplemented by consultants on an as-needed basis.
In 2004, an update of the Master Plan was completed by MWH Americas for the City of
Palo Alto to ascertain the effectiveness of the 20-year rehabilitation/augmentation
wastewater program. This document is titled, “Wastewater Collection System Master
Plan –Capacity Assessment”, March 2004 (Master Plan). The Executive Summary of
this report and a CD containing the Master Plan are included in the Element 8
Appendix. The Master Plan included a model of the collection system and an
evaluation of the ability for the system to handle peak flows from a 5-year design storm.
Collection system improvements were designed for a 20-year design storm however.
Projects in the Master Plan were broken into three groups, phases ‘A’, ‘B’, or ‘C’. The
‘A’ group consists of high priority projects. The ‘B’ group corrects relatively minor
deficiencies. The ‘C’ group identifies potential future deficiencies.
The 2004 study, due to more refined modeling, concluded that the City’s 20-year CIP
program was so effective that new CIP implementation recommendations included the
elimination of $21 million (2003 dollars) of capacity improvements originally identified in
the 1988 Wastewater Collection (WWC) System Master Plan. With over half of Palo
Alto’s land area designated as parks or open space, a relatively small portion (less than
one percent) of the City consists of vacant, developable land with most projects being in
the form of redevelopments. The current 5-year WWC CIP projects are being refocused
to concentrate on the remaining capacity deficiencies noted in the updated Master Plan
priority A and selected B projects and ongoing system rehabilitation projects.
List of Documents in the Element 8 Appendix (see separate tab):
1. Wastewater Collection System Master Plan – Capacity Assessment: Executive
Summary
2. Wastewater Collection System Master Plan – Capacity Assessment (on CD)
SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN
ELEMENT 9 – EONITORING, MEASUREMENT AND PROGRAM MODIFICATIONS
9-1
9. Element 9 – Monitoring, Measurement and
Program Modifications
SWRCB Requirements:
The Enrollee shall:
a. Maintain relevant information that can be used to establish and prioritize appropriate
Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) activities;
b. Monitor the implementation and, where appropriate, measure the effectiveness of each
element of the SSMP;
c. Assess the success of the preventative maintenance program;
d. Update program elements, as appropriate, based on monitoring or performance
evaluations; and
e. Identify and illustrate SSO trends, including: frequency, location, and volume.
RWQCB Requirements:
Each wastewater collection system agency shall monitor the effectiveness of each SSMP
element and update and modify SSMP elements to keep them current, accurate, and available
for audit as appropriate.
9.1. Monitoring, Measurement
The City of Palo Alto Wastewater Operation tracks several performance
measures through tracking logs, computer database, and annual reports. The
field data for each event (pipe cleaning, SSO, lateral replacement and repairs) is
compiled in a database (ICOMM) and tracked via the GIS system. On a monthly
basis, the Operations Supervisor generates monthly reports to monitor and
evaluate the effectiveness of the City’s collection system operation. The monthly
report is also discussed with engineering staff at the Division’s regular monthly
meetings. In addition, since January 2005 and on annual basis, the report of
collection system activities has been submitted to the San Francisco Regional
Water Quality Control Board. The report includes the number, cause, location,
volume of SSOs and length of pipe cleaned and type of debris found. An Annual
SSO Report template is included in the Element 9 Appendix. The City plans to
continue tracking performance measures that are currently tracked.
In order to monitor the effectiveness of the SSMP, the City has selected certain,
specific parameters that can be documented and compared on an annual basis.
These parameters were selected because they are straightforward, quantitative,
and focused on results. Changes in these parameters over time will indicate the
overall success of the SSMP or, conversely, underlying conditions that can then
be investigated further. The actions or measures of program effectiveness are
shown in Table 9-1 on the following page.
SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN
ELEMENT 9 – EONITORING, MEASUREMENT AND PROGRAM MODIFICATIONS
9-2
Table 9-1 – SSMP Monitoring Parameters, by SSMP Element
SSMP Element Summary of Element Purpose Actions or Measures for
Tracking Effectiveness
Goals
Reduce overflows Not needed
Organization
Establish the hierarchy and
assign responsibility within the
organization
Review , update and adjust based on
organizational changes
Legal Authority Ensure the City has sufficient
legal authority to properly
maintain the system
Modify as needed
Operation and Maintenance
Program
Minimize blockages and reduce
SSOs by properly maintaining the
system and keeping the system
in good condition
• Total number and volume of
SSOs
• Number of repeat SSOs (same
location as any previous SSO)
• Total number of mainline
blockages
• Total number of lateral blockages
• Length of pipe cleaned
• Length of pipe CCTV’d and
inspected
• Number of laterals replaced
• Length of mains replaced
• Number of clean outs installed
• Length of pipe treated for roots
Design & Construction
Standards
Ensure new facilities are properly
designed and constructed
Modify as needed
Overflow Emergency Response Provide timely and effective
response to SSO emergencies
and comply with regulatory
reporting requirements
• Response time
• Overtime hours
• Monthly trend analysis
Fats, Oils, & Grease Control Minimize blockages and
overflows due to FOG
• Number of blockages due to FOG
• Number of overflows due to FOG
• Number of Facility inspections
Capacity Management Minimize SSO’s due to
insufficient capacity by evaluating
system capacity and
implementing necessary projects
• Number of SSO’s due to capacity
limitations
• Number of SSO’s due to wet
weather
Monitoring, Measurement, &
Program Modifications
Evaluate effectiveness of SSMP,
keep SSMP up-to-date, and
identify necessary changes
As needed
Program Audits
Review the program
effectiveness and make
necessary changes to comply
with the requirements
Formally audit the program every
year
Communication Program Evaluate effectiveness of
communication program and
identify necessary changes
As needed
SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN
ELEMENT 9 – EONITORING, MEASUREMENT AND PROGRAM MODIFICATIONS
9-3
9.2. Program Modifications
The Palo Alto’s SSMP will be modified to include operational changes that affect
the SSMP elements. The City will review the successes and needed
improvements of the SSMP as part of the SSMP annual audit (see Element 10).
City staff will update critical information, such as radio call signs, contact
information, name of the Designated Authorized Representative (DOAR) and the
SSO response chain of communication, as needed. A comprehensive SSMP
update will occur every 5 years, as required by the SWRCB.
List of Documents in the Element 9 Appendix (see separate tab):
1. Annual SSO Report Template
SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN
ELEMENT 10 – EROGRAM AUDITS
10-1
10. Element 10 – Program Audits
SWRCB Requirements:
As part of the Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP), the Enrollee shall conduct periodic
internal audits, appropriate to the size of the system and the number of SSOs. At a minimum,
these audits must occur every two years and a report must be prepared and kept on file. This
audit shall focus on evaluating the effectiveness of the SSMP and the Enrollee’s compliance
with the SSMP requirements identified in this subsection (D.13), including identification of any
deficiencies in the SSMP and steps to correct them.
RWQCB Requirements:
Each wastewater collection system agency shall conduct an annual audit of their SSMP which
includes any deficiencies and steps to correct them (if applicable), appropriate to the size of
the system and the number of overflows, and submit a report of such audit.
The City audits and updates its SSMP on an annual basis. The audit process is
documented in the Annual SSMP Audit Form, a copy of which is included in the
Element 10 Appendix. The audit form provides structure for a systematic review of
each SSMP element in order to ensure the SSMP contains current information,
regulatory requirements are satisfied, and programs are effective. If updates or
changes are required, the content and timeline to complete those change are described
in the audit form. The Annual SSMP Audit Form, intended as an attachment to the
Annual SSO Report, is submitted to the RWQCB by March 15th following the end of the
calendar year being audited.
The first annual audit was completed for the 2008 calendar year. This audit was
conducted by a team that consisted of the WGW Operations Manager and Supervisor,
as well as various operations personnel.
List of Documents in the Element 10 Appendix (see separate tab):
1. Annual SSMP Audit Report Form
SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN
ELEMENT 11 – EOMMUNICATION PROGRAM
11-1
11. Element 11 – Communication Program
SWRCB Requirements:
The Enrollee shall communicate on a regular basis with the public on the development,
implementation, and performance of its Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP). The
communication system shall provide the public the opportunity to provide input to the
Enrollee as the program is developed and implemented.
The Enrollee shall also create a plan of communication with systems that are tributary
and/or satellite to the Enrollee’s sanitary sewer system.
Outreach and public education are an important part of the City of Palo Alto’s
operations. On an annual basis, the City utilizes various medium (newspaper,
utility insert and website) to inform its utilities customers of various topics
including sanitary sewer collection system issues. Most recently, public outreach
material on “how to keep your sanitary sewer working properly” was published on
the web and sent to the customers. The outreach material provided instruction
for reporting sewer blockage and overflows to the City’s dispatch center. In
addition, the Environmental Compliance Division (ECD) distributes public
education materials on proper disposal and handling of the household grease.
A copy of the City of Palo Alto SSMP will be made available in the City library
and on the city’s web site. A section of the website entitled “Sewer System
Management Plan” is currently under development and will be in place by
Summer 2009. The website will include a link to the SSMP, as well as a link to
the California Integrated Water Quality System’s (CIWQS) public reports. This
website provides public access to reported SSO data and information about
regulatory developments.
A communication plan with the collection systems tributary to the RWQCP
(Partner agencies) is already in place and meetings are held periodically on
various topics of interest.
On October 22, 2007, the City Council passed a resolution approving the SSMP
Development Plan and Schedule. Also, in accordance with section D.14 of the
GWDR, the SSMP will be resubmitted for approval by the City Council if future
updates result in significant changes.
Element 2 Appendix
1. WGW Radio Call Signs
WATER-GAS-WASTEWATER RADIO CALL SIGNS
NEW CONSTRUCTION WATER TRANSMISSION
---#Q-::::-D. VanBibber {Su("lervisoO 650} 644-5975 260 -J. Reinert (Supervisor) 650 444-6256
~[). Bohna {~ead) 650} 380-4735 261 -D. OsteTI()JLead} 650) 380-5262
· 222 ...... Vacant (Lead) 650) 387-4669 262 -C. Du (Lead) 650)444-8025
223 -E. Talley 263 -M. Torres 650 444-6308
• 224 -M. Haynes 264 -M. Perez 650 444-5121
! 225 -Vacant 265 -D. Cordova 650) 444-9068
226 -K. Hanks 266 -J. Weir 650) 444-5693
i 227 F. Ramirez 267 -Vacant 650) 444-6716
I 228 -P. Garcia
229 O. Garcia METER SHOPS/BACKFLOW
I 294 -S. Wirth 270 -J. Strickland (Supervisor) 650 444-6123
· 296 -T.ljafner(lnspector) 650) 444-4941 271 -E. Frazier
272 -L. Charlot
WIG MAINTENANCE 273 -P. Manansala 650)444-5349
230 -B. Hagins (Supervisor) 650) 438-2991 274 -V. Vasquez 650 380-4765
231 -D. Serna (Lead) 650) 444-6188 275 -Vacant
232 -D. Camm(Lead) 276-M. Dean 650} 444~4395
233 -A. Meneses
i 234 -K. Odom FIELD SERVICE -_ ..
~?§-C. Sigur 270 -J. Strickland (Supervisor) 650 444-6123
236 -J. Givens Service 1 -J. Silva (Lead) 650 444-8911
237 -M. Hajduk 650) 380-5394 Service 2 -J. Jensen 650 444-6121
238 -M. Simon Service 3 -M. Akins 650 444-5475
239 -P. Perez Service 4 -A. Silva 650) 740-8173
I 286 -Vacant Service 5 -A. Gonzalez 650) 444-6122
Service 6 -Vacant
Service 7 R. Salas 650) 444-4668
WASTEWATER MAINTENANCE
240 -F. Alvarado (Supervisor) 650)44 UPPORT STAFF
i 241 -J. Wilson (Lead) 650 444-0-Office
242 -D. Mendoza (Lead) ..... 656)444-5071 281 -M. Smart 510 432-8595
• 243 -vacanT 282 -J. January
I 244 -R. Justus 650) 444-4002 283 -Equipment Maintenance 650 496-6935
245~ F. Castro
.. _ .... -
284 -Tow Truck
i 246 -E. YOlJngquist 290 -Javad Ghaffari .. 650 444-6348
i 247 -J. Wortham 291 -A. Easton-Mena
• 248 -S. Wiggins I 292 -R. Silva ...... 650) 444-6124
I 249 -B. Bil1gham 505 D. ua,\J"clvl 650 444-6204
· 293 -J. Gonzalez 522 -T. Kaiser 650 444-4890
~ENERAL SHOP I WGW ENGINEERING
250 -E. Mueller (Supervisor) 650) 387-4281 I 201 -R. Antonio 650) 740-2498
251 -K. Griswold (Sr. Mec~anic) 650) 444:4769 202 -A. Pishchik 650)566-4521
252 -S. Giovannetti 203 -::J. Nguy 650) 566-4523
253 -J. Hart 204 -C. Woolf
254 -Vacant 205 -Vacant
255 -P. Gutierrez 206....:B. Chan -256 -J. Hughes 207 -L. Sorin
257 -R. Anderson 208 -J. Flanigan
258 -B. Saulus 650) 444-4664 209 -R. Item -259-B. Will 210 -Vacant
211 -R. Long
212 S. Santos
-----~~ ...... 650) 566-4520
213 -J. Jovel
INSPECTORS 214 E.Wu 650: -295 -A. ROdriguez 6§0) 740-2451 215 -G. Scoby (Manager) 650: 387-5202
~ ... :-L. Krug 650} 387-4278 216 -M. Ezrina
298 -R. Knox 650) 740-2494 217 -K. Nguyen 650 566-4522 ~ ... 650) 740-2496 218 R. Ekstrand 650 566-4511 ~ ...... C. Crllry ..... -~~
219-A.Le 650 566-4528
Revised: 06/03/09 2
Element 4 Appendix
1. Flushing Program for Hot Spots
2. 2009 Collection System Maintenance Certification Candidate
Handbook
Flushing Program for "Hot Spots"
The Flushing Program for the "Hot Spots" has been developed to prevent and minimize
sewer overflows. There are fifteen "Hot Spot" routes, these routes were entered into our
ICOMMM database and Line Cleaning IInspection Work Orders are scheduled on a
regular basis.
Our Downtown "Hot Spots" are listed below with their Flushing and Inspection dates.
Route 1 Downtown ECR
Route 2 Downtown Lytton
Route 3 Downtown University
Route 4 Downtown Hamilton
ROUTE LOCATION
1 Downtown
2 Downtown
3 Downtown
14 Downtown
15 Downtown
6 California
7 Sheridan
8 Sherman
Route 5 Downtown Emerson
Route 6 Califomia Business District
Route 7 Sheridan
Route 8 Sherman
FLUSHING INSPECTION
DATE DATE
3rd week in January, 3ra week in February,
March, May, July, April, June, August,
September and October and December
November
3rd week in January, 3ra week in February,
March, May, July, A pril, June, August,
September and October and December
November
3rd week in January, 3rd week in February,
March, May, July, April, June, August,
September and October and December
November
3rd week in January, 3m week in February,
March, May, July, April, June, August,
September and October and December
November
3 rd week in January, 3rd week in February,
March, May, July, April, June, August,
September and October and December
November
3rd week in January, 3rd week in February,
March, May, July, April, June, August,
September and October and December
November
3rd week in January, 3rd week in February,
March, May, July, April, June, August,
September and October and December
November
3rd week in January, 3r<iweek in February,
March, May, July, April, June, August,
September and October and December
November
Flushing Program for "Hot Spots"
The Flushing Program for the "Hot Spots" has been developed to prevent and minimize
sewer overflows. There are fifteen "Hot Spot" routes, these routes were entered into our
ICOMMM database and Line Cleaning IInspection Work Orders are scheduled on a
regular basis.
Our Midtown, College Terrace and South Palo Alto "Hot Spots" are listed below with
their Flushing and Inspection dates.
Route 9 Midtown -Bryson
Route 10 College ECR to Park
Route 11 Leland ECR to Park
Route 12 Park Ave. -(Ventura -Wilton)
Route 13 Ventura ECR -Park
Route 14 Wilton ECR -(w) Matadero Barron
Route 15 Portage ECR to Park
ROUTE LOCATION FLUSHING INSPECTION
DATE DATE
9 Midtown 3rd week in February, 3rd week in April,
June and October August and December
10 College 3rd week in February, 3rd week in April,
June and October August and December
11 Leland 3rd week in Febmary, 3rd week in April,
June and October I August and Decembcr
12 Park 3rd week in Februa~ 3rd week in April,
June and October August and December
13 Ventura 3rd week in February, 3rd week in April,
June and October August and December
14 Wilton 3rd week in February, 3rd week in April,
June and October August and December
15 Portage 3rd week in February, 3rd week in April,
June and October August and December
Handbook
This booklet contains ...
Subject matter for the Collection
System Maintenance tests
Education and experience
requirements
Selected study references
Certification policies
Contents
Contents
Introduction
The California Water Environment Association
The Technical Certification Program
Important Information
The Certification Process
Code of Ethics
Test Administration and Admission
Test Design and Format
Test Scoring
Test Rescheduling and Cancellation
Item Appeals
Test Result Notification
Issue of Certificate/Wallet Cards
Renewal of Certification/Re-Certification
Accommodations For Those With Physical or Learning Disabilities
Grade I Collection System Maintenance
Eligibility Criteria for Taking the Test
Essential Duties
Com plexity of Test Questions
Test Content Areas
Grade II Collection System Maintenance
Eligibility Criteria for Taking the Test
Qualifying With Your Education
Essential Duties
Complexity of Test Questions
Test Content Areas
Grade III Collection System Maintenance
Eligibility Criterra for the Test
Qualifying With Your Education
Essential Duties
Complexity ofTest Questions
Test Content Areas
Grade IV Collection System Maintenance
Eligibility Criteria for Taking the Test
Qualifying With Your Education
Essential Duties
Complexity of Test QuestiOns
Test Content Areas
SAMPLE TEST QUESTIONS
SElECTED REFERENCES
PREPARING FOR YOUR TEST
Determining Your Preparedness
the Selected References
Using the Test Content Areas as a Guice to Your Study
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
2
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3
3
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3
3
4
4
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5
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Page 1
Introduction
Tbe California Water Environment Association
CWEA's mission is to enhance the education and
effectiveness of California wastewater professionals
through training, certification, dissemination of
technical information, and promotion of sound
policies to benefit society through protection and
enhancement of the water environment.
CWEA is a California Nonprofit Corporation and is a
Member Association of the Water Environment
Federation and a member of the National
Organization for Competency Assurance.
The Technical Certification Program
The Technical Certification Program (TCP) was
created to offer multilevel technical certification for
individuals employed in the water quality field. Tests
are written by vocational specialists and
administered throughout the year in six different
disciplines: Biosolids, Collection System
Maintenance, Environmental Compliance Inspection,
Laboratory Analyst, Plant Maintenance (Electrical!
Instrumentation and Mechanical Technologist), and
Industrial Waste Treatment Plant Operator.
CWEA first offered a certification program for
operators of wastewater treatment plants in 1937.
The program was administered by CWEA until 1973
when the State of California assumed responsibility
for the program. During those 36 years, CWEA
awarded 3915 operator certificates.
In 1975 the first committees were formed to establish
a new voluntary certification program for water
quality professionals specializing in disciplines other
than plant operation. Eventually, the Voluntary
Certification Program (VCP) emerged with
specialized certificate programs for Biosolids Land
Application Management, Collection System
Maintenance, Plant Maintenance, Environmental
Compliance Inspection, and Laboratory Analyst. The
first of the new certifications were given in April of
1976. In the 1980s two more disciplines were added:
Electricaillnstrumentation, and Industrial Waste
Treatment Plant Operator.
Today CWEA offers certification in six different
vocational programs with a total of 23 different
certifications. About 2,000 certification applications
are processed every year and over 5,500 certificates
are currently held by individuals in California.
Michigan, Hawaii, and Missouri.
The Certification Process
To become certified, all applicants must complete
the Application For Technical Certification, pay the
application fee, have appropriate experience!
education, and pass the computer-based test.
Application instructions and fee schedules are listed
on the application.
Page 2 ~
Important Information
After applications are received at the CWEA office.
applicant information is compiled in the certification
database. Acceptance letters are then mailed to all
applicants. The experience and education given on
the application is then reviewed by CWEA staff. If the
application is approved, then the applicant will
receive an acceptance letter. If the application is
rejected, the applicant will be notified and may be
asked to supply more information if warranted. After
completing the test. applicants are sent official test-
results. Those who pass the exam will then be
mailed certificates and"blue wallet cards.
Code of Ethics
The Code of Ethics is intended to reflect the stan-
dards and behavior that California Water Environ-
ment Association certificate holders and applicants
expect of each other as they perform their work pro-
tecting public health and the environment and that
reaffirm the value of holding a CWEA certifi-
cate. The purpose of the Code of Ethics is to ensure
public confidence in the integrity and service of pro-
fessional water quality workers while performing their
duties.
All California Water Environment Association certifi-
cate holders and applicants are expected to meet the
following standards of professional conduct and eth-
ics:
1. To protect public health, themselves, their co-
workers, property, and the environment by per-
forming the Essential Duties of the CWEA certi-
fied vocation safely and effectively, and comply-
ing with all applicable federal, state and local
regulations.
2. To represent themselves truthfully and honestly
throughout the entire certification process.
3. To adhere to all test site rules and make no at-
tempt to complete the test dishonestly or to as-
sist any other person in doing so.
4. To refrain from activities that may jeopardize the
integrity of the Technical Certification Program.
Test Administration And Admission
Testing Dates and Sites: Tests are given throughout
the year. Applicants eligible for the test will receive
an acceptance letter and instructions on how to
schedule their exam.
Testing Test Dates Application
Window Deadline
Spring April 1 June 30. 2009 February 27
Summer July 1 -September 30.2009 May 29
Fall October 1 -December 31, 2009 August 31
Winter January 1 -March 31 , 2010 November 30
CWEA also provides reasonable accommodations
for those with physical or learning disabilities (See
following page: "Accommodations For Those With
Physical or Learning Disabilities").
Introduction
Test Site Admission: Certificate candidates are
required to show at least one valid government
issued photo identification (State driver's license or
10, or passport). Only after positive identification has
been made by the testing proctor may a candidate
begin the exam. Candidates do not require to show
their acceptance letters to enter the test site.
Test Security: Beginning January 2009, all exams will
be computer-based format. No reference material,
laptop computers, or cameras are allowed in the test
site. Candidates will have access to an onscreen
calculator, however, examinees are welcome to
bring pre-approved calculator (visit www.cwea.org/
cbt). Candidates are not allowed to take any notes
from the test site. Candidates who violate test site
rules may be asked to leave the site and may be dis-
qualified from the test. All violations of test security
will be investigated by CWEA and appropriate action
will be taken. There are no exceptions to this policy.
Test Design And Format
Test Design: All certification tests are designed to test
knowledge and abilities required to perform Essential
Duties with minimal acceptable competence.The
Essential Duties and Test Content Areas for each
certification were determined by a job analysis and
meta-analysis of job specifications by two
independent psychometric consulting firms.
The studies gathered data from onsite visits of over
31 water and wastewater agencies, interviews with
110 water and wastewater professionals, and
analysis of more than 300 job speCifications. All
research was conducted under the guidance of the
Technical Certification Program Committee,
vocational sub-committees, and CWEA staff. All test
questions are designed to measure at least one area
of knowledge or ability that is required to perform an
essential duty.
Test Delivery Mechanism: All tests are computer-
based format and are written in the English language
only.
Test Format: All Collection System Maintenance tests
are given completely in the multiple choice format
(see Sample Test Questions in this booklet for
examples). The multiple choice format is considered
the most effective for use in standardized tests. This
objective format allows a greater coverage in content
for a given amount of testing time and improves
competency measurement reliability. Multiple choice
questions range in complexity from simple recall of
knowledge to the synthesis and evaluation of the
subject matter.
Test Scoring
SCQring Method: All tests are electronically scored by
CWEA. The overall test score will determine if you
pass or fail the test. Generally, the minimum score
Important Information
required to pass the test is 75% (this passing score
may be adjusted downward depending on the
difficulty level of each particular test). The minimum
passing score is determined by the modified Angoff
Method. When taking your test it is recommended
that you try your best to score as high as possible.
Do not try to target the minimum passing score.
How Passing Scores Are Set: Each time a certification
test is given the questions are changed resulting in a
different test form. Since each form has different
questions the difficulty level of the test may not be
the same from form to form. The passing score is
developed as an overall estimate of minimal
acceptable competence in the Test Content Areas by
subject matter. and testing experts. Passing scores
are determined by an overall passing score, not by
performance on individual Test Subject Areas, and
are independent of other candidate's scores. Partial
credit will not be awarded for any test item answered
incorrectly.
Test Rescheduling and Cancellation Instructions
Reschedule your Testing Window
To reschedule your application you must submit a
written request (a letter stating that you wish to re-
schedule) to the adjacent (next) window once without
a fee. A $40 administrative fee is required to re-
schedule your application again to the third window.
There are no exceptions to this policy.
Reschedule your Test Appointment
If you already have a scheduled exam with our test-
ing administrator, Pearson VUE (PV) , and wish to
reschedule your apPOintment, you must contact (PV)
one (1) business day in advance to avoid losing your
exam fee.
Cancel your Application
To cancel your application you must submit a written
request (a letter stating you wish to cancel your ap-
plication) to CWEA. The written request must be re-
ceived at the CWEA office before the testing window
begins. Full refunds, less a $40 administrative fee,
will be made within 4 weeks after the scheduled
date.
Item Appeals
Candidates who wish to appeal a specific test item
must do so during the test by completing Candidate
Comment Review Screen during the exam. Candi-
date comments will be evaluated and appropriate
adjustments will be made to the test content. Candi-
dates submitting comments will not be contacted in
regards to the appeal.
Test Result Notification
Exam results are routinely mailed to certificate
candidates approximately 4 weeks after the exam
date. No results are given over the phone, via fax or
email. All results are confidential and are only
released to the certificate candidate. There are no
exceptions to this policy.
Page 3
Issue of Certificate/Blue Wallet Card
Certificates and blue wallet cards will be issued to
all candidates who pass the exam. Certificates and
blue wallet cards are mailed about two to three
weeks after result notifications have been mailed.
Renewal of Certification
All certificates must be renewed annually. The first
renewal is due one year from the last day of the
month in which the certification exam was held.
Certificate renewals less than one year past due are
subject to the renewal fee plus a penalty fee of 100
percent of the renewal fee. Certificates more than
one year past due will need to retest to regain certi-
fication. Renewal notices are mailed to certificate
holders two months before the due date. It is the
responsibility of the certificate holder to ensure that
his or her certificate(s) remains valid.
Re-Certification:
CWEA Certificate holders shall be required to renew
certificates annually, and shall be required to pro-
vide evidence of completion of 12 contact hours of
continuing education requirements every two years.
For more information, visit CWEA's website:
www.cwea.org.
Accommodations For Those With Physical or
Learning Disabilities
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities
Act, special accommodations will be provided for
those individuals who provide CWEA with a
physician's certificate, or its equivalent,
documenting a physical or psychological disability
that may affect the individual's ability to successfully
complete the certification examination. Written
requests for special accommodations must be made
no later than 3 weeks before the examination date.
----------~ Page 4 \Y r ntroduction
Grade I Collection System Maintenance
Collection System Maintenance Grade I Certification 6. Breaks, cuts and restores concrete and
paved surfaces using jackhammers,
concrete saws, etc.
is designed to demonstrate competency at the entry
and basic working level. More specifically, Grade I
certification implies competence in the knowledge,
skills and abilities required to perform the Essential 7. Prepares, inspects, and maintains vehicles
for use; ensures vehicles are in proper
operating condition and arranges for
maintenance when required
Duties of an entry Collection System Maintenance
Technologist.
Eligibility Criteria For Taking The Test
There are no experience or education requirements 8. Ensures that tools and equipment are in
proper operating condition for daily use and
arranges for maintenance when required
for Grade I certification. Completing the Application
for Technical Certification, paying the appropriate
application fee, and passing the examination are the
only requirements. It is, however, recommended that 9. Participates in the maintenance and repair of
wastewater collection system lift stations and
components
Grade I candidates have at least one year of
experience working as an Collection System
Maintenance Technologist performing the Essential
Duties listed below. Many candidates without the 10. Completes accurate, legible and timely
records/data of work performed recommended experience have difficulty
successfully completing the computer-based test.
Essential Duties Of The Grade I Collection
System Maintenance Technologist
Individuals certified as Grade I Collection System
11. Participates in maintaining proper traffic
safety controls at work sites to move traffic
safely and efficiently around work site
Maintenance Technologists are expected to possess 12. Responds to public inquiries in a courteous
manner and provides information
appropriate to the area of aSSignment
acceptable competency when performing the tasks
that are necessary for entry level Collection System
Maintenance Technologists. These necessary tasks
are known as the Essential Duties. The certification 13. Adheres to safe work practices and abides
by all applicable regulations, policies and
procedures
test measures knowledge, skills and abilities
required to perform the Essential Duties.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Essential Duties for Grade I
Participates in inspecting, cleaning,
maintaining, constructing and repairing of
wastewater collection systems, utilizing a
variety of mechanical or specialized
equipment
Assists with pump station inspections,
records instrument readings and
makes minor adjustments to keep flow
steady
Performs a variety of manual tasks including
the lifting, carrying and removal of heavy
loads including materials, equipment and
debris
Inspects and maintains easements, some of
which may be remote or difficult to access
Participates in excavating, shoring and re
pairing the collection system, including dam-
aged pipe, manholes and casting adjust-
ments
Grade [ Collection System Maintenance
14.
15.
16.
Reads and interprets collection system maps
to determine basic flow characteristics and
construction details
Participates in the containment and cleanup
of wastewater spills
Stays abreast of new trends and innovations
in the field of wastewater collection system
operation and maintenance
17. Participates in confined space entries
Complexity Of Test Questions
At the Grade I level, certificate candidates are
expected to have basic knowledge of the job and the
ability to safely perform the Essential Duties listed
above. Examinees will have to answer multiple
choice questions that test knowledge,
comprehension, and application of the subject
matter. The complexity of the questions will range
from basic recall of previously learned material and
the ability to understand the meaning of the subject
matter, to being able to apply knowledge to new
situations.
Page 5
Test Content Areas
The following list is an outline of Test Content Areas.
Each content area is a Knowledge, Skill, or Ability
that is required to perform the Essential Duties listed
above. Since all of the Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities
are required to perform the Essential Duties they are
all equally important in the demonstration of
acceptable competency. Thus, all of the content
areas listed below are equally weighted on the test.
Test Content Areas for Grade I
Knowledge of:
101. Operations, services, and activities of a
wastewater collection system operations and
maintenance program
102. Methods and techniques of recording
instrument readings and related measuring
devices
103. Methods and techniques of traffic control
104. Operation and proper application of
collection system maintenance eqUipment
and tools
105. Occupational hazards and standard safety
practices
106. Applicable codes, regulations, policies, and
procedures
107. Underground Service Alert (USA) markings
Skill to:
108. Establish and maintain cooperative
relationships with those contacted in the
course of work
109. Communicate accurately, clearly, and
concisely: in writing, orally, and
electronically, in the English language
110. Read and interpret essential technical
information including maps and drawings
111. Perform basic mathematical calculations
Ability to:
112.
113.
Page 6
Perform operation, maintenance, and repair
of the wastewater collection system
Operate a variety of specialized equipment
including vehicles and collection system
maintenance devices, hand and power tools,
air compressors and jackhammers
114. Perform basic facilities and grounds
maintenance
115. Understand and follow oral and written
instructions
116. Learn more difficult collection systems
construction, maintenance, and repair
techniques
117. Properly lift and carry heavy loads in a
variety of difficult conditions
118.
119.
Obtain appropriate licenses and
certifications
Work in hazardous, difficult, and
disagreeable conditions
Grade I Collection System Maintenance
Grade II Collection System Maintenance
Collection System Maintenance Grade II Certification
is designed to demonstrate competency at the skilled
or journey level. More specifically, Grade II
certification implies competence in the knowledge,
skills, and abilities required to perform the Essential
Duties of a skilled Collection System Maintenance
Technologist.
Eligibility Criteria For Taking The Test
The basic requirement is four years of full~time work
in Collection System Maintenance. You may also
qualify by having two years of experience and
holding a Collection System Maintenance Grade I
Certificate for one year, OR having two years of full~
time experience and holding an Associate's degree
in a related field, OR having one year of full~time
experience and holding a Bachelor's, or higher,
degree in a related field.
Eligibility criteria are summarized in the table below.
You may qualify by meeting either Education!
Experience Combination A, B, C, or D. If you do not
meet any of the combinations of experience and
education, then you do not qualify for Grade II:
• Combination I EDUCATION & -I-EXPERIENCE
CERTIFICATIONS
A 4 full~time years
None in Collection
System
Maintenance
B Hold Grade I 2 full~time years
CSM Certificate in Collection
for 1 yr. System
Maintenance
C AAlAS degree in 2 full~time years
a related field in Collection
System
Maintenance
0 Hold a BAlBS, or 1 full~time year in
higher, degree in Collection System
a related field Maintenance
Qualifying With Your Education
Holding a college degree, or its equivalent, in a field
related to your vocation will reduce the number of
years required for your test (see the table above).
Your degree must be in a field that is related to the
certificate for which you are applying. If you are
uncertain if your degree is related to your vocation
you should still include your degree information in
your application. The Technical Certification Program
Committee will determine if your degree qualifies. If it
does not, you will be accepted for the next highest
grade level for which you qualify. Associate's and
Bachelor's degrees in technical fields are usually
accepted. Degrees are evaluated on a case·by~case
basis upon receipt of the application. College credit
without a degree is not accepted unless it can be
demonstrated that the credit is equivalent to a d~
gree.
Essential Duties Of The Grade II Collection
System Maintenance Technologist
Individuals certified as Grade II Collection System
Maintenance Technologists are expected to possess
acceptable competency when performing the tasks
that are necessary for skilled or journey level
Collection System Maintenance Technologists.
These necessary tasks are known as the Essential
Duties. The certification test measures knowledge,
skills and abilities required to perform the Essential
Duties.
Essential Duties for Grade II
1. Performs, trains and directs the duties listed
for Collection System Maintenance Grade I
2. Inspects, troubleshoots and maintains
proper collection system operation using
advanced techniques and instruments
3. Conducts confined space entries
4. Performs maintenance and repair of waste~
water collection system
5. Provides information and reports on
activities as required
6. Provides assistance to individuals, agencies
and private organizations with underground
service alert (USA) markings, utilities and
manholes
7. Plans routine traffic safety at worksites and
performs non~routine traffic control under
general supervision
8. Resolves routine complaints in an efficient
and timely manner
9. Monitors crew performance to ensure adher~
ence to safe work practices and compliance
with all applicable regulations, policies and
procedures
10. Participates in the development and
promotion of safe work practices and
procedures
Complexity Of Test Questions
At the Grade II level, certificate candidates are
expected to have the knowledge, skill and ability to
safely and effectively accomplish most of the
Essential Duties listed above. Grade II candidates
are also expected to be familiar with the Grade I Test
Content Areas. Examinees will have to answer
Grade II Collection System Maintenance ~~~~~~~----~~~~~~~----~p~a~g=e~7~
multiple choice questions that test comprehension,
application and analysis of the subject matter. The
complexity of the questions will cover the ability to
basically understand the subject matter; to recall and
apply principles, ideas, and theories; and to break
down ideas and theories into their constituent parts.
Test Content Areas
The following list is an outline of Test Content Areas.
Each content area is a knowledge, skill, or ability that
is required to perform the Essential Duties listed
above. Since all of the knowledge, skills, or abilities
are required to perform the Essential Duties they are
all equally important in the demonstration of
acceptable competency. Thus, all of the content
areas listed below are equally weighted on the test.
Candidates should also be thoroughly familiar with
the Grade I Collection System Maintenance
Technologist Test Content Areas.
Knowledge of:
Test Content Areas for Grade II
200. Knowledge, skill and ability identified on the
Test Content Specifications for Collection
Systems Grade I
'201. Operations, services and activities of a
wastewater collection system operations and
maintenance program
202. Methods and techniques of wastewater
collection system inspection, maintenance
and repair
203. Operation and characteristics of collection
system maintenance eqUipment and tools
including heavy equipment, CCTV
inspection, and monitoring devices
204. Methods and techniques, tools and materials
used in the maintenance and repair of
wastewater collection systems and lift
stations
Page 8
205. Safe working practices pertinent to
wastewater collection system maintenance,
repair, and construction
206. Occupational hazards and standard safety
practices
207. Applicable codes, regulations, policies, and
procedures
Skill to:
208. Establish and maintain effective relationships
with those contacted in the course of work
209. Communicate accurately, clearly, and
conCisely: in writing, orally, and;electronically,
in the English language
210. Perform simple algebra and geometrical
calculations
Ability to:
211. Perform maintenance and repair of the
wastewater collection system
212. Operate a variety of collection system
maintenance construction equipment such as
air compressors, compactors, Vibrators,
jackhammers, tampers, cutters and CCTV
inspection and monitoring devices
213. Work independently in the absence of direct
supervision
214. Understand and follow oral and written
instructions
215. Learn new and advanced collection systems
construction, maintenance, and repair
techniques
216. Effectively assess and interpret situations and
conditions and apply independent judgement
217. Operate a variety of heavy construction
equipment, such as backhoes, loaders,
dozers, and dump trucks
Grade II Collection System Maintenance
Grade III Collection System Maintenance
Collection System Maintenance Grade III
Certification is designed to demonstrate competency
at the lead or advanced technical level. More
specifically, Grade III certification implies
competence in the knowledge, skills and abilities
required to perform the Essential Duties of a lead or
advanced Collection System Maintenance
Technologist.
Eligibility Criteria For Taking The Test
The baSic requirement is six years of full-time work in
Collection System Maintenance. You may also
qualify by having four years of experience and
holding a Collection System Maintenance Grade II
Certificate for two years, OR having four years of full-
time experience and holding an Associate's degree
in a related field, OR having three years of full-time
experience and holding a Bachelor's, or higher,
degree in a related field.
Eligibility criteria are summarized in the table below.
You may qualify by meeting either Education/
Experience Combination A, B, C, or D. If you do not
meet any of the combinations of experience and
education, then you do not qualify for Grade III:
: Combination EDUCATION &
CERTIFICATIONS ""'I I-EXPERIENCE
A 6 full-time years in
None Collection System
Maintenance
B Hold Grade 1/ 4 full-time years in
CSM Certificate Collection System
for 2 years. Maintenance
C Hold an 4 fUll-time years in
Associate's Collection System
degree in a Maintenance
related field
D Hold a BAlBS, or 3 fUll-time years in
higher, degree in Collection System
a related field Maintenance
Using Your Education To Help Quality For The
Test
Holding a college degree, or its equivalent, in a field
related to your vocation will reduce the number of
years required for your test (see the table above).
Your degree must be in a field that is related to the
certificate for which you are applying. If you are
uncertain if your degree is related to your vocation
you should still include your degree information in
your application. The Technical Certification Program
Committee will determine if your degree qualifies. If it
does not, you will be accepted for the next highest
grade level for which you qualify. Associate's and
Bachelor's degrees in technical fields are usually
accepted. Degrees are evaluated on a case-by-case
basis upon receipt of the application. College credit
without a degree is not accepted unless it can be
demonstrated that the credit is equivalent to a
degree.
Essential Duties Of The Grade III Collection
System Maintenance Technologist.
Individuals certified as Grade 1/1 Collection System
Maintenance Technologists are expected to possess
acceptable competency when performing the tasks
that are necessary for lead or advanced level
Collection System Maintenance Technologists.
These necessary tasks are known as the Essential
Duties. The certification test measures knowledge,
skills and abilities required to perform the Essential
Duties.
Essential Duties for Grade III
1. Plans, coordinates and reviews the perfor-
mance of the duties of Collection System
Maintenance Grade I and Grade II
2. Coordinates with other utilities, the public,
agencies and private organizations to
address complex or non-routine issues
3. Participates in the evaluation of the perfor-
mance of the wastewater collection system
such as energy efficiency, material costs and
preventive/predictive maintenance programs
4. Participates in the development and imple-
mentation of training of assigned employees
in their areas of work in wastewater
collection system inspection and repair
methods, techniques, equipment and safety
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Verifies the work of assigned employees for
accuracy, proper work methods, techniques
and compliance with applicable standards
and specifications
Monitors and inspects the work of
contractors for a variety of construction or
maintenance projects
Analyzes and reviews system data to recom-
mend priorities, schedules and workload
performance measures
Develops and directs the execution of
complex or non-routine traffic safety plans
Responds to exceptional and/or non-routine
public inquiries in a courteous manner and
partiCipates in the development of formal
reports and responses to the media
Participates in, ensures the development of,
and adherence to the safety program
Participates in fact-gathering to respond to
liability claims
r .. I-------_ \y Page 9 Grade [I[ Collection System Maintenance
12.
13.
Participates in investigations into potential
wrongdoing or policy violations
Attends and participates in professional
group meetings; stays abreast of new trends
and innovations in the field of wastewater
collection system operation & maintenance.
Complexity Of Test Questions
At the Grade III level, certificate candidates are
expected to have the knowledge, skill and ability to
safely and effectively accomplish and coordinate
complex tasks as listed in the Essential Duties
above. Grade III candidates are also expected to be
familiar with the Grade I and II Collection System
Maintenance Technologist knowledge, skills and
abilities. Examinees will have to answer multiple
choice questions that test application, analysis, and
synthesis of the subject matter. The complexity of
the questions will cover the ability: to abstract in
particular and concrete situations; to clarify and
organize theories and ideas; and to put facts
together to form a new solution.
Test Content Areas
The following list is an outline of Test Content Areas.
Each content area is a Knowledge, Skill, or Ability
that is required to perform the Essential Duties listed
above. Since all of the Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities
are required to perform the Essential Duties they are
all equally important in the demonstration of
acceptable competency. Thus, all of the content
areas listed below are equally weighted on the test.
Candidates should also be thoroughly familiar with
the Grade I and II Collection System Maintenance
Test Content Areas.
Test Content Areas for Grade III
Knowledge of:
300. Knowledge, skill and ability identified on the Test
Content Specifications for Collection Systems
Grades I and II
301. Operations, services, and activities of a
wastewater collection system operations and
maintenance program
302. Principles of leadership, supervision, and training
303. Methods and techniques of wastewater collection
system inspection, predictive/preventive
maintenance and repair
304. Operation and characteristics of collection system
maintenance equipment and tools.
305.
306.
Page 10
Methods and techniques, tools and materials
used in the maintenance and repair of
wastewater collection systems
Procedures, methods, tools, and equipment used
in the operation of motors, pumps, controls, and
instrumentation
307.
308.
309.
310.
311.
Skill to:
312.
313.
Safe working practices applicable to wastewater
collection system maintenance, repair and
construction
Pipeline and manhole design and construction
Occupational hazards and safety practices
including the management of exceptional
circumstances
Office equipment including computers and
supporting word processing, spreadsheets, and
databases
Applicable codes, regulations, policies and proce-
dures
Establish and maintain cooperative working
relationships with those contacted in the course of
work
Communicate accurately, clearly, and concisely:
in writing, orally, and electronically, in the English
language
314. Perform advanced algebra, geometry, statistical
analysis, including cut sheet problems
Ability to:
315. Lead and train maintenance and repair staff. In-
cludes scheduling and assigning personnel and
the use of materials and equipment to assure
desired quality and quantity of work
316. Work cooperatively with co-workers; identify and
minimize conflict
317. Compute time requirements, labor, materials, and
equipment needed for various jobs
318. Plan, organize, and schedule training
319. Inspect and diagnose operating problems on
pumps, electrical motors, and automatic control
systems
320.
321.
322.
323.
324.
325.
Supervise and direct the most difficult collection
system maintenance and repair tasks
Work independently under general supervision
Competently inspect the work of contractors and
staff
Operate a variety of collection system
maintenance equipment and tools
Understand, follow and provide oral and written
instructions
Effectively assess and interpret situations and
conditions and apply independent judgment
Grade III Collection System Maintenance
Grade IV Collection Systenl Maintenance
Collection System Maintenance Grade IV
Certification is designed to demonstrate competency
at the program manager level. More specifically,
Grade IV certification implies competence in the
knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the
Essential Duties of a management level Collection
System Maintenance Technologist.
Eligibility Criteria For Taking The Test
The basic requirement is eight years of full-time work
in Collection System Maintenance. You may also
qualify by having six years of experience and holding
a Collection System Maintenance Grade III
Certificate for two years, OR having six years of full-
time experience and holding an Associate's degree
in a related field, OR having five years of full-time
experience and holding a Bachelor's, or higher,
degree in a related field. All Grade IV candidates
must also demonstrate at least one year of
experience supervising the work of others.
Eligibility criteria are summarized in the table below.
You may qualify by meeting either Educationl
Experience Combination A, e, C, or D. If you do not
meet any of the combinations of experience and
education, then you do not qualify for Grade IV:
Combination EDUCATION &
CERTIFICATIONS ~ ... EXPERIENCE
A 8 years in
Collection System
None Maintenance with
one of those
years supervising
B 6 years in
Hold Grade III Collection System
CSM certificate Maintenance with
for 2 years. one of those
years supervising
C Hold an AAlAS, 6 years in
or higher, Collection System
degree in a Maintenance with
related field one of those
years supervising
D Hold an 5 years in
Bachelor's, or Collection System
higher, degree in Maintenance with
a related field one of those
years supervising
Qualifying With Your Education
Holding a college degree, or its equivalent, in a field
related to your vocation will reduce the number of
years required for your test (see the table above).
Your degree must be in a field that is related to the
certificate for which you are applying. If you are
uncertain if your degree is related to your vocation,
you should still include your degree information in
your application. The Technical Certification Program
Committee will determine if your degree qualifies. If it
does not, you will be accepted for the next highest
grade level for which you qualify. Associate's and
Bachelor's degrees in technical fields are usually
accepted. Degrees are evaluated on a case-by-case
basis upon receipt of the application. College credit
without a degree is not accepted unless it can be
demonstrated that the credit is equivalent to a
degree.
Essential Duties Of The Grade IV Collection
System Maintenance Technologist
Individuals certified as Grade IV Collection System
Maintenance Technologists are expected to possess
acceptable competency when performing the tasks
that are necessary for management level Collection
System Maintenance. These necessary tasks are
known as the Essential Duties. The certification test
measures knowledge, skills and abilities required to
perform the Essential Duties.
Essential Duties for Grade IV
1. Administers and manages the performance of the
duties of Collection System Maintenance Grade I,
Grade II and Grade III
2. Responsible for all services and activities
associated with the operation, maintenance and
repair of the wastewater collection system
3. Manages the development and implementation of
goals, objectives and policies for the wastewater
collection program
4. Directs and supports supervisors and staff to
ensure high performance in a customer service-
oriented work environment that supports
achieving desired goals and objectives
5. Evaluates the performance of the wastewater
collection system such as staffing levels, predic-
tive/preventive maintenance programs, energy
efficiency and material costs
6. Plans, directs, coordinates, prioritizes and
reviews the work plan for the collection
system
7.
8.
9.
Selects, motivates and evaluates personnel;
works with employees to achieve performance
goals and objectives; implements disciplinary
procedures; conducts general labor relations
activities
Develops, implements and oversees a
comprehensive equipment selection and
maintenance program
Coordinates wastewater collection system
activities with other divisions, outside agencies
Grade IV Collection System Maintenance ~~-----------------------------p-ag-e--II··
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
and organizations. Negotiates and resolves
sensitive and controversial issues
Provides responsible and complex technical
support to upper management and prepares and
presents staff reports, including organizational
studies
Originates and administers the work of
contractors/consultants/engineers for a variety of
construction or maintenance projects
Responsible for the development and administra-
tion of safety training programs for wastewater
collection system staff and ensures compliance
with safe working practices, rules and regulations
Responsible for the development and administra-
tion of assigned employees in wastewater
collection system inspection, repair methods,
techniques and equipment
Oversees and participates in the development
and administration of the wastewater collection
system annual budget; tracks and forecasts
resources needed for staffing, equipment,
materials, and supplies; monitors and approves
expenditures and implements adjustments
Initiates, develops and administers programs,
policies, and procedures to ensure the safe and
efficient operation of the wastewater collection
system
Attends and participates in professional group
meetings; stays abreast of new trends and
innovations in the field of wastewater collection
system operation and maintenance; ensures the
availability of opportunities for all staff to
participate in professional development
Responds to difficult and sensitive public inquiries
in a courteous manner and develops formal
reports and responses to the media
Reviews and responds to liability claims
Investigates potential wrongdoing or policy
violations
Complexity Of Test Questions
At the Grade IV level, certificate candidates are
expected to have the knowledge, skill and ability to
administer, coordinate and manage complex
programs described in the Essential Duties above.
Grade IV candidates are also expected to be familiar
with the Grade I, II, and III Collection System
Maintenance Technologist knowledge, skills and
abilities. Examinees will have to answer multiple
choice questions that test analysis, synthesis and
evaluation of the subject matter. The complexity of
the questions will cover the ability: to clarify and
organize theories and ideas; to put together facts to
form new solutions; to make managerial level judge-
ments
Test Content Areas
The following list is an outline of Test Content Areas.
Each content area is a Knowledge, Skill, or Ability
that is required to perform the Essential Duties listed
above. Since all of the Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities
are required to perform the Essential Duties they are
all equally important in the demonstration of accept-
able competency. Thus, all of the content areas
listed below are equally weighted on the test.
Candidates should also be thoroughly familiar with
the Grade I, II, and III Collection System
Maintenance Test Content Areas.
Test Content Areas for Grade IV
Knowledge of:
400. Knowledge, skill and ability identified on the
Test Content Specifications for Collection
Systems Grades I, II, and III
401. Operational characteristics, services and
activities of a wastewater collection system
maintenance program
402. Operation and characteristics of collection
systems maintenance equipment and tools
403. Methods and techniques, tools and materials
used in the maintenance and repair of
wastewater collection systems
404. Wastewater collection system inspection
methods and techniques
405. PrinCiples and practices of program
development and administration
406. Principles and practices of budget
preparation and administration.
407. Principles of leadership, supervision, training
and performance evaluation
408. PrinCiples of labor relations administration
409. Recent developments, current literature and
sources of information related to wastewater
collection
410. Office equipment including computers and
supporting word processing, spreadsheets,
databases and specialized computer soft-
ware programs
411. Occupational hazards and general safety
practices
412. Applicable codes, regulations, policies, and
procedures
Skill to:
413.
414.
Establish and maintain cooperative
relationships with those contacted in the
course of work
Communicate accurately, clearly, and
concisely: in writing, orally, and
electronically, in the English language
------------"p Page 12 \Y Grade IV Collection System Maintenance
415. Perform budget development, expenditure
forecasting, statistical evaluation, and cost
analysis
Ability to:
416. Manage, direct and coordinate the work of
staff
417. Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff
418. Oversee and direct the operations, services
and activities of a wastewater collection
system
419. Manage and administer inspection services on
wastewater collection system projects
420. Read and interpret blueprints, construction
drawings and specifications
421. Develop and administer goals. objectives and
procedures
422. Interpret, explain, and enforce division policies
and procedures
423. Develop and implement safety training
programs
424. Prepare and administer program budget
425. Prepare clear and concise administrative and
financial reports
426. Research, analyze, and evaluate new
methods and techniques
427. Interpret and apply appropriate codes,
regulations, policies, and procedures
428. Understand, follow and provide oral and
written instructions
429. Effectively assess and interpret situations and
conditions and apply independent judgment
Sanlple Test Questions
The following sample test questions are provided to help
you become familiar with the multiple choice format. These
questions reflect only a sample of the subject matter
covered at each grade level.
For each question, choose the single most correct answer.
An answer key is provided on page 14.
Grade I Collection System Mamtenance
1. Operation and maintenance of a Wastewater
Collection System means keeping the:
a. power supply available.
b. system in good operating condition.
c. water flowing from the spigot.
d. electrical equipment dry.
2. Upon arrival to a service request for a building lateral
stoppage, you notice a constant flow coming up from
the clean-out. The first thing you should do is:
a. cap the clean-out and see if any sewage comes
into the building.
b. set up the hydro-cleaner at the downstream
manhole.
c. open the upstream manhole to see if it is full.
d. make sure that water is not being used in the
building.
3. In order to complete a sewer repair, the crew had to
cut out a section of sidewalk 4 feet wide, 8 feet long
and 4 inches thick. How many cubic yards of
concrete are needed to restore the sidewalk?
a. 3.5 cubic yards
b. 0.39 cubic yards
c. 9.6 cubic yards
d.0.96 cubic yards
Grade II Collection System Maintenance
1. A report of a clean-out cover missing in the side
walk is routed to you. Which of the following
would be the best response?
a. Make a note and take care of it when you are
in the area.
b. Respond immediately and put a cone over it.
c. Take care of it after lunch.
d. Respond immediately and repair or replace
the clean-out cover.
2. While conducting a video inspection, the
camera becomes stuck. Which of the following
would be the first step in solving this problem?
a. Call for a backhoe and dig up the area where
the camera is stuck.
b. Disconnect the wires and close the manhole;
return the following moming to see if it has
freed itself.
c. Attempt to dislodge the camera by using the
tag line.
Sample Test Questions a..r-------'Y Page 13
d. Attach pulling cable to a truck hitch and pull
through the bad spot, then continue your
inspection.
3. A new sewer line is installed using a bubble level.
For every foot of pipe installed, the level measures a
quarter (1f4) inch of fall. A quarter (1f4) inch of fall
for every foot is equal to what percent?
a.4%
b.1.4%
c.2%
d.O.002%
Grade III Collection System Maintenance
1. The main advantage of using variable speed
pumping equipment is that the pumping rate can be
adjusted to meet:
a. head loss rate.
b. discharge rate.
c. inflow rate.
d. friction loss.
2. When preparing a lift station maintenance
program, which of the following factors should be
considered first?
a. Computer activity codes
b. Station J.D. codes
c. Equipment specifications
d. History of stoppages
3. A wet well is 115 feet long by 85 feet wide and has a
water level of 18 feet. The flow is 22 million gallons a
day. What is the detention time?
a. 76 minutes
b.1 hour 26 minutes
c. 1 hour 43 minutes
d. 2 hours 26 seconds
4. Which characteristic is typical of workers who are
high achievers in performing their jobs?
a. Seeking out problems rather than avoid them
b. Developing faster methods without seeking
supervisorial advice
c. Resolving routine problems
d. Achieving mediocre results with abundant
resources
Page 14
Grade IV Collection System Maintenance
1. You receive an anonymous complaint that one of
your maintenance vehiCles is parked in a
neighborhood and two employees are inside of the
vehicle drinking alcohol. What steps, if any, should
you take?
a. Call in all maintenance personnel and have
everyone tested for drugs and alcohol.
b. Go out to the site and send the suspected
employees home.
c. Suspend the employees until fact finding is
complete.
d. Take another supervisor out to the site, observe
employees, ask questions and investigate the
circumstances.
2. One of your maintenance crews reports to you that a
contractor working within your jurisdiction is pumping
raw sewage into a nearby creek. Which of the
following should you do first?
a. Tell your crew to ask the contractor to keep a
record of how many gallons are pumped into the
creek.
b. Take a police officer to the site, have the contractor
arrested, and call the health department.
c. Have your crews contain the sewage in the creek,
pump it back into a nearby sanitary sewer, and
have the contractor let them know if any more
sewage is to be pumped.
d. Go to the site, confirm the illegal discharge, advise
the contractor to stop, take photos, take down
names, and notify the health department.
3. Which of the following would be a detrimental
effect of excessive infiltration and inflow?
a. Contamination of the ground water supply
b. Higher power costs for pump stations
c. Reducing storm water runoff
d. Reducing root intrusion into sanitary sewer lines
4. Which of the following would be a typical item in the
Operating Budget?
a. Purchase of a new backhoe
b. A large sewer main replacement project
c. Purchase of daily materials and supplies
d. Reserve funding for future projects
Answer Kev To Sample Test Questions
Question # Grade I Grade II Grade III Grade IV
b d c d
2 d c c d
3 b c b b
4 a c
Sample Test Questions
Selected References
The following table lists references that may be useful
when studying for the certification test. The table lists
primary and supplementary study references. Primary
study references are recommended as the best sources
for studying for the certification test. Supplementary study
references are recommended as sources that will help to
further your understanding of the subject matter beyond
the primary references.
For information about obtaining these publications, use the
contact information listed in the reference. If no phone
number or website is listed, contact the publishing agency
directly or contact your local library or bookstore.
For each reference a "P" indicates Primary reference and
an US" indicates a Supplementary reference. Check the
Grade column that corresponds to the grade level you will
be taking to determine if a reference is Primary or
Supplementary. Blank boxes indicate that the reference is
not appropriate for that grade level.
This reference list is intended to assist certificate
candidates in their preparation for the Collection System
Maintenance Technologist certification test. Use of these
references does not guarantee successful completion of
the test. There may be other publications that may be
helpful to candidates preparing for the test. CWEA
encourages you to identify and utilize other resources in
preparing for your test.
GRADE
Reference I II III I
"Operation and Maintenance of Wastewater Collection Systems", Volume I, Kenneth Kerri, Office of
Water Programs, California State University Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA. 95819-6025, P P P P
(916) 278-6142. www.owp.csus.edu
I "Collection System Maintenance Study Guide", Grades 1-4 (2001) CWEA (510) 382-7800
i www.cwea.org P P P P
"Confined Space Entry", WEF Publication, Water Environment Federation, 601 Wythe Street, P P P IP
Alexandria, VA. 22314-1994, Phone: 1-800-666-0206. www.wef.org ISBN: 1-57278-122-X
"Wastewater Collection System Maintenance", Michael J. Parcher CRC Press. ISBN: 1566765692 P P P P
www.crcpress.com Phone: 800/272-7737 Fax: 800/374-3401 email: orders@crcpress.com
''The Math Text for Water and Wastewater Technology" Second Edition, Wrights Training, P.O. Box 515, P S S
! Elmira, CA. 95625-0515. (707) 448-3659 www.wrights-trainingsite.com (download form to order)
. "Operation and Maintenance of Wastewater Collection Systems" Volume II, Kenneth Kerri, Office of P P
Water Programs, California State University Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA. 95819-6025,
Phone: (916) 278-6142.
I "Wastewater Collection Systems Management", (Manual of Practice No.7), 5th Edition, ISBN: 1-57278-P P
1152-1 Water Environment Federation, 601 Wythe Street, Alexandra, VA. 22314-1994, 1-800-356-5705.
www.wef.org
I "Manage for Success: Effective Utility Leadership Practices", Office of Water Programs, California State S
! University Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA. 95819-6025, (916) 278-6142.
i www.owp.csus.edu
"Supervisor's Guide to Safety and Health Programs", Water Environment Federation, 601 Wythe Street, S
Alexandria, VA. 22314-1994, 1-800-666-0206.
"Applied Math for Wastewater Operators", Joan Kirkpatrick Price, CRC Press, 1-800-374-3401 S
. www.crcpress.com ISBN: 0877620892
"Utility Management" Office of Water Programs California State University Sacramento 6000 J Street S S P P
Sacramento, CA 95819-6025 916/278-6142 www.owp.csus.edu/
"Manual of Traffic Controls for Construction and Maintenance Work Zones-1996 State of California P P P P
Department of Transportation 1900 Royal Oaks Drive Sacramento, CA 95815 www.dot.ca.gov
Download from www.cwea.org/book_brcsg_csm3.shtml or www.dot.ca.gov/manuals.htm
"Safety and Health in Wastewater Systems" , WEF Manual of Practice SM-1 Water Environment P P P ,P
Federation 601 Wythe St. Alexandria, VA 22314-1994 800/666-0206 www.wef.org ISBN: 1-881369-87
I I -0
Selected References Page 15
i Reference
i "Manual of Traffic Controls for Construction & Maintenance Work Zones-1990 State of California
• Department ofTransportation 1900 Royal Oaks Dr. Sacramento. CA 95815 (916)445-3520;
i http://svhqsgi4.dot.ca.gov/hqltraffops/signtech/signdel/pdffiles.htm
"Mathematics for Collection System Operators, a Workshop Manual
OCT. Inc. P.O. Box 332 Gladstone, OR 97027 ; www.octinc.com
"Sewer Rehabilitation Handbook NASSCO"
140 Circle Dr. , Suite 103 Maitland, FI 32751
www.nassco.org
"Trench Safety Shoring Manual. Red Cass Cruise Publications
1430 Tully Road, suite 416
San Jose, CA 95122
"Operation and Maintenance of Wastewater Collection Systems, WEF Manual of Practice NO.7 -1985"
Water Environment Federation
601 Wythe Street Alexandria, VA 22314-1994 ; (800)666-0206 ; www.wef.org
Conversions and Formulas Given in the Certification test
Conversions
12 inches = 1 foot
36 inches = 3 feet = 1 yard
5,280 feet = 1 mile
1,440 minutes = 1 day = 24 hours
144 square inches = 1 square foot
9 square feet = 1 square yard
43,560 square feet = 1 acre
1,728 cubic inches = 1 cubic foot
27 cubic feet = 1 cubic yard
Formulas
Flow = AreaxVelocity
Area:
Rectangle = LengthxWidth
Circle = 0.785x(Diameter)2
Circumference of a Circle =
3.14xDiameter
Volume:
GRADE
I
P P
S S
S S
S S
S S
Rectangular Solid = LengthxWidthxDepth
III
P
S
S
S
S
1 cubic foot of water contains 7.48 gallons
1 cubic foot of water weighs 62.4 pounds
1 gallon of water = 8.34 pounds
1 million gallons per day (mgd) = 694 gallons per minute
(gpm)
Right Rectangular Cylinder = 0.785x(Diameter)2
= Bx(Radius)2xLength
1 million gallons per day (mgd) = 1.55 cubic feet per second
(cfs)
1 kilowatt = 1,000 watts Sl Rise ope=:-Run
IV
P
S
S
S
Selected References
Page 16
Preparing For Your Test
This section addresses a few possible methods for
preparing for the certification test. Since you are most
familiar with your own abilities you are responsible for
determining the best method for preparing for your
certification test. Following the suggestions in this
section does not guarantee you will pass the
certification test.
Determining Your Preparedness: An individual's
preparedness for the certification test depends o~ a
number of things including amount of practical
experience in the vocation and years of education. If
you are unsure how prepared you are for the test
review the Essential Duties and Test Content Areas
for the test that you are considering. If you are not
familiar with most of the Essential Duties and Test
Content Areas you should consider reviewing some of
the material in the references listed for that grade
level. You may also want to consider applying for a
lower grade level if appropriate.
Using The Selected References: After evaluating
how well prepared you are for the test you may want
to review some of the Selected References. The
references in this list may be used to review those
Test Content Areas that you are not familiar with or
those for which you have little background. Well
prepared candidates may only have to brush-up on a
few topics while those less prepared may have to
study extensively.
Study Sessions: CWEA Local Sections host at least
two study sessions in various parts of California. All
applicants will be mailed the date and location of the
nearest preparation classes if provided by Local Sec-
tion to CWEA staff. Usually these classes are given
about one month before the test date and last a full
day with Grades I and II material covered in the
morning and Grades III and IV. covered in the
afternoon.
Using the Essential Duties and Test Content Areas
as a Guide to Your Study: The Essential Duties
(EDs) are a basic outline of the test subject matter.
You can use the EDs as your study guide by referring
to the EDs in the primary Selected References. For
example, if you are preparing for the Grade II test, and
you are not very familiar with ED #7 (Routine traffic
safety planning), you can look up "Traffic control
zones" in the index of Operation and Maintenance of
Wastewater Col/ection Systems Volume 1. There you
can read about safe procedures for traffic control on
pages 141-145. Similarly, you could read about Test
Content Area (TCA) #6 (Occupational hazards and
standard safety), in the same reference. As you study
you will find that the TCAs are related to the EDs (TCA
#6 is clearly related to ED #7). Each test question is
written to address at least one TCA and its related
Preparing For Your Test/FAQs
Question: Is it required that I begin at the Grade I
level then work my way up from there to higher
levels?
Answer: No, you may take any test that you qualify
for with your education and experience. However, if
you are just starting out you can see by the
education and experience requirements that you can
work your way up the grade levels fa~ter if you
become certified at Grade I, then achieve each
successive certification as soon as you get the
required education and experience.
Question: If I take a Grade II, III, or IV test will I
have to know the Test Content Areas for the lower
level tests?
Answer: Yes, the subject matter for each test builds
on the subject matter for those tests below its grade
level. A thorough knowledge of the Test Content
Areas for the grade level that you are taking is most
important to your preparation, but you should expect
questions from any of the lower grade levels.
Question: If I am re-taking a test that I had
previously failed do I need to re-submit a full
application and the entire application fee?
Answer: No, you must complete the Re-Test appli-
cation with appropriate fees.
Question: Is continuing education required to renew
my certification?
Answer: Yes. For any certificate earned on or after
July 2001, you need to obtain 12 hours of continuing
education every two years. For more information,
visit www.cwea.org, or feel free to call the CWEA
office.
Question: How long is the test?
Answer: All tests have about 75-100 questions and
3 hours are given for completion.
Question: Can I take more than one certification test
at a same time?
Answer: Yes, but you can only take up to two at a
same time (under a different vocation). You will be
given a total of three hours to complete both tests.
Question: How do I get a receipt showing I paid for
the test?
Answer: A receipt is sent to all applicants upon re-
quest. Hold on to this receipt until the ~e~ification
process is over in case you have to submit It to your
employer for reimbursement.
Question: If I am applying for the Grade IV test do I
need to be a Supervisor?
Answer: No, you just need to have about one year
of supervision experience, verified by your manager.
You do not have to hold the title of "Supervisor."
Page 17
Testing Test Oates Application
Window Deadline
Spring April 1 -June 30, 2009 February 27
Summer July 1 -September 30, 2009 May 29
Fall October 1 -December 31, 2009 August 31
Winter January 1 -March 31, 2010 November 30
Other CWEA Certificate Programs
• Biosolids Land Application Management
• Environmental Compliance Inspector
• Laboratory Analyst
• Plant Maintenance
o Electrical J nstrumentation
o Mechanical Technologist
• Industrial Waste Treatment Plant Operator
O California Water Environment Association 1.... 7677 Oakport Street, Suite 600
'--, Oakland, CA 94621
Have a question?
Give us a call at (510) 382-7800.
Element 5 Appendix
1. Wastewater Design Standards
WASTEWATER DESIGN STANDARDS SECTION 2730
CITY OF PALO ALTO: Wastewater Design Standards PAGE 1 OF 6
WASTEWATER DESIGN STANDARDS
1.01 DESIGN WASTEWATER FLOW
General:
A capacity study report shall be submitted by the Project Engineer when plans are submitted for preliminary
review. The report shall provide the following information for the study area:
A. Pipe information for each new sewer reach, including:
Pipe diameter
Slope
Invert elevations
Length
Roughness coefficient for Manning’s equation
Design capacity
Full pipe capacity
Design flow
Percentage of full pipe capacity utilized1
Pump station operation parameters (if applicable)
B. Land use information for conditions prior to commencement of project, immediately after
completion of project, and at build-out, including:
Residential users
Square footage for Commercial/Industrial users
Square footage for “High Tech” Industries2
Sewered acreage
C. Map showing:
Location of new sewer reaches and pump stations
Proposed connection point(s) to existing City sewers
Location of residential/commercial/industrial users
1 Calculated by dividing the design flow by the full pipe capacity and multiplying by 100. 2 “High tech” industries are defined as those with unusually high water requirements
WASTEWATER DESIGN STANDARDS SECTION 2730
CITY OF PALO ALTO: Wastewater Design Standards PAGE 2 OF 6
Design:
Sewers shall be designed for a design flow 20 years from the current year. The design flow is composed of up
to three components: peak base wastewater flow (PBWF), groundwater infiltration (GWI), and rainfall-
dependent infiltration/inflow (RDI/I). The design flow shall be based on the greater of the following two
formulas:
(PBWF X .75) + GWI + RDI/I
PBWF + GWI
Exception: If the wastewater flow is pumped, design flows downstream of the pump station shall be based on
the maximum capacity of the pump(s).
1.01.01 Peak Base Wastewater Flow (PBWF)
Average base wastewater flow (ABWF) is the average daily dry weather flow contributed from
residential, commercial, industrial, and “high tech” users. ABWF is calculated by applying the unit
flow rates shown in Table 1-1 and then multiplying those rates by the number of units for the
appropriate category. If supporting data indicates the need, a higher unit flow rate should be applied
for commercial/ industrial users. The ABWF values must be multiplied by a peaking factor to account
for the variations that occur hour-to-hour and day-to-day.
A peaking factor is determined by the equation:
Peaking Factor = 3.15 * ABWF -0.104
where ABWF is in million gallons per day (mgd). The peaking factor has a maximum of 4.0 and a
minimum of 1.0.
PBWF = ABWF * Peaking Factor
1.01.02 Groundwater Infiltration (GWI)
Groundwater infiltration is groundwater that enters the collection system from defects in the pipes,
pipe joints, and sewer structures. The amount of GWI entering the collection system depends on the
structural condition of the system, the depth of the pipes, and the elevation of the groundwater table
relative to the elevation of the sewer pipes. GWI tends to decrease during the dry summer and fall
months and gradually increases as the wet-weather season progresses.GWI is calculated by applying
the GWI unit flow rate that corresponds to the project’s basin to the sewered area. GWI unit flow
rates are shown in Table 1-1.
1.01.03 Rainfall-Dependent I/I (RDI/I)
Rainfall-Dependent I/I is storm water that enters the collection system in direct response to the
intensity and duration of individual rainfall events. In addition to being dependent on rainfall events,
RDI/I is sensitive to soil moisture, increasing throughout the wet weather season as the soil moisture
increases. A 20-year storm event shall be used to determine estimated RDI/I for new sewers.
RDI/I is calculated by applying the RDI/I unit flow rate that corresponds to the project’s basin to the
sewered area. RDI/I unit flow rates are shown in Table 1-1.
WASTEWATER DESIGN STANDARDS SECTION 2730
CITY OF PALO ALTO: Wastewater Design Standards PAGE 3 OF 6
Table 1-1 Unit Flow Rates for ABWF, GWI, and RDI/I*
A. Average Base Wastewater Flow (ABWF)
Unit Unit Flow Rate
Land Use Category Land Use Designation (gpd/unit) (gpd)
Residential
Single Family SF Dwelling Unit 220
Multi-Family MF Dwelling Unit 160
Transit-Oriented CC Dwelling Unit 160
Commercial CS, CN, CH Building Sq. Ft. 0.15
Research/Office Park RO Building Sq. Ft. 0.10
Light Industrial LI Building Sq. Ft. 0.10
Major Institutional MISP Building Sq. Ft. 0.15
School S Student 15
B. Groundwater Infiltration (GWI) = 500 gpd/acre
C. Rainfall-Dependent I/I (RDI/I) = 1,900 gpd/acre
* All rates are based on the 2004 Wastewater Collection system Master Plan.
1.02 PIPE CAPACITY
The theoretical capacity of new pipes shall be calculated using Manning’s equation. The "n" value (Manning's
roughness coefficient) shall be equal to 0.014 for pipes less than 48 inches in diameter and 0.013 for pipes
greater than or equal to 48 inches in diameter.
Manning’s Equation
Q (cfs) = 1.49 / n * A * Rh2/3 * S½
Q = Flow (cfs)
n = Manning's roughness coefficient
A = Area in flow (ft2)
Rh = Hydraulic Radius (ft)
S = Slope (ft/ft)
1.03 PIPE SIZE, SLOPE, DEPTH, AND ALIGNMENT
1.03.01 Size
Pipes less than or equal to 10 inches in diameter shall be sized to handle peak flows at 75% of full
pipe capacity. Pipes greater than 10 inches in diameter shall be sized to handle peak flows at 90% of
full pipe capacity.
No gravity sewer mains shall be less than 8 inches in diameter and no sewer laterals less than 4
inches in diameter.
As a rule, when a smaller sewer joins a large one, the top of both pipes (crowns) should be at the
same elevation.
WASTEWATER DESIGN STANDARDS SECTION 2730
CITY OF PALO ALTO: Wastewater Design Standards PAGE 4 OF 6
1.03.02 Slope
All sewers shall be designed and constructed to give mean velocities, when flowing full, of not less
than 2.0 feet per second. The following are the minimum slopes that should be provided:
Minimum Slope
Sewer Size (Feet Per 100 Feet)
8 inch 0.34
10 inch 0.25
12 inch 0.19
15 inch 0.14
18 inch 0.11
21 inch 0.09
24 inch 0.08
27 inch 0.07
30 inch 0.06
36 inch 0.04
Where velocities greater than fifteen (15) feet per second are attained, special provision shall be
made to protect against displacement by erosion, shock, and hydraulic jumps at changes in velocity.
Sewers on 20 percent slopes or greater shall be anchored securely with concrete anchors, spaced as
follows:
a. Not over 36 feet on center for grades of 20 to 35 percent;
b. Not over 24 feet on center for grades of 35 to 50 percent;
c. Not over 16 feet on center for grades of 50 percent and over.
1.03.03 Depth
In general, sewers should be below pressure utilities and be sufficiently deep to receive sewage from
basements.
Crown (top inside surface of the pipe) of any inlet pipe shall not be lower than the elevation of the
outlet main crown in the manhole, unless otherwise approved by the Engineer.
1.03.04 Alignment
The horizontal and vertical alignment of sewers shall be maintained by the use of laser survey
equipment. Unless otherwise approved by the Project Engineer, all sewers shall be constructed
straight and at uniform grade between manholes.
1.04 MANHOLES
Manholes shall be installed: at the end of each lines; at all changes in grade, size or alignment; at all
intersections; and at distances not greater than 400 feet. Greater spacing may be permitted in large sewers
greater than 30 inches in diameter.
1.04.01 Drop Manholes
A drop pipe should be provided for a sewer entering a manhole at an elevation of 30 inches or
WASTEWATER DESIGN STANDARDS SECTION 2730
CITY OF PALO ALTO: Wastewater Design Standards PAGE 5 OF 6
more above the top of the manhole outlet pipe. Where the difference in elevation between the
incoming sewer and the top of the outlet pipe is less than 30 inches, the invert should be
channeled to prevent solids deposition.
Drop manholes should be constructed with an outside drop connection. Inside drop connections,
allowed only in special cases approved by the Engineer, shall be secured to the interior wall of the
manholes and provide access for cleaning.
Due to the unequal earth pressures that would result from the backfilling operation in the vicinity of
the manhole, the entire outside drop connection shall be encased in concrete.
The minimum diameter of manholes shall be 48 inches. A minimum access diameter of 24 inches
shall be provided.
The flow channel through a manhole should be made to conform in shape and slope to that of the
sewers.
Manholes shall be of the pre-cast concrete type with a poured-in-place base.
All pipes entering the manhole shall be provided with a flexible joint within 12 inches of the edge of
the concrete base.
1.05 SEWERS CROSSING STREAMS
Sewers crossing streams shall be at a sufficient depth below the natural bottom of the stream bed to
protect the sewer line and shall be installed in a steel casing. If open cut excavation method is used,
casing shall be encased in concrete. In general the following cover requirements must be met:
a. One foot of cover is required where the sewer is located in rock;
b. Three feet of cover is required in other material. In major streams, more than three feet of
cover may be required, and
c. In paved stream channels, the top of the sewer line should be placed a minimum of one
foot below the bottom of the channel pavement.
Less cover will be approved only if the proposed sewer crossing will not interfere with the future
improvements to the stream channel. Reasons for requesting less cover should be given in the Bid.
Sewers located along streams shall be located outside of the stream bed and sufficiently removed
therefrom to provide for future possible stream widening and to prevent pollution by siltation during
construction.
1.05.01 Alignment
Sewers crossing streams should be designed to cross the stream as nearly perpendicular to the
stream flow as possible and shall be free from change in grade. Sewer systems shall be designed
to minimize the number of stream crossings.
1.05.02 Materials
Sewers entering or crossing streams shall be constructed of Class 52 Ductile Iron Pipe with
concrete encasement. Sewers shall be constructed so they will remain watertight and free from
WASTEWATER DESIGN STANDARDS SECTION 2730
CITY OF PALO ALTO: Wastewater Design Standards PAGE 6 OF 6
changes in alignment or grade. Material used to backfill the trench shall be stone, coarse
aggregate, washed gravel, or other materials which will not cause siltation.
1.05.03 Siltation and Erosion
Construction methods that will minimize siltation and erosion shall be employed. The design
engineer shall include in the Project Specifications the methods(s) to be employed in the
construction of sewers in or near streams to provide adequate control of siltation and erosion.
Project Specifications shall require that cleanup, grading, seeding, and planting or restoration of all
work areas shall begin immediately. Exposed areas shall not remain unprotected for more than
seven days.
1.06 AERIAL CROSSINGS
Support shall be provided for all joints in pipes utilized for aerial crossings. The supports shall be designed
to prevent overturning and settlement.
Expansion jointing shall be provided between above-ground and below-ground sewers.
For aerial stream crossings the impact of flood waters and debris shall be considered.
1.07 PROTECTION OF WATER SUPPLIES
1.07.01 Water Supply Interconnections
There shall be no physical connections between a public or private potable water supply system
and a sewer, or appurtenance thereto which would permit the passage of any sewage or polluted
water into the potable supply. No water pipe shall pass through or come in contact with any part of
a sewer manhole.
1.07.02 Relations to Water Works Structures
In general, sewers shall meet the requirements of the California Department of Health Services
"Criteria for the Separation of Water Mains and Sanitary Sewers" - Basic Separation Standards.
a. Parallel Construction: The horizontal distance between pressure water mains and sewer
lines shall be at least 10 feet.
b. Perpendicular Construction (Crossing): Pressure water mains shall be at least one foot
above sanitary sewer lines where these lines must cross.
These separation distances shall be measured from the nearest edges of the facilities.
Exceptions to the basic separation standards shall comply with the "Criteria for the Separation of
Water Mains and Sanitary Sewers" and will be reviewed by the City on a case by case basis. (See
Utility Standard Detail #WGW-08)
Water mains and sewer lines must not be installed in the same trench.
*** END OF SECTION ***
Element 6 Appendix
1. Water Gas Wastewater Standby Policy
2. Field Service Report Form
3. Sewer Main / Lateral Stoppage Report Form
4. Sewer Main / Lateral Overflow Report Form
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Water-Gas-Wastewater Standby
Utilities Operations Division
Policy Field Manual
This policy supersedes all previous Utilities policies on this topic and is intended
to be used as a reference tool in conjunction with the SEIU Memorandum of
Agreement, the City of Palo Alto Merit Rules and Regulations, California Labor
Law, and the City of Palo Alto Policies and Procedures.
The objective of maintaining a Standby program is to ensure that personnel are
available to immediately respond and take corrective action to WGW
emergencies after regular business hours.
The primary responsibility of the Standby person is to eliminate any hazard to the
public and protect against property damage. After the immediate hazard has
been eliminated the Standby person shall, if at all possible, restore service to any
customers affected by the emergency on a temporary or permanent basis. Each
employee must understand how critical their decision making can be when faced
with an emergency situation. Standby employees must be able to respond to
any call and be on the jobsite within one hour, troubleshoot the problem, and
proceed with a safe and effective resolution of the issue. All Standby personnel
and crew working after hours must wear the proper city issued uniform and PPE
while performing their tasks. Water-Gas-Wastewater Operations will maintain a
three person standby team that will work in conjunction with the WGW Standby
Coordinator, WGW Standby Supervisor, the On-Call Field Service
Representative (FSR), the On-Call Water Transmission and other City
designated standby personnel. The WGW standby schedule will begin at 4:00pm
on Monday of each week and proceed through to the following Monday at
6:30am, at which time the standby commitment has been met. If a City holiday
falls on a Monday, the standby personnel will remain on call until Tuesday
morning at 6:30am. At the beginning of each week, a list of the current week's
standby personnel will be forwarded to the Utility Dispatch Center (hereafter
referred to as "Dispatch") with copies to the WGW management team, the field
service representatives and the Electric System Operators' (SCADA) office.
Standby is a commitment. If a person continually fails to uphold this commitment
or regularly gives up their call, management has the right to review the person's
standby eligibility. If a person chooses to stop partiCipating in the standby
program, or is removed by management, a new person will be selected from the
list of qualified employees wishing to participate in the standby program. Any
employee wishing to re-join the standby program must re-submit his name to the
standby program waiting list. The list will give priority to Installer/Repairers but
will otherwise move in the order in which names are added. The standby list will
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Utilities Operations Division
Policy Field Manual
be maintained by the WGW Manager along with the Division SEIU Union
Representative.
• If either of the designated Primary or Secondary personnel, or the Standby
Heavy Equipment Operator, need to have someone cover their call. The
WGW Standby Coordinator or in his absence the Standby Supervisor
must be notified. Only a Primary. Secondary or a qualified person, or
another designated HEO can be used to fill the commitment. When a
person is scheduled for his standby rotation and cannot cover his shift for
one -two day(s), the Standby Coordinator ,or in his absence the Standby
Supervisor. will use the Standby Coverage List and have the next person
on the 1 -2 day rotation list to fill in for the one -two day(s).
• When a person is scheduled for his standby rotation and cannot cover his
shift for more than two days, The WGW Standby Coordinator, or in his
absence the Standby Supervisor, will use the Standby Coverage List and
have the next person on the 1 week rotation list to fill for the entire week.
All changes in the standby assignment must go through the WGW Standby
Coordinator, or in his absence, the Standby Supervisor. Once the change is
approved, the standby person must log the change in the standby binder and it is
the responsibility of the person assuming the call to notify Dispatch of all
changes. When the standby person gives up his call, the standby pay will be
given to the person who is being assigned to fill in. Spitting shifts on the same
day is not permitted. If no other Primary. Secondary, HEO or other qualified
personnel can be found to cover a shift, the originally scheduled person must
meet their original obligation.
• When a Standby person is on light duty and cannot cover his standby
rotation, his shift will be covered by the next standby person on the
Standby Coverage List. (This will be done only when the light duty
standby person is out for no more that two rotations).
• During the light duty coverage that goes beyond the second rotation and
up to the sixth rotation, the coverage will be rotated by qualified personnel
on the waiting list.
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Utilities Operations Division
Policy Field Manual
• When a Standby person is on light duty and cannot cover his standby
rotation, for more than six rotations, he will loose his spot on the standby
team and be replaced by another qualified person on the waiting list.
In accordance with City's Policy and Procedures 2-06, Section IV, A, 6, "SEIU
employees shall not be compensated for standby while on vacation, floater,
personal, sick or bereavement leaves." If an employee is absent for the entire
day that they are scheduled to work standby, another standby person must cover
the days of absence. An employee may take partial time off (four hours or less)
during the weekdays that they are scheduled for standby as long as the
employee still able to respond to calls after normal scheduled working hours.
In the event that a third person is needed for any standby call, the additional
staffing for a crew will come from the weekly sign up sheet. The "3rd person" sign
up sheet for those interested in working overtime for the upcoming week will be
put out on Monday and will be available until the end of day on Friday. The order
in which employees sign up on the list will be the order in which the employees
are called, on a rotational basis. Employees wishing to sign up must meet the
minimum qualifications listed below. The third man and the HEO can only be
deployed by the Standby Supervisor and through Dispatch.
Every effort will be made to coincide standby duty with the employees' scheduled
9/80 Friday off. If an employee is scheduled for standby on the 9/80 Friday off, he
will need to be available to respond to calls by 3:00pm. If a standby person is not
at work on their regularly scheduled Friday they must contact the WGW Standby
Coordinator or in his absence the Standby Supervisor before 12:00noon on that
Friday if they are able to maintain their standby responsibilities for Saturday and
Sunday. If the WGW Standby Coordinator or the Standby Supervisor does not
hear from the scheduled standby person by noon on Friday then the Saturday
and Sunday standby shifts will be assigned to the next person on the standby
rotation list.
• When overtime opportunities arise prior to the end of a regular work day,
The Secondary Standby Person will be able to the work extended day and
keep his standby only when the extended work day is not expected to go
over 3 hours. Every effort will be made by the supervisor of the extended
day assignment to compile a qualified crew without using the standby
• staff. This will allow the assigned standby personnel to remain free to
~\I/~ ~ --~
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Utilities Operations Division
Policy Field Manual
• respond immediately to emergencies. If there are no volunteers among
the non standby staff, then the standby personnel will be contacted by the
Standby Supervisor and instructed to remain at work to respond to the
overtime needs.
• The Secondary Standby Person will be able to work scheduled overtime
only when every effort has been made by the supervisor to compile a
qualified crew without using the Secondary Standby Person.
Qualifications:
The standby team consists of a Primary, Secondary, a Heavy Equipment
Operator, a Field Service Representative, and the Water Transmission Standby
person.
Primary personnel must:
• be an Installer/Repairer or Installer/Repairer -Lead,
• be Operator Qualified (OQ'd)
• have wastewater experience
• and have a commercial driver's license with a tanker endorsement.
Secondary personnel must:
• be Operator Qualified (OQ'd)
• have wastewater experience
• and posses a commercial drivers license with a tanker endorsement.
3rd man:
• Must posses a commercial driver's license with a tanker endorsement.
• May be called out based on job classification/need.
Heavy Equipment Operator
• Must be a designated HEO
• Possess a Class A license
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Responding to a Call:
Utilities Operations Division
Policy Field Manual
The Field Service Representative (FSR) group will act as first responders to
investigate the nature of all calls that come in after regular WGW office hours. If
the FSR person is responding to emergencies they can notify Dispatch to contact
the Primary person to respond. After checking the situation, the FSR
representative will advise Dispatch if further response is required. As soon as the
FSR verifies the status of a call, and determines that additional help is needed;
Dispatch will notify the Primary and/or Secondary personnel of that status. Safety
requirements for some calls recommend that a two person crew be on site before
commencing work, the first person to respond may begin making an area safe or
assessing the needs of the job.
For standard wastewater calls, only one person needs to respond to run the
lateral. The Primary and Secondary persons may split this duty over the course
of the week but the call out plan must be provided to Dispatch on Monday before
3:00 pm. The responding party will need to notify Dispatch to call out the second
man if required.
Supervisor Notification:
When ANY of the following situations occur, the Standby Supervisor must be
notified:
• a category 1 SSO (Equal or exceeds 1000 gallons, or Results in a
discharge to a drainage channel and/or surface water, or discharge to a
storm drainpipe that was not fully captured and returned to the sanitary
sewer system).
• a wastewater overflow entering a storm drain (2 hour Notification)
• a Grade 1 gas leak is found
• a water main or fire hydrant break is found
• more than two people are needed to complete the work
• the work on a given job lasts more than two hours
• the work will require digging
• any accident or other emergency occurs
• working on a live gas situation
• Any injury occurs
• Any property damage is noted (either City or customer)
Policy Field Manual
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Types of Call:
1-Wastewater Calls
Calls that come in after WGW Operations business hours but during normal FSR
working hours shall be dispatched to the FSR on duty. If needed, the WGW
Primary and/or Secondary will be called out at the FSR's recommendation
through Dispatch. After regular FSR hours, the initial call will be dispatched to
must know and observe all safety regulations regarding confined space entry
requirements.
2-Gas Calls
All gas calls will be initially dispatched to the on-duty or standby FSR. Upon
receiving the call from Dispatch that additional help is needed, the WGW standby
personnel should go directly to the MSC and pick up the appropriate service
vehicles, respond to the call, and must remain on-site until the condition has
been made safe per DOT regulations. In the case of a Grade 1 leak, or any work
that may require digging, the Standby Supervisor must be notified immediately.
3-Water Calls
Calls that come in after Operations business hours but during normal FSR
working hours shall be dispatched to the FSR on duty. After regular FSR hours,
WGW Primary or Secondary personnel can respond to a water call to restore a
service. When the job requires more than two persons to complete, or any work
that may require digging, the Standby Supervisor must be notified immediately.
When water sampling is required, the On-call Water Transmission person shall
be called in (with an hour of lead time before the antiCipated completed repair) to
take the sample and handle any needed laboratory processing. Should the Water
Transmission Primary be unavailable for some reason, the Primary is responsible
for collecting the sample and delivering the sample to the Regional Water Quality
Control Plant with all of the necessary chain of custody paperwork.
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Standby Vehicles:
Utilities Operations Division
Policy Field Manual
City vehicles may only be used for travel to and from the job site. Employees
must live within 30 miles of the Palo Alto City limits to be eligible to take a
Standby vehicle home. Only City employees are allowed to ride in City vehicles,
no family members and/or friends are allowed to ride in the standby vehicle. The
City's Risk Management team has reviewed the issue of other employees riding
in the vehicle and has given their approval that it is acceptable provided that both
employees are City personnel. It should be noted that the person not on call shall
know in advance that if the on-call person has to respond to an emergency at the
end of the day he/she is not entitled to a guaranteed ride home.
An employee who is on standby is considered to be "on duty". His/her conduct
during such Standby period must not vary from that which would be considered
acceptable during regular working hours. As a representative of the City, any
conduct that brings discredit to the organization will not be tolerated.
Currently, a CNG van is assigned to the Primary for responding to a call. Since
the majority of the standby calls are wastewater related calls, the van is equipped
with a snake machine and sewer cleaning tools. It is the responsibility of the
Primary on-call person to ensure all vehicles used are filled up with fuel before
leaving MSC, that the Vehicle Inspection Report and Tool/Equipment List for any
vehicle used are filled out daily (including start and ending miles).
Documentation:
All calls shall be documented by the standby person completing the task. The
Primary will be responsible for completed service orders where a crew was
involved to affect a repair. The documentation for a two-person crew to work on a
Wastewater call will be completed by the Primary. All documentation shall be
complete and thorough. The completed documentation shall be reviewed and
approved by the standby supervisor.
OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Communication:
Utilities Operations Division
Policy Field Manual
Standby staff shall not make any commitments while on standby that could
interfere with the ability to be contacted by Communications dispatchers.
Standby employees will be provided with a cell phone that can be used to receive
calls from Dispatch, and to contact Dispatch or to make other Operations related
calls for assistance. It is each person's responsibility to make sure they can be
reached by communications at all times while on standby. Each person is
responsible for the security of the cell phone while it is in his/her possession. The
cell phones are to be used to conduct official City business only, no personal
phone calls are allowed. The only allowable calls in addition to conducting City
business are brief calls to employee's homes to advise family of work status.
Currently, a City cell phone and a two-way radio are being used to communicate
between Dispatch and the standby personnel. It is the responsibility of the
primary and secondary personnel to carry the communication devices at all time
while on call. All cell phones must be returned to the designated location at the
end of each on-call commitment.
For proper documentation, all calls must go through Dispatch. At the beginning of
each shift; the Primary and Secondary are responsible for calling Dispatch and
reporting for duty (10-8). Upon arrival at the job site, the standby personnel must
report the arrival time to Dispatch "10-7 at (address)". While on the job site, the
initial communication with the standby supervisor and any request for additional
help must be handled through Dispatch. After the completion of the job, the
standby personnel must call Dispatch to close the call, "10-8 from (address)". If
another call is pending you would then announce "en route to (address)". If
Standby/Overtime personnel are taking a meal break they should call "10-7 out of
service at (name of restaurant or "yard, for meal)" and 1 0-8 back in service upon
completion of the meal. Finally, Dispatch should be notified when leaving the job
and returning home (10-8 en route to home, then 10-10 in service at home).
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES
Utilities Operations Division
Policy Field Manual
Reporting call-outs to WGW Standby Coordinator: The Primary is responsible for
telephone reporting of all standby calls once they are completed to 650-496-6917
0NGW Standby Coordinator's office). The report must include:
• the date
• location
• nature of the call
• staff involved
• arrival and departure time.
By agreeing to be on standby you are assuming the responsibility for being the
"first responder" for the Utilities Department. This is a responsibility that must be
taken seriously. It means that you must make accurate and timely decisions
when responding to call outs under sometimes difficult or stressful conditions.
What you do, and say, can either be a great benefit to our Department or result in
severe consequences. If you have any questions or doubts about expectations
(and your responsibilities) please feel free to discuss them with your Supervisor
or the WGW Manager at any time.
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES FIELD SERVICE REPORT
UTILITY-WATER 0 GAS 0 ELECT 0 SEWER 0 CITY 0 , REMARKS
EQUIPMENT ACTION ,""'0 ?4HRD R.5.0
V,A, PUANACE 0 ltGHTPK.DT 0
FLrt FURNACE 0 CHECK/ADJUST 0 DUE AMOUtIT GRAVITY RJANACE 0 CLEAN PILOT 0
WALLHEATfiR 0 1SSU8J CI14lI\JRN OfF APr\.-0
WAfERHEAIEIl 0 CK PFl ESStJAE 0 Il(~OHlYDlUTCS100DtO\lNOon D fOOM)OffO
RAOIANT HEATER 0 CKCONTAOLS 0
sua UNIIHTA 0 CHECK AUTO lGNITIC« D
POotHEATER D ClOCK TEST 0 E# f>j,
SPACEH8\TEA D RESET CIA. 8flKR 0 RANG, D REPLACE FUSE 0
DRYER D • !>If:C)( VOLTAGE 0 G# "" HOW:
FIREPlACE D INSTAlL 0
BAfl-B,OUE D EXCHANGE 0 !two: LOCKUP:
BOILER D CHECK VENT D Wi ..
l"USEBOX D lURNWOf'F D
THERMOSTAT D Rf,STOAE SERVICE D I "et"". I c:J ,
BARRICADE D !lE:MOVE UEef\IS D
METER D FLOW CHECKED D . , ,
REGU!..ATOH D ADVISEQ Of' D CI CJ L.J....l-1 ID"l-L.L.J' I D D D
101-44 rav 4103
Incident # Sewer Main / Lateral Stoppage Report
Date Street House # Block #
Stoppage on: 0 City Main 0 City Lateral 0 Private Main 0 Private Lateral 0 Nothing Found
CLEAN OUT INFORMATION:
City C/O Was: 0 Holding 0 N/A Action: 0 Rodded 0 Hydroflushed 0 Vacuumed 0 No Action
Cleanout Location: Distance From LPL ___ ft. Distance From RPL ____ ft.
___ ft.OLWM ORWM OBOM ___ ft. 0 BSW 0 BOC 0 EOP
Contact made with Home Owner: 0 Yes 0 No Name & Phone: ___________ _
Cleanout Accessable? 0 YON Cleanout Access Notification: 0 Given To Customer 0 Left On Door
MAIN INFORMATION:
Manhole #----Downstream Manhole: ____ Distance from stoppage ____ ft.
Main Was: 0 Holding 0 N/A Action: 0 Rodded 0 Hydro-flushed 0 No Action
STOPPAGE INFORMATION: Condition: check all that apply o Debris o Grease/FOG o Flow Exceeded Capacity 0 Other ... o Paper o Root Intrusion o Rainfall Exceeded Design o Rocks o Vandalism o Operator Error o Mud/Sludge o Pipe Structure Faliure o Unknown
TIME LINE:
Call Received
by Dispatch:
OAM
OPM
Call Received
from Dispatch:
OAM
OPM
Arrived at
Jobsite:
OAM
----0 PM
Stoppage
Cleared:
OAM
----0 PM
Call Cleared:
OAM
----OPM
Follow Up 0 Locate 0 CCTV 0 Rodding 0 Hydro Flush 0 Root X 0 Inspect 0 Repair 0 Replace
Notes:
Responder I S Name: Sup Review: ___ Revised 5/21/07
Incident #
Date
Sewer Main / Lateral Overflow IReport
SSO Compliance
Street House # Block #
Overflow on: D City Manhole 0 City Cleanout D Private Manhole D Private Cleanout D No
CLEANOUT INFORMATION: ft . 0 BSW 0 BOC 0 EOP ---Action: D Rodded D Hydroflushed D Vacuumed D No Action ft . 0 LWM 0 RWM 0 BOM ---Cleanout Location: Distance From LPL ____ ft. Distance From RPL ___ ft.
Contact made with Home Owner: 0 YON Name & Phone: ____________ _
Cleanout Accessable? 0 YON Cleanout Access Notification: D Given To Customer D Left On Door
MAIN INFORMATION:
Downstream Manhole: -----Overflowing Manhole #
Distance from stoppage: ____ ft. Action: 0 Rodded D Hydroflushed D Vacuumed D No Action
STOPPAGE INFORMATION: Condition: check all that apply
D Debris
D Paper
D Rocks
D Mud/Sludge
D Grease/FOG
D Root Intrusion
DVandalism
D Pipe Structure Faliure
o Turned Over to CPAU Time:
D Flow Exceeded Capacity D Other ...
D Rainfall Exceeded Design
D Operator Error
D Unknown
OAM
OPM CPAU Representative:
OVERFLOW & CLEAN UP INFORMATION:
Spill Parameters (check all that apply):
D Customer's Property D Planter Strip D StreeUGutter 0 Storm Drain D Vault D Unknown D Other
How was overflow disposed of? D Clean Out D Hauled Away D Main/Manhole
Was spill contained? 0 Yes 0 No Estimated flow rate of overflow: gpm
Approx. Amount Spilled in gallons: Approx. Amount Collected in gallons: DOD __
If over 1000 gallons, you must complete Category 1 Page 2
Did spill reach any surface water? 0 Yes 0 No If yes, you must complete Category 1 Report Page 2
Estimated Amount that reached surface water:
Did spill reach storm drain? 0 YON If yes, was it completely collected? 0 YON
If no, how much was collected? ___ _
Observed Conditions: D Dry Weather DRain D Storm/Flood
TIME LINE:
Call Received
by Dispatch:
OAM ____ OPM
Call Received
from Dispatch:
OAM ____ OPM
Arrived at
Jobsite:
OAM ____ 0 PM
Area Type: 0 Residential 0 Commercial
Stoppage
Cleared:
OAM ____ 0 PM
Call Cleared:
OAM ____ 0 PM
Follow Up D CCTV D Rodding D Hydroflush D Root X 0 Inspect D Repair D Replace
Notes:
Responder's Name: Sup Review : __ _ Revised 1/29/08
Sewer Main / Lateral Overflow Report
SSO Compliance
iJ
Date _______ _ Street ___________ _ House Number ____ ~_
Estimated spill start date & time: / / OAM OPM
Current spill rate if spill is still flowing: ____ gpm
Spill completion date & time: / / ____ OAM OPM
Spill response completion date & time: / / ____ OAM OPM
Estimated volume of spill that reached surface water,
drainage channel, or not recovered from a storm drain gallons
SpUi response: 0 Cleaned Up 0 Restored flow o Contained all or portion of spill 0 Returned all or portion of spill to sanitary sewer o CCTV to determine cause 0 Other
Were Health warnings posted? 0 N/A 0 Yes 0 No
Were any beaches impacted? 0 N/A 0 Yes 0 No Names of beaches: -----------
Were any waterways impacted? 0 N/A 0 Yes 0 No
Names of waterways: 0 Adobe Creek 0 Felt Lake 0 San Francisco Bay o Barron Creek 0 Mayfield Slough 0 San Francisquito Creek o Boronda Lake 0 Matadero Creek 0 Other
Is this incident part of an ongoing investigation? 0 N/A 0 Yes 0 No
Were samples taken at waterways? 0 N/A 0 Yes 0 No
Water quality samples analyzed for: ______________________ _
W . I I d' 0 County Health Agency 0 Other ater samp e resu ts reporte to. 0 Regional Water Quality Control Board ________ _
Steps taken or planned to reduce, eliminate, and prevent reoccurence of overflow
o Added sewer to preventative maintenance program 0 Other o Adjusted schedule or frequency of preventative maintenance program o Enforcement action against FOG source o Planned rehabilitation or replacement of sewer o Repaired sewer
OES Control Number Date & Time OES notified I I / / 0 AM 0 PM I
Were County Health Officers called? Date & time: 0 N/A 0 Yes 0 No
Regional Water Quality Control Board notified? 0 N/A 0 Yes 0 No
Date & Time / / OAM 0 PM
Was spill reported Via Fax? Date & Time 0 YON / /
/ / OAM
---0 PM
_____ 0 AM 0 PM
Notes: ___________ ~ _________________________ ___
Operator Initial Supervisor Initial Manager Initial Last Updated
1/29/08
Element 7 Appendix
1. Water Quality Plan Check Requirements: Newly Constructed, Tenant
Improvement and Remodeled Food Service Establishment (FSE)
Projects
2. List of FOG Hot Spots
3. Food Service Facility Inspection Survey Form
4. Example FOG Ad
Last Revised 5/7/09
Page 1 of 2
Water Quality Plan Check Requirements:
Newly Constructed, Tenant Improvement and Remodeled
Food Service Establishment (FSE) Projects
Please call the Environmental Compliance Division of Public Works Department
at (650) 329-2598 for assistance, co-inspections or dye testing of drainage fixtures
Undesignated Retail Space:
A. PAMC 16.09
Newly constructed or improved buildings with all or a portion of the space with undesignated tenants or future use
will need to meet all requirements that would have been applicable during design and construction. If such
undesignated retail space becomes a food service facility the following requirements must be met:
Designated FSE Project:
B. Grease Control Device (GCD) Requirements, PAMC Section 16.09.103(a) & cited Bldg/Plumbing Codes
1. The plans shall specify the manufacturer details and installation details of all proposed GCDs. (CBC 1009.2)
2. GCD(s) shall be sized in accordance with the 2007 California Plumbing Code.
3. GCD(s) shall be installed with a minimum capacity of 500 gallons.
4. GCD sizing calculations shall be included on the plans. See a sizing calculation example below.
5. The size of all GCDs installed shall be equal to or larger than what is specified on the plans.
6. GCDs larger than 50 gallons (100 pounds) shall not be installed in food preparation and storage areas. Santa
Clara County Department of Environmental Health prefers GCDs to be installed outside. GCDs shall be installed
such that all access points or manholes are readily accessible for inspection, cleaning and removal of all contents.
GCDs located outdoors shall be installed in such a manner so as to exclude the entrance of surface and
stormwater. (CPC 1009.5)
7. All large, in-ground interceptors shall have a minimum of three manholes to allow visibility of each inlet piping,
baffle (divider) wall, baffle piping and outlet piping. The plans shall clearly indicate the number of proposed
manholes on the GCD. The Environmental Compliance Division of Public Works Department may authorize
variances which allow GCDs with less than three manholes due to manufacture available options or adequate
visibility.
8. Sample boxes shall be installed downstream of all GCDs.
9. All GCDs shall be fitted with relief vent(s). (CPC 1002.2 & 1004)
10. GCD(s) installed in vehicle traffic areas shall be rated and indicated on plans.
C. Drainage Fixture Requirements, PAMC Section 16.09.106(c) & cited Bldg/Plumbing Codes
1. To ensure all FSE drainage fixtures are connected to the correct drain lines, each drainage fixture shall be clearly
labeled on the plans. A list of all fixtures and their discharge connection, i.e. sanitary sewer or grease waste line,
shall be included on the plans.
2. A list indicating all connections to each proposed GCD shall be included on the plans. This can be incorporated
into the sizing calculation.
3. All grease generating drainage fixtures shall connect to a GCD. These include but are not limited to:
a. Pre-rinse (scullery) sinks (direct connection)
b. Three compartment sinks (pot sinks) (direct connection)
c. Drainage fixtures in dishwashing room except for dishwashers shall connect to a GCD (direct connection)
i. Examples: trough drains (small drains prior to entering a dishwasher), small drains on busing
counters adjacent to pre-rinse sinks or silverware soaking sinks
d. Floor drains in dishwashing area and kitchens
e. Prep sinks (indirect connection)
f. Mop (janitor) sinks
g. Outside areas designated for equipment washing shall be covered and any drains contained therein shall
connect to a GCD.
h. Drains in trash/recycling enclosures
i. Wok stoves, rotisserie ovens/broilers or other grease generating cooking equipment with drip lines
(indirect connection)
j. Kettles and tilt/braising pans and associated floor drains/sinks
Last Revised 5/7/09
Page 2 of 2
Drainage Fixture Requirements (continued)
4. The connection of any high temperature discharge lines and non-grease generating drainage fixtures to a GCD is
prohibited. The following shall not be connected to a GCD:
a. Dishwashers (direct connection)
b. Steamers (indirect connection)
c. Pasta cookers (indirect connection)
d. Hot lines from buffet counters and kitchens (indirect connection)
e. Hand sinks (direct connection)
f. Ice machine drip lines (indirect connection)
g. Soda machine drip lines (indirect connection)
h. Drainage lines in bar areas (indirect connection)
5. No garbage disposers (grinders) shall be installed in a FSE. (PAMC 16.09.103(e))
6. Plumbing lines shall not be installed above any cooking, food preparation and storage areas.
7. Each drainage fixture discharging into a GCD shall be individually trapped and vented. (CPC 1014.5)
D. Covered Dumpsters, Recycling and Tallow Bin Areas PAMC, 16.09.032b(16)
1. New buildings constructed to house FSEs shall include a covered area for all dumpsters, bins, carts or container
used for the collection of trash, recycling, food scraps and waste cooking fats, oils and grease (FOG) or tallow.
2. The area shall be designed and shown on plans to prevent water run-on to the area and runoff from the area.
3. Drains that are installed within the enclosure for recycle and waste bins, dumpsters and tallow bins serving FSEs
are optional. Any such drain installed shall be connected to a GCD.
4. If tallow is to be stored outside then an adequately sized, segregated space for a tallow bin shall be included in the
covered area.
E. Large Item Cleaning Sink, PAMC 16.09.032b(16)
FSEs shall have a sink or other area drain which is connected to a GCD and large enough for cleaning the largest
kitchen equipment such as floor mats, containers, carts, etc. Recommendation: Generally, sinks or cleaning areas
larger than a typical mop/janitor sink are more useful. F. GCD sizing criteria and an example of a GCD sizing calculation (2007 CPC) Sizing Criteria: GCD Sizing: Drain Fixtures DFUs Total DFUs GCD Volume (gallons) Pre-rinse sink 4 8 500 3 compartment sink 3 21 750 2 compartment sink 3 35 1,000 Prep sink 3 90 1,250 Mop/Janitorial sink 3 172 1,500 Floor drain 2 216 2,000 Floor sink 2
Example GCD
Sizing Calculation:
Note: • All resubmitted plans to Building Department which include FSE projects shall be resubmitted to Water Quality. • It is frequently to the FSE’s advantage to install the next size larger GCD to allow for more efficient grease discharge prevention and may allow for longer times between cleaning. There are many manufacturers of GCDs which are available in different shapes, sizes and materials (plastic, reinforced fiberglass, reinforced concrete and metal)
• The requirements will assist FSEs with FOG discharge prevention to the sanitary sewer and storm drain pollution prevention. The
FSE at all times shall comply with the Sewer Use Ordinance of the Palo Alto Municipal Code. The ordinances include
requirements for GCDs, GCD maintenance, drainage fixtures, record keeping and construction projects.
Quantity Drainage Fixture & Item Number DFUs Total
1 Pre-rinse sink, Item 1 4 4
1 3 compartment sink, Item 2 3 3
2 Prep sinks, Item 3 & Floor sink, Item 4 3 6
1 Mop sink, Item 5 3 3
1 Floor trough, Item 6 & tilt skillet, Item 7 2 2
1 Floor trough, Item 6 & steam kettle, Item 8 2 2
1 Floor sink, Item 4 & wok stove, Item 9 2 2
4 Floor drains 2 8
1,000 gallon GCD minimum sized Total: 30
I
I
Record No.____ Business Name _______________________________Ph. #______________ Fax ___________
Business Address _________________________________ Business Owner _____________________________
Contact Person/Title ________________________________________Email _____________________________
Seating Capacity_______ Meals/Peak Hour_______ Last Inspection _____________Inspection Date __________
Food Service
Establishment (FSE)
Priority Level
1) Problem FSE in hot
spot
2) Problem FSE
3) FSE in hot spot
4) FSE that has only had
minor issues in the past
5) FSE with potential to
generate FOG
6) FSE without significant
potential to generate
FOG
FSE Type
_____________________
Service Type
Single service
(Disposable)
Full service
Sit down
Take out
Primary Languages
English
Spanish
Chinese
Korean
Vietnamese
Other: _____________
GRD(s) Maintenance Log
Yes, available
Yes, can not locate
Offsite
No, do not have
Cleaning GRD(s)
Last cleaning
date:__________________
Frequency:
_______________ Week(s)
_______________ Month(s)
Other: ________________
Self
Contractor: __________
______________________
Ph.#: _________________
Additives: No Yes,
______________________
Lateral/Internal Cleaning
No Yes, Vendor:
______________________
Ph.#: _________________
Freq: _________________
Grease Removal Device(s)
(GRD)
None
Grease trap #___________
Grease interceptor # _____
Mechanical # ___________
_________________gallons
____________________lbs.
Dimensions:
L_____, W______, H_____
Opened & Appearance
______________________
Equipment to GRD(s)
Sink # _________________
3 comp. sink # __________
Mop sink # _____________
Dishwasher # ___________
Temperature__________
Floor drain #____________
Flow restrictor # _________
Other: _________________
BMP Posters Displayed
No
Yes, #______
Cooking Equipment
Grill #_________________
Fryer #________________
Oven #_________________
Stove # ________________
Wok # ________________
Rotisserie # ____________
Best Management
Practices (BMPs)
Drain screens, frequent
cleaning of screens
Disposal of food waste
to trash
Dry wipe: pots, pans,
dishes before washing
Safe procedure for
disposing of fats, oils &
grease (FOG)
Spill clean-up
Employee training
Grinder/Disposer
No
Yes, #______
Tallow Bin
No Yes, #____
Vendor: _______________
Ph.#: _________________
Freq: _________________
Condition
Good
Oil spilled
Lid not on correctly
Trash/Back Area
Covered/Enclosed
Uncovered
Dumpster(s)
Container(s)
Compactor(s)
Shared
Not shared
Good condition
Moderate condition
Bad
Leaking
Floor Mat Cleaning
Outside to ___________
______________________
Inside to ____________
______________________
Vendor: _______________
Ph.#:__________________
Exhaust Hood & Filter
Cleaning
Hoods ________________
Filters _________________
______________________
Vendor: _______________
Ph.#:__________________
Storm Drains #_________
Zinc-Free Floor Finish
No Yes,
______________________
BMP Posters Given
No
Yes, #_____
Language(s)____________
Comments: ___________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Please fax, (650) 494-3531, or mail (above address) ___________________________________ by _________________.
_________________________________________________
Inspector’s Signature Date
Print Name _______________________________________
_________________________________________________
Facility Contact Signature Date
Print Name _______________________________________
Regional Water Quality Control Plant
2501 Embarcadero Way
Palo Alto, CA 94303 * (650) 329-2598
FOOD SERVICE FACILITY
INSPECTION SURVEY
THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY.
IT’S PART OF YOUR DAILY LIFE.
SO DON’T DISPOSE OF USED COOKING OIL OR
GREASE DOWN THE DRAIN.
We live, work and play in a watershed that
flows to the Bay.
When grease is poured down sinks, it can
solidify and cause sewer backups into
houses or onto streets. Raw sewage can
enter storm drains, creeks and the Bay, which
harms wildlife.
POUR COOKING GREASE OR SMALL AMOUNTS
OF OIL INTO A SEALED CONTAINER (solidified
with an absorbant such as used paper
towels for liquid cooking oil) and place in
the garbage.
Deep frying a turkey? Bring your leftover
frying oil to the Recycling Center, located at
the east end of Embarcadero Road across
from Byxbee Park. For more information,
call 650-329-2598 or visit our website.
The Regional Water Quality Control Plant is operated by the City of Palo Alto for the East Palo Alto Sanitary District, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills,
Mountain View, Palo Alto and Stanford.
Individuals with disabilities who require accommodations to access City facilities, services or programs, or who would like information on the
City's compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at 650-329-2550 (voice)
or e-mail ada@cityofpaloalto.org Printed on recycled paper. 11/08
Element 8 Appendix
1. Wastewater Collection System Master Plan – Capacity Assessment:
Executive Summary
2. Wastewater Collection System Master Plan – Capacity Assessment
(on CD)
Executive Summary
This report summarizes the results and recommendations of the Wastewater Collection
System Master Plan Capacity Assessment prepared for the City of Palo Alto Utilities
Department. The report was prepared by MWH Americas, Inc. (MWH) under an
agreement with the City of Palo Alto (City).
The Capacity Assessment summarized in this report comprises one part of the City's
overall Wastewater Collection System Master Plan. The capacity assessment addresses
the hydraulic capability of the wastewater collection system to convey existing and future
flows, and identifies improvements to provide additional hydraulic capacity where
needed. The other aspect of the Master Plan is the Condition Assessment of the
collection system, which addresses the need for sewer system rehabilitation to reduce
infiltration/inflow, minimize maintenance requirements, and ensure the long-term
structural integrity of wastewater collection system facilities.
This report identifies and recommends the elimination of approximately $21 million
(2003 dollars) of capacity improvement (augmentation) projects originally recommended
in the City'S 1988 Wastewater Collection System Master Plan. The Wastewater
Collection (WWC) Capital hnprovement Program (CIP) projects will be refocused to
concentrate on system rehabilitation of existing sewers rather than capacity
augmentation. The proposed CIP budgets will be adjusted after the Fiscal Year 2005-06
budget cycle to reflect the differences in augmentation versus rehabilitation project costs.
Utilities Department staff anticipates the funding requests for the WWC CIP to be
reduced 20 to 25 percent for future ClPs.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
The City owns and operates an approximate 200-mile wastewater collection system that
serves residents and businesses within the City limits, and operates the Regional Water
Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) that also serves the Cities of Mountain View, Los Altos,
and East Palo Alto, the Town of Los Altos Hills, and Stanford University. Flows from
Stanford University and a portion of Los Altos Hills are also conveyed through the City's
collection system to the RWQCP. Figure 1 shows the planning area for the Wastewater
Collection Master Plan capacity assessment.
The City's previous collection system master planning efforts were completed during the
1980s. That work included a multi-phase InfiltrationlInflow (III) Study, as well as the
Wastewater Collection System Master Plan completed in 1988. The 1988 Master Plan
addressed the capacity of the trunk sewer system (primarily the lO-inch and larger pipes)
and identified $32 million in 1988 dollars (equivalent to approximately $42 million in
2003 dollars) of required capacity improvements. Based on the 1988 Master Plan
recommendations, the City constructed a number of new diversions to better distribute
MWH PAGE ES-1
N
t
3000 0 3000 6000
~ WH
D City/University Boundary
Street
D Portion of Los Altos Hills
Draining to Palo Alto
D Portion of Los Altos Hills
Draining to Los Altos
CITY OF PALO ALTO
COLLECTION SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
PLANNING AREA
FIGURE 1
Executive Summary
flow in the system, and completed construction of several trunk system capacity
improvement projects, including a major relief sewer in Amarillo Avenue. A partial
update of the Master Plan for the area of the system tributary to the Amarillo Relief
Sewer was conducted in 1997 in conjunction with the design of that project. As of the
start of this current Master Plan study, 10 of the 14 diversion projects and all or portions
of 8 of the 13 relief/replacement project priority groups identified in the original 1988
Master Plan (approximately 40 percent of the total dollar value of the recommended
projects) had been completed.
In the 1980s, the City also completed a comprehensive III Study to identify system
rehabilitation needs. The study was conducted in several phases over the period 1980
through 1987, and included extensive flow monitoring, testing, and inspection of sewers
throughout the City. At the time of these studies, it was estimated that over 40 percent of
the City's total annual flow was comprised of III, or extraneous groundwater and storm
water that enter the collection system via direct surface drainage connections or through
defects in sewer pipelines, manholes, and service laterals, primarily during wet weather.
Based on the recommendations of the III Study, the City has completed a substantial
amount of sewer rehabilitation, as well as various other projects designed to improve the
operation and structural condition of the system. The City's sewer rehabilitation program
is still continuing, with each year averaging about 25,000 feet of primarily smaller (6-
and 8-inch) diameter sewers and associated service laterals within the public right-of-way
being rehabilitated or replaced.
The capacity relief and rehabilitation projects, along with other operational improvements
and land use changes over the years, have altered system flows and hydraulics from 1988
Master Plan conditions. Thus, a comprehensive update to the Collection System Master
Plan was needed to effectively plan for future system improvements. This report
addresses the capacity assessment portion of the Master Plan update. In addition, the
City will conduct the condition assessment portion to complete the full update of the
Collection System Master Plan.
MASTER PLAN OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE
The objectives of this Master Plan capacity assessment were to update land use and flow
projections for the wastewater collection system, develop a new computer hydraulic
model that could be utilized to identify existing and future capacity deficiencies, and
develop needed improvement projects to alleviate the predicted deficiencies.
The scope of the study consisted of 12 tasks that are listed below:
• Task 1 -Data Review and Staff Interviews
• Task 2 -Flow Monitoring
• Task 3 -Development of Land Use Planning Criteria
• Task 4 -Model Database Development
• Task 5 -Flow and Hydraulic Criteria
MWH PAGE ES-2
Executive Summary
• Task 6 -Model Calibration and Flow Projections
• Task 7 -Capacity Analysis
• Task 8 -Project Development
• Task 9 -Capital Improvement Program
• Task 10 -Master Plan Report
• Task 11 -Model Training and Support
• Task 12 -Project Management
The Master Plan report presents detailed descriptions of the methodologies and results of
all of these tasks. The end product of the Master Plan is a list of prioritized capital
improvements and estimated costs, along with recommendations for project
implementation and related planning efforts to facilitate the future management,
operation, maintenance, and upgrade of the wastewater collection system. The hydraulic
model will also be provided to the City so that Utilities Department staff can update the
capacity analysis as changes occur in the system over time.
RECOMMENDED CAPITAL IMPROVEJ.\IIENTS
Based on the results of the Master Plan capacity analysis, eight locations were identified
for capacity improvements. Potential solutions were developed and tested using the
hydraulic model. Solutions considered included increasing pipe sizes or possibly
diverting flow to new sewers or other existing sewers with excess capacity. Relief or
replacement pipes were sized to handle the peak flows that would be expected for a 20-
year frequency rainfall event.
Table 1 presents the recommended capacity improvement projects, including estimated
costs and priorities. The locations of the projects are shown in Figure 2. Note that for
this Master Plan, the projects have been given designations starting with "100" (e.g., 101,
102, 103, etc.) to distinguish them from the 1988 Master Plan and City's current Capital
Improvement Program (CIP) project designations.
Three of the recommended projects in this Master Plan (projects 103, 104, and 105)
correspond to projects that were also identified in the 1988 Master Plan but not yet
completed. The other projects are needed primarily to address capacity deficiencies in
smaller diameter sewers that were not modeled in the previous Master Plan. One of these
projects, Project 101, is already being addressed as part of current CIP Project 15. The
total estimated capital cost of the recommended capacity improvement projects identified
in this Master Plan is approximately $4.3 million (2003 dollars).
The analyses conducted for this Master Plan indicate that many of the previously
identified capacity improvement projects that have not yet been constructed are no longer
necessary. The reason for this is likely the reductions in UI that have been achieved
through the City's sewer rehabilitation program, as well as more realistic and less
conservative projections of peak wet weather flows due to more current flow monitoring
data and use of a more accurate hydraulic model.
MWH PAGE ES-3
Executive Summary
TABLE 1
RECOMMENDED CAPACITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
Project Priority Project Name Description/Location L gth Estimated en C"tal apl ID (a) (ft.) Cost ($)
101 A Seale Avenue Sewer Upsize existing 6-inch sewer in Seale 2,235 556,000
Replacement Ave. from Bryant St. to Middlefield
Rd. to 8-inch pipe (as part of current
CIP Project 15).
~-.'7t 102 A East Meadow Drive Upsize existing 8-inch sewer in E. 733 246,000 .. l
~ Sewer Replacement Meadow Dr. from Cowper St. to -J
Middlefield Rd. to 12-inch pipe
103 A Lorna Verde Ave. Replace existing IS-inch sewer in I,SOO 664,000
Sewer Replacement Lorna Verde Ave. from Lorna Verde
PI. to Louis Rd. with 18-inch pipe
104 C Arastradero Road Parallel existing 12-inch sewer in 3,12S 865,000
Relief Sewer Arastradero Rd. from Hillview Ave.
to Foothill Expwy. with 12-inch pipe
105 C Matadero Creek Parallel existing IS-inch sewer from 3,200 1,217,000
Relief Sewer Hillview Ave. and Foothill Expwy.
through V A Hospital property with
IS-inch pipe
106 B N. California Ave. Upsize existing 8-inch sewer in N. 1,460 499,000
Sewer Replacement California from Bellview Dr. to
Embarcadero Rd. with lO-inch pipe
107 B Louis Road at Replace existing 8-inch sewer in 227 68,000
E. Meadow Sewer Louis Rd. from Nathan Way to E.
Replacement Meadow Dr. with lO-inch pipe at
steeper slope
108 C Old Page Mill Road Replace two reaches of existing 12-6S0 202,000
Sewer Replacement inch sewer in Old Page Mill Rd. with
IS-inch pipe at uniform slope
Total 13,130 4,317,000
(a) Priority A -highest priority (predicted surcharge level more than 1 foot above pipe and less than 5 feet
below ground).
Priority B -lower priority (predicted surcharge level less than 1 foot above pipe or more than 5 feet
below ground).
Priority C -required only if flows from Los Altos Hills increase significantly in the future.
MWH PAGE ES-4
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I
"--,~ -..
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/"" ...-
,
~
~ \ (~_!f~
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.1) "-..
«IJ) MW
2000
~
\ .---L.~ ("
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o 2000 4000 Feet
" '> \ /
/
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RvyQCP
CITY OF PALO ALTO
COLLECTION SYSTEM MASTER PlAN
f
CAPACITY IMPROVEMENT
PROJECTS
FIGURE 2
Executive Summary
Table 2 lists the 1988 Master Plan projects and their respective status (completed,
eliminated, or still remaining to be completed as part of a current Master Plan project).
Overall, approximately 50 percent or over $21 million (2003 dollars) of the previously
identified capacity improvement projects will no longer be needed. It should be noted
that the cost of this Master Planning effort represents less than two percent of this total
savings from eliminated capital projects.
As indicated in Table 1, the eight capacity improvement projects recommended in this
Master Plan have been divided into three priority groups, designated A, B, and C. The
priorities reflect the relative need for the projects in terms of severity of existing capacity
deficiencies and projected future problems. The priority groups can be used as a
guideline for scheduling the recommended improvements. In most cases, the need for
and timing of the projects should be confirmed by project-specific flow monitoring prior
to project implementation. The alignment, sizes, and construction methods of
recommended projects should also be verified with detailed predesign analyses prior to
final design and construction.
ADDITIONAL MASTER PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS
As discussed in the introductory section of this Executive Summary, this Master Plan
Capacity Assessment should be considered only one part of an overall Master Plan for the
City's wastewater collection system. Additional efforts, including capital improvement
projects, will be needed to address the condition and maintenance of the sewer system.
Furthermore, potential new regulatory requirements, as discussed below, will require
additional measures to document that the City's collection system is being well managed,
operated, and maintained.
Pending Capacity, Management, Operation and Maintenance Requirements. In
early 2001, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a draft Proposed Rule
aimed at closer regulation of wastewater collection systems in order to minimize the
impacts of sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) in sewer systems across the United States. A
key element of the draft Proposed Rule was new requirements for sewer system
owners/operators, including "satellite" collection systems tributary to regional
wastewater treatment plants, to develop and maintain a Capacity, Management,
Operation and Maintenance (CMOM) program to control and mitigate the impacts of
SSOs. More recently, some California Regional Water Quality Control Boards have
started to issue waste discharge requirements that contain many of the CMOM-related
provisions described in the EPA proposed rule. In California, these requirements have
been given the designation of "Sewer System Management Plans" (SSMPs). The San
Francisco Regional Board has recently adopted a resolution stating its intention to begin
implementation of SSMPs within the next year, with a draft timetable of about 36 months
after that time for completion of the SSMPs by collection system agencies.
MWH PAGE E5-5
Executive Summary
TABLE 2
STATUS OF PREVIOUS MASTER PLAN PROJECTS
Priority Estimated Estimated Projects Completed Projects
Group Capital Eliminated or Still Needed Eliminated
Cost ($) (a) Cost ($) (a)
1 2,234,000 All projects
2 4,791,000 2,683,000 San Antonio & Transport Ave. Easement near EI
Camino Real
Stanford Univ. (Lasuen St.) (c)
San Antonio Rd. & E. Charleston
"--' 3 4,934,000 All projects
4 1,987,000 All projects
5 2,290,000 All projects
6 2,493,000 All projects
7 1,556,000 All projects
8 2,187,000 1,465,000 Louis Rd. & Colorado Ave. All other projects
9 3,174,000 3,174,000 All projects
10 4,848,000 4,848,000 All projects
11 6,523,000 5,871,000 Lorna Verde Ave. & Louis Rd. (d) All other projects
12 2,822,000 2,822,000 All projects
l3 1,912,000 746,000 Easement nr. Matadero Creek (e) All other projects
Hillview Ave. & Miranda Ave. (e)
Arastradero nr. Old Adobe Rd. (f)
Arastradero & Foothill Expwy. (f)
Total 41,751,000 21,609,000
(a) Costs and projects as updated for 1997 Master Plan Update; costs updated to 2003 dollars based on
Engineering News Record Construction Cost Index.
(b) Projects eliminated on basis of capacity; some improvements may still be needed to address condition
issues.
(c) Project would be responsibility of Stanford University.
(d) Project 103
(e) Project 105
(t) Project 104
MWH PAGE ES-6
Executive Summary
The City has many of the programmatic elements in place to respond to new CMOM and
SSMP requirements, and many of the efforts and products of this Master Plan can be
applied to the development of CMOM program documentation. Listed below are
additional planning recommendations for the City to consider -some that pertain to
pending CMOM requirements, and some that make "good planning sense" for the City
moving forward.
Additional Planning Recommendations. Additional recommended programs or
activities that would aid in future planning as well as the development of the City's
CMOM program include the following:
• Sewer Maps and GIS. The City should continue to maintain up-to-date sewer
collection system maps in the City's GIS database.
• Closed-Circuit Television Inspection (CCTV) Program. The City is currently
planning for a long-term inspection program to assess the condition of all of the
sewers in the wastewater collection system. The City's proposed CCTV sewer
inspection program will identify sewer rehabilitation needs for the Condition
Assessment portion of the Master Plan, as well as help refine any CMOM-required
operation and maintenance programs.
• CCTV Data Management. In planning its CCTV inspection program, the City
should evaluate the most efficient and effective way of collecting, storing, and
utilizing the CCTV data, ideally as part of an overall computerized maintenance
management system (CMMS). Use of digital video technology should be considered
to facilitate storage and linking the data to other systems such as GIS. The City
should adopt a standardized set of observation codes so that recorded data can be
loaded into a database and used for condition ranking and rehabilitation assessment.
• Maintenance Management System. The City should review the effectiveness and
utilization of its CMMS to maximize its utility for the most cost-effective
management of the collection system as well as maintenance staff utilization,
rehabilitation project prioritization, and financial reporting. A carefully designed and
well-managed CMMS is a critical element of an effective asset management program.
• Permanent Flow Monitoring. It is recommended that the City upgrade and/or
relocate permanent flow meters as needed so that they will consistently provide.
accurate and reliable data. The meters should also be calibrated regularly. The City
should also continue to monitor flows at other key locations, particularly those areas
with predicted high III and locations where flows from Stanford University and the
Town of Los Altos Hills enter the City's collection system.
• Wet Weather Flow Monitoring. The City should conduct wet weather flow
monitoring after all currently recommended projects are implemented to verify the
effectiveness of the improvements to the collection system.
MWH PAGE ES-7
Executive Summary
• Coordination with Stanford. Additional coordination with Stanford University is
recommended to reconcile their growth plans with their capacity rights in the
RWQCP and potential capacity requirements in the collection system.
• Coordination with RWQCP. The City should coordinate with its RWQCP partners
to develop estimates of total flows to the wastewater treatment plan and in the
RWQCP's 72-inch interceptor, which conveys flows from several of the partner
cities, including Palo Alto.
• Manhole Inspection Program. A regular manhole inspection and assessment
program in conjunction with the sewer inspection program would help continue the
City's excellent track record for reducing III in the collection system;
• Smoke and Dye Testing. These techniques may be used selectively in areas with
suspected high III to identify additional rehabilitation or potential inflow removal
projects.
• Collection System Self~Audit. An on-going self-audit by Utilities Engineering and
Operations would help identify gaps in the City's collection system management,
operations, and maintenance practices as compared to potential CMOM requirements.
• Asset Management. The City should consider implementing an asset management
program, within which the planning efforts for the entire wastewater system
(collection and treatment), as well as other City-owned utilities, could be coordinated.
Consistent measurements and monitoring of capacity, condition, and performance of
all of the City's assets would facilitate prioritization and decision-making for
improved long-term planning of capital needs.
MWH PAGE ES-8
Element 9 Appendix
1. Annual SSO Report Template
City of Palo Alto Utilities Department
Water Gas Wastewater Division
Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSO)
[Date] Annual Report
Introduction
The City of Palo Alto owns and operates approximately 202 miles of gravity flow
wastewater collection system pipeline that range from 6 to 72 inches in diameter. The
City also owns and operates the lower portion of approximately 18,000 lateral service
connections that serve residents and businesses within the City limits. The City’s
wastewater is treated by the Regional Water Quality Control Plant that is operated by the
City of Palo Alto in partnership with the City of Mountain View, City of Los Altos, East
Palo Alto Sanitary District, Town of Los Altos Hills and Stanford University.
Highlights
In [year] the Utilities Wastewater Collection System program continued with the
planning, operation and maintenance of the City’s collection system to reduce overflows,
protecting public health and the San Francisco Bay. During this period, over [number]
feet of sewer mainlines were cleaned, videoed, or replaced. In addition, the City spent
over [amount] in contracts with various firms for the maintenance and rehabilitation of its
collection system. A summary of [year] activities is provided in Table 1.
During the same period, the operation and crew responded to [number] sewer related
calls in which [number] were overflows. [number] of the overflows were due to the
sewer main blockages and [number] were due to the blockage of the lower laterals. In
Palo Alto, the City owns and maintains the lower portion of the laterals that extend from
the house line at the property line to the sewer main. The Field Service Representative
(FSR) continues to be the first responders to all sewer calls. Each FSR is trained to
assess the severity of each sewer call based on type of blockage or volume of overflow
and make decisions in the next level of response required. In case of an overflow, the
FSR will provide immediate protection of the storm water system by placing a rubber mat
on the catch basin or applying spill absorbent (Spill Shark) to dam the flow. In [year] the
FSR’s average response time to a sewer call was [number] minutes.
All field data are collected for data entry to an ICOMMM database and if needed, entry
to the State Water Resources’ database (CIWIQS). The operation crews are trained on
field data collection, proper documentation, and improved accuracy. In [year], the
ICOMMM database and the City GIS were fully utilized to generate follow up inspection
report and hydroflushing schedules. The City authorized contract services with
ICOMMM to update and improve the database. The new program will generate work
orders and various map based reports.
The City maintains a service contract with Roto Rooter Company. The contract provides
the City with additional coverage to respond to customers’ sewer calls. This service is
used on weekdays when the crew is busy with scheduled work. The City crew responds
to sewer calls as needed on evenings and weekends. In addition to the Roto Rooter
contract, the City maintains a service contract for sewer lateral replacement, cleanout
installations and spot repairs.
Table 1
Collection System Maintenance & Construction Activities
[year]
Activities Footage
Sewer Main Rehabs
Replace Laterals
CCTV & Line Cleaning
Service Calls
Manhole Replacement
Number and Size of Sanitary Sewer Overflows
There were [number] Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs) for the [year] reporting period.
This number includes the overflows from city clean-outs and manholes. [overflow cause]
caused the majority of overflows. Approximately [number] % of the overflows occurred
[location]. Only [number] % of the overflows were caused by grease. As indicated in
Table 2, the size of the distribution of SSO (gallons) category has remained the same,
with approximately [number] % of SSOs being less than [number] gallons. The standby
and the maintenance crews are trained to report all SSOs regardless of their volume.
Table 2
Range of Overflows
[date range]
Number % of Total Size of
SSO
(gallons) [year] [year] [year] [year] [year] [year]
1,000 or
more
100 to 999
10 to 99
Less than
10
Total*
* These numbers include incidents of overflows from both manholes and clean-
outs.
Table 3
Volume of SSOs
Subject Volume (gallons)Percent of Total by Volume
Estimated SSO
Estimated volume that was
contained and returned to the
sewer or hauled away
Estimated volume of
wastewater that may have
reached surface water
Based on the operator’s reports, approximately [number] % of the total gallons of SSOs
were vacuumed and wither hauled away or discharged back into the sanitary sewer. Only
[number] % of the total gallons of SSOs that entered the storm drains could not be
recovered and may have reached the wet wells or the creeks.
Cause of SSOs
On our SSO reports for [year], the causes contributing to the SSO were documented. The
predominant causes of SSOs during this reporting period were [causes]. The causes of
[number] % of the blockages were unknown.
Table 4
Causes of SSOs
Number Percent of
Total Calls Cause of SSO
[year] [year] [year] [year]
Roots
Grease
Debris
Other (rags, paper)
Offset Joints
Unknown
Total Causes
Location of SSOs
The SSOs predominantly occurred in [location]. The majority of SSOs were a result of
[explanation]. The number of FOG related SSOs has decreased by [number] % over the
[year] values. The location of FOG related problems [explain distribution] between
residential and commercial areas. The areas of the collection system with high
occurrence of FOG related SSOs are flushed on a [duration] basis. The Operations and
Environmental Compliance Division (ECD) coordinate their resources to identify the
locations of the problems. If FOG is caused by a commercial facility, the ECD staff
conducts an inspection of the facility and if needed, a compliance directive will be issued.
All of the results are discussed art monthly operational meetings.
Status of Development of Sewer System Management Plan
[include status report]
Certification
I certify under penalty of law that this document and all attachments are prepared under
my direction or supervision in accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified
personnel properly gathered and evaluated the information submitted. Based on my
inquiries of the staff who managed the system, or those persons directly responsible for
gathering the information, the information submitted is, to the best of my knowledge and
belief, true, accurate, and complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for
submitting false information, including the possibility of fine and imprisonment for
knowing violations.
Sincerely,
[City Official]
Element 10 Appendix
1. Annual SSMP Audit Report Form
City of Palo Alto
Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP)
[YEAR] Annual Audit Report
The purpose of the Annual SSMP Audit is to evaluate the effectiveness of the City
of Palo Alto’s (City’s) SSMP and to identify any needs for improvement. The
audit is submitted pursuant to the requirements included in the State Water
Resources Control Board Order No. 2006-0003-DWQ and San Francisco Bay
Regional Water Quality Control Board’s Sewer System Management Plan
Development Guide, July 2005. Information collected in the Annual Report of
Sanitary Sewer Overflows was used in preparing this audit and therefore the two
reports are intended to be submitted as one document.
Directions: Please check YES or NO for each question. If NO is answered for
any question, describe the updates/changes needed and the timeline to complete
those changes in the “Description of Scheduled Updates/Changes to the SSMP”
section on Page 5 of this form.
YES NO
ELEMENT 1 – GOALS
A. Are the goals stated in the SSMP still appropriate and accurate? □ □
ELEMENT 2 -- ORGANIZATION
A. Is the Public Works Services Key Staff Telephone List current? □ □
B. Is the Sanitary Sewer Overflow Responder Telephone List current? □ □
C. Is Figure 1 of the SSMP, entitled “City Organization Chart,” current? □ □
D. Are the position descriptions and accurate portrayal of staff
responsibilities? □ □
E. Is Table 2 of the SSMP, titled “Chain of Communication for Reporting
and Responding to SSOs,” accurate and up-to-date? □ □
ELEMENT 3 – LEGAL AUTHORITY
Does the SSMP contain excerpts from the current Redwood City Municipal Code
documenting the City’s legal authority to:
A. Prevent illicit discharges? □ □
B. Require proper design and construction of sewers and connections? □ □
C. Ensure access for maintenance, inspection, or repairs for portions of the
lateral owned or maintained by the City? □ □
D. Limit discharges of fats, oil and grease? □ □
City of Palo Alto SSMP Audit Form Page 1of 5
YES NO
E. Enforce any violation of its sewer ordinances? □ □
ELEMENT 4 – OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE
Collection System Maps
A. Does the SSMP reference the current process and procedures for
maintaining the City’s wastewater collection system maps? □ □
B. Are the City’s wastewater collection system maps complete, current, and
sufficiently detailed? □ □
Resources and Budget
C.
Does the City allocate sufficient funds for the effective operation,
maintenance and repair of the wastewater collection system and is the
current budget structure documented in the SSMP? □ □
Prioritized Preventive Maintenance
D. Does the SSMP describe current preventive maintenance activities and the
system for prioritizing the cleaning of sewer lines? □ □
E.
Based upon information in the Annual SSO Report, are the City’s
preventive maintenance activities sufficient and effective in minimizing
SSOs and blockages? □ □
Scheduled Inspections and Condition Assessments
F.
Is there an ongoing condition assessment program sufficient to develop a
capital improvement plan addressing the proper management and
protection of infrastructure assets? Are the current components of this
program documented in the SSMP?
□ □
Contingency Equipment and Replacement Inventory
G.
Does the SSMP list the major equipment currently used in the operation
and maintenance of the collection system and document the procedures of
inventory management? □ □
H. Are contingency equipment and replacement parts sufficient to respond to
emergencies and properly conduct regular maintenance? □ □
Training
I. Is the training calendar current? □ □
J. Does the SSMP document current training expectations and programs
within the City’s Wastewater Division? □ □
Outreach to Plumbers and Building Contractors
K. Does the SSMP document current outreach efforts to plumbers and
building contractors? □ □
City of Palo Alto SSMP Audit Form Page 2of 5
YES NO
ELEMENT 5 – DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
A.
Does the SSMP contain current design and construction standards for the
installation of new sanitary sewer systems, pump stations and other
appurtenances and for the rehabilitation and repair of existing sanitary
sewer systems?
□ □
B.
Does the SSMP document current procedures and standards for inspecting
and testing the installation of new sewers, pumps, and other
appurtenances and the rehabilitation and repair of existing sewer lines? □ □
ELEMENT 6 – OVERFLOW AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
A.
Does the City’s Sanitary Sewer Overflow and Backup Response Plan
establish procedures for the emergency response, notification, and
reporting of sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs)? □ □
B.
Are Wastewater Division staff and contractor personnel appropriately
trained on the procedures of the Sanitary Sewer Overflow and Backup
Response Plan? □ □
C.
Considering performance indicator data in the Annual SSO Report, is the
Sanitary Sewer Overflow and Backup Response Plan effective in handling
SSOs in order to safeguard public health and the environment? □ □
ELEMENT 7 – FATS, OILS, AND GREASE (FOG) CONTROL PROGRAM
A. Does the Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Control Program include efforts to
educate the public on the proper handling and disposal of FOG? □ □
B.
Does the City’s FOG Control Program identify sections of the collection
system subject to FOG blockages, establish a cleaning schedule and
address source control measures to minimize these blockages? □ □
C.
Are requirements for grease removal devices, best management practices
(BMP), record keeping and reporting established in the City’s FOG
Control Program? □ □
D. Does the City have sufficient legal authority to implement and enforce the
FOG Control Program? □ □
E. Is the current FOG program effective in minimizing blockages of sewer
lines resulting from discharges of FOG to the system □ □
ELEMENT 8 – SYSTEM EVALUATION AND CAPACITY ASSURANCE PLAN
A.
Does the Redwood City Sanitary Sewer Master Plan evaluate hydraulic
deficiencies in the system, establish sufficient design criteria and
recommend both short and long term capacity enhancement and
improvement projects?
□ □
B.
Does the City’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) establish a schedule of
approximate completion dates for both short and long-term improvements
and is the schedule reviewed and updated to reflect current budgetary
capabilities and activity accomplishment?
□ □
City of Palo Alto SSMP Audit Form Page 3of 5
YES NO
ELEMENT 9 – MONITORING, MEASUREMENT, AND PROGRAM
MODIFICATIONS
A. Does the SSMP accurately portray the methods of tracking and reporting
selected performance indicators? □ □
B. Is the City able to sufficiently evaluate the effectiveness of SSMP
elements based on relevant information? □ □
ELEMENT 10 – SSMP AUDITS
A.
Will the SSMP Audit be submitted with the SSO Annual Report to the
Regional Water Board by March 15th of the year following the end of the
calendar year being audited? □ □
ELEMENT 11 – COMMUNICATION PROGRAM
A.
Does the City effectively communicate with the public and other agencies
about the development and implementation of the SSMP and continue to
address any feedback? □ □
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Description of Scheduled Updates/Changes to the SSMP
Directions: For each NO answer, please describe the planned revision and indicate the
date the revision will be completed. Reference the SSMP element and question number
with each explanation.
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