13.20.810 Operations and maintenance requirements.
A. All owners of onsite domestic wastewater disposal systems, who are required by the provisions of this chapter to obtain renewable sewerage permits, shall operate and maintain said systems in the manner stated in these regulations including, but not limited to, the following:
1. All conventional and alternative systems shall be observed by the Director or city approved observer at least once every 6 year, immediately preceding the expiration of the owner’s renewable sewerage permit.
2. All systems that include septic tanks and are affected by this chapter must be pumped whenever (1) the bottom of the scum layer is within 3 inches of the bottom of the outlet device; or (2) the sludge level is within 8 inches of the bottom of the outlet device.
3. The Public Works Director or his or her designee may require more frequent observations or pumping if excessive operational problems occur.
4. Written verification after each required pumping of a system shall be submitted to the Public Works Director or his or her designee within 10 working days of the pumping. The Public Works Director or his or her designee will provide the appropriate forms to city approved observers.
B. All alternative systems as approved by the Department shall be operated and maintained pursuant to the requirements of the Department and the Public Works Director as set forth in the permit.
C. For all unconventional systems which by design require periodic pumping or cleaning, operation and maintenance shall be specified at the time of the permit issuance.
D. If any onsite domestic wastewater disposal system or part thereof fails to operate properly or requires repair, replacement, modification or cleaning to operate properly, the Public Works Director or his or her designee may issue a written order by mail requiring the owner to make the necessary repairs, replacement, modifications, and/or clean the system within 60 days of receipt of the order.
1. If the failure of a system is deemed an imminent danger to public health or safety, the Public Works Director shall suspend the owner’s sewerage permit and order immediate shut down of the system until the owner makes necessary repairs.
2. Failure of the owner to comply with an order as set forth in this subsection will be subject to penalties set forth in this chapter and/or other city ordinances and state laws.