HomeMy WebLinkAboutSt Thomas Sewage Ordinance Chapter 63
y3 SEWERS
°as a O. Sewer Use
ARTICLE I
Definitions
§ 63-1. Definitions of terms.
ARTICLE II
Use of Public Sewers Required
§ 63-2. Connections to available sewers required;
limitations.
§ 63-3. Discharges into sewers.
§ 63-4. Prohibited discharges.
§ 63-5. Privy vaults to be cleaned and filled.
§ 63-6. Connection of privy vault to sewer prohibited.
§ 63-7. Notice to make sewer connection.
ARTICLE III
Building Sewers and Connections
§ 63-8. Permit required for connection.
§ 63-9. Application for permit.
§ 63-10. Conditions for connection.
§ 63-11. Separate connection for each property.
§ 63-12. Costs to be borne by property owner.
§ 63-13. Place of connection.
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SAINT THOMAS CODE
§ 63-14. Failure to make connection.
ARTICLE W
Rules and Regulations Governing Building Sewers and
Connections
§ 63-15. Reconnection of house sewer to building sewer.
§ 63-16. Inspection of building sewer before covering.
§ 63-17. Sanitary maintenance of building sewer, grease
trap and separator.
§ 63-18. Guarding of excavations.
§ 63-19. Failure to remedy unsatisfactory condition.
§ 63-20. Damage,removal,modification or alteration to
sewer system property.
§ 63-21. Additional rules authorized.
ARTICLE V
Enforcement
§ 63-22. Violations and penalties.
§ 63-23. Recovery of fines and costs.
ARTICLE VI
Purpose
§ 63-24. Declaration of purpose.
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SEWERS
Part 2
Fees
ARTICLE VII
Schedule of Fees
§ 63-25. Schedule of Fees.
Part 3
Sewage Collection and Treatment;Holding Tanks
ARTICLE VIII
Regulations
§ 63-26. Purpose.
§ 63-27. Definitions.
§ 63-28. Rights and privileges granted.
§ 63-29. Rules and regulations.
§ 63-30. Rules and regulations to conform to applicable
law.
§ 63-31. Rates and charges.
§ 63-32. Exclusiveness of rights and privileges.
§ 63-33. Duties of owners of improved property.
§ 63-34. Violations and penalties.
§ 63-35. Abatement of nuisances.
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SAINT THOMAS CODE
Part 4
Sewage Management
ARTICLE IX
On-lot Sewage Disposal Facilities
§ 63-36. Title;introduction; purpose.
§ 63-37. Definitions.
§ 63-38. Applicability.
§ 63-39. Permit requirements.
§ 63-40. Replacement areas.
§ 63-41. Inspections.
§ 63-42. Prohibited discharges.
§ 63-43. Maintenance.
§ 63-44. Malfunctioning systems; rehabilitation.
§ 63-45. Liens.
§ 63-46. Disposal of septage.
§ 63-47. Administration.
§ 63-48. Appeals.
§ 63-49. Violations and penalties.
Part 5
Privies
ARTICLE X
Regulations
§ 63-50. Purpose.
§ 63-51. Definitions.
§ 63-52. Right and privileges granted.
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SEWERS
§ 63-53. Approval required.
§ 63-54. Permit required.
§ 63-55. Application for permit.
§ 63-56. Authorization to adopt rules and regulations.
§ 63-57. Rules and regulations to conform with
applicable law.
§ 63-58. Rates and charges.
§ 63-59. Conditions applicable to permit.
§ 63-60. Duties of improved property owner.
§ 63-61. Violations and penalties.
§ 63-62. Abatement of nuisances.
Part 6
Sewage Enforcement Officer
ARTICLE XI
Powers and Duties
§ 63-63. Conduct of sewage enforcement services.
§ 63-64. Scheduling of services.
§ 63-65. Applications for permits.
Appendix A, Grinder Pump Agreement for
Sewage for Use Where Gravity Will Not Feed
Hookup
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the
Township of Saint Thomas: Part 1, 5-24-1985 by Ord. No.
76; Part 2, 1-6-1997 by Res. No. 32-97; 1-15-1990 by Res.
No. 1-90; Part 3, 4-2-1990 by Ord. No. 94; Part 4, 7-18-1994
by Ord. No. 106; Part 5, 7-18-1994 by Ord. No. 107; Part 6,
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§ 63-1 SAINT THOMAS CODE § 63-1
1-25-1982 by Res. No. 1-82(B). Sections 63-21, 63-33, 63-48
and 63-60 amended at time of adoption of Code; see Ch. 1,
General Provisions, Art. I. Other amendments noted
where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Sanitary landfills—See Ch.49.
Part 1
Sewer Use
[Adopted 5-24-1985 by Ord. No. 76]
ARTICLE I
Definitions
§ 63-1. Definitions of terms.
Unless the context specifically and clearly indicates otherwise,
the meanings of terms and phrases used in this Part 1 shall be
as follows:
AUTHORITY— Saint Thomas Township Municipal Authority,
a municipality authority incorporated pursuant to provisions of
the Municipality Authorities Act of 1945, approved May 2,
1945, P.L. 382, 53 P.S. § 301 et seq., as amended and
supplemented, of the commonwealth.
BUILDING SEWER — The extension from the sewage
drainage system of any structure to the lateral of a sewer.
COMMONWEALTH— The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
IMPROVED PROPERTY— Any property within this township
upon which there is erected a structure intended for continuous
or periodic habitation, occupancy or use by human beings or
animals and from which structure sanitary sewage and/or
industrial wastes shall be or may be discharged.
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§ 63-1 SEWERS § 63-1
INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENT — Any improved property
located within this township and used or intended for use,
wholly or in part, for the manufacturing, processing, cleaning,
laundering or assembling of any product, commodity or article,
or any other improved property located in this township from
which wastes, in addition to or other than sanitary sewage,
shall be discharged.
INDUSTRIAL WASTES — Any and all wastes discharged
from any industrial establishment, other than sanitary sewage.
LATERAL — That part of the sewer system extending from a
sewer to the curbline or, if there shall be no curbline, to the
property line, or if no such lateral shall be provided, then
"lateral" shall mean that portion of or place in a sewer which is
provided for connection of any building sewer.
OWNER — Any person vested with ownership, legal or
equitable, sole or partial, of any improved property.
PERSON — Any individual, partnership, company,
association, society, trust, corporation, municipality,
municipality authority or other group or entity.
SANITARY SEWAGE — Normal water-carried household and
toilet wastes from any improved property.
SEWER— Any pipe or conduit constituting a part of the sewer
system used or usable for sewage collection purposes.
SEWER SYSTEM — All facilities, as of any particular time,
for collecting, pumping, transmitting, treating and disposing of
sanitary sewage and/or industrial wastes, situate in or adjacent
to this township and owned by the Authority.
STREET — Includes any street, road, lane, court, cul-de-sac,
alley, public way or public square.
TOWNSHIP — The Township of Saint Thomas, Franklin
County, Pennsylvania, a township of the Second Class of the
commonwealth, acting by and through its Board of Supervisors
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§ 63-1 SAINT THOMAS CODE § 63-3
or, in appropriate cases, acting by and through its authorized
representatives.
ARTICLE II
Use of Public Sewers Required
§ 63-2. Connections to available sewers required;
limitations. [Amended 7-18-1994 by Ord. No. 109;
4-18-2000 by Ord.No. 1381
The owner of any improved property accessible to and whose
principal building is within 250 feet of the right-of-way where
the sewer system is located shall connect such improved
property with and shall use such sewer system, in such manner
as this township may require, within 60 days after such notice
to such owner from this township to make such connection, for
the purpose of discharge of all sanitary sewage and industrial
wastes from such improved property; subject, however, to such
limitations and restrictions as shall be established herein or
otherwise shall be established by this township from time to
time. Where gravity will not feed the hookup, the owner will
execute a grinder pump agreement in the form contained in
Appendix A at the end of this chapter.'The distance
requirement of 250 feet shall apply to all new sewer lines laid
in the township after the date of this amendment. For sewer
lines existing at the date of this amendment, the distance
requirement shall remain 150 feet.
§ 63-3. Discharges into sewers.
All sanitary sewage and industrial wastes from any improved
property, after connection of such improved property with a
sewer shall be required under § 63-2, shall be conducted into a
sewer; subject, however, to such limitations and restrictions as
shall be established herein or otherwise shall be established by
this township from time to time.
I. Editor's Note: The grinder pump agreement is located at the end of this
chapter as Appendix A.
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§ 63-4 SEWERS § 63-4
§ 63-4. Prohibited discharges.
A. No person shall place, shall deposit or shall permit to be
placed or to be deposited upon public or private property
within this township any sanitary sewage or industrial
wastes in violation of§ 63-2.
B. No person shall discharge or shall permit to be discharged
to any natural outlet within this township any sanitary
sewage or industrial wastes in violation of § 63-2, except
where suitable treatment has been provided which is
satisfactory to this township.
C. No surface water or groundwater from either roof drains,
sump pumps or any other source shall be discharged into
any sanitary sewer system. [Added 6-16-1998 by Ord.
No. 1312]
D. Rules and regulations governing the acceptance of
industrial waste and allied types of wastes, prohibiting the
discharge of certain types of waste into the Authority's
wastewater system, requiring preliminary treatment of
certain industrial wastes, imposing certain conditions in
connection with preliminary treatment, providing the basis
for sewer rentals or charges for the use of the sewer
system and the handling and/or treatment of industrial
wastes requiring the execution of a written agreement
prior to acceptance of industrial waste and providing for
penalties and surcharges shall be adopted by the Authority
from time to time. [Added 12-21-1992 by Ord. No. 100]
E. Additional charges. [Added 12-21-1992 by Ord. No. 100]
(1) In the event that the Authority shall consent under
separate agreement to accept sanitary wastes for
discharge into the sewer system from any improved
property having total suspended solids and BOD in
excess of the following concentrations, additional
2. Editor's Note:This ordinance also relettered former Subsections C,D and E
as D,E and F,respectively.
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§ 63-4 SAINT THOMAS CODE § 63-4
charges will be made for all wastes discharged from
such improved property:
Discharge Concentration
Type (parts per million)
Suspended 300
solids (SS)
BOD5 300
(2) The total charge for the total volume of waste shall
be determined in accordance with the following
formula:
Total Q + (0.001 Q [BOD5 in ppm—300]) + (0.001 Q [SS in
charge ppm— 300])
For purposes of the above formula:
Q = Billing unit charged or metered quantity
discharge
SS = Suspended solids
BOD5 = Biochemical oxygen demand
F. The strength of the sanitary wastes shall be determined at
intervals deemed advisable by this Authority or as may be
requested by the owner of the particular improved
property. The collection and analysis of waste samples for
determination shall be supervised by a registered
professional engineer approved by the Authority. All costs
for waste sampling, collection and analysis shall be paid by
the owner who desires that the waste be sampled and
analyzed. The analysis of all waste samples collected shall
be made in accordance with the latest edition of Standard
Methods for the Examination of Water and Sewage, as
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§ 63-4 SEWERS § 63-7
published by the American Public Health Association.
[Added 12-21-1992 by Ord. No. 100]
§ 63-5. Privy vaults to be cleaned and filled.
A. No privy vault, cesspool, sinkhole, septic tank or similar
receptacle shall be used or shall be maintained at any time
upon any improved property which has been connected to a
sewer or which shall be required under § 63-2 to be
connected to a sewer.
B. Every such privy vault, cesspool, sinkhole, septic tank or
similar receptacle in existence shall be abandoned and, at
the discretion of this township, shall be cleansed and shall
be filled, at the expense of the owner of such improved
property, under the direction and supervision of this
township; and any such privy vault, cesspool, sinkhole,
septic tank or similar receptacle not so abandoned and, if
required by this township, not cleansed and filled, shall
constitute a nuisance, and such nuisance may be abated,
as provided by law, at the expense of the owner of such
improved property.
§ 63-6. Connection of privy vault to sewer prohibited.
No privy vault, cesspool, sinkhole, septic tank or similar
receptacle at any time shall be connected with a sewer.
§ 63-7. Notice to make sewer connection.
The notice by this township to make a connection to a sewer,
referred to in § 63-2, shall consist of a copy of this Part 1,
including any amendments and/or supplements at the time in
effect, or a summary of each section hereof, and a written or
printed document requiring the connection in accordance with
the provisions of this Part 1 and specifying that such
connection shall be made within 60 days after the date such
notice is given or served. Such notice may be given or served at
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§ 63-7 SAINT THOMAS CODE § 63-10
any time after a sewer is in place which can receive and can
convey sanitary sewage and industrial wastes for treatment
and disposal from the particular improved property. Such
notice shall be given or served upon the owner in accordance
with law.
ARTICLE III
Building Sewers and Connections
§ 63-8. Permit required for connection.
No person shall uncover, shall connect with, shall make any
opening into or shall use, shall alter or shall disturb, in any
manner, any sewer or any part of the sewer system without
first obtaining a permit, in writing, from this township.
§ 63-9. Application for permit.
Application for a permit required under § 63-8 shall be made by
the owner of the improved property served or to be served or by
the duly authorized agent of such owner.
§ 63-10. Conditions for connection.
No person shall make or shall cause to be made a connection of
any improved property with a sewer until such person shall
have fulfilled each of the following conditions:
A. Such person shall have notified the Secretary of this
township of the desire and intention to connect such
improved property to a sewer.
B. Such person shall have applied for and shall have obtained
a permit as required by § 63-8.
C. Such person shall have given the Secretary of this
township at least 24 hours' notice of the time when such
connection will be made so that this township may
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§ 63-10 SEWERS § 63-13
supervise and inspect or may cause to be supervised and
inspected the work of connection and necessary testing.
D. If applicable, such person shall have furnished satisfactory
evidence to the Secretary of this township that any tapping
(or connection) fee which may be charged and imposed by
the Authority against the owner of each improved property
who connects such improved property to a sewer has been
paid.
§ 63-11. Separate connection for each property.
Except as otherwise provided in this section, each improved
property shall be connected separately and independently with
a sewer through a building sewer. Grouping of more than one
improved property on one building sewer shall not be permitted
except under special circumstances and for good sanitary
reasons or other good cause shown, but then only after special
permission of this township, in writing, shall have been secured
and only subject to such rules, regulations and conditions as
may be prescribed by this township.
§ 63-12. Costs to be borne by property owner.
All costs and expenses of construction of a building sewer and
all costs and expenses of connection of a building sewer to a
sewer shall be borne by the owner of the improved property to
be connected; and such owner shall indemnify and shall save
harmless this township and the Authority from all loss or
damage that may be occasioned, directly or indirectly, as a
result of construction of a building sewer or of connection of a
building sewer to a sewer.
§ 63-13. Place of connection.
A. A building sewer shall be connected to a sewer at the place
designated by this township or by the Authority and
where, if applicable, the lateral is provided.
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§ 63-13 SAINT THOMAS CODE § 63-16
B. The invert of a building sewer at the point of connection
shall be at the same elevation as or a higher elevation
than the invert of the sewer. A smooth, neat joint shall be
made and the connection of a building sewer to the lateral
shall be made secure and watertight.
§ 63-14. Failure to make connection. [Amended 4-18-2000
by Ord.No. 138]
If the owner of any improved property located within this
township and whose principal building is accessible to and
within 250 feet of the right-of-way for sewer lines laid after the
date of this amendment, and within 150 feet of the existing
sewer lines as of the date of this amendment, after 60 days'
notice from the township, in accordance with § 63-2, shall fail to
connect such improved property as required, this township may
enter upon such improved property and construct such
connection and may collect from such owner the cost and
expenses thereof in the manner permitted by law.
ARTICLE IV
Rules and Regulations Governing Building Sewers and
Connections
§ 63-15. Reconnection of house sewer to building sewer.
Where an improved property, at the time connection to a sewer
is required, shall be served by its own sewage disposal system
or sewage disposal device, the existing house sewer line shall be
broken on the structure side of such sewage disposal system or
sewage disposal device and attachment shall be made, with
proper fittings, to continue such house sewer line as a building
sewer.
§ 63-16. Inspection of building sewer before covering.
No building sewer shall be covered until it has been inspected
and approved by this township. If any part of a building sewer
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§ 63-16 SEWERS § 63-17
is covered before so being inspected and approved, it shall be
uncovered for inspection at the cost and expense of the owner of
the improved property to be connected to a sewer.
§ 63-17. Sanitary maintenance of building sewer, grease
trap and separator.
A. Every building sewer of any improved property shall be
maintained in a sanitary and safe operating condition by
the owner of such improved property.
B. Grease, oil, and sand interceptors or traps shall be
provided by a user of the Saint Thomas Township
Municipal Authority Sewer System when the Saint
Thomas Township Municipal Authority (STTMA)
determines that such devices are necessary for the proper
handling of wastewaters containing greases, oils, or
settable solids. Grease traps shall be provided when, in the
opinion of STTMA, they are necessary for the proper
handling of liquid wastes containing floatable grease in
such amounts as to cause obstruction to the flow in a
sewer or other interference with the operation of the
wastewater treatment facilities. In general, grease traps
shall be required at eating and drinking establishments
and food or beverage manufacturing, processing, and
merchandising establishments. Interceptors and traps
shall be installed, operated, maintained and cleaned
properly, so that they will consistently remove the grease,
oil, or settable solids. Interceptors and traps shall be
properly designed to accommodate the maximum flow rate
expected to occur, and shall be located as to be readily and
easily accessible for cleaning and inspection.
C. All interceptors shall be of a type and capacity approved by
STTMA and shall be located as to be readily and easily
accessible for cleaning and inspection. All systems shall be
designed, constructed and operated in accordance with the
manufacturer's specifications.
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§ 63-17 SAINT THOMAS CODE § 63-17
D. Grease traps shall be equipped with devices to control the
rate of water flow so that the manufacturer's rating is not
exceeded. The minimum capacity of a grease trap shall be
such that the grease retention capacity measured in
pounds of grease shall be at least two times the total
flow-through rating measured in gallons per minute (gpm).
E. All grease traps shall be from a manufacturer with a
minimum of five years' experience in the manufacturing of
grease traps and/or shall conform to the Plumbing and
Drainage Institute (PDI) Standard G101.
F. Separators shall be provided when, in the opinion of
STTMA, they are necessary for the proper handling of
liquid wastes containing sand, grit, or other harmful
ingredients in such amounts as to cause obstruction to the
flow in a sewer or other interference with the operation of
the wastewater treatment facilities.
G. All separators shall be of a type and capacity approved by
the STTMA and shall be located as to be readily and easily
accessible for cleaning and inspection. All systems shall be
designed, constructed and operated in accordance with the
manufacturer's specifications.
H. Separators shall have a depth of not less than two feet
below the invert of the discharge drain. The outlet opening
of the separator shall have not less than an eighteen-inch
water seal.
I. STTMA shall assume ownership of a grease trap and/or
separator upon installation and inspection. The traps or
separators shall be cleaned periodically to keep them in
good working order. STTMA authorizes an independent
hauler to conduct pumping and cleaning, and to maintain
associated maintenance records. STTMA and its assigns
shall have the right to inspect the grease traps and/or
separators at any time to ensure that the systems are in
working order and that the systems are properly
maintained and cleaned.
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§ 63-18 SEWERS § 63-20
§ 63-18. Guarding of excavations.
Every excavation for a building sewer shall be guarded
adequately with barricades and lights to protect all persons
from damage and injury. Any street, sidewalk and other public
property disturbed in the course of installation of a building
sewer shall be restored, at the cost and expense of the owner of
the improved property being connected, in a manner
satisfactory to this township.
§ 63-19. Failure to remedy unsatisfactory condition.
If any person shall fail or shall refuse, upon receipt of a notice
from this township or the Authority, in writing, to remedy any
unsatisfactory condition with respect to a building sewer within
60 days of receipt of such notice, this township or the Authority
may refuse to permit such person to discharge sanitary sewage
and industrial wastes into the sewer system until such
unsatisfactory condition shall have been remedied to the
satisfaction of this township and the Authority.
§ 63-20. Damage, removal, modification or alteration to
sewer system property. [Added 3-17-2010 by Ord. No.
1643]
A. No person, persons, partnerships, corporations, LLCs,
contractors, subcontractors, or any other business entity
shall cause any damage to, remove, modify, replace, or
alter any tangible personal property attached to, a part of,
or connected in any way to the Authority sanitary
sewerage system without first obtaining prior written
approval from the Authority.
B. Prior written approval from the Authority shall only be
evidenced by a permit issued by the Authority. All persons
or business entities who seek a permit shall submit a
permit application to the Authority, which application
3. Editor's Note:This ordinance also provided for the redesignation of§1 63-20
through 63.64 as?t#63-21 through 63-65.
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§ 63-20 SAINT THOMAS CODE § 63-21
shall set forth in detail the nature of the removal,
alteration, or modification proposed.
C. The Authority may, in its sole discretion, require the
permit application to be reviewed by its engineer.
D. If the permit application is reviewed by the Authority's
engineer, the cost of review by the Authority's engineer
shall be paid by the persons or business entity seeking the
permit, and no permit shall be issued until such fees and
costs have been paid to the Authority.
E. Any person, persons, or business entity, as set forth above,
who shall violate any of the provisions of this section shall
be liable to the Authority for all costs incurred by the
Authority to repair or replace any property damaged,
removed, modified, replaced, or altered, in addition to the
penalties as set forth in Article V of Chapter 63 of the
Code of the Township of Saint Thomas.
F. In the event the Authority is not reimbursed for any costs
or damages sustained by the Authority as set forth herein,
the person, persons, or business entity so liable to the
Authority shall be liable to the Authority in any action
instituted to enforce this section for all witness fees, court
costs, and attorney fees incurred by the Authority in any
action commenced by the Authority to enforce the
provisions of this section.
§ 63-21. Additional rules authorized.
This Township reserves the right to adopt, from time to time,
additional rules and regulations as it shall deem necessary and
proper plating to connections with a sewer and with the sewer
system, which additional rules and regulations, to the extent
appropriate, shall be and shall be construed as part of this Part
1.
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§ 63-22 SEWERS § 63-24
ARTICLE V
Enforcement
§ 63-22. Violations and penalties. [Amended 10-21-1996
by Ord.No. 117; 3-17-1997 by Ord.No. 120]
Any person who violates or permits a violation of this Part 1
shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $1,000, plus court costs,
and, in default of payment, to confinement for a period not
greater than 30 days, to be enforced by an action brought before
the District Justice in the same manner provided for the
enforcement of summary offenses under the Pennsylvania
Rules of Criminal Procedure. Each day a violation exists shall
constitute a separate offense. Further, the appropriate officers
or agents of the Township are hereby authorized to seek
equitable relief, including injunction to enforce compliance
herewith.
§ 63-23. Recovery of fines and costs.
Fines and costs imposed under provisions of this Part 1 shall be
enforceable and recoverable in the manner and at the time
provided by applicable law.
ARTICLE VI
Purpose
§ 63-24. Declaration of purpose.
It is declared that enactment of this Part 1 is necessary for the
protection, benefit and preservation of the health, safety and
welfare of inhabitants of this Township.
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§ 63-24 SAINT THOMAS CODE § 63-25
Part 2
Fees
[Adopted 1-6-1997 by Res. 32-97;4 amended in its entirety
1-2-2001 by Res.No. 88-01]
ARTICLE VII
Schedule of Fees
§ 63-25. Schedule of Fees.
The fee schedule for the administration of the Pennsylvania
Sewage Facilities Act(Act 537)5 is adopted as follows:
A. Application fee for all new systems (including
subdivisions): $465. [Amended 1-8-2006 by Res. No.
05-06]
(1) The initial application fee shall cover all costs of
initiating the paperwork associated with the
application, the site evaluation, examination and
evaluation of a maximum of four deep pit
excavations (probes), and the preparation of the
forms associated with the examinations of the deep
probe(s); the completion of a 6-9 hole percolation
test, which the applicant prepares and supplies
water if needed; on design review, stake-out check
and subsequent permit issuance if acceptable; and
one final inspection of the system installation and
verification all components are working. See
Subsection E for cost breakdown.
(2) All costs and liability associated with the excavation
and backfill of the deep probe(s) shall be the
responsibility of the applicant: no fee.
4. Editor's Note:This resolution also superseded former Part 2,Fees, adopted
1-15-1990 by Res.No.1-90,as amended.
5. Editor's Note:See 35 P.S.*750.1 et seq.
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§ 63-25 SEWERS § 63-25
(3) All work beyond the scope of the initial application
fee work described in Subsection A(1) above will
incur additional fees. See Subsection E for a cost
breakdown of additional work items. Additional work
items could include some or all of the following:
(a) Additional probes (over the initial four).
(b) Additional site visits (when
applicant/contractor fails to keep the scheduled
appointment without prior cancellation).
(c) Additional site visits when percolation test is
improperly set up or not set up at all.
B. Permit issuance.
(1) Additional permit fees(see Subsection E) apply to:
(a) A community system design.
(b) A system design that exceeds 2,500 square feet.
(c) A system design that requires a pressure dosed
in-ground trench system.
(d) A system design that requires pressure dosed
system utilizing a siphon.
(2) Additiohal design review (if original is incorrect or
unsatisfactory).
(3) Additional stake-out check and/or site visit (if
original is incorrect or unsatisfactory).
C. Permit renewal: will be based upon scheduled fees and
what is needed to renew the permit. (See Subsection E.)
D. Final inspection. Additional final inspection: subsequent
visits to site to verify that installation is complete.
E. Application fee and other charges for services.
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APPLICATION FEE, PER TASK BREAK DOWN
NOTES: 1)Activities printed in bold type,are billed to the Township and are covered under the initial application fee the applicant pays prior to or in
conjunction with starting a lots evaluation.
2)Activities listed with an*and italics MUST be paid by the applicant,payable to the township,prior to the next step in the permitting
process taking place. These fees are additional to the original$610.00 application fee.
Activity Description Cost
1. Process Application completion/initiation of
appropriate sections of
application $25.00
2. Deep Probes set of four backhoe probes
evaluated and logged by SEO $100.00
*a. Additional probes Every two,over initial four $50.00
*b. Site visit When applicant/contractor is a
no show without prior $80.00
cancellation
3.Percolation test Completion of a 6-9 hole test, $180.00
which applicant,under written
directions of the SEO,prepares
and supplies water
*a. Site visit when test is improperly or not set $90.00
up at all
4. Permit Issuance Includes one design review,stake- $125.00
out check and subsequent permit
issuance if acceptable
a. Additional permit fee for Community system,system $60.00
exceeding 2,500 square feet,
pressures dosed in-ground trench
system,on-contour at-grade bed,
pressured dosed system utilizing a
siphon,spray irrigation,or flow
equalization.
b. Additional design review completed if original is incorrect $70.00
or unsatisfactory
c. Additional stake-out ck. completed if original is incorrect $50.00
and/or site visit or unsatisfactory
d.Pre-construction inspection visit site to check proper soil $50.00
moisture levels or related activities
e. Replacement Dwelling System A fee collected for the township $120.00
Verification to cover site visit to inspect
location of existing system and
related activities prior to approval
for a septic permit exemption
5.Permit renewal Assume using existing design,and based upon above fees and what
soils test results is needed to renew permit
6. final Inspection Inspect system installation and $60.00
verify all components are working
*a. Additional final inspection Subsequent visits to site to verify $50.00
installation is complete
7. Township processing fee a retainer which is not billed $120.00
but and is a 'buffer' fee to help
offset additional sewage
enforcement costs
TOTAL (Not including additional fees) _ $610.00
*ST. THOMAS TOWNSHIP,
FRANKLIN COUNTY*
2011+ SEWAGE ENFORCEMENT FEE SCHEDULE
1. Total Application Fee =$610.00
An application fee set by the township is paid when the applicant receives the "Application for
an On-Lot Sewage Disposal Permit" from the SEO's office.The Sewage Enforcement Officer will
not begin the sites/ applications evaluation, before the appropriate fees have been paid or
other payment arrangements made,which are acceptable. NOTE: The property owners must
make initial contact to the Sewage Enforcement Officer to get the process started.
Within the$610.00 'application fee' the Township is billed on a lump sum, per task basis, as
detailed on the attached table for services rendered per each application.
The work completed pursuant to a particular application which involves the attached fee
schedule/table will be billed under its own project number (i.e. 11 SE 05.01), and reference given
to the application number which the task was completed for.
2. Work (i.e.:includes scheduling, preparation of site investigation and percolation test reports
reviews, letters, etc.) which is completed pursuant to a proposed subdivision plan and/or module
review,will be billed under a separate project number (i.e. 11 SE 05.02) with reference given to
said subdivision and billed an hourly rate of$48.00/hour. By D.E.P standards these activities are
not a Sewage Facilities Act 537 reimbursable expense. Hence,the Township will pass these fees
onto the subdividers/developers of said subdivision.
3. Work completed (travel time included) regarding the investigation or evaluation of a
malfunctioning onlot septic system will be billed separately (i.e. 11 SE 05.03),with reference
(name or site location or both) given to the property in question, and billed at an hourly rate of
$44.00/hour. NO anonymous complaints will be investigated. All complaints to be investigated
must be written and signed by the complainant,or directed by Township staff or by the D.E.P to
evaluate such. The Township may implement an ordinance or similar that any fees incurred by
the Township for the investigation of a verified malfunctioning onlot septic system be passed on
to the property owner.
4. Work completed for administrative purposes to enforce and complete required and essential
services (i.e. phone calls,soils reports,correspondence, D.E.P activity reports, D.E.P pink copy
submissions, etc.) to serve as the Townships Certified Sewage Enforcement Officer will be billed
separately (i.e. 11 SE 05.04),with reference given to the application number the work was
pertaining to (if applicable), and billed at an hourly rate of$40.00/hour.
5. Work completed pursuant to the administration and enforcement of the "Sewage
Management Ordinance for St.Thomas Township"as required in the Townships Act 537 Plan will
be billed separately (i.e. 11 SE 05.05),with reference given to the activity completed and billed
at an hourly rate of $40.00/hour.
TOWNSHIP OF SAINT THOMAS
FRANKLIN COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
RESOLUTION No. 12-10
WHEREAS, the Township of Saint Thomas currently has a fee schedule for the
administration of the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act(Act 537) as set forth in Chapter 63,
Part 2, Article VII (§63-24) of the Code of the Township of Saint Thomas; and
WHEREAS, the Sewage Enforcement Officer for the Township of Saint Thomas has
requested an increase in the fees for the administration of the Sewage Facilities Act (Act 537);
and
WHEREAS, the Township of Saint Thomas Board of Supervisors has agreed to the
increase requested.
NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the schedule of fees for the Sewage
Enforcement Officer is amended as set forth on the attached letter from JWP Environmental, Inc.,
dated November 17, 2010.
This resolution shall be effective January 1, 2011.
ADOPTED, this 15th day of December, 2010
ATTEST: TOWNSHIP OF SAINT THO►∎ • S
BOARD OF SUPE'V . OR,
qi Lit •) ►q Z..[-/.4 / /�
-�
Susan K. Zimm:ilip retary mothy J. . ger, Chairman
4.*
40 es N. Faith, Jr. V
I _ ' -(.• i� W Ij A.
Dennis L'. Welsh, Jr.
.v`
§ 63-25 SEWERS § 63-27
applicable), and billed at an urly rate of
$32/hour.
(e) Work completed pursuant o the administration
and enforcement of th Sewage Management
Ordinance for Thomas Township, as
required in the To# ship's Act 537 Plan, will
be billed separately 7i':e, 08 SE 05.05), with
reference given/to the acti -ity completed and
billed at an hQYrly rate of$28/hou :--._
Part 3
Sewage Collection and Treatment; Holding Tanks
[Adopted 4-2-1990 by Ord. No. 94]
ARTICLE VIII
Regulations
§ 63-26. Purpose.
The purpose of this article is to establish procedures for the
regulation of sewage collection and treatment and the use and
maintenance of existing and new holding tanks designed to
receive and retain sewage, whether from residential or
commercial uses, and it is hereby declared that the enactment
of this Article is necessary for the protection, benefit and
preservation of the health, safety and welfare of the inhabitants
of this municipality.
§ 63-27. Definitions.
Unless the context specifically and clearly indicates otherwise,
the meaning of terms used in this Article shall be as follows:
AUTHORITY — The Supervisors of Saint Thomas Township,
Franklin County, Pennsylvania, or appointed agents of the
township. [Amended 7-18-1994 by Ord. No. 110]
63:25 07-01 -2010
§ 63-27 SAINT THOMAS CODE § 63-28
HOLDING TANK — A watertight receptacle, whether
permanent or temporary, which receives and retains sewage
conveyed by a water-carrying system and is designed and
constructed to facilitate the ultimate disposal of the sewage at
another site.
IMPROVED PROPERTY— Any property within the township
upon which there is erected a structure intended for continuous
or periodic habitation, occupancy or use by human beings or
animals and from which structure sewage shall or may be
discharged.
MUNICIPALITY— Saint Thomas Township, Franklin County,
Pennsylvania.
OWNER — Any person vested with ownership, legal or
equitable, sole or partial, of any property located in the
township.
PERSON — Any individual, partnership, company,
association, corporation or other group or entity.
SEWAGE — Any substance that contains any of the waste
products or excrement or other discharge from the bodies of
human beings or animals and any noxious or deleterious
substance being harmful or inimical to the public health, to
animal or aquatic life or to the use of water for domestic water
supply or for recreation.
§ 63-28. Rights and privileges granted.
The Authority is hereby authorized and empowered to
undertake within the township the control and methods of
sewage disposal and sewage collection and transportation
thereof in areas served by the Authority's system and the
regulation of holding tank use.
63:26 07-01 -2010
§ 63-29 SEWERS § 63-32
§ 63-29. Rules and regulations.
The Authority is hereby authorized and empowered to adopt
such rules and regulations concerning sewage discharge,
collection and treatment as it may deem necessary from time to
time to effect the purposes herein.
§ 63-30. Rules and regulations to conform to applicable
law.
All such rules and regulations adopted by the Authority shall
be in conformity with the provisions herein, all other
ordinances of the township and all applicable laws and
applicable rules and regulations of administrative agencies of
the United States and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
§ 63-31. Rates and charges.
The Authority shall have the right and power to fix, alter,
charge and collect rates, assessments and other charges in the
area served by its facilities at reasonable and uniform rates as
authorized by applicable law.
§ 63-32. Exclusiveness of rights and privileges.
A. The collection and transportation of all sewage from any
improved property utilizing a holding tank shall be done
solely by or under the direction and control of the
Authority, and the disposal thereof shall be made only at
such site or sites as may be approved by the Department of
Environmental Resources of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania.6
B. The Authority will receive, review and retain pumping
receipts from permitted holding tanks.
6. Editor's Note:The Department of Environmental Resources was restructured
by Act 18 of 1995. The Department of Environmental Protection now deals
with regulatory matters.
63:27 07-01 -2010
§ 63-32 SAINT THOMAS CODE § 63-35
C. The Authority will complete and retain annual inspection
reports for each permitted tank.
§ 63-33. Duties of owners of improved property.
The owner of an improved property that utilizes a holding tank
shall:
A. Maintain the holding tank in conformance with this Article
or any ordinance of this township, the provisions of any
applicable law and the rules and regulations of the
Authority and any administrative agency of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
B. Permit only the Authority or its agent to inspect holding
tanks on an annual basis.
C. Permit only the Authority or its agent to collect, transport
and dispose of the contents therein.
§ 63-34. Violations and penalties. [Amended 10-21-1996
by Ord.No. 117; 3-17-1997 by Ord.No. 120]
Any person who violates or permits a violation of this Part 3
shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $1,000, plus court costs,
and, in default of payment, to confinement for a period not
greater than 30 days, to be enforced by an action brought before
the District Justice in the same manner provided for the
enforcement of summary offenses under the Pennsylvania
Rules of Criminal Procedure. Each day a violation exists shall
constitute a separate offense. Further, the appropriate officers
or agents of the township are hereby authorized to seek
equitable relief, including injunction to enforce compliance
herewith.
§ 63-35. Abatement of nuisances.
In addition to any other remedies provided in this Article, any
violation of§ 63-32 above shall constitute a nuisance and shall
63:28 07-01 -2010
§ 63-35 SEWERS § 63-37
be abated by the municipality or the Authority by seeking
either mitigation of the nuisance or appropriate equitable or
legal relief from a court of competent jurisdiction.
Part 4
Sewage Management
[Adopted 7-18-1994 by Ord. No. 106]
ARTICLE IX
On-lot Sewage Disposal Facilities
§ 63-36. Title;introduction; purpose.
A. This Part 4 shall be known and may be cited as the
"Sewage Management Ordinance for Saint Thomas
Township."
B. The purpose of this Part 4 is to provide for the inspection,
maintenance and rehabilitation of on-lot sewage disposal
systems; to further permit the municipality to intervene in
situations which are public nuisances or hazards to the
public health; and to establish penalties and appeal
procedures necessary for the proper administration of a
sewage management program.
§ 63-37. Definitions.
As used in this Part 4, the following terms shall have the
meaning indicated:
ACT 537 — The Act of January 24, 1966, P.L. 1535, as
amended, 35 P.S. § 750.1 et seq., known as the "Pennsylvania
Sewage Facilities Act."
AUTHORIZED AGENT — A certified sewage enforcement
officer, code enforcement officer, professional engineer,
plumbing inspector, municipal secretary or any other qualified
or licensed person who is delegated by the municipality to
63:29 07-01 -2010
§ 63-37 SAINT THOMAS CODE § 63-37
function within specified limits as the agent of the municipality
to carry out the provisions of this Part 4.
BOARD — The Board of Supervisors of Saint Thomas
Township, Franklin County, Pennsylvania.
CODES ENFORCEMENT OFFICER (CEO) — An individual
employed by the municipality to administer and enforce other
ordinances in the municipality.
COMMUNITY SEWAGE SYSTEM — Any system, whether
publicly or privately owned, for the collection of sewage from
two or more lots and the treatment and/or disposal of the
sewage on one or more lots or at any other site.
DEPARTMENT — The Department of Environmental
Resources of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania(DER).
INDIVIDUAL SEWAGE SYSTEM— A system of piping, tanks
or other facilities serving a single lot and collecting and
disposing of sewage in whole or in part into the soil or into any
waters of this commonwealth.
MALFUNCTION — A condition which occurs when an on-lot
sewage disposal system discharges sewage onto the surface of
the ground, into groundwaters of this commonwealth or into
surface waters of this commonwealth, backs up into the
building connected to the system or otherwise causes a
nuisance hazard to the public health or pollution of
groundwater or surface water or contamination of public or
private drinking water wells.
MUNICIPALITY— Saint Thomas Township, Franklin County,
Pennsylvania.
ON-LOT SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM — Any system for
disposal of sewage involving pretreatment and subsequent
disposal of the clarified sewage into the soil for final treatment
disposal, including both individual sewage systems and
community sewage systems.
63:30 07-01 -2010
§ 63-37 SEWERS § 63-37
PERSON — Any individual, association, public or private
corporation for profit or not for profit, partnership, firm, trust,
estate, department, board, bureau or agency of the
commonwealth, political subdivision, municipality, district,
authority or any other legal entity whatsoever which is
recognized by law as the subject of rights and duties. Whenever
used in any clause prescribing and imposing a penalty or
imposing a fine or imprisonment, the term "person" shall
include the members of an association, partnership or firm and
the officers of any local agency or municipal, public or private
corporation for profit or not for profit.
REHABILITATION — Work done to modify, alter, repair,
enlarge or replace an existing on-lot sewage disposal system.
REPLACEMENT AREA — A portion of a lot or a developed
property, sized to allow the installation of a subsurface sewage
disposal area, which is reserved to allow that installation in the
event of the malfunction of the originally installed on-lot
sewage disposal system.
SEWAGE — Any substance that contains any of the waste
products or excrement or other discharge from the bodies of
human beings or animals and noxious or deleterious substances
being harmful or inimical to the public health, or to animal or
aquatic life, or to the use of water for domestic water supply or
for recreation or which constitutes pollution under the Act of
June 22, 1937 (P.L. 1987, No. 394), known as the "Clean
Streams Law," as amended.?
SEWAGE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER (SEO) — The official of
the local agency who issues and reviews permit applications
and conducts such investigations and inspections as are
necessary to implement Act 537 and the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder.
SEWAGE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT — Any area or areas of
a municipality for which a sewage management program is
recommended by the municipality's adopted plan.
7. Editor's Note:See 35 P.S.§691.1 et seq.
63:31 07-01 -2010
§ 63-37 SAINT THOMAS CODE § 63-39
SEWAGE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS — A comprehensive
set of legal and administrative requirements encompassing the
requirements of this Part 4 and other administrative
requirements adopted by the municipality to effectively enforce
and administer this Part 4.
SEWAGE PLAN — A plan for the provision of adequate
sewage disposal systems, adopted by the municipality and
approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Resources, as described in, and required by, the Pennsylvania
Sewage Facilities Act.8
SUBDIVISION — The division or redivision of a lot, tract or
other parcel of land into two or more lots, tracts, parcels or
other divisions of land, including changes in existing lot lines.
The enumerating of lots shall include as a lot that portion of
the original tract or tracts remaining after other lots have been
subdivided therefrom.
§ 63-38. Applicability.
From the effective date of this Part 4, its provisions shall apply
in any portion of the municipality identified in the
municipality's Act 537 Official Sewage Facilities Plan as a
sewage management district. Within such an area or areas, the
provisions of this Part 4 shall apply to all persons owning any
property serviced by an on-lot sewage disposal system and to all
persons installing or rehabilitating on-lot sewage disposal
systems. If necessary, the entire municipality may be identified
as a sewage management district.
§ 63-39. Permit requirements.
A. No person shall install, construct or request bid proposals
for construction or alter an individual sewage system or
community sewage system or construct or request bid
proposals for construction or install or occupy any building
or structure for which an individual sewage system is to be
8. Editor's Note:See 35 P.S.#750.1 et seq.
63:32 07-01 -2010
§ 63-39 SEWERS § 63-39
installed without first obtaining a permit indicating that
the site and the plans and specifications of such system are
in compliance with the provisions of the Pennsylvania
Sewage Facilities Act9 and the regulations adopted
pursuant to that Act.
B. No system or structure designated to provide individual or
community sewage disposal shall be covered from view
until approval to cover the same has been given by the
body which issued the original permit or its authorized
representative. If 72 hours have elapsed, excepting
Sundays and holidays, since the body issuing the permit
received notification of completion of construction, the
applicant may cover said system or structure unless
permission has been refused by the issuing body.
C. The municipality may require applicants for sewage
permits to notify the municipality's certified Sewage
Enforcement Officer of the schedule for construction of the
permitted on-lot sewage disposal system so that
inspection(s)in addition to the final inspection required by
Act 537 may be scheduled and performed by the
municipality's certified Sewage Enforcement Officer.
D. No building or occupancy permit shall be issued by the
municipality or its Codes Enforcement Officer for a new
building which will contain sewage-generating facilities
until a valid sewage permit has been obtained from the
municipality's certified Sewage Enforcement Officer.
E. No building or occupancy permit shall be issued and no
work shall begin on any alteration or conversion of any
existing structure, if said alteration or conversion will
result in the increase or potential increase in sewage flows
from the structure, until the municipality's Codes
Enforcement Officer and the structure's owner receive
from the municipality's Sewage Enforcement Officer either
a permit for alteration or a replacement of the existing
sewage disposal system or written notification that such a
9. Editor's Note:See 35 P.S.*750.1 et seq.
63:33 07-01 -2010
§ 63-39 SAINT THOMAS CODE § 63-39
permit will not be required. The certified Sewage
Enforcement Officer shall determine whether the proposed
alteration or conversion of the structure will result in
increased sewage flows.
F. Sewage permits may be issued only by a certified Sewage
Enforcement Officer employed by the municipality for that
express purpose. The Department of Environmental
Resources shall be notified by the municipality as to the
identity of their currently employed certified Sewage
Enforcement Officer.
G. No sewage permits may be issued unless proof is provided
that the owner of record has owned the lot since May 15,
1972, or that Act 537 planning for that lot has been
provided by the municipality.
H. No final Act 247 approval on a subdivision plan may begin
until Act 537 planning is approved by the municipality and
the Department of Environmental Resources.
I. All persons proposing to install an on-lot sewage disposal
system on any lot within the township, including those
persons proposing to install such a system on a lot 10 acres
or larger and who are otherwise qualified for a permit
exemption in accordance with the provisions of Section
7(a)(1) of the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act (35 P.S.
§§ 750.1 through 750.20),10 shall apply to the township for
a permit for the installation of such system. [Added
11-17-1997 by Ord. No. 125]
J. No person shall install or commence construction of any
on-lot sewage disposal system for which a permit is
required until such permit has been issued by a Sewage
Enforcement Officer employed by or contracted to the
township. [Added 11-17-1997 by Ord.No. 125]
10. Editor's Note:See specifically 35 P.S.§750.7(a)(1).
63:34 07-01 -2010
§ 63-40 SEWERS § 63-41
§ 63-40. Replacement areas.
A. Any revisions to the municipality's Official Sewage
Facilities Plan, or exceptions thereto, which are prepared
pursuant to the applicable regulations of the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Resources for subdivision or
development of land within an identified sewage
management district shall provide for the testing,
identification and reservation of an area of each lot or
developed property suitable for the installation of a
replacement on-lot sewage disposal system. This
requirement is in addition to the testing, identification and
reservation of an area for the primary sewage disposal
system.
B. No permit shall be issued for any proposed new on-lot
sewage disposal system on any newly created or
subdivided property in any sewage management district
unless and until a replacement area is tested, identified
and reserved.
§ 63-41. Inspections.
A. Any on-lot sewage disposal system may be inspected by the
municipality's authorized agent at any reasonable time as
of the effective date of this Part 4.
B. The inspection may include a physical tour of the property,
the taking of samples from surface water, wells, other
groundwater sources, the sampling of the contents of the
sewage disposal system itself and/or the introduction of a
traceable substance into the interior plumbing of the
structure served to ascertain the path and ultimate
destination of wastewater generated in the structure.
C. The municipality's authorized agent shall have the right to
enter upon land for the purposes of inspections described
above.
D. An initial inspection shall be conducted by the
municipality's authorized agent within one to five years of
63:35 07-01 -2010
§ 63-41 SAINT THOMAS CODE § 63-41
the effective date of this Part 4 for the purpose of
determining the type and functional status of each sewage
disposal system in the sewage management district. An
average of 300 systems will be inspected, pumped and/or
repaired each year. A written report shall be furnished to
the owner of each property inspected, and a copy of said
report shall be maintained in the municipal records.
E. A schedule of routine inspections may be established by
the municipality if necessary to assure the proper function
of the systems in the sewage management district.
F. The municipality and its authorized agent shall inspect
systems known to be, or alleged to be, malfunctioning.
Should said inspections reveal that the system is indeed
malfunctioning, the municipality and its authorized agent
shall take action to require the correction of the
malfunction. If total correction is not technically or
financially feasible in the opinion of the authorized agent
and a representative of the Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Resources, then action by the property
owner to mitigate the malfunction shall be required.
G. There may arise geographic areas within the municipality
where numerous on-lot sewage disposal systems are
malfunctioning. A resolution of these areawide problems
may necessitate detailed planning and a municipally
sponsored revision to that area's Act 537 Official Sewage
Facilities Plan. When a DER authorized Official Sewage
Facilities Plan revision has been undertaken by the
municipality, mandatory repair or replacement of
individual malfunctioning sewage disposal systems within
the study area may be delayed, at the discretion of the
municipality, pending the outcome of the plan revision
process. However, the municipality may compel immediate
corrective action whenever a malfunction, as determined
by municipal officials and the Pennsylvania DER,
represents a serious public health or environmental threat.
H. The owner of any on-lot sewage disposal system inspected
shall be responsible for paying an
63:36 07-01 -2010
§ 63-41 SEWERS § 63-43
inspection/administration fee of$30 to the municipality for
each and every inspection of their on-lot sewage disposal
system.
§ 63-42. Prohibited discharges.
A. Only normal domestic wastes shall be discharged into any
on-lot sewage disposal system. The following shall not be
discharged into the system:
(1) Industrial waste.
(2) Automobile oil and other nondomestic oil.
(3) Toxic or hazardous substances or chemicals,
including but not limited to pesticides, disinfectants,
acids, paints, paint thinners, herbicides, gasoline
and other solvents.
(4) Clean surface water or ground water, including
water from roof or cellar drains, springs, basement
sump pumps and French drains.
§ 63-43. Maintenance.
A. Any person owning a building served by an on-lot sewage
disposal system or retaining tank (as defined by 25 PA
Code 73 and 73.1) shall have the septic tank and/or
retaining tank pumped by a qualified pumper/hauler
within the township schedule of one to five years from the
effective date of this Part 4. An average of 300 on-lot
sewage systems will be pumped and/or repaired each year.
All systems will be completed within the five-year period.
Upon completion of the initial five-year period, all systems
will be inspected on a five-year rotating basis. Receipts
from the pumper/hauler shall be submitted to the
municipality within the prescribed thirty-day pumping
period. The Saint Thomas Township Municipal Authority
shall be considered a qualified pumper/hauler if it is
providing such services. All septic tank pumpers/haulers
63:37 07-01 .2010
§ 63-43 SAINT THOMAS CODE § 63-43
shall be licensed by the township and shall submit written
reports to the township on all pumping as to the condition
of the tank.
B. At such time as the solid buildup reaches 1/3 to 1/2 of the
tank, all tanks should be pumped. At no time shall the
depth of the scum be below the depth of the outlet baffle. If
this condition should occur, then the tank shall
immediately be pumped.
C. The required pumping frequency may be increased at the
discretion of the authorized agent if the systems tank is
undersized, if solids buildup in the tank is above average,
if the hydraulic load on the system increases significantly
above average, if a garbage grinder is used in the building,
if the system malfunctions or for other good cause shown.
If any person can prove that his or her systems tank has
been pumped within the township's one- to five-year
schedule and a visual inspection is made in accordance
with the schedule with no noted defects, then the system
will be deferred from pumping until the next five-year
cycle at which time the pumping and inspection will be
required.
D. Any person owning a property served by a septic tank shall
submit, with each required pumping receipt, a written
statement, from the pumper/hauler or from any other
qualified individual acceptable to the municipality, that
the baffles in the septic tank have been inspected and
found to be in good working order. Any person whose
septic tank baffles are determined to require repair or
replacement shall first contact the municipality's certified
Sewage Enforcement Officer for approval of the necessary
repair.
E. Any person owning a building served by an on-lot sewage
disposal system which contains an aerobic treatment tank
shall follow the operation and maintenance
recommendations of the equipment manufacturer. A copy
of the manufacturer's recommendations and a copy of the
service agreement shall be submitted to the municipality
63:38 07-01 -2010
§ 63-43 SEWERS § 63-44
within six months of the effective date of this Part 4.
Thereafter, service receipts shall be submitted to the
municipality at the intervals specified by the
manufacturer's recommendations. In no case may the
service or pumping intervals for aerobic treatment tanks
exceed those required for septic tanks.
F. Any person owning a building served by a cesspool or dry
well shall have that system pumped according to the
schedule prescribed for septic tanks. As an alternative to
this scheduled pumping of the cesspool or dry well, the
owner may secure a sewage permit from the certified
Sewage Enforcement Officer for a septic tank to be
installed preceding the cesspool or dry well. For a system
consisting of a cesspool or dry well preceded by an
approved septic tank, only the septic tank must be pumped
at the prescribed interval.
G. The municipality may require additional maintenance
activity as needed including, but not necessarily limited to,
cleaning and unclogging of piping, servicing and the repair
of mechanical equipment, leveling of distribution boxes,
tanks and lines, removal of obstructing roots or trees, the
diversion of surface water away from the disposal area,
etc.
§ 63-44. Malfunctioning systems; rehabilitation.
A. No person shall operate and maintain an on-lot sewage
disposal system in such a manner that it malfunctions. All
liquid wastes, including kitchen and laundry wastes and
water softener backwash, shall be discharged to a
treatment tank. No sewage system shall discharge
untreated or partially treated sewage to the surface of the
ground or into the waters of the commonwealth unless a
permit to discharge has been obtained from the
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources.
B. The municipality shall issue a written notice of violation to
any person who is the owner of a property in the
63:39 07-01 -2010
§ 63-44 SAINT THOMAS CODE § 63-44
municipality which is found to be served by a
malfunctioning on-lot sewage disposal system or which is
discharging raw or partially treated sewage without a
permit.
C. Within seven days of notification by the municipality that
a malfunction has been identified,the property owner shall
make application to the municipality's certified Sewage
Enforcement Officer for a permit to repair or replace the
malfunctioning system. Within 30 days of initial
notification by the municipality, construction of the
permitted repair or replacement shall commence. Within
60 days of the original notification by the municipality, the
construction shall be completed unless seasonal or unique
conditions mandate a longer period, in which case the
municipality shall set an extended completion date.
D. The municipality's certified Sewage Enforcement Officer
shall have the authority to require the repair of any
malfunction by the following methods: cleaning, repair or
replacement of components of the existing system; adding
capacity or otherwise altering or replacing the system's
treatment tank; expanding the existing disposal area;
replacing the existing disposal area; replacing a gravity
distribution system with a pressurized system; replacing
the system with a holding tank; or other alternatives as
appropriate for the specific site.
E. In lieu of or in combination with the remedies described in
Subsection D above, the municipal Sewage Enforcement
Officer may require the installation of water conservation
equipment and the institution of water conservation
practices in structures served. Water-using devices and
appliances in the structure may be required to be
retrofitted with water-saving appurtenances or they may
be required to be replaced by water-conserving devices and
appliances. Wastewater generation in the structure may
also be reduced by requiring changes in water usage
patterns in the structure served. The use of laundry
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§ 63-44 SEWERS § 63-46
facilities may be limited to one load per day or
discontinued altogether, etc.
F. In the event that the rehabilitation measures in
Subsections A through E are not feasible or do not prove
effective, the municipality may require the owner to apply
to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Resources for a permit to install an individual spray
irrigation treatment system or a single residence
treatment and discharge system. Upon receipt of said
permit, the owner shall complete construction of the
system within 30 days.
G. Should none of the remedies described above prove totally
effective in eliminating the malfunction of an existing
on-lot sewage disposal system, the property owner is not
absolved of responsibility for that malfunction. The
municipality may require whatever action is necessary to
lessen or mitigate the malfunction to the extent that it
feels necessary.
§ 63-45. Liens.
The municipality, upon written notice from the municipal
Sewage Enforcement Officer that an imminent health hazard
exists due to failure of a property owner to maintain, repair or
replace an on-lot sewage disposal system as provided under the
terms of this Part 4, shall have the authority to perform or
contract to have performed the work required by the certified
Sewage Enforcement Officer. The owner shall be charged for
the work performed and, if necessary, a lien shall be entered
therefor in accordance with law.
§ 63-46. Disposal of septage.
A. All septage originating within the municipal sewage
management district shall be disposed of at sites or
facilities approved by the Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Resources. Approved sites or facilities shall
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§ 63-46 SAINT THOMAS CODE § 63-46
include the following: septage treatment facilities;
wastewater treatment plants; composting sites; and
approved farmlands. The Saint Thomas Municipal
Authority treatment facility should be used if operational.
B. Septage pumpers/haulers operating within the municipal
sewage management district shall operate in a manner
consistent with the provisions of the Pennsylvania Solid
Waste Management Act(Act 97 of 1980, 35 P.S. § 6018.101
through 6018.1003).
C. Septage pumpers/haulers operating in the municipality are
required to obtain a license from the municipality.
Applications for license shall be made on forms provided by
the municipality. Prior to receiving a license from the
municipality, applicants shall be required to do the
following: [Amended 11-2-1999 by Ord. No. 136]
(1) Pay an application fee of $30 to the Township of
Saint Thomas. This fee may be increased by
resolution of the Board of Supervisors at any time
the Board deems it necessary.
(2) Complete an application form.
(3) Provide a copy of his pumper license number to the
township.
(4) List any other municipalities (name, address, phone
number)in which the applicant is a licensed pumper.
(5) Schedule an interview with the Township Sewage
Enforcement Officer. The purpose of the interview
shall be to take an oral test administered by the
Sewage Enforcement Officer. The test shall be
designed to determine whether the applicant is
competent in the field of septage pumping and/or
hauling.
(6) The applicant must agree to perform septage
pumping and/or hauling pursuant to the system
established by the Saint Thomas Township Sewage
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§ 63-46 SEWERS § 63-46
Enforcement Officer. The applicant must also agree
to abide by all township, state and/or federal laws,
rules and regulations that apply to septage pumping
and/or hauling.
D. All licenses granted under this section shall expire on the
first February 2 which occurs after the license has been
granted. For example, if an applicant receives his license
on July 1, 2000, it will expire on February 2, 2001. In
addition, if an applicant receives his license on January 15,
2000, it will expire on February 2, 2000. [Added
11-2-1999 by Ord. No. 136]
E. All septage pumpers/haulers that receive licenses shall be
required to comply with the following rules and
regulations: [Added 11-2-1999 by Ord. No. 136]
(1) The licensee must schedule a meeting with the
Township Sewage Enforcement Officer after he
receives his license. The purpose of the meeting shall
be to receive instructions concerning the manner in
which the licensee must perform any septage
pumping and/or hauling within the township.
(2) Any and all required paperwork to be completed by
the Licensee must be submitted in the first week of
the following month.
(3) All data submitted by the licensee to the township,
whether in verbal or written form, must be true and
accurate.
(4) The licensee shall not advise residents of any repair
or upgrade work that needs to be performed on a
septic system unless the licensee has first consulted
with the Township Sewage Enforcement Officer. The
consultation must precede the discussion with the
township resident.
(5) The licensee shall not perform any collective
measures on a septic system unless the licensee has
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§ 63-46 SAINT THOMAS CODE § 63-47
consulted with the Township Sewage Enforcement
Officer. Said consultation must take place prior to
the corrective measures being performed. The
licensee must obtain any and all applicable local,
state or federal permits prior to performing said
corrective measures. All corrective measures must be
performed in compliance with all local, state or
federal regulations and requirements of the
Township Sewage Enforcement Officer.
(6) The licensee must abide by all other rules and
regulations and procedures as established by the
Township Sewage Enforcement Officer.
F. Failure to comply with the rules and regulations as set
forth above, or failure to comply with any other local, state
or federal rules, regulations, laws, etc. shall result in the
license being revoked. The Sewage Enforcement Officer for
the Township of Saint Thomas shall make the initial
determination with regards to revocation of the license.
Revocation of the license shall prohibit the licensee from
applying for a new license for a period of two years from
the date of revocation of said license. If the license is
revoked by the Sewage Enforcement Officer, then the
licensee shall have the right to appeal said decision to the
Saint Thomas Township Board of Supervisors pursuant to
§ 63-47. [Added 11-2-1999 by Ord. No. 1361
§ 63-47. Administration.
A. The municipality shall establish all administrative
procedures necessary to properly carry out the provisions
of this Part 4. The municipality may establish a fee
schedule, and subsequently collect fees, to cover the costs
to the municipality of administering this program.
B. The municipality shall reserve the right to contract all
pumping of on-lot sewage systems on a yearly basis in
order to secure the lowest cost for its residents. The
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§ 63-47 SEWERS § 63-49
municipality will administer the inspections and the
pumping.
§ 63-48. Appeals.
A. Appeals from decisions of the municipality or its
authorized agents under this Part 4 shall be made to the
Board of Supervisors, in writing, within 30 days from the
date of the decision in question.
B. The appellant shall be entitled to a hearing before the
Board of Supervisors at its next regularly scheduled
meeting, if the appeal is received at least 14 days prior to
that meeting. If the appeal is received within 14 days of
the next regularly scheduled meeting, the appeal shall be
heard at the subsequent meeting. The municipality shall
thereafter affirm, modify or reverse the aforesaid decision.
The hearing may be postponed for a good cause shown by
the appellant or the municipality. Additional evidence may
be introduced at the hearing, provided that it is submitted
with the written notice of appeal.
C. A decision shall be rendered, in writing, within 30 days of
the date of the hearing. If a decision is not rendered within
30 days, the release sought by the appellant shall be
deemed granted.
§ 63-49. Violations and penalties. [Amended 10-21-1996
by Ord.No. 117;3-17-1997 by Ord. No. 120]
Any person who violates or permits a violation of this Part 4
shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $1,000, plus court costs,
and, in default of payment, to confinement for a period not
greater than 30 days, to be enforced by an action brought before
the District Justice in the same manner provided for the
enforcement of summary offenses under the Pennsylvania
Rules of Criminal Procedure. Each day a violation exists shall
constitute a separate offense. Further, the appropriate officers
or agents of the township are hereby authorized to seek
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§ 63-49 SAINT THOMAS CODE § 63-51
equitable relief, including injunction to enforce compliance
herewith.
Part 5
Privies
[Adopted 7-18-1994 by Ord. No. 107]
ARTICLE X
Regulations
§ 63-50. Purpose.
The purpose of this Part 5 is to establish procedures for the use
and maintenance of existing and new privies designed to
receive and retain sewage whether from residential or
commercial uses, and it is hereby declared that the enactment
of this Part 5 is necessary for the protection, benefit and
preservation of the health, safety and welfare of the inhabitants
of this municipality.
§ 63-51. Definitions.
Unless the context specifically and clearly indicates otherwise,
the meanings of terms used in this Part 5 shall be as follows:
AUTHORITY — Supervisors of Saint Thomas Township,
Franklin County, Pennsylvania.
IMPROVED PROPERTY— Any property within the township
upon which there is erected a structure intended for continuous
or periodic habitation, occupancy or use by human beings or
animals and from which structure sewage shall or may be
discharged.
MUNICIPALITY— Saint Thomas Township, Franklin County,
Pennsylvania.
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§ 63-51 SEWERS § 63-53
OWNER — Any person vested with ownership, legal or
equitable, sole or partial, of any property located in the
township.
PERSON — Any individual, partnership, company,
association, corporation or other group or entity.
PRIVY — A watertight receptacle, whether permanent or
temporary, which receives and retains sewage where water
under pressure or piped wastewater is not available and is
designed and constructed to facilitate the ultimate disposal of
the sewage at another site.
SEWAGE — Any substance that contains any of the waste
products or excrement or other discharge from the bodies of
human beings or animals and any noxious or deleterious
substance being harmful or inimical to the public health, or to
animal or aquatic life, or to the use of water for domestic water
supply, or for recreation or any substance which constitutes
pollution under the Clean Streams Law (35 P.S. §§ 691.1
through 691.1001).
§ 63-52. Right and privileges granted.
The Authority is hereby authorized and empowered to
undertake within the township the control and methods of
privy use, sewage disposal and sewage collection and
transportation thereof.
§ 63-53. Approval required.
The collection and transportation of all sewage from any
improved property utilizing a privy shall be done solely by or
under the direction and control of the Authority, and the
disposal thereof shall be made only at such site or sites as may
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§ 63-53 SAINT THOMAS CODE § 63-57
be approved by the Department of Environmental Resources of
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.11
§ 63-54. Permit required.
From and after the effective date of this Part 5, no person shall
set up, place, install, locate, have or make available for use any
privy, as herein defined, except in accordance with this Part 5
and unless a permit shall be obtained and maintained for the
same as herein provided.
§ 63-55. Application for permit.
Application for privy permit shall be made in writing to the
Authority on forms supplied by the Authority, which shall set
forth at a minimum the name and address of the owner and
site location.
§ 63-56. Authorization to adopt rules and regulations.
The Authority is hereby authorized and empowered to adopt
such rules and/or regulations concerning sewage which it may
deem necessary from time to time to effect the purposes herein.
Said rules and/or regulations shall be adopted by resolution.
§ 63-57. Rules and regulations to conform with
applicable law.
All such rules and regulations adopted by the Authority shall
be in conformity with the provisions herein, all other
ordinances of the township and all applicable laws and
applicable rules and regulations of administrative agencies of
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
11. Editor's Note:The Department of Environmental Resources was restructured
by Act 18 of 1995. The Department of Environmental Protection now deals
with regulatory matters.
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§ 63-58 SEWERS § 63-59
§ 63-58. Rates and charges.
The Authority shall have the right and power to charge and
collect rates, assessments and other charges in the area served
by its facilities as reasonable and uniform rates as authorized
by applicable law by resolution adopted by the Authority.
§ 63-59. Conditions applicable to permit.
A. The property owner must show that site and soil
suitability testing of the lot has been conducted by the
Sewage Enforcement Officer and that the site meets the
Title 25, Chapter 73 (Standards for Sewage Disposal
Facilities), requirements for the ultimate sewage disposal
by an approved on-lot system if water under pressure or
piped wastewater becomes available to the lot.
B. At such time that water under pressure becomes available,
the property owner must remove the privy and replace the
privy with an approved on-lot system.
C. The conditions of use described in Subsection A above do
not apply:
(1) To a privy to be used on an isolated lot which is one
acre or larger and is not nor will not be served by
water under pressure in the future.
(2) To temporary use of portable retention tanks where
their use is proposed at construction sites or at the
site of public gatherings and entertainment.
D. Specific conditions for use of privies shall be incorporated
in the permit application and permit for the proposed use
of a privy.
E. The authority shall have the right of inspection at all
reasonable times for proper operation, maintenance and
content disposal.
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§ 63-60 SAINT THOMAS CODE § 63-61
§ 63-60. Duties of improved property owner.
The owner of an improved property that utilizes a privy shall:
A. Maintain the privy in conformance with this Part 5 or any
ordinance of this township, the provisions of any applicable
law and the rules and regulations of the Authority and any
administrative agency of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania.
B. Permit only the Authority or its agent to collect, transport
and dispose of the contents therein.
C. Abandon the privy consistent with applicable public health
and environmental standards and obtain a permit for and
install an approved on-lot system meeting Chapter 73
standards in the event that water under pressure or piped
wastewater becomes available to the property.
D. Permit the Authority to enter upon lands to inspect the
privy for proper operation, maintenance and contents
disposal.
§ 63-61. Violations and penalties. [Amended 10-21-1996
by Ord.No. 117; 3-17-1997 by Ord. No. 120]
Any person who violates or permits a violation of this Part 5
shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $1,000, plus court costs,
and, in default of payment, to confinement for a period not
greater than 30 days, to be enforced by an action brought before
the District Justice in the same manner provided for the
enforcement of summary offenses under the Pennsylvania
Rules of Criminal Procedure. Each day a violation exists shall
constitute a separate offense. Further, the appropriate officers
or agents of the township are hereby authorized to seek
equitable relief, including injunction to enforce compliance
herewith.
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§ 63-62 SEWERS § 63-63
§ 63-62. Abatement of nuisances.
In addition to any other remedies provided in this Part 5, any
violation of§ 63-59 above shall constitute a nuisance and shall
be abated by the municipality or the Authority by either
seeking mitigation of the nuisance or appropriate equitable or
legal relief from a court of competent jurisdiction.
Part 6
Sewage Enforcement Officer
[Adopted 1-25-1982 by Res. No. 1-82(B)12]
ARTICLE XI
Powers and Duties
§ 63-63. Conduct of sewage enforcement services.
A Sewage Enforcement Officer shall be present in Saint
Thomas Township, weather permitting, to conduct the
following:
A. Any and all soil tests deemed necessary by the
Enforcement Officer, and/or required by Department of
Environmental Protection(DEP) regulations.
B. Completion of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania sewage
facilities program application for sewage disposal system,
as provided and regulated by the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection.
C. Issuance of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania permit for
installation of sewage disposal system where in accordance
with established regulations.
D. Final inspection of disposal system installations pursuant
in the above-mentioned application and in accordance with
12. Editor's Note:This resolution superseded Ord.No.13,which established the
position of Sewage Inspection Officer.
63:51 07-01 -2010
§ 63-63 SAINT THOMAS CODE § 63-65
the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
regulations.
§ 63-64. Scheduling of services.
All scheduling and contact for sewage enforcement services are
to be directed to the Saint Thomas Township Secretary.
§ 63-65. Applications for permits.
All applications for new or repair sewage permits must be
directed to the Saint Thomas Township Secretary prior to the
scheduling of the sewage enforcement services.13
13. Editor's Note:See Part 2,Fees,of this chapter for the Schedule of Fees.
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