This article provides an overview of the sewerage act and its provisions. It also discusses the powers and responsibilities of the authority. You’ll learn about the Act’s Regulations, Provisions, Exemptions, and Powers of Authority. You’ll know what the Act requires, and how to follow it to the letter. You’ll be well on your way to complying with the Act! But, before we start, let’s take a look at its main components.
Regulations
The Regulations of the Sewerage Act specify the construction of a sanitary sewer system. It specifies that the sewer system must be designed to meet the minimum daily flow of domestic sewage. The minimum daily flow for residential areas is one to three gallons per person. The height of the sewer must be at least a half foot above the ground. The sewer system must also meet the requirements for the minimum number of plumbing fixtures.
The owner of a sewage system is the Commonwealth, any political subdivisions, and any public or private institutions that collect and treat wastewater. The owner includes the State Board of Health, sanitary districts, commissions, and authorities. The sewer service charges are calculated based on this factor. In addition to this, the Regulations require that the system be maintained and tested to ensure it meets federal and state standards. Sewage management facilities must be equipped to handle the flow of sewage from all sources, including household waste.
Provisions
The provisions of the sewerage act are aimed at improving the quality of water in municipalities. They also require the transfer of money and property to ensure water quality and compliance. In addition, they require the construction, ownership, and operation of disposal systems. The act also specifies the powers and responsibilities of the sewerage commission. The commission can modify the rules or grant an exception. Its provisions may vary from one municipality to another.
The provision defines “to discharge” as any action that results in a pollutant entering the water. Such actions include dumping, draining, ejecting, and allowing pollutants to seep. Under the act, a person cannot allow the discharge of any pollutant, sewage, or agricultural waste. Further, a person is not permitted to discharge any waste or pollutant into the water. Furthermore, he cannot allow the discharge of any pollutant that will pollute the water or cause its failure.
Exemptions
A developer may qualify for an exemption from the sewerage act if he or she owns a property with a single dwelling on up to ten acres, and the sewage system is at least 200 feet away from the property line. While this exemption does not waive the need for a sewer connection permit, it is important to note that a developer must still adhere to state and federal requirements to maintain a safe and clean sewage system.
For example, if a developer develops a subdivision of 129 lots, and 12 of them are exempt due to the erection of residential structures, he will qualify for an exemption. Another example is a developer who sells twelve lots that already have residential structures on them and nine others to building contractors with a future plan to construct homes. However, if a developer sells more than a single residential lot, the exemption may be void.
Powers of Authority
The Powers of Authority under sewerage act allows the authority to assess the value of a property for wastewater treatment and disposal purposes. This revenue is allocated to the acquisition and construction of a sewerage system. The authority may also assess a property for the annual interest charge provided by section 7-253. The outstanding principal balance becomes due upon transfer of title or death of the property owner. The assessment is subject to an annual review by the authority.
A property owners’ association is an organization that must be incorporated under chapter 602 of the state’s water code. These organizations must operate a sewerage system in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations and not pollute waterways. Moreover, these organizations must have the authority to borrow money to carry out their activities and raise funds by collecting assessments from properties served by the system. In short, the power of authority under sewerage act is extensive.
Duties
The duties of a sewage enforcement officer are set by the local sewerage authority. They must confirm the application for a sewerage system is complete and meets the act’s requirements. Additionally, they must advise the local agency on any violation and issue a written notice to the violator. Often, the sewage enforcement officer’s duties end there. However, some duties remain within the scope of his or her duties.
One of these duties is pollution prevention. It means reducing pollution from any source, protecting natural resources, and increasing the efficiency of resource use. A population equivalent is wastewater produced by one person per day. One person equals 100 gallons per day and 0.2 pounds of BOD. For sanitary landfills, this quantity equals 300 mg/l BOD. Sewage treatment facilities should also comply with pollution prevention. The sewage system also includes all constructions and appliances related to the sewer system.