HomeMy WebLinkAboutC36770 - MOU Riv Co. Envrnmtl Health Pln Review Srvc CONTRACT NO. C36770
STAFF REPORT
CITY OF PALM DESERT
BUILDING AND SAFETY
MEETING DATE: March 8, 2018
REQUEST: Approval of a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of
Palm Desert and Riverside County Department of Environmental
Health for Plan Review Services for Onsite Wastewater Treatment
Systems (OWTS)
Recommendation
By Minute Motion:
1. Approve a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Palm Desert
and Riverside County Department of Environmental Health for Plan Review
Services for Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS)
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the MOU and allow the City Attorney
to make non-substantive changes.
General Plan
The Local Agency Management Program took effect in December, 2016. The County of
Riverside has been performing these services for Palm Desert, This MOU formalizes that
arrangement. The proposed MOU aligns with the City's General Plan, Chapter 6
Environmental Resources. This element establishes the City's vision, goals, and policies
for maintaining preserving our natural resources, such as water, soil, air quality, wildlife,
minerals, and prevents wasteful resource exploitation and destruction.
Executive Summary
Approval of the above recommendations will authorize the City Manager to execute an
MOU with Riverside County Department of Environmental Health for continued services
for plan checking OWTS.
Background Analysis
In 2012, the State Water Resources Control Board established minimum requirements
for installation, performance, and maintenance of on-site wastewater treatment systems
(OWTS). Local agencies could adopt the statewide minimum standards when they
become effective in May 2018, or could propose a Local Agency Management Program
(LAMP) to the Regional Water Quality Control Board(s) for approval. An approved LAMP
would allow a local agency greater flexibility in approving OWTS that do not meet the
March 8, 2018 - Staff Report
Riverside County Environmental Health MOU
Page 2 of 2
OWTS Policy minimum standards but could still satisfy the water quality protection
objectives of the Policy. If the Department of Environmental Health did not develop the
LAMP, the standards set by the State could render many parcels as unbuildable if they
plan to use OWTS.
Riverside County Department of Environmental Health staff met with all three Regional
Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCB) while developing and revising the LAMP. The
final version of the LAMP was adopted by the Regional Water Board on November 17,
2016, (R7-2016-0038) and took effect approximately 30 days later.
The approval of the MOU will allow Riverside County Department of Environmental Health
staff to continue its approval process for residents and businesses in Palm Desert while
complying with the State OWTS Policy. The Qualified Service Provider (QSP) and
Professional of Record (PR) registration will ensure that the residents and businesses
utilizing OWTS have the benefit of a professional who has specific training in OWTS
design, installation, and maintenance to comply with the LAMP.
Fiscal Analysis
There is no fiscal impact associated with the approval of this MOU since all applicants
will pay necessary f s directly to the County, who performs the plan review services.
Prepared by: Russell A. Grance, Director of Building and Safety
LEGAL REVIEW DEPT. REVIEW FINANCIAL REVIEW CITY MANAGER
l
IC"
Robert W. Hargreaves Russell A. Grance Jant Moore Lauri Aylaian `�
City Attorney Director of Building & Director of Finance City Manager
Safety
APPLICANT:
ATTACHMENTS:
Riverside County Environmental Health MOU
Local Agency Management Program for Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems
CONTRACT NO. C36770
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN
RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
AND
THE CITY OF PALM DESERT
This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is made and entered into by and
between the CITY OF PALM DESERT, hereinafter referred to as "CITY" and the
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE, DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH, hereinafter
referred to as "COUNTY", to be effective on the date approved by both parties.
I. RECITALS:
WHEREAS, CITY desires Environmental Planning review, Technical Assistance,
and Plan Review for Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS) in accordance with
the Riverside County Local Agency Management Program (LAMP) and;
WHEREAS, CITY does not have an approved LAMP and;
WHEREAS, COUNTY's LAMP was approved by the Regional Water Quality
Control Board on November 17, 2016 and;
WHEREAS, CITY desires to abide by the Riverside County LAMP and;
WHEREAS, CITY agrees to rescind any and all existing OWTS ordinances, rules
and regulations prior to COUNTY'S review to avoid conflicting and duplicative rules and
regulations and;
WHEREAS, CITY agrees to enact necessary regulation to allow for billing of permit
fees by COUNTY for services to be rendered, according to County of Riverside Ordinance
No. 640 and;
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CONTRACT NO. C36770
WHEREAS, COUNTY has personnel with sufficient training and expertise to
provide such services in accordance with the LAMP and;
WHEREAS, COUNTY is prepared to provide such services under the terms and
conditions set forth in this Memorandum of Understanding; and
WHEREAS, CITY and COUNTY agree to now enter into this Memorandum of
Understanding for a period of five (5) years;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants and
conditions contained herein, the parties mutually agree as follows:
II. TERMS AND CONDITIONS
A. SUMMARY
The CITY requires professional services as described herein from the COUNTY
for review of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS).
B. TERM
The term of this MOU shall be effective on the date of execution, or on the date
CITY enacts all necessary ordinances, rules and regulations regarding rescission of
existing OWTS laws and to allow COUNTY to bill for permit fees. The agreement shall
continue in effect for up to 5 five years, or until terminated as outlined in section IV below.
C. SERVICES TO BE RENDERED
Plan Review Services: COUNTY will provide plan review of OWTS for commercial
and residential applications within the CITY. This review will include inspections of the
property and technical review of the soil percolation study to ensure compliance with the
Riverside County LAMP. Requests for an OWTS shall be accompanied by a City
application or building permit and shall be presented in person by the project proponent
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to a County Environmental Health office for their review. The project proponent shall be
responsible for the payment of any applicable fees, as established in County Ordinance
640 and codified in Riverside County Code, Ch. 4.52 for the type of review requested at
the time of submission of the request, to cover the cost of services provided. All such
review shall be provided within fifteen (15) working days of submittal of a completed
application.
Planning Review: COUNTY will provide environmental planning review to the City
for all residential and commercial projects proposing OWTS, to ensure compliance with
Riverside County LAMP. The project proponent shall be responsible for the payment of
any applicable fees, at the current hourly rate established in County Ordinance 640 as
codified in Riverside County Code, Ch. 4.52, to cover the cost of services provided. All
such reviews shall be provided within (20) twenty working days of request for such
services.
Inspection/Review of Annual Evaluation for Advanced Treatment Units (ATU):
COUNTY will provide inspection and/or review of the annual evaluation report for ATUs
as required in the LAMP. The project proponent and/or homeowner shall be responsible
for the payment of any applicable fees, as established in County Ordinance 640 and
codified in Riverside County Code, Ch. 4.52, to cover the cost of services provided.
Services to be rendered specifically exclude COUNTY response to and enforcement of
any complaints regarding malfunction or failure of an OWTS. CITY agrees to enact any
ordinances or regulations necessary to enforce the failure of any OWTS, and to enforce
in a manner consistent with the LAMP.
CITY shall enact any necessary ordinances to allow for COUNTY to directly bill any
applicant.
CITY shall rescind, or suspend for the duration of this agreement and any subsequent
renewals, any and all ordinances, regulations or other mandatory laws regarding OWTS
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systems within the CITY to avoid duplication of laws or conflicting laws. CITY shall also
enact necessary implementation ordinances, regulations or other laws that would allow
the provisions of the LAMP to control within the CITY's border and also that would allow
COUNTY to provide services under the LAMP.
D. PERSONNEL
The services provided by the COUNTY shall be performed by COUNTY personnel
under the control and direction of COUNTY. To the extent that CITY personnel may also
participate in any of the activities herein provided for, CITY agrees to conduct those
activities in accordance with the COUNTY LAMP, and any expenses by the CITY in this
process shall be borne by CITY.
E. MUTUAL HOLD HARMLESS/INDEMNIFICATION
1) CITY agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless COUNTY, its directors,
officers, agents, Board of Supervisors, elected and appointed officials,
employees, and representatives from and against any liability, damages,
costs, losses, claims and expenses, based or asserted upon any services of
COUNTY, its officers, employees, subcontractors, agents or representatives
arising out of or in any way relating to this MOU, including but not limited to
property damage, bodily injury, or death or any other element of any kind or
nature whatsoever and resulting from any reason whatsoever arising from the
performance of COUNTY, its officers, agents, employees, subcontractors,
agents or representatives.
2) In the event there is conflict between this clause and California Civil Code
Section 2782, this clause shall be interpreted to comply with Civil Code 2782.
Such interpretation shall not relieve CITY from indemnifying the COUNTY to
the fullest extent allowed by law.
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3) With respect to any action or claim subject to indemnification herein by CITY,
CITY shall, at their sole cost, have the right to use counsel of their own choice,
subject to approval of COUNTY, which shall not be unreasonably withheld,
and shall have the right to adjust, settle, or compromise any such action or
claim without the prior consent of COUNTY provided, however, that any such
adjustment, settlement or compromise in no manner whatsoever limits or
circumscribes CITY'S indemnification to COUNTY as set forth herein. CITY'S
obligation to defend, indemnify and hold harmless COUNTY shall be subject
to CITY having given COUNTY written notice within a reasonable period of
time of the claim or of the commencement of the related action as the case
may be, and information and reasonable assistance, at CITY'S expense, for
the defense or settlement thereof. COUNTY'S obligation hereunder shall be
satisfied when CITY has provided to COUNTY the appropriate form of
dismissal relieving COUNTY from any liability for the action or claim involved.
4) COUNTY agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless CITY, its directors,
officers, agents, City Council, elected and appointed officials, employees, and
representatives from and against any liability, damages, costs, losses, claims
and expenses, based or asserted upon any services of CITY, its officers,
employees, subcontractors, agents or representatives arising out of or in any
way relating to this MOU, including but not limited to property damage, bodily
injury, or death or any other element of any kind or nature whatsoever and
resulting from any reason whatsoever arising from the performance of CITY,
its officers, agents, employees, subcontractors, agents or representatives.
5) In the event there is conflict between this clause and California Civil Code
Section 2782, this clause shall be interpreted to comply with Civil Code 2782.
Such interpretation shall not relieve COUNTY from indemnifying the CITY to
the fullest extent allowed by law.
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CONTRACT NO. C36770
6) With respect to any action or claim subject to indemnification herein by
COUNTY, COUNTY shall, at their sole cost, have the right to use counsel of
their own choice, subject to approval of CITY, which shall not be unreasonably
withheld, and shall have the right to adjust, settle, or compromise any such
action or claim without the prior consent of CITY provided, however, that any
such adjustment, settlement or compromise in no manner whatsoever limits
or circumscribes COUNTY'S indemnification to CITY as set forth herein.
COUNTY'S obligation to defend, indemnify and hold harmless CITY shall be
subject to COUNTY having given CITY written notice within a reasonable
period of time of the claim or of the commencement of the related action as
the case may be, and information and reasonable assistance, at COUNTY'S
expense, for the defense or settlement thereof. CITY'S obligation hereunder
shall be satisfied when COUNTY has provided to CITY the appropriate form
of dismissal relieving CITY from any liability for the action or claim involved.
III. AMENDMENTS
Any amendment, modification, or variation from the terms of this MOU shall be in writing
and shall be effective only upon mutual approval by the authorized parties.
IV. TERMINATION
Either CITY or COUNTY may terminate this Agreement at any time by giving (30) day
written notice with or without cause to the designated contacts. Upon receipt of any notice
of termination on the agreed upon effective date of termination services shall cease
thereafter. Upon termination of this MOU, any OWTS under permit and subject to annual
inspection shall revert to the CITY for inspection and permitting. Any fees paid to the
COUNTY for an annual permit prior to notification of termination, shall not be refunded by
the COUNTY.
V. COMPLETE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
This written MOU, including all writings specifically incorporated hereby in reference, shall
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CONTRACT NO. C36770
constitute the complete MOU between the parties hereto. No oral MOU, agreement or
representation not reduced to writing and specifically incorporated herein shall be of any
force or effect, nor shall any such oral MOU, agreement or representation be binding upon
the parties hereto. Any previous agreements between the CITY and COUNTY, whether
oral or written, with regards to the activities outlined in Section II C of this MOU, shall be
supplanted by this MOU. Other agreements or contracts between the CITY and
COUNTY, not involving OWTS, shall be unaffected by this MOU.
VI. JURISDITIONNENUE
This MOU shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State
of California. CITY agrees and consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the
State of California for all purposes regarding this MOU and further agrees and consents
that venue of any action brought hereunder shall be exclusively in the County of Riverside.
VII. NOTICE
All written notices to the parties hereto shall be sent by United States mail, postage
prepaid by registered or certified mail addressed as follows:
CITY: COUNTY:
City of Palm Desert t'lah 6'. ,c1) County of Riverside
City of Palm Desert Department of Environmental Health
73-510 Fred Waring Drive 4065 County Circle Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92260 Riverside, CA 92503
CONTRACT NO. C36770
VIII. AUTHORITY TO EXECUTE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
Both CITY and COUNTY do covenant to each individual executing this MOU on behalf of
each party is a person duly authorized.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be executed
on (Date)
CITY OF COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE
Lauri Aylaian, City Manager Steve Van Stockum, Director
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Gregory P. Priamos
County Counsel
By: Dated
Eric Stopher, Deputy County Counsel
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County of Riverside Department of Environmental Health
Environmental Protection and Oversight Division
Land Use and Water Resources Program
Pruaug hylesal*Eevirtandst
LOCAL A
MANAGEMENT
PROGRAM
for
ONSITE WASTEWATER
TREATMENT SYSTEM
10/5/2016
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFACE 4
DEFINITIONS 6
CHAPTER 1-ONSITE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM REPORT FOR LAND DIVISION
(TRACTS& PARCEL MAPS) 13
CHAPTER 2-ONSITE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM REPORT FOR SINGLE LOTS 17
CHAPTER 3-PERCOLATION TESTING PROCEDURES 21
CHAPTER 4-SPECIAL TESTING FOR HIGH GROUNDWATER OR PERCHED WATER AREAS 25
CHAPTER 5-DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR STANDARD ONSITE WASTEWATER TREATMENT
SYSTEMS(OWTS) 27
CHAPTER 6-ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT,GRAYWATER,AND HOLDING TANKS 37
CHAPTER 7-SANITATION FORM 53 FOR PARCEL AND TRACT SUBDIVISIONS 40
CHAPTER 8-PROFESSIONAL OF RECORD AND QUALIFIED SERVICE PROVIDER REGISTRATION,
REVOCATION,AND DUE PROCESS 41
CHAPTER 9-ONSITE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM (OWTS) CERTIFICATION 43
CHAPTER 10-OWTS REQUIRING CORRECTIVE ACTION 44
CHAPTER 11-ONSITE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM USE LIMITATIONS 45
CHAPTER 12-DATA COLLECTION AND REPORTING 47
CHAPTER 13-IMPAIRED WATER BODIES AND AREAS OF SPECIAL CONCERN 48
CHAPTER 14-PUBLIC EDUCATION AND OUTREACH 50
APPENDIX I-PERC DATA SHEET FOR SEEPAGE PITS-FIELD COPY 51
APPENDIX II-FINAL TEST DATA SHEET FOR SEEPAGE PITS 52
APPENDIX III-EXAMPLE OF SEEPAGE PIT DATA ENTRY 53
APPENDIX IV-LEACH FIELD PERCOLATION DATA SHEET 54
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APPENDIX V-DEEP BORING SOIL PROFILE DATA SHEET 55
APPENDIX VI-TYPICAL LEACH LINE AND SEEPAGE PIT 56
APPENDIX VII-SAMPLE PLOT PLANS 58
APPENDIX VIII-TIER 3 IMPAIRED AREAS(FROM STATE OWTS POLICY) 60
APPENDIX IX-EDUCATION AND OUTREACH 65
APPENDIX X-RIVERSIDE COUNTY ORDINANCE NO. 650.6 69
APPENDIX XI-OWTS APPLICATION AND PERMITTING WORKFLOW DIAGRAM 82
APPENDIX XII-LAND USE APPLICATION 83
APPENDIX XIII-FEE SCHEDULE 84
APPENDIX XIV-RIVERSIDE COUNTY INCORPORATED CITIES-OWTS REGULATIONS INFO 85
APPENDIX XV-ORGANIZATION CHART 92
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PREFACE
INTRODUCTION
The Local Agency Management Program (LAMP) is the culmination of the actions required by
Assembly Bill 885 (AB 885) which was approved on September 27, 2000. This legislation
directed the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) to develop regulations
or standards for Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS) to be implemented by qualified
local agencies. The State Water Board adopted the Water Quality Control Policy for Siting,
Design, Operation, and Maintenance of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems on June 19,
2012 (OWTS Policy). The policy was subsequently approved by the Office of Administrative Law
and became effective on May 13, 2013.
The OWTS Policy provides for a tiered structure (Tiers 0-4) for the classification of new and
existing OWTS as follows and described further in the OWTS policy:
• Tier 0- Existing OWTS that are properly functioning
• Tier 1- Low risk new or replacement OWTS that meet design and siting
requirements
• Tier 2—Local Agency Management Program for new or replacement OWTS
• Tier 3—Existing or new or replacement OWTS near impaired water bodies
• Tier 4—OWTS that require corrective action or are presently failing.
The complete OWTS Policy can be found at the following link:
http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water issues/programs/owts/docs/owts policy.pdf
As authorized in Tier 2 Local Agency OWTS Management Program, Riverside County may
propose for Colorado River Basin Regional Water Quality Control Board (Colorado River Basin
Water Board) review and approval, alternative standards for the siting, design operation and
maintenance of OWTS. This document constitutes Riverside County's submittal of the Tier 2
LAMP for discharge flows at or below 10,000 gallons per day and containing less than 900
milligrams-per-liter of BOD. It is designed to supersede the Department Technical Guidance
Manual. Within Tier 3 areas requiring an Advanced Protection Management Program (APMP),
the Department will implement a permitting program consistent with the default requirements
in Section 10 of the OWTS policy. Tier 3 default requirements are applicable to new or
replacement OWTS within 600 feet of impaired water bodies as listed in Attachment 2 of the
OWTS policy. Additionally Tier 4 requirements are addressed in Chapter 10 of the LAMP.
PURPOSE
This LAMP will allow for the continued use of OWTS within the jurisdiction of Riverside County
and the expansion of the local program to permit and regulate alternative OWTS while
protecting water quality and public health. The information provided in this LAMP will help
protect groundwater sources and surface water bodies from contamination by providing
standards for the proper design, placement, installation, maintenance and assessment of
individual OWTS.
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APPLICABILITY
This LAMP applies to onsite wastewater systems with waste flows less than 10,000 gallons per
day in all of the unincorporated areas of Riverside County. This LAMP also includes
incorporated cities which have established agreements with Riverside County.
GEOGRAPHY
Riverside County is located in Southern California and lies east of Orange County, north of San
Diego and Imperial Counties, and south of San Bernardino and Los Angeles Counties. Riverside
County is the fourth largest county in the state, encompassing approximately 7,400 square
miles and extending westward from the Colorado River to within 14 miles of the Pacific Ocean,
a stretch of some 200 miles. Riverside County is roughly equivalent in size to the State of New
Jersey. The County of Riverside contains a spectacular array of diverse geographical features
including deserts, mountains, brush-covered wildlands, and agricultural lands. Elevations range
from three hundred feet below sea level (Salton Sea) to ten thousand feet above it.Terrain
varies across the County with areas of igneous and metamorphic bedrock exposures forming
the steep slopes of the San Jacinto Mountains and areas of weathered granitic rocks as seen in
Joshua Tree National Park and the hillsides near the city of Riverside.
Alluvial (river)valleys between mountain ranges contain sediments with significant variation in
thickness. Some valleys are filled with a few hundred feet of sediments and others, such as the
Coachella, San Jacinto and Elsinore Valleys, contain several thousand feet to several miles of
sediment. Set among this rich landscape is a variety of established and/or growing urban,
suburban and rural communities.
Approximately 10 percent of the county area lies within 24 incorporated cities. Land use
authority within these incorporated cities rests with the cities.The large majority of the County
(90 percent)thus lies within unincorporated territory(covering 6,568 square miles or 4,203,761
acres). Of this unincorporated area, 1,335,258 acres (29 percent of unincorporated lands) are
held by private landowners, while approximately 2,876,705 acres or 62 percent of the
unincorporated land within the County is either held or managed by county, state, federal
entities, or tribal land.
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DEFINITIONS
"303 (d) list" means the same as "Impaired water bodies."
"Alternative treatment system" or "Alternative OWTS" or "ATU" shall mean any Onsite
Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) that does not meet the criteria of a conventional OWTS,
but is allowed under conditions specified by the Department.
"Approval" shall mean the written approval by the Director or his designated representative of
a plan to install, construct, reconstruct, convert or alter any OWTS which discharges or disposes
of sewage, sewage effluent, or non-hazardous waste.
"At-grade system" means an OWTS dispersal system with a discharge point located at the
preconstruction grade (ground surface elevation). The discharge from an at-grade system is
always subsurface.
"Average annual rainfall" means the average of the annual amount of precipitation for a
location over a year as measured by the nearest National Weather Service station for the
preceding three decades. For example the data set used to make a determination in 2012
would be the data from 1981 to 2010.
"Basin plan" means the same as "water quality control plan" as defined in Division 7
(commencing with Section 13000) of the Water Code. Basin Plans are adopted by each Regional
Water Board, approved by the State Water Board and the Office of Administrative Law, and
identify surface water and groundwater bodies within each Region's boundaries and establish,
for each, its respective beneficial uses and water quality objectives. Copies are available from
the Regional Water Boards, electronically at each Regional Water Board's website, or at the
State Water Board's Plans and Policies web page
(http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/plans policies/).
"Bedrock" means the rock, usually solid, that underlies soil or other unconsolidated, surficial
material.
"CEDEN" means California Environmental Data Exchange Network and information about it is
available at the State Water Boards website or http://www.ceden.org/index.shtml.
"Cesspool" means an excavation in the ground receiving domestic wastewater, designed to
retain the organic matter and solids, while allowing the liquids to seep into the soil. Cesspools
differ from seepage pits because cesspool systems do not have septic tanks and are not
authorized under this LAMP. The term cesspool does not include pit-privies and out-houses
which are not regulated under this LAMP.
"Clay" means a soil particle; the term also refers to a type of soil texture. As a soil particle, clay
consists of individual rock or mineral particles in soils having diameters <0.002 mm. As a soil
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texture, clay is the soil material that is comprised of 40 percent or more clay particles, not more
than 45 percent sand and not more than 40 percent silt particles using the USDA soil
classification system.
"Cobbles" means rock fragments 76 mm or larger using the USDA soil classification systems.
"Contractor State License Board" means a certificate, permit, registration, or any other
authorization issued by the Contractor State License Board, Department of Consumers Affairs.
"Construction permit" shall mean a permit issued by the Department authorizing the permittee
to install, construct, reconstruct, convert or alter any OWTS per Riverside County Ordinance
650.
"Conventional septic system" shall mean an OWTS consisting of a septic tank and a Department
approved subsurface gravity dispersal system.
"Critical area" shall mean those areas determined to be difficult for installation of an OWTS due
to, but not limited to one or more of the following: lot size, seasonal groundwater, slope, poor
soil conditions or impaired water basins.
"Deep boring" means an exploratory boring or excavation performed to provide additional
information including soil type, moisture, depth to the water table, perched or otherwise, rock
or an impervious strata.
"Department" shall mean the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health.
"Director" shall mean the Director of the Department of Environmental Health or his or her
designated representative.
"Dispersal system" means a leach field, seepage pit, subsurface drip field, or other type of
system for final wastewater treatment and subsurface discharge.
"Domestic wastewater" means wastewater with a measured strength less than high-strength
wastewater and is the type of wastewater normally discharged from, or similar to, that
discharged from plumbing fixtures, appliances and other household devices including, but not
limited to toilets, bathtubs, showers, laundry facilities, dishwashing facilities, and garbage
disposals. Domestic wastewater may include wastewater from commercial buildings such as
office buildings, retail stores, some restaurants, or from industrial facilities where the domestic
wastewater is segregated from the industrial wastewater. Domestic wastewater may include
incidental RV holding tank dumping, but does not include wastewater consisting of a significant
portion of RV holding tank wastewater such as at RV dump stations. Domestic wastewater does
not include wastewater from industrial processes.
"Domestic well" means a groundwater well that provides water for human consumption and is
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not regulated by the State Water Board, Division of Drinking Water.
"Dump station" means a facility intended to receive the discharge of wastewater from a holding
tank installed on a recreational vehicle. A dump station does not include a full hook-up sewer
connection similar to those used at a recreational vehicle park.
"Earthen material" means a substance composed of the earth's crust (i.e. soil and rock).
"EDF" see "electronic deliverable format."
"Effluent" means sewage, water, or other liquid, partially or completely treated or in its natural
state, flowing out of a septic tank, aerobic treatment unit, dispersal system, or other OWTS
component.
"Electronic deliverable format" or "EDF" means the data standard adopted by the State Water
Board for submittal of groundwater quality monitoring data to the State Water Board's
internet-accessible database system Geotracker(http://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/).
"Escherichia coli" or "E. coli" means a group of bacteria predominantly inhabiting the intestines
of humans or other warm-blooded animals, but also occasionally found elsewhere. It can be
used as an indicator of human fecal contamination.
"Existing OWTS" means an OWTS that was constructed and operating prior to the effective date
of this Policy, and OWTS for which a construction permit has been issued prior to the effective
date of the Policy.
"Expansion area" shall mean the amount of dedicated space equal in size to an existing or
proposed OWTS that is capable of supporting an OWTS and will replace at least 100% of the
primary OWTS when necessary.
"Failure" shall mean a condition of an OWTS that threatens public health or water quality by
creating a potential for direct or indirect contact between sewage and the public. Examples of
failure include:
1. Sewage leaking to ground surface or groundwater;
2. Sewage backing up into a structure caused by slow OWTS soil absorption
of septic tank effluent;
3. Inadequately treated sewage causing pollution of groundwater or surface
water;
4. Noncompliance with standards stipulated in the permit issued for the
OWTS based upon the protection of human health, water quality and the
environment.
"Flowing water body" means a body of running water flowing over the earth in a natural water
course, where the movement of the water is readily discernible or if water is not present it is
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apparent from review of the geology that when present it does flow, such as in an ephemeral
drainage, creek, stream, or river.
"Graywater" is untreated household wastewater that has not come into contact with toilet
waste. Graywater includes used water from bathtubs, showers, and bathroom wash basins,
and water from clothes washers and laundry tubs. It shall not include wastewater from kitchen
sinks or dishwashers.
"Groundwater" means water below the land surface that is at or above atmospheric pressure.
"High-strength wastewater" means wastewater having a 30-day average concentration of
biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) greater than 300 milligrams-per-liter (mg/L) or of total
suspended solids (TSS) greater than 330 mg/L or a fats, oil, and grease (FOG) concentration
greater than 100 mg/L prior to the septic tank or other OWTS treatment component.
"Holding tank" shall mean a sewage facility, of a temporary nature, that has no means of
discharge and requires periodic maintenance and shall have a renewable operating permit
issued by the Department.
"IAPMO" means the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials.
"Impaired water bodies" means those surface water bodies or segments thereof that are
identified on a list approved first by the State Water Board and then approved by US EPA
pursuant to Section 303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act.
"Local agency" means Riverside County Department of Environmental Health.
"Major repair" shall mean OWTS improvements or corrective work where such improvements
involve the replacement, enlargement, or modification of a septic tank, treatment unit, or
dispersal system (excluding non-perforated distribution pipes), regardless of whether or not a
failure condition exists. Such repairs shall require a construction permit from the Department.
"Mottling" means a soil condition that results from oxidizing or reducing minerals due to soil
moisture changes from saturated to unsaturated over time. Mottling is characterized by spots
or blotches of different colors or shades of color interspersed within the dominant color as
described by the USDA soil classification system. This soil condition can be indicative of historic
seasonal high groundwater level, but the lack of this condition may not demonstrate the
absence of groundwater.
"New OWTS" means an OWTS permitted after the effective date of this LAMP.
"NSF" means NSF International (a.k.a. National Sanitation Foundation), a not for profit, non-
governmental organization that develops health and safety standards and performs product
certification.
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"Oil/grease interceptor" means a passive interceptor that has a rate of flow exceeding 50
gallons-per-minute and that is located outside a building. Oil/grease interceptors are used for
separating and collecting oil and grease from wastewater.
"Onsite wastewater treatment system(s)" or "OWTS" shall mean any individual onsite
wastewater treatment, pretreatment and dispersal system including, but not limited to, a
conventional or alternative OWTS having a subsurface discharge.
"Operating permit" shall mean an annual permit issued by the Department authorizing the
permittee to operate an OWTS.
"Percolation test" or "Perc test" means a method of testing water absorption of the soil to
establish the dispersal system design.
"Permit" shall mean either a construction permit or operating permit as defined within this
section.
"Person" shall mean any individual, firm, association, organization, partnership, business trust,
corporation, company, State agency or department, or unit of local government.
"Pollutant" means any substance that alters water quality of the waters of the State to a degree
that it may potentially affect the beneficial uses of water, as listed in a Basin Plan.
"Professional of record" or "PR" means an individual certified by the State of California as a
Professional Engineer (PE), Professional Geologist (PG) or Registered Environmental Health
Specialist (REHS) who has accepted responsibility for the design of the OWTS including any
required grading. The Professional of Record will have affixed his/her signature and stamp to
the system plans and plan proposal.
"Public water system" is a water system regulated by the State Water Board, Division of
Drinking Water, or a Local Primacy Agency pursuant to Chapter 12, Part 4, California Safe
Drinking Water Act, Section 116275 (h) of the California Health and Safety Code.
"Public water well" is a ground water well serving a public water system. A spring which is not
subject to the California Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWTR), CCR, Title 22, sections 64650
through 64666 is a public well.
"Qualified service provider" or "QSP" is a State Licensed Contractor with knowledge and
competency in OWTS design, construction, operation, maintenance and monitoring through
experience and/or education.
"Regional Water Board" is any of the Regional Water Quality Control Boards designated by
Water Code Section 13200. Depending on the site specific location of the OWTS Regional Water
10
Board reference in this document may refer to the Colorado River Basin Water Board, the Santa
Ana Water Board or the San Diego Water Board. Any reference to an action of the Regional
Water Board in this Policy also refers to an action of its Executive Officer, including the
conducting of public hearings, pursuant to any general or specific delegation under Water Code
Section 13223.
"Sand" means a soil particle; this term also refers to a type of soil texture. As a soil particle,
sand consists of individual rock or mineral particles in soils having diameters ranging from 0.05
to 2.0 millimeters. As a soil texture, sand is soil that is comprised of 85 percent or more sand
particles, with the percentage of silt plus 1.5 times the percentage of clay particles comprising
less than 15 percent.
"Service provider" means a person capable of operating, monitoring, and maintaining an OWTS
in accordance to this Policy.
"Sewage" or"Sewage Effluent" shall mean waste as defined in Section 5410(a), California
Health and Safety Code. "Waste" includes sewage and any and all other waste substances,
liquid, solid, gaseous, or radioactive, associated with human habitation, or of human or animal
origin, or from any producing, manufacturing, or processing operation of whatever nature.
"Silt" means a soil particle; this term also refers to a type of soil texture. As a soil particle, silt
consists of individual rock or mineral particles in soils having diameters ranging from between
0.05 and 0.002 mm. As a soil texture, silt is soil that is comprised as approximately 80 percent
or more silt particles and not more than 12 percent clay particles using the USDA soil
classification system.
"Single-family dwelling unit" means a structure that is usually occupied by just one household
or family and for the purposes of this Policy is expected to generate an average of 250 gallons
per day of wastewater.
"Site" means the location of the OWTS and, where applicable, a reserve dispersal area capable
of disposing 100 percent of the design flow from all sources the OWTS is intended to serve.
"Site evaluation" means an assessment of the characteristics of the site sufficient to determine
its suitability for an OWTS to meet the requirements of this Policy.
"Soil" is the naturally occurring body of porous mineral and organic materials on the land
surface, and is composed of unconsolidated materials above bedrock. Soil is composed of sand-
sized, silt-sized, and clay-sized particles mixed with varying amounts of larger fragments and
organic material. The various combinations of particles differentiate specific soil textures
identified in the USDA Soil Classification Chart. Soil shall contain earthen material having more
than 50%of its volume composed of particles smaller than 0.08 inches (2mm) in size.
"Soil structure" means the arrangement of primary soil particles into compound particles, peds,
11
or clusters that are separated by natural planes of weakness from adjoining aggregates.
"Soil texture" means the soil class that describes the relative amount of sand, clay, silt and
combinations thereof as defined by the classes of the soil textural triangle developed by the
USDA (referenced above).
"State Water Board" is the State Water Resources Control Board, headquarters at 1001 `I' St,
Sacramento, CA.
"System certification" is an expression of professional opinion that the OWTS, or its
components, meet industry standards that are the subject of the certification but do not
constitute a warranty or guarantee, either expressed or implied. System Certifications shall be
performed by a QSP using forms and procedures established or approved by the Director.
"Telemetric" means the ability to automatically measure and transmit OWTS data by wire,
radio, or other means.
"TMDL" is the acronym for "total maximum daily load." Section 303(d)(1) of the Clean Water
Act requires each State to establish a TMDL for each impaired water body to address the
pollutant(s) causing the impairment. In California, TMDLs are usually adopted as Basin Plan
amendments and contain implementation plans detailing how water quality standards will be
attained.
"Total coliform" means a group of bacteria consisting of several genera belonging to the family
Enterobacteriaceae, which includes Escherichia coli bacteria.
"Uniform Plumbing Code" or "UPC" shall refer to the current edition of the International
Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) Uniform Plumbing Code.
"Waste discharge requirement" or "WDR" means an operation and discharge permit issued for
the discharge of waste pursuant to Section 13260 of the California Water Code.
"Weathered bedrock" is rock that has been exposed to the atmosphere at or near the earth's
surface and changed in color, texture, composition, firmness, and/or form as a result of the
exposure with little or no transport of loosened or altered material. For purposes of this LAMP,
weathered bedrock is not soil.
12
CHAPTER 1 — ONSITE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM REPORT FOR LAND DIVISION
(TRACTS& PARCEL MAPS)
An Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) Report for Land Divisions is required for all
proposed Tract and Parcel Maps (all Planning schedules) that will utilize an OWTS for sewage
disposal. The OWTS Reports for Land Divisions will only be accepted by the Department if they
are prepared by certain professionals. Only the grading engineer, who has expertise in
designing onsite wastewater systems or the Professional of Record (PR) who performed the
actual Percolation Test (Perc Test) can prepare the OWTS Report. The PR that prepares the
report must possess at least one of the following current and valid California registrations:
• Professional Engineer(PE)
• Professional Geologist (PG)
• Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS)
The Report shall include, but not be limited to the following:
1. Location of the land, legal description and the Riverside County Assessor's Parcel
Number(APN).
2. Client's name, address and phone number.
3. Type of proposed development and number of lots.
4. Type of OWTS, i.e. conventional gravity, pumped, leach lines, seepage pits, etc.
5. Detailed description of the property including the following items:
a) Describe the corner stake locations in relation to other natural or manmade
landmarks on the property. Note: Riverside County Subdivision Ordinance 460,
Section 4.2 states: "Prior to filing a Tentative Map, the land developer shall place
a conspicuous stake identified with a number or corner description and flag
(brightly colored tape or ribbon) at each approximate corner of the property
proposed to be subdivided."
b) The PR shall be able to accurately locate the property to be tested and the
corner stakes shall be in place as noted above before any work is performed on
site. A durable sign, with the owner's or engineer's name along with the legal
description of the property must be placed in a conspicuous spot visible from the
street or street easement.
c) A general description of surface features which may interfere with the
placement or operation of the OWTS.
6. Contour Map
Tentative Subdivision and Parcel Maps shall have maximum contour intervals as follows:
Slope Interval
0-9% 5 foot maximum
10%or greater 10 foot maximum
Note: Copies of United States Geological Survey Maps are not acceptable for this
purpose.
13
7. Site Plan - Each lot site plan on the tentative map shall include the following features:
a) All intermittent or perennial, natural or artificial bodies of water or
watercourses.
b) All large trees and significant vegetation.
c) All existing structures.
d) All existing wells on or within 200 feet of the map boundaries.
e) Proposed or existing domestic water service lines or water mains.
f) All rock outcroppings.
g) Indicate where all tests and borings were performed and the identifying
markings on the corresponding field laths.
h) All tests and borings must be accurately dimensioned to the property lines.
8. Grading Plan
If grading plans are required, the plans must be designed by a Registered California Civil
Engineer and meet the requirements of the Riverside County Department of Building
and Safety.
If grading is contemplated, the PR noted above shall assume theoretical cuts and fills
and perform the tests and borings at the necessary depths. If the final grading exceeds
the testing PR's estimate by more than plus or minus 2 feet, an additional test may be
required.
The grading plans shall include any proposed cuts and/or fills in the area of the
proposed OWTS as well as indicate the proposed locations of both the primary and
expansion area for the OWTS.
9. Perc Test
A minimum of one perc test and one boring shall be performed on each lot within the
proposed land division. The tests must be conducted in the area where the systems will
be placed based on preliminary information at the time of the testing.
Prior to the commencement of the perc test, the PR shall give notification of the time
and place of the test to the Department at least two business days in advance. The
Department will issue a confirmation number to the PR which will serve as proof of this
notification. This confirmation number must be incorporated into the soils percolation
report on the cover sheet published by the PR. If the Department is not present at the
prescribed time that the test is to be conducted, the PR may proceed without the
Department representative being present. The testing, however, must be conducted in
conformance with these regulations. Refer to Chapter 3 for perc test procedure details
and requirements.
14
10. Minimum Lot Size Requirements
The Department has a minimum lot size requirement for lots proposed to be created
and developed based on the use of an OWTS. The minimum lot size for any subdivision
of property made pursuant to the Subdivision Map Act proposing to use OWTS shall not
be less than 0.5 acre, or less than 2.5 acres if also proposing individual domestic wells.
In proposed subdivisions where high ground water, steep slopes, or poor soil conditions
exist, or where there are significant impacts to ground water quality, any or all of the
following may be required: an increase in lot size, supplemental treatment, or other
mitigating measures as determined by the Department. Where zoning regulations
require greater lot sizes, those regulations shall take precedent.
Lots created prior to the implementation of this LAMP are not subject to the
aforementioned minimum lot size requirements, however they will be subject to the
design requirements of this LAMP. Existing and approved tentative tract maps are also
not subject to the aforementioned minimum lot size requirements, if they have received
an approved San 53 (see Chapter 7) from DEH AND have submitted a planning
application prior to the effective date of the LAMP.
Proposed subdivisions with more than 40 lots where the lot sizes are less than 2.5 acres
per lot shall provide for the extension or development of full public sewerage services to
be permitted by the Regional Water Quality Control Board.
Note: Areas of special concern will have additional requirements as specified in Chapter
13.
11. Preliminary Recommendations
Preliminary recommendations for each lot shall include, but not be limited to, the
following:
a) Design rate in minutes/inch converted to square feet/100 gallons of septic tank
capacity for leach lines, and/or in gallons per square foot converted to vertical
feet of seepage pit per 100 gallons of septic tank capacity (specify 5 or 6 foot
diameter) for both the primary and expansion systems.
b) Location of the systems.
Note: If possible, the septic tank should be located in the front yard. This helps
to accommodate servicing and facilitates an eventual connection to sewer if it
becomes available.
c) Depth of systems. Recommendations should correspond to depth of tests.
Maximum depth of leach line or pit should be stated. Effective sidewall of
seepage pit must correspond to testing depths.
d) Special designs, if necessary. Examples include additional separation of pits or
lines, amount of rock below line in excess of required code, chamber type line,
non-conventional pumped, advanced treatment, etc.
e) A statement as to whether or not there will be sufficient usable space available
on every lot - in addition to the areas set aside for the primary and expansion
15
systems-for the installation of swimming pools or other large structures.
12. The following declarations shall be incorporated into the conclusion section of the
OWTS report:
a) "Based on the data presented in this report and using the recommendations set
forth, it is the judgment of this professional that there is sufficient area on each
lot to support a primary and expansion OWTS that will meet the current
standards of the Department of Environmental Health and the OWTS Policy."
b) "The designed system shall be located in natural undisturbed soil at the depth of
the tests performed."
c) "The natural occurring body of minerals and organic matter at the proposed
wastewater disposal area contains earthen materials having more than 50% of
its volume composed of particles smaller than 0.08 inches (2 mm) in size."
d) "Based on the data presented in this report and the testing information
accumulated, it is the judgment of this professional that the groundwater table
will not encroach within the current allowable limits set forth in Chapter 11 of
this LAMP."
Note: When no groundwater is detected in the 15 foot boring, this
statement can be made with a reasonable amount of certainty.
However, when groundwater is present in the borehole it then becomes
necessary to demonstrate with additional facts and findings, why this
water level won't fluctuate to the point of encroachment. Failure to
explore the possibility that detected groundwater could interfere with
the OWTS, or violate the Regional Water Board's Basin Plan would not be
in keeping with good engineering practices.
Disclaimer:
County approval of a tract or parcel map, even after a preliminary review by the Department, is
no guarantee that an OWTS permit can be issued for an individual lot. Suitability for OWTS use
on a lot can only be determined by a full OWTS Report investigation of that lot.
16
CHAPTER 2—ONSITE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM REPORT FOR SINGLE LOTS
An Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) Report is required for design of an OWTS for
all single lot developments where sanitary sewer is not available. Construction permits for a
second single-family dwelling unit on the same parcel must comply with a minimum lot size
requirement of 0.5 acre per dwelling unit.
The OWTS Reports for single lots will only be accepted by the Department if they are prepared
by certain professionals. Only the grading engineer, who has expertise in designing onsite
wastewater systems or the Professional of Record (PR) who performed the actual Percolation
Test (Perc Test) can prepare the OWTS Report.The PR that prepares the report must possess at
least one of the following current and valid California registrations:
• Professional Engineer(PE)
• Professional Geologist (PG)
• Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS)
The Report shall include, but not be limited to the following:
1. Location of the land, legal description and the Riverside County Assessor's Parcel
Number(APN).
2. Client's name, address and phone number.
3. Type of proposed development and number of lots.
4. Types of OWTS, i.e. conventional gravity, pumped, leach lines, seepage pits, etc.
5. Detailed description of the property including the following items:
a) Describe the corner stake locations in relation to other natural or manmade
landmarks on the property.
b) The PR shall be able to accurately locate the property to be tested and the
corner stakes shall be in place as noted above before any work is performed on
site. A durable sign, with the owner's or engineer's name along with the legal
description of the property must be placed in a conspicuous spot visible from the
street or street easement.
c) A general description of surface features which may interfere with the
placement or operation of the OWTS.
6. Contour Map
Map shall have maximum contour intervals as follows:
Slope Interval
0-9% 5 foot maximum
10%or greater 10 foot maximum
Note: Copies of United States Geological Survey Maps are not acceptable for this
purpose.
7. Site Plan
a) Each single lot shall have a site plan.
b) The site plan shall be drawn to an engineering scale. (Typically 1"=20'or 1"=40').
17
c) The site plan will overlay the contoured map and include the following features.
i. All intermittent or perennial, natural, or artificial bodies of water or
watercourses.
ii. All large trees and significant vegetation.
iii. All existing structures on the lot.
iv. All proposed structures including driveways, patios, pools, sidewalks etc.
(number of bedrooms for homes).
v. All existing wells on or within 200 feet of the property boundaries.
vi. Proposed domestic water service lines, and proposed or existing water
mains.
vii. All rock outcroppings.
viii. Indicate where all tests and borings were performed on the property.
ix. All tests and borings must be accurately dimensioned to the property
lines.
x. Ornamental ponds.
xi. All known recorded easements on or within 20 feet of lot boundaries
(open space, utilities, etc.), or any other environmental constraints
assigned to the proposed map.
xii. A cross section that clearly calls out the elevations between the primary
systems components.
xiii. The elevation of the individual building pads in reference to the elevation
of the sewage system (i.e., tank inlet, D-Box inlet, and leach line or
seepage pit inlet).
xiv. Purpose of project (e.g., new dwelling, new structure, guesthouse,
addition, etc.).
8. Grading Plan
If grading is contemplated, the PR must assume theoretical cuts and fills and perform
the tests and borings at the necessary depths. If the final grading exceeds the testing
PR's estimate by more than plus or minus 2 feet, an additional test may be required.
The following information shall be shown on all grading plans:
a) The anticipated cuts and/or fills in the area of the proposed OWTS.
b) Both primary and expansion OWTS.
c) The elevation of the individual building pads in reference to the elevation of the
sewage system (i.e. tank inlet, D-Box inlet, leach line, or seepage pit inlet).
d) When the grading plan is prepared by other than the person preparing the OWTS
Report, the PR for the OWTS Report must use the finished grading contours as a
basis for his site plan (i.e., the site plan must incorporate the finish contours).
9. Perc Test
Leach fields require a minimum of four perc tests and one deep boring. Seepage pits
require a minimum of two perc tests and one deep boring.
The tests must be conducted on the lot in the area where the system will be proposed.
Prior to the commencement of the percolation tests, the PR shall notify the Department
18
of the time and place of the test at least two business days in advance. The Department
will issue a confirmation number to the PR which will serve as proof of this notification.
This confirmation number must be incorporated into the soils percolation report on the
cover sheet published by the PR. If the Department is not present at the prescribed time
that the test is to be conducted, the PR may proceed without the Department
representative being present. The testing, however, must be conducted in conformance
with these regulations. Refer to Chapter 3 for Perc Test procedure details and
requirement.
Note: A perc test may not be required in sandy soil areas (rates faster than 10 minutes
per inch) and where there is a known 40 foot separation to groundwater.
10. Design recommendations including but not limited to the following:
a) Design rate in minutes/inch converted to square feet/100 gallons of septic tank
capacity for leach lines, and/or in gallons per square foot converted to vertical
feet of pit per 100 gallons of septic tank capacity (specify 5 or 6 foot diameter)
for seepage pits, for both the primary and expansion systems.
b) The location of the systems.
Note: If possible, the septic tank should be located in the front yard. This helps
to accommodate servicing and facilitates an eventual connection to sewer if it
becomes available.
c) Depth of systems. Recommendations should correspond to depth of tests.
Maximum depth of leach line or pit should be stated. Effective sidewall of
seepage pit must correspond to testing depths.
d) Special design, if necessary. For example, additional separation of pits or lines,
amount of rock below line in excess of required code, chamber type line, non-
conventional pumped, advanced treatment, etc.
e) Conclusions. The following declarations shall be included in the conclusion
section of the OWTS Report:
i. "Based on the data presented in this report and using the
recommendations set forth, it is the judgment of this professional that
there is sufficient area on each lot to support a primary and expansion
OWTS that will meet the current standards of the Department of
Environmental Health and the Regional Water Board."
ii. "The designed system shall be located in natural undisturbed soil at the
depth of the tests performed."
iii. "The natural occurring body of minerals and organic matter at the
proposed wastewater disposal area contains earthen materials having
more that 50% of its volume composed of particles smaller than 0.08
inches (2 mm) in size."
iv. "Based on the data presented in this report and the testing information
accumulated, it is the judgment of this professional that the groundwater
table will not encroach within the current allowable limits set forth in
Chapter 11 of this LAMP."
Note: When no groundwater is detected in the 15 foot boring, this
19
statement can be made with a reasonable amount of certainty. However
when groundwater is present in the borehole it then becomes necessary
to demonstrate with additional facts and findings, why this water level
won't fluctuate to the point of encroachment. Failure to explore the
possibility that detected groundwater could interfere with the OWTS, or
violate the Regional Water Board's Basin Plan would not be in keeping
with good engineering practices.
20
CHAPTER 3—PERCOLATION TESTING PROCEDURES
Percolation testing shall be conducted only by individuals trained and educated to perform,
understand and evaluate the field conditions and tests as they relate to OWTS. This would
include those with experience in OWTS design and holding one of the following State of
California credentials and registrations: PE, PG or REHS. The Department will only approve the
percolation test(perc test) method described in this Chapter.
Prior to the commencement of the perc test, the Professional of Record (PR) shall give
notification of the time and place of the test to the Department at least two business days in
advance so that Department staff can observe the testing. The Department will issue a
confirmation number to the PR which will serve as proof of this notification. This confirmation
number must be incorporated into the soils percolation report on the cover sheet published by
the PR. If the Department is not present at the prescribed time that the test is to be conducted,
the PR may proceed without the Department representative being present. The testing
however must be conducted in conformance with these regulations.
When the perc test has been completed, a 3 foot long surveyor's stake shall be flagged with
highly visible banner tape and placed in the location of the test indicating date, test number as
shown on the field data sheet, and firm performing the test.
Information to be Included in the Percolation Report
1. Date of testing.
2. Type of equipment used to construct the boreholes, such as backhoe, hollow stem
auger, etc.
3. Delineation of any special calculations such as gravel correction factor(if used).
4. Test results shall be provided in tabular format showing the following: Test number,
rate in minutes/inch and square feet per 100 gallons of septic tank capacity for leach
lines and/or rate in gallons per square foot per day for seepage pits., depth of test and
soils classification. Refer to Appendix I for sample test forms.
5. Field perc test data including date, time of day, presoak description, and location of hole
with respect to property lines or other landmarks.
6. Results of exploratory trench or deep boring.
7. Statement of sewer availability.
Standard Perc Test Procedures for Leach Lines
1. Test hole opening shall be between 8 and 12 inches in diameter or between 7 and 11
inches on side if square.
2. The depth of the hole shall correspond to the depth of the proposed leach line trench.
3. The bottom of the test hole shall be covered with 2 inches of gravel.
4. To pre-soak, invert a full 5 gallon bottle of clear water supported over the hole so that
the water flow into the hole holds constant at least 8 inches above the gravel at the
bottom of the hole. Testing shall commence after all of the water has percolated
through the test hole or after 15 hours has elapsed since initiating the pre-soak.
21
5. The sides of the hole shall remain undisturbed (not smeared) after drilling and any
cobbles encountered left in place.
Additional Testing for Critical Areas for Leach Line Design
Deep perc test procedures shall be used where an impermeable strata has been encountered.
The PR shall demonstrate that an impermeable strata (i.e. bedrock, etc.) condition does not
exist within a distance of 8 feet below the proposed leach line trench bottom. These standards
allow the PR to demonstrate conformance with this criterion by testing to ensure that the
impermeability at this depth does not exceed 120 minutes per inch.
In critical areas, the PR shall perform two additional percolation tests at a depth of 8 feet below
the trench bottom. In preparation for the testing, 10 gallons of water must be used to presoak
each of these two test borings. The pre-soak period is not to extend beyond 48 hours and
testing must commence as soon as practicable after all water has drained, or at the most 48
hours. For these deep perc tests, measurements shall be taken at 30 minute intervals over a 6
hour period. The location of the test borings must be in the area on the site where the system
will ultimately be placed.
If partially decomposed, or unaltered rock or shale materials are encountered in the site trench,
the PR will evaluate any fissuring (extent and orientation), and make a conclusive statement
addressing the ability of the underlying materials to accept and effectively convey the hydraulic
loading from the system and the seasonal average rainfall.
Perc Test Measurements for Leach Line Design
In sandy soils when two consecutive measurements show that 6 inches of water seeps away in
less than 25 minutes, the test shall be run for an additional hour with measurements taken
every ten minutes. The drop that occurs during the final ten minutes should be used to
calculate the percolation rate. Field data must include the 2 — 25 minute readings and the 6 —
10 minute readings.
In non-sandy soils, if all of the water has percolated either while the tester is present or after 15
hours, remove the bottle and add water until the level is 6 inches above the gravel at the
bottom of the test hole. Obtain a minimum of six measurements per hole within 6 hours with a
precision of at least 0.25 inches. Refill to 6 inches over the top of the gravel after each
measurement. Intervals between readings shall be not less than 30 minutes. The drop that
occurs during the final reading should be used to calculate the percolation rate. To assure
saturated conditions, if no water remains in the hole after the initial soaking, testing must start
no later than 26 hours after that soaking.
The field results are to be reported in minutes per inch (minutes/inch). This then corresponds
to the leach line trench bottom area in square feet for every 100 gallons of septic tank capacity.
The conversion is provided in Table 3.1.
22
TABLE 3.1
Minutes/ Minimum Sq. Ft. Minutes/ Minimum Sq. Ft.
Inch per 100 Gallons Inch per 100 Gallons
0-9 20 26-27 60
10-11 25 28-30 65
12-13 30 31-32 70
14-16 35 33-37 80
17-18 40 38-43 90
19-20 45 44-48 100
21-23 50 50-54 110
24-25 55 55-60 120
Maximum rate allowed is 60 minutes per inch.
Perc Test Procedures for Seepage Pit Design
1. Borehole diameter shall be either 6 inch or 8 inch only. No other diameter test holes
will be accepted.
2. The test depth shall be at the intended depth of the seepage pit. No pits will be allowed
shallower than 10 ft. below inlet or deeper than 40 ft. below ground surface.
3. Fill the hole with clear water to a maximum depth of 4 feet below the surface of the
ground or if grading cuts are anticipated, to the depth of the assumed inlet of the
proposed seepage pit.
Perc Test Measurements for Seepage Pit Design
1. All holes shall be pre-soaked for 24 hours unless the site consists of sandy soils
containing little or no clay. If sandy soils exist and the water on two consecutive
readings seeps away faster than half the wetted depth in 25 minutes or less, the tests
may then be run after a 2 hour pre-soak.
2. Except in sandy soils, the percolation rate measurement shall be made on the day
following the pre-soak procedure. Adjust water to the proposed inlet depth. From a
fixed reference point, measure the drop in water level over a 30 minute period for at
least 6 hours, refilling after every 30 minute reading. The total depth of hole must be
measured at every reading to verify that collapse of the borehole has not occurred.
3. In sandy soils, the time interval between measurements shall be 10 minutes and the test
run for 1 hour. This does not include the two consecutive fillings that are part of the pre-
soak.
23
The seepage pit percolation rate shall be calculated in the following manner:
Q= (F/T) X (Dx9) Or Q= (R)(D)(9)
L(Avg.) L(Avg.)
Where R=F/Tin Ft/Hr.
a) Q= Rate in gallons/sq. ft. of sidewall per day of septic tank effluent.
b) F = Drop during time interval in feet.
c) T=Time interval in hours.
d) D= Diameter of hole in feet.
e) L (Avg.) = Average wetted depth during time interval in feet. Minimum depth is
10 feet.
The seepage pit depths (below the inlet) for 5 ft. and 6 ft. diameter pits are
derived from the rate (Q) in the following manner:
i. Total depth required for a 5 ft. diameter pit below the inlet = Septic Tank
Capacity. /Q x 15.7 (where 15.7 is the circumstance in feet of a 5 foot
diameter pit).
ii. Total depth required for a 6 ft. diameter pit below the inlet = Septic Tank
Capacity. /Q x 18.8 (where 18.8 is the circumstance in feet of a 6 foot
diameter pit).
iii. The recommended effective sidewall of the seepage pit must correspond
to the testing depths.
iv. Rate allowed is 1.1< Q<4.0.
Refer to the Appendices for example field test forms for seepage pits.
Exploratory Trench or Deep Borings
This procedure is used in addition to the standard perc test. An exploratory trench or boring is
an excavation or hole drilled in the area of the proposed OWTS. It will be used to provide
additional information including: type of soil, soil moisture, depth of the water table, perched
or otherwise, rock or impervious soil.
The excavation or boring must extend to a minimum depth of 10 feet below the bottom of the
proposed system to determine if the depths of the water table, bedrock, or impervious soils
(percolation rate of greater than 120 minutes per inch), and whether they encroach within the
allowable limits. However, the minimum depth of any boring is 15 feet below ground surface,
or stated refusal. The PR must address all refusals encountered. If water is found, refer to
Chapter 4 for additional testing requirements.
For the Department to verify absence of or presence of ground water within the 15 foot boring
or excavation, a 4 inch perforated PVC pipe shall be left in place. The excavation or boring with
the pipe installed can be back filled. The pipe should be secured to prevent damage or
vandalism.
24
CHAPTER 4—SPECIAL TESTING FOR HIGH GROUNDWATER OR PERCHED WATER AREAS
The presence of high groundwater can negatively impact the operation of an OWTS. The
elevated groundwater can cause the system to fail and significantly degrade the surrounding
groundwater quality that other utilities use as a source of drinking water. In order to determine
if groundwater has impacted the site, special testing may be required when groundwater is
encountered within 12 feet of ground surface and less than 80 percent of the annual seasonal
rainfall has occurred. The special testing is also required where high ground water would be
anticipated, such as in the following areas: near drainage courses, streams, bodies of standing
water, and areas of shallow bedrock that allow rapid fluctuating perched water due to water
entrapments and poor permeability. The special testing will be used to confirm if groundwater
has indeed impacted the site and could preclude the use of a conventional OWTS.
Special Testing Procedures:
An excavation is to be dug with a backhoe or bucket rig capable of allowing access for visual
inspection by a qualified individual experienced at evaluating the soil strata for visual signs of
mottling and other geological signs to determine historic high ground water levels. The
Professional of Record (PR) shall give the Department notice of when the excavation will be
open for observation. The presence of mottled soil is marked with spots, blotches or
contrasting color which is usually caused by saturation for some period during a normal year,
unless it has been artificially drained. (If the site has been artificially drained, contact this
Department for further evaluation.) This method has been used for many years as a reliable
indicator of groundwater encroachment. Refer to the end of this chapter for a description of
the cause of soil mottling development.
Mottling can be described in terms of abundance, size and contrast which are delineated
below:
Abundance: Few—Occupy less than 2%of the exposed surface.
Common—Occupy from 2—20%of the exposed surface.
Many—Occupy more than 20%of the exposed surface.
Size: Fine—Less than 1/5 inch in diameter along the greatest dimension.
Medium—From 1/5 to 3/5 inch diameter along the greatest dimension.
Coarse—Greater than 3/5 inch diameter along the greatest dimension.
Contrast: Faint—Evident but recognizable only with close examination.
Distinct—Not striking but readily seen.
Prominent—Obvious and one of the outstanding features of the horizon.
If soil mottling is found, a conventional system typically cannot be used at this site. Contact
your PR to determine the best course of action.
25
******************************************************************************
Special Section
Mottled Soil Development
With ambient temperatures above 40°F, two basic types of bacteria are the agents which
decompose or oxidize organic matter in the soil. Aerobic bacteria are the primary agents as
long as there is some air present in the soil. As infiltrating water and/or a rise in groundwater
fills the air spaces (voids) saturating the soil, air is excluded and anaerobic bacteria become the
primary decomposers. They utilize insoluble manganese and iron compounds that are present
in the soil instead of air. Chemical reactions occur causing manganese and iron ions to be
liberated from the otherwise insoluble oxide and hydroxide compounds and begin to flow
through the soil solutions. Since this action drains iron ions, a color reduction occurs in those
areas tending to turn them gray or white. When these ions again encounter oxygen in aerated
pores, they immediately recombine with air to form yellow, orange and rust colored
concentrations. Manganese ions are re-oxidized and form black concentrations. If this process
has prevailed for significant periods over recent geologic past, the resulting mottled soil colors
can be quite readily observed. Hence, this historic recording of saturation in the soil can be
used to estimate the groundwater level expected to occur during a near normal spring season.
Experience has shown that this level can be predicted quite accurately at most sites.
26
CHAPTER 5 — DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR CONVENTIONAL ONSITE WASTEWATER
TREATMENT SYSTEMS(OWTS)
No person shall erect, construct, rebuild, convert or alter any plumbing system designed for the
discharge or disposal of sewage or sewage effluent unless written approval for such purpose is
obtained from the Department.
Basic Requirements of OWTS Design
1. There shall be a minimum of 5 feet of undisturbed soil between groundwater and the
leach lines. A minimum of 10 feet of soil shall be between groundwater and the bottom
of a seepage pit.
2. No conventional OWTS shall be allowed in an area where the separation to groundwater
is less than 5 feet from the bottom of the leach line trench. Shallow groundwater levels
can be determined as described in Chapter 4 and/or seasonal rainfall per Ord. 650.
3. There shall be a minimum of 8 feet of soil between the bottom of the system and
impermeable strata. Impermeable strata shall be defined as any soil strata, fractured
rock or bedrock, weathered or non-weathered, that has a percolation rate in excess of
120 minutes per inch.
4. The soil in the area of the OWTS shall not have a percolation rate slower than 60
minutes per inch for leach lines or 1.1 gallons per square foot of sidewall/day for
seepage pits.
5. If the percolation rates are faster than 5 minutes per inch for leach lines or 10 gallons
per sq. foot per day for seepage pits, the soil depths required in Section 1 above must
contain at least 10% fines smaller than 0.08 millimeters (fit through a #200 sieve). A
minimum of a 40 foot separation between the bottom of the OWTS and the high
groundwater table must be maintained if the fines percentage requirement is not met.
This assumes that at some depth above high groundwater there exists 5 feet (for leach
lines) or 10 feet (for seepage pits) of soil that has enough fines (#200 sieve) to meet the
above requirement.
6. Where soils consist of greater than 10% rock fragments (cobbles, stones and gravel), the
dispersal system area shall be increased in proportion to the percent of rock fragments
to compensate for the lost treatment volume.
7. All OWTS shall be designed so that additional dispersal areas equivalent to at least 100%
of the required original system be provided on the plot plan. This is called the expansion
area.
8. Dispersal systems, except for seepage pits, shall not exceed a maximum depth of 10 feet
as measured from the ground surface to the bottom of the trench.
9. Where liquid waste contains fats, oils, and/or grease that affect the OWTS, a grease
interceptor for such waste shall be installed and sized according to the current edition of
the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC).
Septic Tank Design
All septic tanks shall be in conformance with the current edition of the UPC. The tank shall be
equipped with at least two risers: one at the solids side and the other on the effluent side. For
27
septic tanks which are 2,000 gallons or larger, the solids side shall be equipped with at least two
risers. All risers shall extend to within 4 inches of final grade with access openings of at least 20
inches in diameter, watertight and secured to prevent unauthorized access.
Tanks shall also be equipped with effluent filters to prevent solids in excess of three-sixteenths
(3/16) of an inch in diameter from passing to the dispersal system. Septic tanks that use
National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)/American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard 46
certified septic tank filter at the final point of effluent discharge from the OWTS and prior to the
dispersal system shall be deemed to meet this requirement.
The liquid capacity of the septic tank shall conform to UPC Tables H2.1 or H2.1(1) as
determined by the number of bedrooms or apartment units in dwelling occupancies, and the
estimated waste/sewage design flow rate or the number of plumbing fixture units as
determined from UPC Table 702.1, whichever is greater in other building occupancies.
Guidelines for Determining the Number of Bedrooms
1. Once the living room, dining room, family room, kitchen, bathrooms, and utility rooms
have been established, all other rooms shall be considered as potential sleeping rooms.
Dens, libraries, studies, weight rooms, sewing rooms, workshops, etc., shall be
determined as bedrooms.
2. All other habitable rooms totaling at least seventy (70) square feet in size are to be
considered bedrooms suitable for sleeping purposes, regardless of whether or not they
contain closets or have access to a bathroom.
3. Rooms that open to a living room, dining room, family room, kitchen, or entry way, and
have a single, un-obstructive opening (no doors) with a minimum 50% opening of the
total wall space (minimum 6' wide) with archways or other acceptable means shall not
be considered as bedrooms.
4. Rooms that can only be accessed through another bedroom are to be considered part of
that bedroom, such as master suite and not an additional bedroom.
5. In the case of an ambiguous situation, where it is not clear as to whether or not a room
is a bedroom,the plans may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Department.
6. Any cases, which will require the relocation or modification of doorways, are to be
reviewed and approved by Building and Safety to address any structural considerations
such as load bearing walls. This is to be done prior to approval or sign-off by the
Department.
Note: Septic tank size using the estimated waste/sewage flow rates should be calculated as
follows:
1. Waste/sewage flow up to 1,500 gallons/day(5,677.5 L/day)
Septic tank size =Waste/sewage flow x 1.5
2. Waste/sewage flows over 1,500 gallons/day(5,677.5 L/day)
Septic tank size = Waste flow x 0.75 + 1,125
28
Absorption System General Design
The required square feet of leaching area for either a seepage or leach system shall be based on
the calculated septic tank capacity. For every gallon of septic tank capacity required,there is an
equivalent square foot of leaching area required based on the soil rate. The maximum septic
tank size and its absorption system are limited by the following table:
Table 5.1
Leach Lines: Seepage Pits: Maximum Septic Tank Size
Sq. Ft./ 100 gallons Q=Gallons/Square Foot/Day Allowable (Gallons)
25 4 7500
40 3.2 5000
90 2.5 3500
120 1.11 3000
Leaching Beds
Where leaching beds are proposed, the area of the bed shall be at least 50% greater than the
requirements for trenches. Distribution drain lines in leaching beds shall not be more than 6
feet apart on centers, and no part of the perimeter of the leaching bed shall be more than 3
feet from a distribution drain line. When "chamber" type units are proposed, the Department
will allow a 20% reduction when calculating the required leach bed bottom area.
Leach or Drain Line Design
The leach line disposal field shall be constructed as follows:
Table 5.2
1. Minimum number of drain lines per field 1
2. Maximum length of each line 100 feet
3. Bottom width of trench 36 inches
4. Minimum spacing of lines center to center 7 feet
5. Minimum depth of earth cover over lines 12 inches
6. Preferred depth of cover of lines 18 inches
7. Minimum filter material over drain lines 2 inches
8. Perforated pipe or"chamber" shall be laid level and with the end of the line capped
9. Each leach line trench must be separated by sufficient natural and undisturbed soil
Sidewall Calculations for Leach Line and Leach Bed Design
This Department will allow the use of side wall calculations for leach line design with the
following stipulations:
1. Percolation tests must be performed at the proposed bottom of the trench.
2. Boring depth must be extended proportionately to allow for increased leach line
depth.
3. The effective application area shall increase by 2 square feet of bottom area for each
additional foot of rock in excess of the required 1 foot of rock below the bottom of
29
the drain line. Total depth of rock shall not exceed 3 feet.
4. The horizontal separation distance between any two adjacent leach lines must be
increased by 1 foot (greater than the existing 7 foot center to center requirement) for
each additional foot of rock greater than the minimum 1 foot.
5. No system shall have a total trench bottom area less than 150 sq. ft.
Table 5.3 lists the allowance for sidewall calculations:
Table 5.3
Sidewall Calculation Allowances
Depth of Rock Below Square Foot of Bottom Area per
Leach Line Linear Foot of 3 Foot Wide Trench
1 foot of rock 3 Sq. Feet
2 foot of rock 5 Sq. Feet
3 foot of rock 7 Sq. Feet
Leach Line Installation on or Near Slopes
Any portion of the disposal field shall maintain a 15 foot horizontal distance from daylight (or
side of slope) to any portion of the leach line or leach bed. Table 5.4 gives the minimum cover
allowed and depth of testing versus the percent of slope in the area of the disposal field to
meet the 15 foot requirement. This table also gives a factor by which to increase the square
foot of bottom area due to the loss in transpiration caused by the added cover overburden.
Note: No system shall be installed in slopes greater than 30% without a slope stability report
approved by a registered professional.
Note: The minimum depth of test required due to percent (%) slope of natural ground does not
take into account leach line designs utilizing 2 feet or 3 feet of rock underneath leach line pipe.
The Professional of Record must increase the required test depth to accommodate for the use
of 2 feet or 3 feet of rock.
Table 5.4
Leach Line Overburden Factor
Slope of natural ground in Minimum cover Minimum depth of Overburden
area of disposal system (%) over lines/ bed (ft.) test required (ft.) Factor
5% 1 3 1.0
10% 1.5 3 1.0
15% 2.25 4 1.0
20% 3 4 1.0
25% 3.75 5 1.1
30% 4.5 6 1.2
35% 5.25 7 1.3
40% 6 8 1.4
45% 7.0 9 1.5
30
Serial Distribution (Step Dam System)
On steep slopes, leach lines or leach beds shall be stepped to prevent excessive line slope. The
lines between each horizontal section shall be made with watertight joints and shall be
designed so each horizontal leaching trench or bed shall be utilized to the maximum capacity
before the effluent passes to the next lower leach line or bed. The lines between each
horizontal leaching section may be installed on natural or unfilled ground. Step dam systems
are generally required on slopes greater than 20%. See Figures 5.1-5.3.
Figure 5.1
--f i
-...qh, • \ ; 1 0.4.4 4,4_ ,.__ I
.;,"'�'R ssta
r
�� �� /, vr+a,�rv,..
v�, ' t•,,
orgok
, .......__________
,_,____:,
, :,, 1,k)4,
Step Dam With Plastic Chambers(Conflauratlon#1) t ,
Minimum Slope
31
Figure 5.2
`^ 15 PUT '
met
_ ter♦\� e l<.
77
-----`181;S6 w"N• lit i .. t,, %., .
f.f ,jr !� r l ' L • i
"If* .)P7061.: 0 . '
��4 , E
/ �44 r. — .v aKevdfNRD� 4
.• ----. . 'tli 1
Sbo Dam With Mitotic Chambers(ConFlaumSon021 j'�l ._ i ,,t t
Minimum Slope—20%5.X 5 35% /i rIll, 1 �$ 1
i
•
Figure 5.3
. .
,.err
__ .
'r"' .... Y►
j
u-. 7.
s r .all «Y �' _ Jt �r i.
-...,..„4 9, , 4k,"„ ir oir" 1Pie ik:--
w {.
'•
Coon Sqa Dam Conllatoarion
1) Elbow
2) Concrete Own
3) 1b feet minimum horizontal setback to daylight
4) 4'minimum rods in-between leach line pipe and fitter paper
5) 12"minimum rock underneath Hach line pipe
6) Cofer/later solid pipe(schedule 40 abs or 4'aa*m standard sewer pipe)
7) Tight Joint
8) Minimum Slope—20%<X<35%
32
Slope Leach Line Installation—With the Slope
On moderate slopes where the system is installed with the slope, dams (natural or man-made)
must be provided at each step down as shown in Figure 5.4.
Figure 5.4
u r 1i VARIES WITH SLOPE
115 ft MINIMUMI0 �.. .
' !'r�' .a' lty~ .� • 1 '• r,T`a"T+r...� 4 •1 �NOTE: THE PIPE THROUGH
t • • ' • DAM ` ' • ' ' ••" THE DAM SECTION IS TO
�•
� • • I ., ' BE A TIGHT LINE.
' • .. .«l:s::.Ci r
• • • • • • •• • • .
MINIMUM 2 ft UNDISTURBED SOIL
OR 6 inches of CONCRETE
Driveways
Leach lines shall not be installed under driveways, paved or unpaved. Seepage pits may be
installed beneath driveways provided they are fitted with traffic rated lids.
Seepage Pit Design
Seepage pits shall be constructed as follows:
1. Each seepage pit shall be circular in shape and shall have an excavated diameter of not
less than five feet.
2. Each pit shall be lined with precast concrete circular sections.
3. Each seepage pit shall have a minimum sidewall of 10 feet below the inlet with a
maximum total depth of 40 feet below ground surface, unless approved by the
Department.
4. The lid of the seepage pit must be at least 18 inches but no more than 4 feet below the
surface of the ground.
5. The horizontal distance from a seepage pit to the top of a cut bank shall be equal to 5
times the vertical height of the bank or 25 feet, whichever is less.
6. A minimum 6 inch annulus filled with clean 3/4 inch gravel shall be provided between the
pit structure and the excavation wall. Slag is acceptable if it is clean and uniformly sized
at% inch.
Setbacks
The OWTS must be setback from certain structures and features to help ensure public safety
33
and proper functioning of the system. Table 5.5 delineates setbacks from septic tanks, disposal
fields and seepage pits. Watercourses require special consideration.
Table 5.5
Minimum Horizontal Separations for Subsurface Sewage Disposal
Minimum Horizontal Septic Tank Disposal Field Seepage Pit
Distance From:
Building or Structure" 5 feet 8 feet 8 feet
Property Line Adjoining 5 feet 5 feet 8 feet
Private Property
Water Wells/Monitoring 100 feet 100 feet 150 feet
Wells
Public Water Wells 150 feet 150 feet 200 feet
Trees(greater than 10 10 feet 10 feet
inches in diameter)
Seepage Pits 5 feet 5 feet 12 feet
Disposal Field 5 feet 4 feet 5 feet
On Site Domestic Water 5 feet 5 feet 5 feet
Service Linea
Distribution Box --- 5 feet 5 feet
Pressure Public Water 10 feet 10 feet 10 feet
Main Line
Flood Plain/ 100 Year Refer to Current Refer to Current Refer to Current
Flood Zone UPC UPC UPC
'Building or structure includes porches and steps, whether covered or uncovered, breezeways,
roofed porte-cocheres, roofed patios, carports, covered walks, covered driveways and similar
structures or appurtenances.
2All drainage piping shall clear domestic water supply wells by at least 50 feet. This distance
may be reduced to not less than 25 feet when the drainage piping is constructed of materials
approved for use within a building.
3Water pipes crossing sewer piping shall be laid a minimum of 12 inches above that sewer pipe.
Public Water System Surface Water Intake Point
Where the effluent dispersal system is within 1,200 feet from a public water systems' surface water
intake point, within the catchment of the drainage, and located such that it may impact water
quality at the intake point such as upstream of the intake point for flowing water bodies, the
dispersal system shall be no less than 400 feet from the high water mark of the reservoir, lake or
flowing water body.
Where the effluent dispersal system is located more than 1,200 feet but less than 2,500 feet from a
34
public water systems' surface water intake point, within the catchment area of the drainage, and
located such that it may impact water quality at the intake point such as upstream of the intake
point for flowing water bodies, the dispersal system shall be no less than 200 feet from the high
water mark of the reservoir, lake or flowing water body.
Watercourses
Watercourses, for purposes of determining setbacks from OWTS, have been separated into four
main categories which are defined as follows:
1. OWTS Policy Tier 3. This category includes properties within 600 feet of a Clean Water
Act Section 303(d) impaired water body for nitrogen or pathogens. New or replacement
OWTS for these properties must meet Tier 3 default requirements in Chapter 10 of the
OWTS policy.
2. Colorado River. This category includes the main stem Colorado River and all adjacent
watercourses, oxbows, marshes, etc. See Table 5.6.
Table 5.6
Setbacks from Colorado River
Septic tank 100 feet
Leach line 150 feet
Leach bed 150 feet
Seepage pit 600 feet
3. Major Streams and Springs. This category includes watercourses such as the Santa Ana
River, Strawberry Creek, San Jacinto River, Murrieta Creek, etc. Major streams have
surface flows year round during most years. See Table 5.7.
Table 5.7
Setbacks from Major Streams and Springs
Septic tank 100 feet
Leach line 100 feet
Leach bed 100 feet
Seepage pit 150 feet
4. Ephemeral Streams. These watercourses lose their surface flows at times during most
years, but may still have significant underflows. Significant underflow is usually
evidenced by lush vegetative growth at the streambed during the drier months of the
year. See Table 5.8.
35
Table 5.8
Setbacks from Ephemeral Streams
Septic tank 25 feet
Leach line 50 feet
Leach bed 50 feet
Seepage pit 100 feet
5. Drainage Courses. These watercourses include: ephemeral streams with little or no
underflow during dry periods, eroded channels, unlined drainage channels, swales,
gullies, ravines, dry creek beds, etc. See Table 5.9.
Table 5.9
Setbacks from Drainage Courses
Septic tank 15 feet
Leach line 15 feet
Leach bed 15 feet
Seepage pit 15 feet
6. Vernal Pools, Wetlands, Lakes, and Ponds. OWTS components and dispersal systems
shall be setback at least 200 feet from these water bodies unless advanced treatment or
other mitigation measures are utilized.
All setback measurements for watercourses are to be taken from outer edge of the "high water
mark" of the watercourse.
Notes: Not every watercourse will fit neatly into one of these categories. When there is some
doubt as to how to properly categorize a watercourse, the setback requirement should be
determined based on a joint field investigation by the Department and the Professional of
Record.
36
CHAPTER 6—ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT,GRAYWATER,AND HOLDING TANKS
Alternative Treatment Systems
Many lots that are desirable for development are unsuited for conventional septic systems as
defined in Riverside County Ordinance 650 due to soil conditions and/or groundwater issues.
Alternative Treatment Systems, also referred to as ATUs, are used to overcome specific site
constraints generally having to do with high ground water or shallow soils, and provide the
additional treatment that will not be provided in the soil.
As required by Ord. 650, all ATUs are subject to an annual renewable operating permit (ROP)
issued by the Department and subject to inspections. A right of entry agreement and the
requirement for maintaining an ROP shall be recorded on the property deed.
ATU Design Criteria
1. All supplemental treatment components of an ATU must be certified by the National
Sanitation Foundation (NSF) to meet the minimum requirements of NSF Standard 40
and must meet the performance conditions established by this Department and the
Regional Water Board. ATUs utilizing nitrogen reduction components shall achieve a
minimum 50 percent nitrogen reduction, when comparing the 30-day average influent
concentration to the 30-day average effluent concentration.
2. Percolation testing, soil depth evaluations and groundwater elevation determinations
shall be performed by a Professional of Record (PR). Percolation testing will be
performed at the proposed installation depth of the dispersal field and shall follow the
procedures stated in Chapter 3 of this LAMP.
3. Treated effluent from all ATUs shall be discharged to a subsurface dispersal system
consisting of leach lines, seepage pits, or pressurized drip dispersal systems.
4. System sizing for dispersal systems that utilize leach lines or seepage pits shall be the
same as those used for conventional OWTS.
5. Pressurized drip dispersal systems shall be designed and installed per the
manufacturer's recommendations.
6. A minimum 2 feet of soil must separate the bottom of the ATU dispersal system from
impermeable strata or the highest anticipated level to which groundwater could be
expected to rise.
7. The ATU shall be equipped with a visual and audible alarm that alert the
owner/occupant of system malfunctions.
8. Site plans must include detailed specifications of the components of the proposed ATU.
Construction Requirements for Drip Dispersal Systems
The construction requirements for dispersal systems consisting of leach lines and seepage pit
systems can be found in the specific chapters in this LAMP for those systems. The construction
requirements for pressurized drip dispersal systems shall be as follows.
1. Drip dispersal systems must be installed by a Qualified Service Provider (QSP) trained
on the specific system proposed, and installed according to the PR's specifications for
location, components, size, and depth.
37
2. The natural soil cover over a drip dispersal system shall be at least 9 inches but no
greater than 12 inches.
3. The area of the drip dispersal system shall be planted with appropriate vegetation to
allow for uptake of nutrients from the wastewater.
4. The drip dispersal system shall be designed and maintained to reduce orifice clogging
and root intrusion.
5. The drip dispersal system shall be designed, located and maintained to prevent
vehicular traffic over it.
6. The setbacks required between drip dispersal systems and other components of the
OWTS as well as structures, property lines, easements, watercourses, wells, or grading
shall be the same as required for leach lines.
7. Drip dispersal systems are pressure distribution systems and head loss calculations shall
be provided to ensure proper hydraulic pressure at the emitter.
8. Drip dispersal system emitter lines shall be designed as a continuous loop circuit with
no dead-ends. Vacuum release valves shall be installed at the highpoint of the emitter
lines.
9. The maximum emitter longitudinal spacing on an emitter line shall be 2 feet. The
maximum spacing between adjacent emitter lines in an absorption bed configuration
shall be 2 feet.
10. Drip dispersal systems shall be time dosed over a 24-hour period. Demand control
dosing shall override timed dosing in periods of flow where timed dosing cannot
accommodate the excessive flow.
11. All drip dispersal systems shall incorporate a mechanism for backwashing or flushing
the drip lines and filters.
12. All components shall be certified in writing by the PR who designed the system that the
installation was completed per the approved design.
Operation and Maintenance
1. All ATUs require an annual operating permit issued by this Department as required by
Ordinance 650.
2. All ATU owners must maintain a service agreement with a QSP trained by the
manufacturer.
3. All ATUs require, at a minimum, an annual inspection by the QSP to ensure proper
operation and maintenance of the system. The QSP shall provide copies of the
inspection results to this Department within 45 days of the date of inspection.
4. Failure to maintain an annual operating permit and/or provide the annual inspection
report to this Department may result in enforcement action as specified in Ordinance
650.
Graywater Systems
Graywater is defined in the California Plumbing Code as untreated water that has not been
contaminated with any toilet discharge. Graywater includes wastewater from bathtubs,
showers, bathroom washbasins, clothes washing machines, and laundry tubs, but does not
include wastewater from kitchen sinks or dishwashers. No plumbing connection deemed by the
38
Department of having the potential of carrying toilet waste will be allowed to connect to a
graywater system.
All graywater systems (Clothes Washer System, Simple System, Complex System) shall be
designed pursuant to the most current edition of the California Plumbing Code and shall be
designed for underground effluent dispersal only. No surface discharge of graywater is
permitted. The capacity of an OWTS shall not be reduced or otherwise affected by the
existence or proposed installation of a graywater system servicing the premises.
Holding Tanks
A holding tank is defined in Ordinance 650 as a sewage facility, of a temporary nature, that has
no means of discharge. It requires periodic maintenance and shall have a renewable operating
permit issued by the Department.
If approval to utilize an OWTS has been denied, a holding tank may be approved provided that
the sewering agency which serves the area agrees in writing to the installation of a holding tank
and the following conditions are met:
1. A holding tank may be approved for a period not to exceed two years from the date of
approval. A "will-serve" letter from the sewering agency for the area shall be submitted
which indicates the site will be provided sewer service within the two year period. An
extension of the two year connection requirement may be granted for cause. The final
approval of the extension rests solely on the Department.
2. The sewering agency for the area assumes responsibility for the operation and
maintenance of the holding tank.
3. No wholesale or retail food facilities shall use a holding tank.
4. When a sewer line becomes available, abandonment of the holding tank in the manner
approved by the Department is required. Abandonment and connection to the sanitary
sewer shall occur within sixty (60) calendar days of sewer availability.
5. A holding tank may be approved as a replacement system for an existing residence
when an OWTS is not feasible if approved in writing by the Department.
No holding tank facility shall be placed in any portion of a public right-of-way without written
approval from the responsible public agency.
39
CHAPTER 7—SANITATION FORM 53 FOR PARCEL AND TRACT SUBDIVISIONS
A Sanitation Form 53 or "SAN53" is a form required by County Ordinance No. 460 (Regulating
Land Developments). The form is completed by the Department prior to a developer filing the
map and application with the Planning Department.
Requirements to receive a SAN 53 form from the Department
If the project is proposing potable water service and sanitary sewer service from a utility
company, the developer must submit the following items to the Department for review:
1. A copy of the tentative map.
2. A current water availability letter or current "will-serve" letter from the appropriate
water utility company. This letter must clearly state that the water company will be
willing and able to serve potable water after the necessary financial matters have been
met.
3. A current sewer availability letter or current "will-serve" letter from the appropriate
sewer utility company.This letter must clearly state that the district or agency has sewer
capacity in its treatment facilities and is willing to provide sewers to the proposed
development after all financial matters have been met.
If the project is proposing potable water service and sanitary sewer service is not available, the
developer must submit the following items to the Department for review:
1. A copy of the tentative map which meets the minimum lot size requirements as
specified in this LAMP.
2. A current water availability letter or current "will-serve" letter from the appropriate
water utility company. This letter must clearly state that the water company will be
willing and able to serve water meeting the proper health standards after the necessary
financial matters have been met.
3. An OWTS report performed in accordance with the standards set forth by this LAMP.
40
CHAPTER 8—PROFESSIONAL OF RECORD AND QUALIFIED SERVICE PROVIDER REGISTRATION,
REVOCATION,AND DUE PROCESS
Professional of Record (PR)
Only those individuals trained and educated to perform, understand and evaluate the field
conditions and tests, as they relate to OWTS may perform percolation tests. This would include
those with experience in OWTS design and hold one of the following State of California
credentials and registrations: Professional Engineer (PE), Professional Geologist (PG) or
Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS). No person shall perform percolation tests or
submit a percolation report as described in Chapter 3 within the unincorporated areas of
Riverside County and its contracted cities unless registered with the Department as a PR as
required in Ordinance 650. A list of approved PRs shall be maintained by the Department.
Initial Registration
Any individual as described above desiring registration as a PR shall complete the following:
1. Submit a complete Professional of Record Registration Application.
2. Provide proof of valid State of California issued license or registration as a Professional
Engineer, Professional Geologist, or Registered Environmental Health Specialist.
3. Pay registration fee along with completed application.
Registration is non-refundable, not transferable, and shall expire on December 31st of each
year. Registration may be renewed by payment of renewal fee. Any change or lapse in
registration shall require the completion of a new PR registration application.
NOTE:An alternative treatment system's manufacturer may have additional requirements for
the PR.
Qualified Service Provider(QSP)
A QSP is an individual who is trained to locate, evaluate, certify and service an OWTS, and is
familiar with applicable Department forms, policies and procedures. No person shall certify an
OWTS or provide an ATU service agreement in the unincorporated areas of Riverside County
and its contracted cities unless registered with the Department as a QSP as required in
Ordinance 650.
Initial Registration
Any individual desiring registration as a QSP shall meet the following requirements:
1. Submit a complete Qualified Service Provider Registration Application.
2. Provide proof of current C-42, C-36 and/or Class A General Contractor's License issued
by the State of California or provide proof of licensing or registration as a Professional
Engineer, Professional Geologist, or Registered Environmental Health Specialist.
3. Provide proof of completion of "OWTS Inspector Certification" training through the
National Sanitation Foundation, National Association of Wastewater Transporters, or
other similarly recognized professional organization approved by the Department.
4. Pay registration fee along with completed application.
41
Registration is non-refundable, not transferable, and shall expire on December 31st of each
year. Registration may be renewed by payment of renewal fee. Any change or lapse in
registration shall require the completion of a new QSP registration application.
NOTE: A system's manufacturer may have additional requirements that shall be met in order to
function as a QSP for that specific company's products and treatment systems.
Department Oversight
The Department will conduct random audits of services performed by a PR or a QSP. At the
discretion of the Department, additional verification may be required including but not limited
to, additional soil testing, excavations, and/or inspections of OWTS. PR or QSP registration may
be revoked for cause after due process as per County Ord. 650. Upon revocation, a new
application and applicable fees will be required. Proof of current "OWTS Inspector Certification"
training may also be required.
Registered individuals who violate any provision of this LAMP will be investigated by the
Department and appropriate enforcement actions will be taken.
42
CHAPTER 9—ONSITE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM (OWTS) CERTIFICATION
OWTS Certification
Individuals receiving QSP registration from the County of Riverside shall have the authority to
conduct OWTS certifications. OWTS certifications shall include the following:
1. Identify all septic system components, location, and specification.
2. Determine the current condition and functionality of an existing OWTS.
3. Make modifications of an existing OWTS within the manufacturer's recommendations or
guidelines.
4. Make repair recommendations and perform needed repairs on an existing OWTS.
5. Identify an existing structure's total bedroom count to ensure proper septic tank sizing.
The QSP shall document their findings of an OWTS certification using Department form entitled
"Certification of Existing Subsurface Disposal System". The certification shall also include an
appropriately scaled plot plan signed by the QSP. The plot plan shall include the following:
design and location of the OWTS and its 100 percent expansion area in relation to its attached
dwelling or structure; other detached structures and second units; water meters, wells, rocks,
watercourses, dry wells, property corners, driveways, and various surface features such as
drainage courses.
An OWTS Certification shall be required for the following:
1. For any major repair and/or modifications performed on an existing OWTS.
2. To ensure there is no encroachment between an existing OWTS, including expansion
area, and a proposed construction project.
3. For any project proposing to utilize an existing OWTS.
4. When required for transfer of property/escrow.
5. As required by the Department.
43
CHAPTER 10—OWTS REQUIRING CORRECTIVE ACTION UNDER TIER 4
All OWTS have the potential to fail due to age, misuse or improper design and the failure may
result in surfacing effluent, wastewater being discharged to the ground surface or wastewater
backing up into plumbing fixtures. These failures will move the OWTS into a Tier 4 status
requiring corrective action to mitigate any risk to public health or contamination of the
environment. This Chapter will detail the corrective action(s) needed to return the OWTS to a
Tier 0, 1 ,2 or 3 status in the event an OWTS fails, and enforcement actions that will be taken if
the corrective action is not completed within acceptable time frames.
Corrective Action Requirements
1. The Department will complete an investigation to determine the validity of the
complaint or other notification of a failing OWTS.
2. Any OWTS that is found to be failing shall have a notice of violation issued to the
property owner and/or tenant requiring action to eliminate the immediate health
hazard in an approved manner. The notice of violation may also require a repair to be
completed to the OWTS as needed within a reasonable time frame.
3. The proposed repair shall be evaluated by the Department to ensure it meets the
minimum design requirements of this LAMP or is in substantial conformance to the
greatest extent practicable.
4. The repair shall be completed under permit and inspection by the Department.
5. Failure to complete the required corrective action within the time frames given may
result in additional enforcement action.
Substandard Systems
All OWTS within Riverside County that do not meet minimum design requirements of this LAMP
shall be deemed substandard. Sites with substandard OWTS shall be prohibited from having
future additions or modifications to the property that would potentially increase wastewater
flow to the OWTS or decrease the amount of usable area available for the OWTS. Cesspools of
any kind or size are prohibited.
44
CHAPTER 11—ONSITE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM USE LIMITATIONS
The Department's oversight of OWTS is limited to those systems as defined in this LAMP.
Limitations exist for the use of OWTS related to the amount and type of wastewater flows that
will be generated, types of systems, availability of public sewer and setbacks to public water
supplies. Requests for any variance can only be reviewed and approved by the respective
Regional Water Board.The following will not be authorized by the Department:
1. Construction of new cesspool sewage disposal systems. Upon discovery, existing
cesspool sewage disposal systems will be replaced with an approved wastewater
disposal system.
2. OWTS receiving a projected flow over 10,000 gallons per day.
3. OWTS receiving a projected waste flow greater than 3,500 gallons per day per 0.5 acre.
4. OWTS that receive high strength wastewater, except from a commercial food service
facility with a BOD less than 900 mg/I or that does have a properly sized and functioning
oil/grease interceptor.
5. OWTS that utilize any form of effluent disposal that discharges on or above the ground
surface such as sprinklers, exposed drip lines, free-surface wetlands, or a pond.
6. Slopes greater than 30 percent without a slope stability report approved by a
Professional Engineer or Professional Geologist.
7. Decreased leaching area for IAPMO certified chamber dispersal systems using a
multiplier less than 0.80.
8. OWTS utilizing supplemental treatment without requirements for periodic monitoring
or inspections.
9. OWTS dedicated to receiving significant amounts of wastes dumped from RV holding
tanks.
10. Separation of the bottom of dispersal system to groundwater less than five (5) feet for
conventional OWTS, less than two (2) feet with advanced treatment, and less than ten
(10) feet for seepage pits.
11. Installation of new or replacement OWTS where connection to a public sewer is a
practical option, pursuant to Riverside County Ordinance 650.
12. Except as provided for in Items 12 and 13 below, new or replacement OWTS with
minimum horizontal setbacks less than any of the following:
a) 150 feet from a public water well where the depth of the effluent dispersal
system does not exceed 10 feet in depth.
b) 200 feet from a public water well where the depth of the effluent dispersal
system exceeds 10 feet in depth.
c) Where the effluent dispersal system is within 600 feet of a public water well and
exceeds 20 feet in depth, the horizontal setback required to achieve a two-year
travel time for microbiological contaminants shall be evaluated by a qualified
professional. In no case shall the setback be less than 200 feet.
d) Where the effluent dispersal system is within 1,200 feet from a public water
system's surface water intake point, within the catchment of the drainage, and
located such that it may impact water quality at the intake point such as
45
upstream of the intake point for flowing water bodies, the dispersal system shall
be no less than 400 feet from the high water mark of the reservoir, lake or
flowing water body.
e) Where the effluent dispersal system is located more than 1,200 feet but less
than 2,500 feet from a public water system's surface water intake point, within
the catchment of the drainage, and located such that it may impact water
quality at the intake point such as upstream of the intake point for flowing
water bodies, the dispersal system shall be no less than 200 feet from the high
water mark of the reservoir, lake or flowing water body.
13. For replacement OWTS that do not meet the horizontal separation requirements, the
replacement OWTS shall meet the horizontal separation to the greatest extent
practicable. In such case, the replacement OWTS shall utilize supplemental treatment
and other mitigation measures, unless there is no indication that the previous system is
adversely affecting the public water source, and there is limited potential that the
replacement system could impact the water source based on topography, soil depth,
soil texture, and groundwater separation.
14. For new OWTS, installed on parcels of record existing before May 13, 2013 which is the
effective date of the State's OWTS Policy, that cannot meet the horizontal separation
requirements, the OWTS shall meet the horizontal separation to the greatest extent
practicable and shall utilize supplemental treatment for pathogens as specified in
Section 10 of the State's OWTS Policy and any other mitigation measures prescribed by
the Department.
46
CHAPTER 12—DATA COLLECTION AND REPORTING
Data Collection/Reporting/Notifications
As a condition of oversight of OWTS within Riverside County, the Department has certain
responsibilities related to data collection and reporting to the Colorado River Basin, Santa Ana,
and San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Boards (Regional Water Boards) as well as in
some instances to the owners of water systems and the State Water Board's Division of
Drinking Water (DDW). This Chapter will detail the data that must be collected and the
procedure for reporting to Regional Water Boards and notifications to owners of water systems
and the State Water Board DDW.
Reporting to Regional Water Boards
On an annual basis, the Department will collect data and report in tabular spreadsheet format
the following information. A copy of the report will be provided to the Colorado River Basin,
Santa Ana and San Diego Regional Water Boards no later than February 15t of each year, and
will include the preceding reporting period of January 1st to December 315t. At minimum, the
annual report will include data for nitrates and pathogens from the following:
1. Random well samples from domestic wells (if reported).
2. Routine real estate transfer samples (if reported).
3. Water quality data reported to the LPA for public water systems less than 200 service
connections.
4. Water quality data from initial domestic well sampling.
5. The number, location, and description of permits issued for new and replacement
OWTS.
6. Additional water quality data from sampling performed as part of an NPDES permit or as
part of a Waste Discharge Requirement, as reported to us by the responsible agency.
7. The volume, location of disposal, and hauler for all liquid waste disposal of septage.
Note: The Department will direct all public water systems, with less than 200 service
connections, to submit all required groundwater sample results through electronic data
transfer(EDT) to the SWRCB's Division of Drinking Water Program.
Every fifth year,the Department will submit an assessment report to the applicable regional
boards. At a minimum, this assessment report will include monitoring data for nitrates and
pathogens, and may include data for other constituents which are needed to adequately
characterize the impacts of OWTS on water quality. If water quality is found to be impacted by
OWTS, as determined by the Regional Board and the Department, changes in the LAMP will be
implemented to address these impacts.
47
CHAPTER 13—IMPAIRED WATER BODIES AND AREAS OF SPECIAL CONCERN
Existing, new and replacement OWTS that are near impaired water bodies may be addressed by
a TMDL and its implementation program, or special provisions contained in a LAMP. If there is
no TMDL or special provisions, new or replacement OWTS within 600 feet of impaired water
bodies listed in Attachment 2 of the State's OWTS Policy must meet the applicable specific
requirements found in Tier 3 of the State's OWTS Policy(See Appendix VIII).
Currently, there are six (6) impaired water bodies in Riverside County listed in Attachment 2 of
the State's OWTS Policy: Canyon Lake; Fulmor Lake; Golden Star Creek; Santa Ana River, Reach
2; Temescal Creek, Reach 6 (Elsinore Groundwater sub basin boundary to Lake Elsinore Outlet);
and Palo Verde Outfall Drain and Lagoon. The Department will follow the applicable specific
requirements found in Tier 3 of the State's OWTS Policy or develop and obtain approval from
the Regional Water Board of its own Advanced Protection Management Program.
The following areas of special concern either prohibit waste discharge or have additional
discharge requirements:
1. Mission Springs or Desert Hot Springs Aquifer
a) The discharge of waste from new or existing individual disposal systems on
parcels of less than one-half acre that overlie the Mission Creek Aquifer or the
Desert Hot Springs Aquifer in Riverside County is prohibited, if a sewer system is
available.
b) For parcels of one-half acre or greater that overlie the Mission Creek Aquifer or
the Desert Hot Springs Aquifer in Riverside County, the maximum number of
equivalent dwelling units with individual disposal systems shall be two per acre,
if a sewer system is available. The discharge of waste from additional new or
existing individual disposal systems is prohibited, if a sewer system is available.
2. Cathedral City Cove Prohibition Area - the discharge of wastewater into the ground
through the use of individual subsurface disposal systems in the Cove area of Cathedral
City in Riverside County is prohibited.
3. Cherry Valley Community of Interest (CVCOI) — Rising nitrate levels have been observed
in the CVCOI. In accordance with Riverside County Ordinance 871, the following
prohibitions are in place in the CVCO1:
a) No application for a new septic system shall be accepted for any lot within the
CVCOI unless that system is designed to remove no less than fifty percent (50%)
of the nitrogen released in the effluent (advanced treatment, denitrifying
systems).
b) No existing system in the area shall be expanded or otherwise modified to
accommodate new construction and/or additional wastewater generating
fixtures or appliances.
4. 1-10 Corridor at North Indian Canyon Drive and Interstate 10 — New developers must
submit a Report of Waste Discharge (ROWD) and application for Waste Discharge
Requirements (WDRs) to the Colorado River Basin Water Board for permitting. The area
overlies a high quality groundwater aquifer with a drinking water beneficial use. Due to
48
increasing business development in the area, the Colorado River Basin Water Board
requires the use of advanced treatment units for nitrogen removal for new installations.
The boundaries of the 1-10 Corridor shall be defined as one and one half miles east and
west of the Interstate 10 and Indian Canyon Drive interchange and one and one half
miles north and south of the Interstate 10 and Indian Canyon Drive interchange.
5. Quail Valley— Because of small lot sizes, high population density, historical failure rates,
poor soil conditions, and variable groundwater levels, the following prohibitions are in
place on any new OWTS in accordance with Riverside County Ordinance 856:
a) No new septic systems shall be approved for any lot or parcel within the
prohibited area.
b) No existing OWTS in the prohibited area shall be expanded or otherwise
modified to accommodate new construction and/or additional wastewater
generating fixtures or appliances.
6. Temecula Valley Wine Country — Potential siting and operational requirements for
protection of water quality could include: establishing increased setbacks from capture
zones for existing public supply wells, requiring use of advanced treatment systems and
flow limits/restrictions for new or replacement OWTS located within close proximity to
capture zones of public supply wells, additional monitoring requirements, etc.
7. Homeland/Romoland Prohibition —The prohibition of new OWTS in this area has been
in place since 1982. New OWTS are prohibited unless exemption criteria are met.
8. Other areas which may be identified as a special concern by the Regional Board at a
later date.
49
CHAPTER 14—PUBLIC EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
An OWTS is a significant investment for the property owner especially with the increased costs
of newer systems or those that depend on supplemental treatment. Yet, there is a lot of myth
and misinformation about how to operate and maintain an OWTS. Education and outreach is
critical to supporting an informed homeowner who is better able to assure proper use and
operation of an OWTS. Accurate information and education help reduce the chance of failure
from an improperly designed or poorly maintained system and protects public health and the
environment.
Direct Staff Contact
Education and outreach is achieved primarily by direct interaction between the Department's
staff and the public. Specialists receive and respond to phone calls and office visits by property
owners, consultants and contractors and answer questions regarding the regulations and/or
the permit process. As part of the Department's role in the planning process, we regularly
answer questions and provide input to consultants, other departments, agencies, members of
the Planning Commission, and the Board of Supervisors.
Department Website
The Department website (www.rivcoeh.org) provides links to the LAMP, applicable county
ordinances, various informational bulletins, brochures on proper OWTS maintenance, permit
application forms, and office locations with contact information. Our website is updated on a
regular basis to provide current information relating to OWTS and land use issues.
Community Outreach
The Department educates the public and stays current with community concerns. Staff
routinely attend and participate in local town hall meetings, community councils, advisory
committees, land development meetings, planning commission proceedings, and various health
and safety fairs. Educational handouts and brochures can be found in Appendix IX.
Voluntary Well Monitoring Program
At this time Riverside County does not have a voluntary well monitoring program. As part of its
annual report, the County will explore the implementation of such a program.
50
APPENDIX I—PERC DATA SHEET FOR SEEPAGE PITS—FIELD COPY
Perc Data Sheet—Field Copy (Seepage Pits)
Project: Job No.
Test Hole No. Tested by: Date:
Depth of Hole as Drilled: Before Test: After Test:
Time Total Initial Final ♦In
Reading Time Interval Depth of Water Water Water Comments
No. Level Level Level
(Min) Hole (Ft) (Ft) (Ft) (Ft)
51
APPENDIX II—FINAL TEST DATA SHEET FOR SEEPAGE PITS
Final Test Data Sheet—Seepage Pits
Q=(F/T)X(Dx9) or Q=R x D x 9,Where R=F/T in ft./hr.
L(Avg.) L
Q=Rate in gallons/sq.ft.of sidewall per day of septic tank effluent
F=Drop during time interval in feet
T=Time interval in hours
D=Diameter of hole in feet
L(Avg.)=Average wetted depth during time interval in feet;Minimum depth is 10 feet.
Project: Date:
By: Remarks:
Boring No. Dia. Depth Before: Depth After:
Wall Avg.
Time Time
Time Rate Length'/ Wall
Read Interval Fall (Ft) Int. (Hr.) (Ft/Hr.) Wall Length (gal/
(Min) (Min) Length2 (Ft.) s.f./day)
lInitial Water Column Height
2Final Water Column Height
52
APPENDIX III—EXAMPLE OF SEEPAGE PIT DATA ENTRY
Typical Example of Seepage Pit Data Entry
Falling Head Perc Data Sheet—Field Copy
Time Total Initial Final ♦In
Reading Time Interval Depth of Water Water Water Comments
No. Level Level Level
(Min) Hole (Ft) (Ft) (Ft) (Ft)
10:25
1 35 3.0
10:55
2 30 34 8.0 5.0
3 11:00 34 3.0
4 11:30 30 33 7.4 4.4
Final Test Data—Seepage Pits
Time Time Time Avg. Wall Q
Fall Rate Wall Length'/
Read Interval Int. 2 Length (gal/
(Min) (Min) (Ft) (Hr.) (Ft/Hr.) Wall Length (Ft.) s.f./day)
10:25 35-2=32
30 5.0 0.5 10 29 1.55
10:55 34-8=26
11:00 34-3=31
30 4.4 0.5 8.8 28.3 1.40
11:30 33-7.4=25.6
53
APPENDIX IV—LEACH FIELD PERCOLATION DATA SHEET
Leach Line Percolation Data Sheet
Project Job No.
Test Hole No. Date Excavated:
Depth of Test Hole: Soil Classification
Check for Sandy Soil Criteria Tested by: Date: Presoak:
Actual Percolation Tested by: Date:
Sandy Soil Criteria Test
Trial No. Time Time Interval Initial Water Final Water A in Water
(Min) Level(Inches) Level(Inches) Level(Inches)
1
2
Use: Normal Sandy (Circle One) Soil Criteria
Time Total Initial Water Final Water ♦in Water Percolation
Time Interval Elapsed Level Level Level Rate
(Min) Time(Min) (Inches) (Inches) (Inches) (Min/Inch)
54
APPENDIX V—DEEP BORING SOIL PROFILE DATA SHEET
Deep Boring Soil Profile
Field Log No.
Job No. Date: Elevation:
Project Name: Reference
Logged by: Location:
Assistant: Water Level:
Drilling Company: Time:
Setup: Start: Stop:
Drilling Method: Driving Weight: Drop Height:
Depth Blow USCS Material Description
(Feet) Samples Count ! Symbol (consistency, moisture, Remarks
color)
55
APPENDIX VI-TYPICAL LEACH LINE AND SEEPAGE PIT
LEACH LINE DESIGN
_ 3'wide
trench
7'Center to Center
5'Minimum
5'Minimum �p
HOUSE ~i SEPTIC TANK D-BOX V
56
SEEPAGE PIT DESIGN
r-5' MIN.—j
g�
PreMAX.118' MIN.)*ft
,r1" 1 TIGHT PIPING
._.. � i t tttt ( .
:�� � t t * -EER4G=
ii11it1i4'. PIT
1 i i i 1
t i i i 1 HOUSE
10'-O'iMIN. !' 1 1 t
t t i 11
1i t i1i 1 6� ...IUU
n (� .■ 12' MIN.
' t1I It ,, 1 I
4. I t i i I SEPTIC TANK / \
i 1 _ • , t J DISTRIBUTION
4t;. '' # rt. 5' BOX
-1 i EEPPG
� ` �Z+t � � 8' MIN. PIT
10' MIN. TO GROUNDWATER
8' MIN. TO BEDROCK OR
AN IMPERVIOUS STRATA
57
APPENDIX VII—SAMPLE PLOT PLANS
SAMPLE PLOT PLAN
\tl'' '\...\ h
_ k ,
2:2
� � ,, lir Y Siopev V
Scale 1". 20' ....... _
Owner: , a I� _ -... _ _. ..._.
iv.1 f� ._ T ___ --
D. R. Bodily
54321 Nand Street " )' "1
73
Riverside, CA 787-6543 l -15, +_
_ Hir
Job Address: 1(411 a
28765 North Street I ( '
Elsinore H 1 r• t_ 'Y67 ~.__ 45' --s-;
592-04-000
Lot 1 PH 7811 w / n
I Patio
1 7 1 °°
4 Bedrocu Noueo . t 112 � r 4 Bed
1200 gal septic tank i- 5 • 1400 ■q.
50 sq. '/100 gal Rate v.
(see ilea 12) i
•V'i
600 sq' Dolton Area ;
200 Liner Ft. of 3" Trench 11 •
�8 a * 15."s'
Linea 61' Long X 3' Wide }I I
I
I a
• 1001 Expansion f ( d
Special Notes:
I I a 4 a
No swimming pools or other I I ro
`o �"''
large appurtenances to be r i I - t1' . 41
built althout NealtA Dept. _- r -- A e=
approval. -
- - Tt
r
2:1
Y N ti15b0Pt
Y 'e
{ ( 4
Chuck St 14 80' al
ANORTH STREET
1E1111 C. th St.
r
a. a
vicinity Hap
Drawn 6r ' Firs/Owner Date
58
SAMPLE PLOT PLAN
SliOWITIG SE IE'AGE PIT ALSO PPOrf.R SETBACKS
to
\r .
�_.. -, — - -- --2G0.-- . —-. .-C-- I w
9.0. % A IOP OF BANK r t
C, . JONES RI/
WAtf.R •y VIC lid MAP
WELL NT 4rQ_SCAL _, ._
r
DOMESTIC -� 150'
pq WAIER LINE 150' 1.1IN.
` MIN. / 25•
--- opt 1411N SEEPAGE
F#aT PIT 5'142I 'I
Ilitfr
Si
ph
"In \ Sr
%�o w ,t�L ,8; - .r_ SE IC
at TANK
til
p9 \ 5'I. ¢_
IA
STRUCTURE V)
FOUNOAT ION C7
0 PAVED
\
N
4
`p1
t
)pb - .�_,_� tt I
I
215'
44
JONES RD. , . ,�.
OWNER JOB ADDRESS SYSTEM DESIGN DRAWN IY
J. SMITH 24)15 JONES RD. 3 BEDROOM HOUSE C E ENGINEERING
420 4TH ST. ELSINORE. CA 1000 GAL SEPTIC TANK SOB SMITH
RIVERSIDE. CA 592-04I -000 3 CAL/SQ. '/DAY 8-12-80
PM. 787-2852 LOT 10 PM 2478 i-S'1121 ' ALLOW INLET
SEEPAGE PIT
59
APPENDIX VIII—TIER 3 IMPAIRED AREAS(FROM STATE OWTS POLICY)
Tier 3—Advanced Protection Management Programs for Impaired Areas
Existing, new, and replacement OWTS that are near impaired water bodies may be addressed
by a TMDL and its implementation program, or special provisions contained in a Local Agency
Management Program. If there is no TMDL or special provisions, new or replacement OWTS
within 600 feet of impaired water bodies listed in Attachment 2 must meet the applicable
specific requirements of Tier 3.
10.0 Advanced Protection Management Program
An Advanced Protection Management Program is the minimum required management program
for all OWTS located near a water body that has been listed as impaired due to nitrogen or
pathogen indicators pursuant to Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act. Local agencies are
authorized to implement Advanced Protection Management Programs in conjunction with an
approved Local Agency Management Program or, if there is no approved Local Agency
Management Program,Tier 1. Local agencies are encouraged to collaborate with the Regional
Water Boards by sharing any information pertaining to the impairment, provide advice on
potential remedies, and regulate OWTS to the extent that their authority allows for the
improvement of the impairment.
10.1 The geographic area for each water body's Advanced Protection Management Program is
defined by the applicable TMDL, if one has been approved. If there is not an approved TMDL, it
is defined by an approved Local Agency Management Program, if it contains special provisions
for that water body. If it is not defined in an approved TMDL or Local Agency Management
Program, it shall be 600 linear feet [in the horizontal (map) direction] of a water body listed in
Attachment 2 where the edge of that water body is the natural or levied bank for creeks and
rivers, the high water mark for lakes and reservoirs, and the mean high tide line for tidally
influenced water bodies, as appropriate. OWTS near impaired water bodies that are not listed
on Attachment 2, and do not have a TMDL and are not covered by a Local Agency Management
Program with special provisions, are not addressed by Tier 3.
10.2 The requirements of an Advanced Protection Management Program will be in accordance
with a TMDL implementation plan, if one has been adopted to address the impairment. An
adopted TMDL implementation plan supersedes all other requirements in Tier 3. All TMDL
implementation plans adopted after the effective date of this Policy that contain load
allocations for OWTS shall include a schedule that requires compliance with the load allocations
as soon as practicable, given the watershed-specific circumstances. The schedule shall require
that OWTS implementation actions for OWTS installed prior to the TMDL implementation plan's
effective date shall commence within 3 years after the TMDL implementation plan's effective
date, and that OWTS implementation actions for OWTS installed after the TMDL
implementation plan's effective date shall commence immediately. The TMDL implementation
plan may use some or all of the Tier 3 requirements and shall establish the applicable area of
60
implementation for OWTS requirements within the watershed. For those impaired water
bodies that do have an adopted TMDL addressing the impairment, but the TMDL does not
assign a load allocation to OWTS, no further action is required unless the TMDL is modified at
some point in the future to include actions for OWTS. Existing, new, and replacement OWTS
that are near impaired water bodies and are covered by a Basin Plan prohibition must also
comply with the terms of the prohibition, as provided in Section 2.1.
10.3 In the absence of an adopted TMDL implementation plan, the requirements of an
Advanced Protection Management Program will consist of any special provisions for the water
body if any such provisions have been approved as part of a Local Agency Management
Program.
10.4 The Regional Water Boards shall adopt TMDLs for impaired water bodies identified in
Attachment 2, in accordance with the specified dates.
10.4.1 If a Regional Water Board does not complete a TMDL within two years of the time period
specified in Attachment 2, coverage under this Policy's waiver of waste discharge requirements
shall expire for any OWTS that has any part of its dispersal system discharging within the
geographic area of an Advanced Protection Management Program.The Regional Water Board
shall issue waste discharge requirements, general waste discharge requirements, waivers of
waste discharge requirements, or require corrective action for such OWTS. The Regional Water
Board will consider the following when establishing the waste discharge requirements, general
waste discharge requirements, waivers of waste discharge requirements, or requirement for
corrective action:
10.4.1.1 Whether supplemental treatment should be required.
10.4.1.2 Whether routine inspection of the OWTS should be required.
10.4.1.3 Whether monitoring of surface and groundwater should be performed.
10.4.1.4 The collection of a fee for those OWTS covered by the order.
10.4.1.5 Whether owners of previously-constructed OWTS should file a report by a qualified
professional in accordance with section 10.5.
10.4.1.6 Whether owners of new or replacement OWTS should file a report of waste discharge
with additional supporting technical information as required by the Regional Water Board.
10.5 If the Regional Water Board requires owners of OWTS to submit a qualified professional's
report pursuant to Section 10.4.1.5, the report shall include a determination of whether the
OWTS is functioning properly and as designed or requires corrective actions per Tier 4, and
regardless of its state of function, whether it is contributing to impairment of the water body.
10.5.1 The qualified professional's report may also include, but is not limited to:
10.5.1.1 A general description of system components,their physical layout, and horizontal
setback distances from property lines, buildings, wells, and surface waters.
10.5.1.2 A description of the type of wastewater discharged to the OWTS such as domestic,
commercial, or industrial and classification of it as domestic wastewater or high-strength waste.
10.5.1.3 A determination of the systems design flow and the volume of wastewater discharged
daily derived from water use, either estimated or actual if metered.
10.5.1.4 A description of the septic tank, including age, size, material of construction, internal
and external condition, water level, scum layer thickness, depth of solids, and the results of a
one-hour hydrostatic test.
61
10.5.1.5 A description of the distribution box, dosing siphon, or distribution pump, and if flow is
being equally distributed throughout the dispersal system, as well as any evidence of solids
carryover, clear water infiltration, or evidence of system backup.
10.5.1.6 A description of the dispersal system including signs of hydraulic failure, condition of
surface vegetation over the dispersal system, level of ponding above the infiltrative surface
within the dispersal system, other possible sources of hydraulic loading to the dispersal area,
and depth of the seasonally high groundwater level.
10.5.1.7 A determination of whether the OWTS is discharging to the ground's surface.
10.5.1.8 For a water body listed as an impaired water body for pathogens, a determination of
the OWTS dispersal system's separation from its deepest most infiltrative surface to the highest
seasonal groundwater level or fractured bedrock.
10.5.1.9 For a water body listed as an impaired water body for nitrogen, a determination of
whether the groundwater under the dispersal field is reaching the water body, and a
description of the method used to make the determination.
10.6 For new, replacement, and existing OWTS in an Advanced Protection Management
Program, the following are not covered by this Policy's waiver but may be authorized by a
separate Regional Water Board order:
10.6.1 Cesspools of any kind or size.
10.6.2 OWTS receiving a projected flow over 10,000 gallons per day.
10.6.3 OWTS that utilize any form of effluent disposal on or above the ground surface.
10.6.4 Slopes greater than 30 percent without a slope stability report approved by a registered
professional.
10.6.5 Decreased leaching area for IAPMO certified dispersal systems using a multiplier less
than 0.70.
10.6.6 OWTS utilizing supplemental treatment without requirements for periodic monitoring or
inspections.
10.6.7 OWTS dedicated to receiving significant amounts of wastes dumped from RV holding
tanks.
10.6.8 Separation of the bottom of dispersal system to groundwater less than two (2) feet,
except for seepage pits, which shall not be less than 10 feet.
10.6.9 Minimum horizontal setbacks less than any of the following:
10.6.9.1 150 feet from a public water well where the depth of the effluent dispersal system
does not exceed 10 feet in depth;
10.6.9.2 200 feet from a public water well where the depth of the effluent dispersal system
exceeds 10 feet in depth:
10.6.9.3 Where the effluent dispersal system is within 600 feet of a public water well and
exceeds 20 feet in depth the horizontal setback required to achieve a two-year travel time for
microbiological contaminants shall be evaluated. A qualified professional shall conduct this
evaluation. However in no case shall the setback be less than 200 feet.
10.6.9.4 Where the effluent dispersal system is within 1,200 feet from a public water systems'
surface water intake point, within the catchment of the drainage, and located such that it may
impact water quality at the intake point such as upstream of the intake point for flowing water
bodies, the dispersal system shall be no less than 400 feet from the high water mark of the
reservoir, lake or flowing water body.
62
10.6.9.5 Where the effluent dispersal system is located more than 1,200 feet but less than
2,500 feet from a public water systems' surface water intake point,within the catchment of the
drainage, and located such that it may impact water quality at the intake point such as
upstream of the intake point for flowing water bodies, the dispersal system shall be no less
than 200 feet from the high water mark of the reservoir, lake or flowing water body.
10.6.9.6 For replacement OWTS that do not meet the above horizontal separation
requirements, the replacement OWTS shall meet the horizontal separation to the greatest
extent practicable. In such case, the replacement OWTS shall utilize supplemental treatment
and other mitigation measures.
10.6.9.7 For new OWTS, installed on parcels of record existing at the time of the effective date
of this Policy, that cannot meet the above horizontal separation requirements,the OWTS shall
meet the horizontal separation to the greatest extent practicable and shall utilize supplemental
treatment for pathogens as specified in section 10.10 and any other mitigation measures as
prescribed by the permitting authority.
10.7 The requirements contained in Section 10 shall not apply to owners of OWTS that are
constructed and operating, or permitted, on or prior to the date that the nearby water body is
added to Attachment 2 who commit by way of a legally binding document to connect to a
centralized wastewater collection and treatment system regulated through WDRs as specified
within the following timeframes:
10.7.1 The owner must sign the document within forty-eight months of the date that the
nearby water body is initially listed on Attachment 2.
10.7.2 The specified date for the connection to the centralized community wastewater
collection and treatment system shall not extend beyond nine years following the date that the
nearby water body is added to Attachment 2.
10.8 Iri the absence of an adopted TMDL implementation plan or Local Agency Management
Program containing special provisions for the water body, all new or replacement OWTS
permitted after the date that the water body is initially listed in Attachment 2 that have any
discharge within the geographic area of an Advanced Protection Management Program shall
meet the following requirements:
10.8.1 Utilize supplemental treatment and meet performance requirements in 10.9 if impaired
for nitrogen and 10.10 if impaired for pathogens,
10.8.2 Comply with the setback requirements of Section 7.5.1 to 7.5.5, and
10.8.3 Comply with any applicable Local Agency Management Program requirements.
10.9 Supplemental treatment requirements for nitrogen
10.9.1 Effluent from the supplemental treatment components designed to reduce nitrogen
shall be certified by NSF, or other approved third party tester, to meet a 50 percent reduction in
total nitrogen when comparing the 30-day average influent to the 30-day average effluent.
10.9.2 Where a drip-line dispersal system is used to enhance vegetative nitrogen uptake, the
dispersal system shall have at least six(6) inches of soil cover.
10.10 Supplemental treatment requirements for pathogens
10.10.1 Supplemental treatment components designed to perform disinfection shall provide
sufficient pretreatment of the wastewater so that effluent from the supplemental treatment
components does not exceed a 30-day average TSS of 30 mg/L and shall further achieve an
63
effluent fecal coliform bacteria concentration less than or equal to 200 Most Probable Number
(MPN) per 100 milliliters.
10.10.2 The minimum soil depth and the minimum depth to the anticipated highest level of
groundwater below the bottom of the dispersal system shall not be less than three (3) feet. All
dispersal systems shall have at least twelve (12) inches of soil cover.
10.11 OWTS in an Advanced Protection Management Program with supplemental treatment
shall be designed to meet the applicable performance requirements above and shall be
stamped or approved by a Qualified Professional.
10.12 Prior to the installation of any proprietary treatment OWTS in an Advanced Protection
Management Program, all such treatment components shall be tested by an independent third
party testing laboratory.
10.13 The ongoing monitoring of OWTS in an Advanced Protection Management Program with
supplemental treatment components designed to meet the performance requirements in
Sections 10.9 and 10.10 shall be monitored in accordance with the operation and maintenance
manual for the OWTS or more frequently as required by the local agency or Regional Water
Board.
10.14 OWTS in an Advanced Protection Management Program with supplemental treatment
components shall be equipped with a visual or audible alarm as well as a telemetric alarm that
alerts the owner and service provider in the event of system malfunction. Where telemetry is
not possible, the owner or owner's agent shall inspect the system at least monthly while the
system is in use as directed and instructed by a service provider and notify the service provider
not less than quarterly of the observed operating parameters of the OWTS.
10.15 OWTS in an Advanced Protection Management Program designed to meet the
disinfection requirements in Section 10.10 shall be inspected for proper operation quarterly
while the system is in use by a service provider unless a telemetric monitoring system is capable
of continuously assessing the operation of the disinfection system. Testing of the wastewater
flowing from supplemental treatment components that perform disinfection shall be sampled
at a point in the system after the treatment components and prior to the dispersal system and
shall be conducted quarterly based on analysis of total coliform with a minimum detection limit
of 2.2 MPN. All effluent samples must include the geographic coordinates of the sample's
location. Effluent samples shall be taken by a service provider and analyzed by a California
Department of Public Health certified laboratory.
10.16 The minimum responsibilities of a local agency administering an Advanced Protection
Management Program include those prescribed for the Local Agency Management Programs in
Section 9.3 of this policy, as well as monitoring owner compliance with Sections 10.13, 10.14,
and 10.15.
64
APPENDIX IX-EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
1. Educational Brochure: The Homeowner's Guide: The Proper Care and Maintenance of
Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (Available in print and electronic format)
The Homeowner's Guide:The Proper Care and Maintenance of Onsite Wastewater Treatment
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2. Educational Brochure:The Homeowner's Guide:The Proper Care and Maintenance of
Alternative Treatment Systems(Available in print and electronic format)
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68
APPENDIX X—RIVERSIDE COUNTY ORDINANCE NO. 650.6
ORDINANCE NO. 650.6
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE REGULATING THE DISCHARGE
OF SEWAGE IN THE UNINCORPORATED AREAS OF
THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE AND INCORPORATING BY REFERENCE THE
RIVERSIDE COUNTY LOCAL AGENCY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (LAMP)
SECTION 1. PURPOSE AND INTENT.
New legislation was adopted by the State Water Resources Control Board in an effort to
protect water quality and public health by establishing regulations for the installation,
replacement, and performance of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS). The County
has incorporated these changes into its Local Agency Management Program (LAMP). The
purpose of this Ordinance is to provide for the enforcement of the provisions of the LAMP in
accordance with state laws.
SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS.
A) "Alternative Treatment System" or"Alternative OWTS" or"ATU" shall mean
any OWTS that does not meet the criteria of a conventional OWTS, but is allowed under
conditions specified by the Department.
B) "Approval" shall mean the written approval by the Director or his designated
representative of a plan to install, construct, reconstruct, convert or alter any OWTS
which discharges or disposes of sewage, sewage effluent, or non-hazardous waste.
C) "Construction Permit" shall mean a permit issued by the Department
authorizing the permittee to install, construct, reconstruct, convert or alter any OWTS.
69
D) "Conventional Septic System" shall mean an OWTS consisting of a septic tank
and Department approved subsurface gravity dispersal system.
E) "Critical Area" shall mean those areas determined to be difficult for installation
of an OWTS due to, but not limited to one or more of the following: lot size, seasonal
groundwater, slope, poor soil conditions or impaired water basins.
F) "Department" shall mean the Riverside County Department of Environmental
Health.
G) "Director" shall mean the Director of the Department of Environmental Health or
his or her designated representative.
H) "Dispersal System" shall mean a leach field, seepage pit, subsurface drip field, or
other type of system for final wastewater treatment and subsurface discharge.
I) "Failure" shall mean a condition of an OWTS that threatens public health or
water quality by creating a potential for direct or indirect contact between sewage and the
public. Examples of failure include:
1. Sewage leaking to ground surface or groundwater;
2. Sewage backing up into a structure caused by slow OWTS soil absorption of
septic tank effluent;
3. Inadequately treated sewage causing pollution of groundwater or surface water;
4. Noncompliance with standards stipulated in the permit issued for the OWTS
based upon the protection of human health, water quality and the environment.
J) "Holding Tank" shall mean a sewage facility, of a temporary nature, that has no
means of discharge and requires periodic maintenance and shall have a renewable
operating permit issued by the Department.
70
K) "LAMP" shall mean Local Agency Management Program. This program
implements local standards for new and replacement OWTS consistent with the OWTS
Policy adopted by the State Water Resources Control Board on June 19, 2012.
L) "Major Repair" shall mean OWTS improvements or corrective work where such
improvements involve the replacement, enlargement, or modification of a septic tank,
treatment unit, or dispersal system (excluding non-perforated distribution pipes),
regardless of whether or not a failure condition exists. Such repairs shall require a
construction permit from the Department.
M) "Onsite Wastewater Treatment System(s)" or "OWTS" shall mean any
individual onsite wastewater treatment, pretreatment and dispersal system including, but
not limited to, a conventional or alternative OWTS having a subsurface discharge.
N) "Operating permit" shall mean an annual permit issued by the Department
authorizing the permittee to operate an OWTS.
0) "Permit" shall mean either a construction permit or operating permit as defined
within this section.
P) "Person" shall mean any individual, firm, association, organization, partnership,
business trust, corporation, company, State agency or department, or unit of local
government.
Q) "Professional of Record" or "PR" means an individual certified by the State of
California as a Professional Engineer (PE), Professional Geologist (PG) or Registered
Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) who has accepted responsibility for the design
of the OWTS including any required grading. The Professional of Record will have
affixed his/her signature and stamp to the system plans and plan proposal.
71
R) "Qualified Service Provider" or"QSP" is a California State Licensed Contractor
with knowledge and competency in OWTS design, construction, operation, maintenance
and monitoring through experience and/or education. A qualified service provider must
meet certification requirements as established by the Director and be currently registered
with the Department as a QSP.
S) "Soil" is the naturally occurring body of porous mineral and organic materials on
the land surface, and is composed of unconsolidated materials above bedrock. Soil is
composed of sand-sized, silt-sized, and clay-sized particles mixed with varying amounts
of larger fragments and organic material. The various combinations of particles
differentiate specific soil textures identified in the USDA Soil Classification Chart. For
the purposes of this Ordinance, soil shall contain earthen material having more than 50%
of its volume composed of particles smaller than 0.08 inches (2 mm) in size.
T) "Sewage" or "Sewage Effluent" shall mean waste as defined in Section
5410(a), California Health and Safety Code.
U) "Sewage Facilities" shall mean OWTS, sanitary sewer connections, holding
tanks, alternative systems or other methods of disposing of sewage as approved by the
Director.
V) "System Certification" is an expression of professional opinion that the OWTS,
or its components, meet industry standards that are the subject of the certification but do
not constitute a warranty or guarantee, either expressed or implied. System certifications
shall be performed by a Qualified Service Provider using forms and procedures
established or approved by the Director.
72
W) "Weathered Bedrock" is rock that has been exposed to the atmosphere at or near
the earth's surface and changed in color, texture, composition, firmness, and/or form as a
result of the exposure with little or no transport of loosened or altered material. For
purposes of this Ordinance, weathered bedrock is not soil.
SECTION 3. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR OWTS APPROVAL AND
CONSTRUCTION PERMIT.
A) No person shall erect, construct, rebuild, convert or alter any plumbing system
designed for the discharge or disposal of sewage or sewage effluent unless he has first
obtained a written approval for such purpose from the Director. In designated areas of
Riverside County, this approval shall also constitute a construction permit.
B) OWTS design, installation, construction and operation shall be in compliance with
the LAMP and the minimum standards of the most recent edition of the Uniform
Plumbing Code. Such requirements may be amended from time to time.
C) No OWTS will be approved nor application for OWTS processed where connection
to a sanitary sewer is a practical option.
SECTION 4. APPLICATION REVIEW PROCESS FOR OWTS APPROVAL
A) Any person desiring approval of an OWTS shall submit an application on a form to
be provided by the Department. Such application shall be accompanied by a fee as
required in Riverside County Ordinance No. 640 and as amended. The application shall
contain the following information:
1) Name and address of applicant.
2) Location of the proposed installation or reconstruction.
73
3) A scaled, engineered contoured plot plan describing the proposed
construction or alteration in sufficient detail to enable the Director to determine
whether the proposed installation or alteration is in compliance with the LAMP
and this Ordinance. All drawings must be made on a scale not less than 1"=40'.
4) Percolation test results, if required, as described in the LAMP.
5) A groundwater/bedrock evaluation, if required, as described in the LAMP.
B) Initial Application Review
1) All applications for conventional OWTS shall be approved or denied, in
whole or in part, within fifteen (15) working days after the date of filing.
2) Applications for Alternate OWTS shall be approved or denied, in whole or
in part, within thirty (30)working days after the date of filing.
3) If an application is denied, in whole or in part, the applicant may amend
the application and submit the amended application within 1 year of the original
submittal date. Resubmittals received after one year shall be considered a new
application and subject to new application fees.
C) Revocations of Approvals or Permits
1) An approval or permit may be revoked by the Director for failure of the
applicant to provide proper, complete and accurate information regarding site
conditions for a proposed OWTS.
2) An approval or permit previously granted may be rescinded if soil
conditions change significantly prior to construction in a manner that would affect
the proper operation of an OWTS or the Director determines that exigent
circumstances exist which demonstrate a threat to the public health or safety.
74
D) Appeals Process
1) Any person whose application for an approval or permit has been denied,
in whole or in part, or entire approval or permit has been revoked may appeal this
action to the Director. The person shall file with the Department a written
request for a hearing setting forth the grounds for the request within ten (10)
working days from the date the permit application was denied or revoked. Failure
to submit the request within the timeframe specified will be deemed a waiver of
the right to such hearing.
2) Hearing Procedure. The Hearing Officer shall be the Director or the
Director's designee. The hearing shall be set for a date within ten (10) working
days from the date the written request is received by the Department unless
extended at the request of the petitioner. At the time and place set for the hearing,
the Hearing Officer shall give the petitioner and other interested persons, adequate
opportunity to present any facts pertinent to the matter at hand and to show cause
why the permit or application should not be denied. The Hearing Officer may,
when deemed necessary, continue any hearing by setting a new time and place
and by giving notice to the petitioner of such action. At the close of the hearing,
or within ten (10) working days thereafter, the Hearing Officer shall provide a
written notice of disposition of the permit application or permit, notifying the
petitioner of the Hearing Officer's final determination.
E) OWTS Installation
1) The installation shall be performed in a manner that is consistent with the
approved plan design. In the event that conditions on site prevent the installation
75
or function of the OWTS as designed, a revised design plan must be submitted to
and approved by the Department prior to installation.
2) Construction Inspection. All OWTS shall require a construction inspection
and final approval by either the Department or the Department of Building and
Safety prior to use.
SECTION 5. OPERATING PERMITS FOR ALTERNATIVE OWTS.
A) All new Alternative OWTS shall require a QSP maintenance agreement and an
annual operating permit.
B) Alternative OWTS shall be inspected yearly by a QSP, unless otherwise specified
by the manufacturer or the Department.
C) Renewal of subsequent operating permits shall be completed by the property
owner or agent on or before the expiration date and shall include evidence of a current
QSP maintenance agreement and annual evaluation/inspection report.
D) Within 60 days of a change of ownership, the new owner or owners must transfer
the operating permit into his, her or their names, using forms provided by the
Department.
E) Every alternative OWTS subject to this Section shall be subject to inspection by
the Department to assure it is operating in a satisfactory manner.
SECTION 6. PROFESSIONAL OF RECORD AND QUALIFIED SERVICE PROVIDER
REGISTRATION.
A) Only those individuals who are registered as a PR with the Department may
perform percolation tests or other specialized testing as described in the LAMP.
76
B) Only those individuals who are registered as a QSP with the Department may
certify an OWTS as described in the LAMP.
C) Revocation of Registration. PR and QSP registration may be revoked for cause
by the Director. Examples of reasons for revocation include but are not limited to the
following:
1) Failure to maintain the required professional registrations in good
standing.
2) Failure to conduct business in a manner consistent with the ethics of the
profession and this Department.
3) Failure to conduct activities in a manner consistent with the LAMP.
4) Failure to pay the required registration fee.
D) Appeal of revoked registration. An appeal for reinstatement of registration may
be made in writing to the Director. The appeal must state why the registration should be
reinstated and provide facts showing that all reasons for the revocation have been
remedied. Upon receipt of the written appeal, the Director shall schedule a hearing with
the appellant within 20 working days to review the facts and hear reasons why the
registration should be reinstated. At the conclusion of the hearing, or within 10 working
days,the Director shall issue a written decision to the appellant.
SECTION 7. FEES.
A) The fees required to obtain an approval under the provisions of this Ordinance
shall be as specified in Riverside County Ordinance No. 640. Such fees may be waived in
cases where corrective or replacement work is being undertaken to replace property
77
damaged or destroyed in a disaster recognized in a resolution adopted by the Board of
Supervisors.
B) Annual Operating Permit Fees. Prior to the issuance or annual renewal of an
operating permit, fees shall be paid as specified in Riverside County Ordinance No. 640.
C) Qualified Service Provider and Professional of Record Registration Fees. Prior to
issuance or annual renewal of a QSP or PR, registration fees shall be paid as specified in
Riverside County Ordinance No. 640. Registration is non-refundable, non-transferable,
and shall expire on December 31 st of each year. Any change or lapse in registration shall
require the completion of a new QSP or PR registration application and fee.
SECTION 8. OWTS FAILURE.
A) It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge or deposit or cause or permit to be
discharged or deposited any sewage, sewage effluent or non-hazardous waste whether
treated or untreated in or upon any unincorporated territory of the County of Riverside,
including any deposit or discharge of sewage into streams or bodies of water above or
below the ground. When sewage is overflowing or being discharged upon the surface of
any premises, the Director may order the owner of the premises or occupants thereof who
contribute to such overflow or discharge to abate the same forthwith.
B) It shall be unlawful for any person to install or alter plumbing facilities or
drainage systems for the discharge or deposit of any sewage, sewage effluent, or non-
hazardous waste from any dwelling, house or building or appurtenance thereof in or upon
unincorporated territory of the County of Riverside, or into streams or bodies of water
above or below the surface where the same is, or may be carried through, or upon,
78
unincorporated territory of said County, without first securing an approval and permit
from the Department.
C) It shall be unlawful for any person to install any structure or paving in the areas
identified for OWTS tank access or the primary and expansion dispersal area.
D) In the event an OWTS is determined to be in failure by the Director, an order
shall be given to abate the failure.
E) The property owner, agent or occupant shall be given a notice and reasonable time
to abate the stated failure. If the OWTS failure is contributing to an immediate hazard or
contamination to a public access or body of water, immediate remedy shall be required.
F) If the determination is made that connection to sanitary sewer is an option, the
property owner shall be required to connect to sewer within a timeframe as determined by
the Director.
G) If a determination of an immediate hazard is made by the Director, which could
potentially contaminate a body of water or public area, such as but not limited to sewage
effluent flow onto a public roadway, culvert, drainage ditch, dry or active stream or river
bed, the property owner, agent and/or occupant must take measures to abate the failure
immediately.
H) When reasonable effort to contact the owner, agent, or occupant is unsuccessful,
or upon refusal to abate the OWTS failure, the Director may designate it an imminent
hazard to health and safety and may abate the failure. Those remedies include, but are not
limited to, the Department contracting to pump a septic tank to eliminate discharge;
shutting off water to eliminate sewage discharge; providing alternate means of waste
disposal, such as portable toilets or other means deemed necessary to abate the nuisance.
79
Further, the Department may recover the cost for abating the nuisance and its
enforcement activities as provided for in Riverside County Ordinance No. 725.
I) The property owner, agent, or occupant may be required to secure a System
Certification by a Qualified Service Provider as part of the abatement process.
J) Any and all component failures, deficiencies, or malfunctions identified by the
System Certification shall be repaired. Any and all major repairs are subject to the
approval process as described in Section 3.
SECTION 9. ENFORCEMENT AND ADDITIONAL REMEDIES, PENALTIES, AND
PROCEDURES.
A) It shall be the duty of the Director or his agents to enforce the provisions of this
Ordinance.
B) The additional remedies, penalties, and procedures for violations of this
Ordinance and for recovery of costs related to enforcement provided for in Riverside
County Ordinance No. 725 are incorporated into this section by reference.
SECTION 10. VIOLATIONS.
A) Any person violating any provision of this Ordinance shall be deemed guilty of an
infraction or misdemeanor as hereinafter specified. Such person shall be deemed guilty of
a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation of
any of the provisions of this ordinance is committed, continued or permitted. Any person
convicted of a violation of this ordinance shall be: (1) guilty of an infraction offense and
punished by a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100.00) for a first violation; (2)
guilty of an infraction offense and punished by a fine not exceeding two hundred dollars
($200.00) for a second violation on the same site. The third and any additional violations
80
on the same site shall be punishable by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars
($500.00) or six(6) months in jail, or both.
B) Notwithstanding the above, a first offense may be charged and prosecuted as a
misdemeanor. Payment of any penalty herein shall not relieve any person from the
responsibility for correcting the violation.
SECTION 12. PUBLIC NUISANCE DECLARATION.
In addition, any violation of this Ordinance is hereby declared to be a public nuisance and may
be abated by the Director or his duly authorized agent irrespective of any other remedy
hereinabove provided.
SECTION 13. SEVERABILITY.
If any provision, clause, sentence, or paragraph of this Ordinance or the application thereof to
any person, establishment or circumstances shall be held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect
the other provisions or application of the provisions of this ordinance which can be given effect
without the invalid provision or application, and to this end, the provisions of this Ordinance are
hereby declared to be severable.
SECTION 14. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Ordinance shall take effect 30 days after the date of adoption.
Adopted: 650 Item 9.1 of 02/02/1988 (Eff: 04/03/1988)
Amended: 650.1 a Item 3.7 of 06/13/1989 (Eff: 07/13/1989)
650.1 Item 3.11 of 03/28/1989 (Eff: 04/27/1989)
650.2 Item 3.4 of 03/20/1990 (Eff: 04/19/1990)
650.3 Item 3.11 of 06/26/1990 (Eff: 07/26/1990)
650.4 Item 3.1 of 12/07/1993 (Eff: 12/07/1993)
650.5 Item 16.1 of 05/16/2006 (Eff: 06/15/2006)
81
APPENDIX XI-OWTS APPLICATION AND PERMITTING WORKFLOW DIAGRAM
County of Riverside
414.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
4r www.rivcoeh.org
OWTS Application&Permitting Workflow Diagram
OWTS Application& Fee Submitted
1
► Application/Fee Review
1
Incomplete
Notification NO Complete?
YES
Field Staff Assigned/Pre-site Inspection
Formal Plan Review 4
NO Plans Returned
Approve for Revisions
Plans?
1 YES
Execute Plan Approval&Issue Job Card for OWTS
1
► OWTS Construction Inspection
Approve
NO Construction?
YES
Sign OWTS Job Card and Enter Information into Envision Database _♦ END
82
APPENDIX XII—LAND USE APPLICATION
County of Riverside
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
www.rivcoeh.org
LAND USE APPLICATION
OFFICE USE ONLY
❑3880 Lemon Street•Suite 200•Riverside•CA•92501—(951)955-8980 PE CODE: FEE:
U 47-950 Arabia Street•Suite A•Indio•CA 92201—(760)863-7570
EHS# ON# LMS# APN:
TR/PM LOT# USE OF PERMIT:
SECTION A
Name
OWNER: Address City Zip
Phone Email
Company Name Agent/Contractor
AGENT/
CONTRACTOR: Mailing Address City Zip
Phone Email
PROPERTY INFO: Site Address City Zip
Water Agencyl well Lot Size
APPLICANT'S SIGNATURE: DATE:
SECTION B Below—For Office Use Only
CHECK BOX IF REQUIRED
If any box is checked,this application shall be considered denied until the information is provided.
❑Holding Tank Agreements Required 0 Floor Plan and/or Plumbing Layout Required
❑Certificate of Existing OWES Required(C-42) 0 Special Feasibility Boring Report Required
❑WQCB Clearance Required 0 Detailed Contour Plot Plan Required(1 to 5 foot intervals)
❑Soils Percolation Report Required
SITE EVALUATION INSPECTION REMARKS:
EHS INITIALS/DATE:
SECTION C
❑NEW ❑REPAIR/REPLACEMENT 0 EXISTING ❑PUMP ❑ATU ❑CONNECT TO SEWER FIXTURE UNITS# BDRMS#
Soils Percolation/Boring Report By: Date: Project#
C-42 Certification By: Date: License#
Septic tank cap.: Soil Rate: Tested Depth: Max. trench depth:
Sq.Ft.Bottom Area: Total Linear Ft.: Line(s):
Length: feet- Each 3 feet wide
Sidewall Allowance: Ft.Rock/ Sq.ft.Running foot Rock below drain line: _in. or 0 Plastic Chambers
Leach Lines/bed special design for slope: ❑N/A 0 Overburden Factor:
Pit Diameter. No.pits: Depth below Inlet(bi): Pit Total Depth: Max.allowable depth:
CONSTRUCTIONANSTALLATION REMARKS:
SECTION D
This Application is O Approved 0 Denied regarding the design of the OWTS as indicated on the accompanied plot plan using the requirements set forth in
Section C above.No construction is permitted in the required reserved 100%Expansion area.
EHS Signature: Date:
EPO-92(REV 7/16) Disthbuton WHITE—Office File;YELLOW—Bldg.Dept.PINK—Applicant
83
APPENDIX XIII—FEE SCHEDULE
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
County of Riverside
INFORMATIONAL BULLETIN No.99-14 EPO
Rotary?NOW r&mew COMMONLY USED FEES FOR THE
LAND USE&WATER RESOURCES PROGRAM
Initial Certification $ 147.00
Three Year Renewal,Exam&Renewal Of $ 137.00
Commercial Certification Tester List,Industrial/Commercial $ 18.00
Private Well Evaluation $ 425.34
Well Driller Annual Registration $ 38.00
Initial Monitoring Well $ 165.24
Additional Monitoring Well For The Same Site(Only when submitted concurrently with Initial $ 76.50
Monitoring Well)
Well Abandonment(Destruction of Well) $ 183.60
Agricultural Permit $ 186.66
Cathodic Permit $ 238.68
Community Permit $ 679.31
Driven Well $ 59.16
Individual Domestic Permit $ 503.88
Other Permits $ 318.24
Permit Transfer Fee $ 29.58
Extension Of Time For Permit $ 75.48
Electric to Well Clearance $ 61.20
New Conventional OWTS $ 72828
New OWTS Re-review $ 48.96
OWTS Site Evaluation(hourly) $ 180.00
Alt System with Advanced Treatment $1,020.00
Holding Tank Approval $ 156.06
Grease Interceptors $ 229.50
Septic Verification $ 108.12
Sewer Verification $ 46.92
Septic Abandonment $ 275.40
Septic Abandonment with Sewer Connect $ 322.32
Real Estate Letter/Clearance Letter $ 90.00
*Note:For a comprehensive list of fees,please contact your local Environmental Health office.
**Document available in an alternate format upon request.
***Disclaimer:Subject to periodic adjustment per Riverside County Ordinance No.640.
OFFICES IN:RIVERSIDE,BLYTHE,CORONA,HEMET,INDIO,MURRIETA AND PALM SPRINGS
For more information call(888)722-4234
Department Web Site—www.rivcoeh.org
Page 1 of 1 Rev 09/2016
84
APPENDIX XIV—RIVERSIDE COUNTY INCORPORATED CITIES—OWTS REGULATIONS INFO
REGION 9
Wildomar
Population: 14,064
Median household income:$49,081
City Website: http://www.citvofwildomar.org/
RWQCB:9
WWTP:
Plan check OWTS install Planning review
County County County
Temecula
Population:93,923
Median household income:$71,754
City Website: http://www.citvoftemecula.org/
RWQCB:9
WWTP:
Plan check OWTS install Planning review
County City Building County
Murrieta
Population: 103,466
Median household income:$75,102
City Website:
RWQCB:9
WWTP:
Plan check OWTS install Planning review
County County County
REGION 8
Lake Elsinore
Population:40,985
Median household income:$54,595
City Website: http://www.Iake-elsinore.org/
RWQCB:8
WWTP:
Plan check OWTS install Planning review
County County City Planning
Canyon Lake
Population: 10,939
Median household income:$70,106
City Website: http://www.citvofcanvonlake.com/
RWQCB: 8
WWTP:all sewered
85
Menifee
Population:60,000
Median household income: N/A
City Website: http://www.citvofinenifee.us/
RWQCB:8
WWTP:
Plan check OWTS install Planning review
County County County
Perris
Population:47,139
Median household income:$35,338
City Website: http://www.cityofperris.org/
RWQCB:8
WWTP:
Plan check OWTS install Planning review
City Building City Building City Planning-contract
Corona
Population: 144,661
Median household income:$72,162
City Website: http://www.discovercorona.com/
RWQCB:8
WWTP:
Plan check OWTS install Planning review
City Building City Building City Planning
Eastvale
Population: 55,000
Median household income: N/A
City Website: http://www.eastvaleca.gov/
RWQCB:8
WWTP:
Plan check OWTS install Planning review
County County County
Norco
Population:27,262
Median household income:$62,652
City Website: http://www.norco.ca.us/
RWQCB:8
WWTP:
Plan check OWTS install Planning review
City Building City Building City Planning
86
Jurupa Valley
Population:88,000
Median household income: N/A
City Website: http://www.iurupavallev.ore/
RWQCB: 8
WWTP:
Plan check OWTS install Planning review
County County County
Riverside
Population: 287,820
Median household income:$52,023
City Website: http://www.riversideca.gov/
RWQCB:8
WWTP:
DUC2
(,0
Plan check OWTS install Planning review
County City City
Moreno Valley
Population: 174,565
Median household income: $52,426
City Website: http://www.moval.org/index.shtml
RWQCB:8
WWTP:
Plan check OWTS install Planning review
County city city
87
Calimesa
Population:7,415
Median household income: $47,406
City Website: http://www.cityofcalimesa.net/
RWQCB:8
WWTP:
Plan check OWTS install Planning review
City City City
Beaumont
Population:36,877
Median household income:$67,758
City Website: http://www.ci.beaumont.ca.us/
RWQCB: 8
WWTP:
-Beaumont WWTP No. 1(NPDES CA0105376),WDID 8 330101001
-Beaumont STP No. 2 (NPDES),WDID 8 330101002
Plan check OWTS install Planning review
City City City
San Jacinto
Population: 31,066
Median household income: $39,235
City Website: http://www.ci.san-jacinto.ca.us/
RWQCB:8
WWTP:
Plan check OWTS install Planning review
City City City
Hemet
Population: 69,544
Median household income:$31,749
City Website: http://www.citvofhemet.org/
RWQCB:8
WWTP:
Plan check OWTS install Planning review
City City City
88
REGION 7
Coachella Valley i,
r x
�; �s' , *".- A;;; vc,,, ',..,. J, yamor*` b*int ev", i+.. .> lafienalfarl[
1 .• 'Ssa 6sryenle!a r � F'IGt^ - ""�� � l�'�•". •• �.+es ,�
-,•_ `Zt
�,. -_� Palm Spring
tr,----,:e- ,
l�T'` A
. ' .` bow. ,' ,,,ir._
: i t " 10 h
i9 Vr , rr 243'i'*_p. k ae 4 ;,e, 1t".. G� t*' }? it r of
1 e
�V... i. ) Ind Indio �'\ , 'F v � e
� ;� Ind' is„ o
„-44163, ';1 ..-i. -V:-:;:kio,'Iji.r-- 4' i 4-,-01 se) , -_ 1 , 86- ,
„,, -,1- 0,,,vgilier'- ,„,,,,„„ ,, 4,,..., , „,e; IT„,,,..or , - ji,,,e iv-, -11-,4,;,4 ..,4 ,
., 'Conty °if = t . - ` '
1i
3,.,_ ,.. ian 6ernardine ;, -. ..^"..tf. JA ;a r... :a..�. r.:r. tl
Banning
Population: 28,272
Median household income:$41,268
City Website: http://www.ci.banning.ca.us/
WWTP: Banning WWTP (Non-NPDES), RWQCB-7 BO#01-022
-provides services to 12,800 dwellings
Plan check OWTS install Planning review
City City City
Desert Hot Springs
Population: 22,011
Median household income:$33,263
City Website: http://www.citvofdhs.org/
RWQCB:7
WWTP:
OWTS: DHS Municipal Code 15.20.020 incorporates 2000 Uniform Plumbing Code by reference,
with "Administrative Authority" replaced with "Building Official of the City of Desert Hot Springs
or his or her designee"
Plan check OWTS install Planning review
City City City
Palm Springs
Population:46,437
Median household income:$46,399
City Website: https://www.google.com/#q=city+of+palm+springs
89
RWQCB:7
WWTP:
OWTS: PS Municipal Code incorporates by reference RivCo Ord. No. 712 (Liquid Waste)
Plan check OWTS install Planning review
*County City City
*No formal agreement in place
Cathedral City
Population: 51,081
Median household income:$50,654
City Website: http://www.cathedralcitv.gov/
RWQCB:7
WWTP:
Plan check OWTS install Planning review
City City City
Rancho Mirage
Population: 16,672
Median household income:$78,434
City Website: http://www.ranchomirageca.gov/
RWQCB:7
WWTP:
Plan check OWTS install Planning review
*County City City
*No formal agreement in place
Palm Desert
Population:49,539
Median household income:$61,789
City Website: http://www.citvofpalmdesert.org/
RWQCB: 7
WWTP:
Plan check OWTS install Planning review
*County City City
*No formal agreement in place
Indian Wells
Population:4,865
Median household income:$120,074
City Website: http://www.citvofindianwells.org/
RWQCB:7
WWTP:
Plan check OWTS install Planning review
*County City City
*No formal agreement in place
90
La Quinta
Population:38,340
Median household income:$71,127
City Website: http://www.la-quinta.org/
RWQCB:7
WWTP:
Plan check OWTS install Planning review
*County City City
*No formal agreement in place
Indio
Population:71,654
Median household income:$45,143
City Website: http://www.indio.org/
RWQCB:7
WWTP:
Plan check OWTS install Planning review
*County City City
*No formal agreement in place
Coachella
Population:35,207
Median household income:$33,402
City Website: http://www.coachella.org/
RWQCB:7
WWTP:
Plan check OWTS install Planning review
City City City
Blythe
Population: 22,178
Median household income: $45,302
City Website: http://www.citvofblythe.ca.gov/
RWQCB:7
WWTP:
Plan check OWTS install Planning review
*County City City
*No formal agreement in place
None of the cities listed has secured a formal agreement with the County to implement its
LAMP. It was the County's intent to pursue contracts with the cities once it had an approved
LAMP.ANY SERVICES NOT IDENTIFIED IN THE LAMP FOR THE INCORPORATED CONTRACTED
CITIES REGARDING OVERSIGHT OF NEW AND EXISTING OWTS ARE NOT WITHIN THE SCOPE OF
THE LAMP AND WILL BE THE CITIES' RESPONSIBILITIES.
91
APPENDIX XV—ORGANIZATION CHART
11
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1 P i'l
1 ORDINANCE NO. 650.6
2 AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 650
3 REGULATING THE DISCHARGE OF SEWAGE IN THE UNINCORPORATED AREAS OF
4 THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE AND INCORPORATING BY REFERENCE ORDINANCE 725
5
6
The Board of Supervisors of the County of Riverside, ordains as follows:
7
Section 1. Ordinance No. 650 is amended in its entirety as follows:
8
w•cnizI
10 ORDINANCE 650
} 11 "AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE REGULATING THE DISCHARGE OF
12 SEWAGE IN THE UNINCORPORATED AREAS OF THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE AND
=13 INCORPORATING BY REFERENCE THE RIVERSIDE COUNTY LOCAL AGENCY
• 11 4
w= MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (LAMP)
_15
2
; 16
0° 17 SECTION 1. PURPOSE AND INTENT.
18 New legislation was adopted by the State Water Resources Control Board in an effort to protect
19 water quality and public health by establishing regulations for the installation, replacement, and
20 performance of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS). The County has incorporated these
21
changes into its Local Agency Management Program (LAMP). The purpose of this Ordinance is to
22
provide for the enforcement of the provisions of the LAMP in accordance with state laws.
23
24 SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS.
25 A) "Alternative Treatment System" or "Alternative OWTS" or "ATU" shall mean any
26 OWTS that does not meet the criteria of a conventional OWTS, but is allowed under conditions
27
specified by the Department.
28
1
1 B) "Approval" shall mean the written approval by the Director or his designated
2 representative of a plan to install, construct, reconstruct, convert or alter any OWTS which
3 discharges or disposes of sewage, sewage effluent,or non-hazardous waste.
4 C) "Construction Permit" shall mean a permit issued by the Department authorizing the
5 permittee to install,construct,reconstruct,convert or alter any OWTS.
6
D) "Conventional Septic System" shall mean an OWTS consisting of a septic tank and
7
Department approved subsurface gravity dispersal system.
8
9 E) "Critical Area" shall mean those areas determined to be difficult for installation of an
10 OWTS due to, but not limited to one or more of the following: lot size, seasonal groundwater,
11 slope,poor soil conditions or impaired water basins.
12 F) "Department" shall mean the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health.
13 G) "Director" shall mean the Director of the Department of Environmental Health or his or
14
her designated representative.
15
H) "Dispersal System" shall mean a leach field, seepage pit, subsurface drip field, or other
16
17 type of system for final wastewater treatment and subsurface discharge.
1 8 I) "Failure" shall mean a condition of an OWTS that threatens public health or water quality
19 I by creating a potential for direct or indirect contact between sewage and the public. Examples of
20 failure include:
21
1. Sewage leaking to ground surface or groundwater;
22
2. Sewage backing up into a structure caused by slow OWTS soil absorption of septic tank
23
24 effluent;
25 3. Inadequately treated sewage causing pollution of groundwater or surface water;
26 4. Noncompliance with standards stipulated in the permit issued for the OWTS based upon
27 the protection of human health,water quality and the environment.
28
2
1 J) "Holding Tank"shall mean a sewage facility,of a temporary nature,that has no means of
2 discharge and requires periodic maintenance and shall have a renewable operating permit issued
3 by the Department.
4 K) "LAMP" shall mean Local Agency Management Program. This program implements
5 local standards for new and replacement OWTS consistent with the OWTS Policyadopted ep w...,p..,d by the
6
State Water Resources Control Board on June 19, 2012.
7
8 L) "Major Repair" shall mean OWTS improvements or corrective work where such
9 improvements involve the replacement, enlargement, or modification of a septic tank, treatment
10 unit, or dispersal system (excluding non-perforated distribution pipes), regardless of whether or
11 not a failure condition exists. Such repairs shall require a construction permit from the
12 Department.
13
M) "Onsite Wastewater Treatment System(s)" or "OWTS" shall mean any individual
14
onsite wastewater treatment, pretreatment and dispersal system including, but not limited to, a
15
conventional or alternative OWTS having a subsurface discharge.
16
17 N) "Operating permit" shall mean an annual permit issued by the Department authorizing
18 the permittee to operate an OWTS.
19 0) "Permit" shall mean either a construction permit or operating permit as defined within
20 this section.
21
P) "Person" shall mean any individual, firm, association, organization,partnership, business
22
trust,corporation, company, State agency or department, or unit of local government.
23
24 Q) "Professional of Record" or "PR" means an individual certified by the State of
25 California as a Professional Engineer (PE), Professional Geologist (PG) or Registered
26 Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) who has accepted responsibility for the design of the
27 OWTS including any required grading. The Professional of Record will have affixed his/her
28 signature and stampto the systemplans andplan g y proposal.
3
1 R) "Qualified Service Provide?' or "QSP" is a California State Licensed Contractor with
2 knowledge and competency in OWTS design, construction, operation, maintenance and
3 monitoring through experience and/or education. A qualified service provider must meet
4 certification requirements as established by the Director and be currently registered with the
5 Department as a QSP.
6
S) "Soil" is the naturally occurring body of porous mineral and organic materials on the land
7
surface, and is composed of unconsolidated materials above bedrock. Soil is composed of sand
8
9 sized, silt-sized, and clay-sized particles mixed with varying amounts of larger fragments and
10 organic material. The various combinations of particles differentiate specific soil textures
11 identified in the USDA Soil Classification Chart. For the purposes of this Ordinance, soil shall
12 contain earthen material having more than 50% of its volume composed of particles smaller than
13 0.08 inches(2 mm)in size.
14
T) "Sewage" or "Sewage Effluent" shall mean waste as defined in Section 5410(a),
15
California Health and Safety Code.
16
17 U) "Sewage Facilities" shall mean OWTS, sanitary sewer connections, holding tanks,
18 alternative systems or other methods of disposing of sewage as approved by the Director.
19 V) "System Certification" is an expression of professional opinion that the OWTS, or its
20 components, meet industry standards that are the subject of the certification but do not constitute
21
a warranty or guarantee, either expressed or implied. System certifications shall be performed by
22
a Qualified Service Provider using forms and procedures established or approved by the Director.
23
24 W) "Weathered Bedrock" is rock that has been exposed to the atmosphere at or near the
25 earth's surface and changed in color, texture, composition, firmness, and/or form as a result of the
26 exposure with little or no transport of loosened or altered material. For purposes of this
27 Ordinance,weathered bedrock is not soil.
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1 SECTION 3. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR OWTS APPROVAL AND CONSTRUCTION
2 PERMIT.
3 A) No person shall erect, construct, rebuild, convert or alter any plumbing system designed
4 for the discharge or disposal of sewage or sewage effluent unless he has first obtained a written
5 approval for such pp purpose from the Director. In designated areas of Riverside County, this
6
approval shall also constitute a construction permit.
7
8 B) OWTS design, installation, construction and operation shall be in compliance with the
9 LAMP and the minimum standards of the most recent edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code.
10 Such requirements may be amended from time to time.
11 C) No OWTS will be approved nor application for OWTS processed where connection to a
12 sanitary sewer is a practical option.
13
SECTION 4. APPLICATION REVIEW PROCESS FOR OWTS APPROVAL
14
A) Any person desiring approval of an OWTS shall submit an application on a form to be
15
provided by the Department. Such application shall be accompanied by a fee as required in
16
17 Riverside County Ordinance No. 640 and as amended. The application shall contain the following
18 information:
19 1) Name and address of applicant.
20 2) Location of the proposed installation or reconstruction.
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3) A scaled, engineered contoured plot plan describing the proposed construction or
22
alteration in sufficient detail to enable the Director to determine whether the proposed
23
24 installation or alteration is in compliance with the LAMP and this Ordinance. All
25 drawings must be made on a scale not less than 1"=40'.
26 4) Percolation test results, if required, as described in the LAMP.
27 5) A groundwater/bedrock evaluation, if required, as described in the LAMP.
28 B) Initial Application Review
5
1 1) All applications for conventional OWTS shall be approved or denied, in whole or
2 in part,within fifteen(15) working days after the date of filing.
3 2) Applications for Alternate OWTS shall be approved or denied, in whole or in part,
4 within thirty(30)working days after the date of filing.
5
3) If an application is denied, in whole or in part, the applicant may nnwnd the
6
application and submit the amended application within 1 year of the original submittal
7
date. Resubmitals received after one year shall be considered a new application and
8
9 subject to new application fees.
10 C) Revocations of Approvals or Permits
11 1) An approval or permit may be revoked by the Director for failure of the applicant
12 to provide proper, complete and accurate information regarding site conditions for a
13 proposed OWTS.
14
2) An approval or permit previously granted may be rescinded if soil conditions
15
16 change significantly prior to construction in a manner that would affect the proper
17 operation of an OWTS or the Director determines that exigent circumstances exist which
18 demonstrate a threat to the public health or safety.
19 D) Appeals Process
20
1) Any person whose application for an approval or permit has been denied, in whole
21
or in part, or entire approval or permit has been revoked may appeal this action to the
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Director. The person shall file with the Department a written request for a hearing setting
23
24 forth the grounds for the request within ten (10) working days from the date the permit
25 application was denied or revoked. Failure to submit the request within the timeframe
26 specified will be deemed a waiver of the right to such hearing.
27 2) Hearing Procedure. The Hearing Officer shall be the Director or the Director's
28 designee. The hearing shall be set for a date within ten (10) working days from the date
6
the written request is received by the Department unless extended at the request of the
2 petitioner. At the time and place set for the hearing, the Hearing Officer shall give the
3 petitioner and other interested persons, adequate opportunity to present any facts pertinent
4 to the matter at hand and to show cause why the permit or application should not be
5 denied. The Hearing Officer may, when deemed necessary, continue any hearing by
6
setting a new time and place and by giving notice to the petitioner of such action. At the
7
close of the hearing, or within ten (10) working days thereafter, the Hearing Officer shall
8
9 provide a written notice of disposition of the permit application or permit, notifing the
10 petitioner of the Hearing Officer's final determination.
11 E) OWTS Installation
12 1) The installation shall be performed in a manner that is consistent with the approved
13 plan design. In the event that conditions on site prevent the installation or function of the
14
OWTS as designed, a revised design plan must be submitted to and approved by the
15
Department prior to installation.
16
17 2) Construction Inspection. All OWTS shall require a construction inspection and
18 final approval by either the Department or the Department of Building and Safety prior to
19 f use.
20 SECTION 5. OPERATING PERMITS FOR ALTERNATIVE OWTS.
21
A) All new Alternative OWTS shall require a QSP maintenance agreement and an annual
22
operating permit.
23
24 B) Alternative OWTS shall be inspected yearly by a QSP, unless otherwise specified by the
25 manufacturer or the Department.
26 C) Renewal of subsequent operating permits shall be completed by the property owner or
27 agent on or before the expiration date and shall include evidence of a current QSP maintenance
28 agreement and annual evaluation/inspection report.
7
1 D) Within 60 days of a change of ownership, the new owner or owners must transfer the
2 operating permit into his, her or their names, using forms provided by the Department.
3 E) Every alternative OWTS subject to this Section shall be subject to inspection by the
4 Department to assure it is operating in a satisfactory manner.
5 SECTION 6. PROFESSIONAL OF RECORD AND QUALIFIED SERVICE PROVIDER
6
REGISTRATION.
7
A) Only those individuals who are registered as a PR with the Department may perform
8
9 percolation tests or other specialized testing as described in the LAMP.
10 B) Only those individuals who are registered as a QSP with the Department may certify an
11 OWTS as described in the LAMP.
12 C) Revocation of Registration. PR and QSP registration may be revoked for cause by the
13 Director. Examples of reasons for revocation include but are not limited to the following:
14
1) Failure to maintain the required professional registrations in good standing.
15
16 2) Failure to conduct business in a manner consistent with the ethics of the profession
17 and this Department.
18 3) Failure to conduct activities in a manner consistent with the LAMP.
19 4) Failure to pay the required registration fee.
20 D) Appeal of revoked registration. An appeal for reinstatement of registration may be made
21
in writing to the Director. The appeal must state why the registration should be reinstated and
22
provide facts showing that all reasons for the revocation have been remedied. Upon receipt of the
23
24 written appeal, the Director shall schedule a hearing with the appellant within 20 working days to
25 review the facts and hear reasons why the registration should be reinstated. At the conclusion of
26 the hearing,or within 10 working days,the Director shall issue a written decision to the appellant.
27 SECTION 7. FEES.
28
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1 A) The fees required to obtain an approval under the provisions of this Ordinance shall be as
2 specified in Riverside County Ordinance No. 640. Such fees may be waived in cases where
3 corrective or replacement work is being undertaken to replace property damaged or destroyed in a
4 disaster recognized in a resolution adopted by the Board of Supervisors.
5 B) Annual Operating Permit Fees. Prior to the issuance or annual renewal of an operating
6
permit, fees shall be paid as specified in Riverside County Ordinance No. 640.
7
C) Qualified Service Provider and Professional of Record Registration Fees. Prior to
8
9 issuance or annual renewal of a QSP or PR, registration fees shall be paid as specified in
10 Riverside County Ordinance No. 640. Registration is non-refundable, non-transferable, and shall
11 expire on December 31st of each year. Any change or lapse in registration shall require the
12 completion of a new QSP or PR registration application and fee.
13 SECTION 8.OWTS FAILURE.
14
A) It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge or deposit or cause or permit to be
15
discharged or deposited any sewage, sewage effluent or non-hazardous waste whether treated or
16
17 untreated in or upon any unincorporated territory of the County of Riverside, including any
18 deposit or discharge of sewage into streams or bodies of water above or below the ground. When
15 sewage is overflowing or being discharged upon the surface of any premises, the Director may
20 order the owner of the premises or occupants thereof who contribute to such overflow or
21
discharge to abate the same forthwith.
22
B) It shall be unlawful for any person to install or alter plumbing facilities or drainage
23
24 systems for the discharge or deposit of any sewage, sewage effluent,or non-hazardous waste from
25 any dwelling,house or building or appurtenance thereof in or upon unincorporated territory of the
26 County of Riverside, or into streams or bodies of water above or below the surface where the
27 same is, or may be carried through, or upon,unincorporated territory of said County, without first
28 securing an approval and permit from the Department.
9
1 C) It shall be unlawful for any person to install any structure or paving in the areas identified
2 for OWTS tank access or the primary and expansion dispersal area.
3 D) In the event an OWTS is determined to be in failure by the Director, an order shall be
4 given to abate the failure.
5 E) The property owner, agent or occupant shall be given a notice and reasonable time to abate
6
the stated failure. If the OWTS failure is contributing to an immediate hazard or contamination to
7
a public access or body of water,immediate remedy shall be required.
8
9 F) If the determination is made that connection to sanitary sewer is an option, the property
10 owner shall be required to connect to sewer within a timeframe as determined by the Director.
11 G) If a determination of an immediate hazard is made by the Director, which could
12 potentially contaminate a body of water or public area, such as but not limited to sewage effluent
13 flow onto a public roadway, culvert, drainage ditch, dry or active stream or river bed,the property
14
owner, agent and/or occupant must take measures to abate the failure immediately.
15
H) When reasonable effort to contact the owner, agent, or occupant is unsuccessful, or upon
16
17 refusal to abate the OWTS failure,the Director may designate it an imminent hazard to health and
18 safety and may abate the failure. Those remedies include, but are not limited to, the Department
19 contracting to pump a septic tank to eliminate discharge; shutting off water to eliminate sewage
20 discharge; providing alternate means of waste disposal, such as portable toilets or other means
21
deemed necessary to abate the nuisance. Further, the Department may recover the cost for
22
abating the nuisance and its enforcement activities as provided for in Riverside County Ordinance
23
24 No. 725.
25 I) The property owner, agent, or occupant may be required to secure a System Certification
26 by a Qualified Service Provider as part of the abatement process.
27
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J) Any and all component failures, deficiencies, or malfunctions identified by the System
2 Certification shall be repaired. Any and all major repairs are subject to the approval process as
3 described in Section 3.
4
SECTION 9. ENFORCEMENT AND ADDITIONAL REMEDIES, PENALTIES, AND
5
6 PROCEDURES..
7 A) It shall be the duty of the Director or his agents to enforce the provisions of this
8 Ordinance.
9 B) The additional remedies, penalties, and procedures for violations of this Ordinance and for
10
recovery of costs related to enforcement provided for in Riverside County Ordinance No. 725 are
11
incorporated into this section by reference.
12
13 SECTION 10. VIOLATIONS.
14 A) Any person violating any provision of this Ordinance shall be deemed guilty of an
15 infraction or misdemeanor as hereinafter specified. Such person shall be deemed guilty of a
16 separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation of any of
17 the provisions of this ordinance is committed, continued or
permitted. Any person convicted of a
18
violation of this ordinance shall be: (1) guilty of an infraction offense and punished by a fine not
19
exceeding one hundred dollars ($100.00) for a first violation; (2) guilty of an infraction offense
20
21 and punished by a fine not exceeding two hundred dollars ($200.00)for a second violation on the
22 same site. The third and any additional violations on the same site shall be punishable by a fine
23 not exceeding five hundred dollars($500.00)or six(6)months in jail,or both.
24 B) Notwithstanding the above, a first offense may be charged and prosecuted as a
25 misdemeanor. Payment of any penalty herein shall not relieve any y person from the responsibility
26
for correcting the violation.
27
28 SECTION 12. PUBLIC NUISANCE DECLARATION.
11
1 In addition, any violation of this Ordinance is hereby declared to be a public nuisance and may be abated
2 by the Director or his duly authorized agent irrespective of any other remedy hereinabove provided.
3 SECTION 13. SEVERABILITY.
4 If any provision, clause, sentence, or paragraph of this Ordinance or the application thereof to any person,
5 establishment or circumstances shall be held invalid, such invalidity •shall not affect the other provisions
6
or application of the provisions of this ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provision
7
or application, and to this end,the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby declared to be severable."
8
9 Section 2. This Ordinance shall take effect 30 days after the date of adoption.
10 Adopted: 650 Item 9.1 of 02/02/1988 (Eff: 04/03/1988)
Amended: 650.1a Item 3.7 of 06/13/1989 (Eff: 07/13/1989)
11 650.1 Item 3.11 of 03/28/1989 (Eff: 04/27/1989)
650.2 Item 3.4 of 03/20/1990 (Eff: 04/19/1990)
12 650.3 Item 3.11 of 06/26/1990 (Eff: 07/26/1990)
3 650.4 Item 3.1 of 12/07/1993 (Eff: 12/07/1993)
650.5 Item 16.1 of 05/16/2006 (Eff: 06/15/2006)
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