Title 13
UTILITIES
Chapters:
13.04 Sewers
13.08 Public Works Standards
13.12 Right-of-Way Acquisition Procedures
13.16 Hartstene Pointe Water and Sewage System
13.18 Hartstene Pointe Sanitary Sewage Code
13.19 Hartstene Pointe Cross Connection Control Program
13.20 Rustlewood Water and Sewer System
13.24 Beard's Cove Water System
13.28 North Bay-Case Inlet Sanitary Sewer Utility Administrative Code
13.29 North Bay/Case Inlet Sanitary Sewer System
13.30 Minimum Levels of Service for Residential Recycling Collection
Chapter 13.04
SEWERS
Sections:
13.04.010 Permit fees generally.
13.04.020 Future sewer stubs– Permit fee– Installation cost assigned.
13.04.030 Connection plans– Required when– Review fee.
13.04.040 Additional stub installation.
13.04.050 Sewer line construction by property owner– conditions designated.
13.04.060 Service area.
13.04.070 Service rates.
13.04.080 Service buildings.
13.04.090 Connection and service charges– Delinquency penalty.
13.04.100 Billings– To whom mailed– Owner's liability.
13.04.010 Permit fees generally.
A. At the time that a building sewer permit is applied for, the applicant shall pay to the county a permit fee as set forth in subsection B of this section and the permit charge and/or other charges, if any, required by this chapter. If the permit is not issued, the permit fee and connection charge shall be refunded.
B. Permit fees shall be as follows:
1. For each sewer line connecting the lot to a public sewer, fifty dollars;
2. For each modification or addition to an existing sewer where work is done entirely on private property, thirty-five dollars;
3. Each new sewer stub required with respect to building sewers, fifty dollars.
Connection inspection by the county is to be made before final cover.
(Res. 788 § 1.01, 1977).
13.04.020 Future sewer stubs– Permit fee– Installation cost assigned.
For all future sewer stubs, the permit fee and connection charge, if applicable, shall be paid upon application being made for such sewer stub, and the full cost of installing such sewer stub, including road restoration to county standards, shall be at the property owner's expense.
(Res. 788 § 1.02, 1977).
13.04.030 Connection plans– required when– Review fee.
A. If more than three separate building units are to be connected by the same property owner, the property owner shall submit to the county, for its approval, plans covering such connections prepared by a registered professional engineer and showing that the proposed installation meets the requirements of the county, including size and type of pipe, connection, location and grade.
B. When the property owner submits plans to the county for review, the property owner shall pay to the county, at the time he submits those plans for review, a sum equal to ten percent of the estimated cost of such construction work as a fee to pay for the engineering and administrative cost of review and checking of such plans.
(Res. 788 § 1.03 (part), 1977).
13.04.040 Additional stub installation.
If any property owner desires any stubs to be installed from the public sewer to the property line in addition to the stub or stubs originally installed for the parcel of land during original construction of the system, such additional stubs must be installed by a registered side sewer contractor solely at the property owner's expense.
(Res. 788 § 1.03 (part), 1977).
13.04.050 Sewer line construction by property owner– Conditions designated.
All sewer lines, including mains, stubs and building sewers, constructed by any property owner shall be constructed and installed at the sole expense of the property owner under the supervision of the county. After installation, such lines, other than building sewers from the structure to the property line, shall be conveyed to the county free and clear of all liens or encumbrances, together with duly executed and acknowledged easements for all portions of such sewer lines located upon private property, all at no cost to the county. The cost of the county supervision shall be paid for by the property owner. The property owner shall furnish the county as-built drawings covering such sewer lines so constructed and installed.
(Res. 788 § 1.03 (part), 1977).
13.04.060 Service area.
Sewer service will be available and rendered to areas and under conditions as follows:
A. The plats of Hartstene Pointe through Division 10 are designated as the primary area, and sewer and water service will be available to and rendered to each lot or tract therein, subject to the rates and conditions set forth in this chapter.
(Res. 788 § 2.01, 1977).
13.04.070 Service rates.
Sewer service shall be charged by the county as follows:
A. Single-family dwellings, five dollars fifty cents per month;
B. Primary area, lot without permanent dwelling, two dollars fifty cents per month;
C. Multiple-family dwellings, being duplexes, triplexes, apartment houses, etc., wherein each living unit shall pay a service charge, five dollars fifty cents per month; (A living unit is defined as being one or more habitable rooms which are occupied, rented, hired out to be occupied, or intended to be occupied by one family consisting of one or more persons for living, sleeping and eating.)
D. Lot with sewer riser pipe for motor homes, campers, trailers, and/or mobile homes.
(Res. 788 § 2.02, 1977).
13.04.080 Service billings.
A. Billing shall be made on the tenth day of every other month, with billings being for the current month and a month in advance. Billings on facilities being served by the Mason County Hartstene Pointe Sewerage Facility shall begin on the first month after commencement of services; provided, that billings on any facility required by the regulations of the county to be attached to public sewers shall commence not later than one hundred twenty days from the date of written notice by the county that such facility is required to be connected to the sewer system.
B. As for buildings or residences constructed after the initiation of charges established under Section 13.04.070, the first billing at the higher rate shall be made on the tenth day of the month following the month in which the sewer connection is made, or after occupancy of such building or residence, whichever event first occurs.
C. Sewer charges shall be due and payable before the first day of the second month of the bimonthly period for which the charges are made.
(Res. 788 § 3.01, 1977).
13.04.090 Connection and service charges– Delinquency penalty.
All connection charges and all sewer service charges against property owners receiving or capable of receiving such service are deemed charges against the property served. When such connection charges are not paid within thirty days after the date of billing, or such sewage disposal service charges are not paid by the first day of the calendar month following the month in which billing is made, such charges shall be delinquent. Upon any such charges becoming delinquent, there shall be added to them a penalty of ten percent of the amount of such charges and, in addition, from the date of delinquency, there shall be charged interest at eight percent per year on the delinquent charges and penalty added thereto. Delinquent charges, penalties added thereto, and interest on such charges and penalties shall be a lien against the property receiving or capable of receiving sewer service, subject only to the lien for general taxes. Delinquent charges shall be certified to the county treasurer whenever such charges have been delinquent for a period of four months, but may be so certified whenever such charges have been delinquent for the period of two months. The county may at any time thereafter bring suit and foreclosure such lien by civil action in the state Superior Court for the county pursuant to RCW 36.94.150.
(Res. 788 § 3.02, 1977).
13.04.100 Billings– To whom mailed– Owner's liability.
Billings may be mailed either to the occupant, the owner of the property on which the structure so served is located, or his agent, insofar as the county may reasonably ascertain the same. Failure to receive such bills shall not relieve any person liable therefor from the obligation to pay the same, nor the property receiving such service, or capable of receiving such service, from such lien therefor as may thereafter attach to the property in the manner provided by law.
(Res. 788 § 3.03, 1977).
Chapter 13.08 Sections:
13.08.010 Adopted.
13.08.020 Utilization.
13.08.010 Adopted.
The current edition of the American Public Works Association "Standard Specifications for Municipal Public Works Construction," or any subsequent edition, is adopted as part of the county standard specifications for public works construction.
(Res. 980 (part), 1979).
13.08.020 Utilization.
The county public works director/county engineer is authorized and directed to utilize these standard specifications with such amendments, modifications and special provisions as may be required to adapt to special conditions, in the preparation of contracts for construction in the county.
(Res. 980 (part), 1980).
Chapter 13.12 Sections:
13.12.010 Policy.
13.12.020 Engineer duties.
13.12.030 Appraiser duties.
13.12.040 Relocation agent.
13.12.050 Real property agent.
13.12.060 Real property must be appraised before initiation of negotiations with the owner.
13.12.070 Owners must be given an opportunity to accompany each appraiser during his inspection of the property.
13.12.080 The acquiring agency must establish just compensation before initiation of negotiations with the owners.
13.12.090 No increase or decrease in the FMV due to the project except physical deterioration, is to be considered in the valuation of the property.
13.12.100 Appraisals not to give consideration nor include allowance for relocation assistance benefits.
13.12.110 Owner not to be left with uneconomic remnant that acquiring agency did not offer to acquire.
13.12.120 Owner to be given written statement of amount established as just compensation, summary of basis for amount of just compensation and just compensation for real property acquired; and damages to be separately stated in written statement.
13.12.130 No owner shall be required to surrender possession before agreed purchase price has been paid or approved amount of compensation has been paid into court.
13.12.140 All displaced persons must be given ninety-day notice in advance of date they are required to move.
13.12.150 Rental amount charged to owners and/or tenants permitted to occupy property subsequent to acquisition must not exceed fair market rental value to short-term occupant.
13.12.160 No action must be taken to advance condemnation, defer negotiations or condemnation or take any other action coercive in nature in order to compel an agreement on the price to be paid for the property.
13.12.170 County must acquire equal interest in all buildings located upon real property acquired.
13.12.180 Acquiring county must pay recording fees, transfer taxes, penalty costs for prepayment of preexisting mortgage and prorata share of real property taxes paid subsequent to vesting title in acquiring county.
13.12.190 No property owner can voluntarily donate property prior to being informed of right to receive just compensation.
13.12.200 Provisions for rodent control.
13.12.210 No owner intentionally required to institute legal proceedings to prove fact of taking of real property.
13.12.220 Project identification.
13.12.010 Policy.
A. Mason County, desiring to acquire real property in accordance with the State Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Act (RCW Chapter 8.26) and state regulations (WAC Chapter 365-24) adopts the following procedures to implement the above statute and Washington Administrative Code.
B. The public works department is responsible for the real property acquisition and relocation activities on projects administered by the department of public works. To fulfill the property acquisition-relocation assistance role in development and implementation, the public works department has the following expertise and personnel capabilities and accomplishes these functions under the following procedures.
(Res. 1134 Part 1, 1980).
13.12.020 Engineer duties.
The county engineer shall administer all activities of the court and right-of-way section, including support to the law department of litigation, environmental law compliance and the property acquisition programs for the department and shall assure compliance with appropriate county ordinances and resolutions, state statutes, rules and regulations which pertain to real property acquisition and relocation assistance.
(Res. 1134 § A(1), 1980).
13.12.030 Appraiser duties.
The county appraiser (position to be filled by existing personnel) shall administer all appraisal activities, including estimates of right-of-way costs and appraisals of fair market value to assure that the county appraisal process complies with appropriate county, city and state statutes, laws, rules and regulations. The appraiser shall coordinate and assign all appraisal work, hire contract (fee) appraisers, maintain permanent files on all appraisals and prepare appraisals, when appropriate. He shall review all appraisals to determine the adequacy and reliability of supporting data and approve an adequately supported appraisal report which represents fair market value. He shall research market data to assure up to date information on the real estate market and provide court testimony on appraisals for condemnation.
(Res. 1134 § A(2), 1980).
13.12.040 Relocation agent.
The relocation agent (position to be filled by existing personnel) shall, in compliance with city, county, state law, appropriate rules and regulations, give notice of relocation assistance at the time of or subsequent to initiation of negotiations according to time limits determined by the funding agency. He shall prepare letters to property owners explaining entitlements, prepare appropriate relocation claims, and be knowledgeable in state guidelines for relocation assistance and real property acquisition policies. If the project does not require relocation, he shall prepare letters disclaiming the necessity to prepare relocation plans, prepare a relocation assistance program plan for projects requiring relocation assistance, carry out same, make field inspections of available substitute housing to insure decent, safe and sanitary qualifications, and meet with and interview all displacees as to their needs, offering services and advice on continuing basis.
(Res. 1134 § A(3), 1980).
13.12.050 Real property agent.
The real property agent (position to be filled by existing personnel) shall advise owners of need for the project, of impact upon their property and of their rights under Public Law RCW Ch. 8.26. He shall review project plans, appraisals and instruments for adequacy as to real property considerations, actively negotiate with owners to acquire real property in conformance with all laws, rules and regulations, request condemnation procedure when necessary, and set up escrows and instructions.
(Res. 1134 § A(4), 1980).
13.12.060 Real property must be appraised before initiation of negotiations with the owner.
Property acquired by Mason County for public works projects will be appraised by a qualified staff or fee appraiser with appropriate appraisal review before initiation of negotiations with the owner.
(Res. 1134 § B(1), 1980).
13.12.070 Owners must be given an opportunity to accompany each appraiser during his inspection of the property.
The Mason County appraiser will contact the owner and extend an invitation for the owner to accompany the appraiser during his inspection of the property. Appointments should be made at the owner's convenience.
(Res. 1134 § B(2), 1980).
13.12.080 The acquiring agency must establish just compensation before initiation of negotiations with the owners.
Mason County will establish just compensation from the review appraiser's estimate of value before negotiating with any owner. Any amounts paid over just compensation for the property will be an administrative settlement and will be so documented in the acquisition file as to the justification used in arriving at the amount of the settlement. However, in an administrative or stipulated settlement, payment will not be made by the person who determined the settlement.
(Res. 1134 § B(3), 1980).
13.12.090 No increase or decrease in the FMV due to the project except physical deterioration, is to be considered in the valuation of the property.
During the appraisal process, Mason County will not consider any factors of the project that would influence the valuation of the property except physical deterioration wherever appropriate.
(Res. 1134 § B(4), 1980).
13.12.100 Appraisals not to give consideration nor include allowance for relocation assistance benefits.
Mason County will not consider relocation assistance benefits in their appraisal process in establishing fair market value for the property to be acquired.
(Res. 1134 § B(5), 1980).
13.12.110 Owner not to be left with uneconomic remnant that acquiring agency did not offer to acquire.
Pursuant to RCW 8.26.180, Paragraph 9, Mason County, during acquisition of a portion of the owner's property, will not leave an uneconomic remnant without offering to acquire the entire property from the owner.
(Res. 1134 § B(6), 1980).
13.12.120 Owner to be given written statement of amount established as just compensation, summary of basis for amount of just compen-sation and just compensation for real property acquired, and damages to be separately stated in written statement.
Mason County will give to the owner at the initiation of negotiation a written statement known as the "fair offer letter." That statement will be the amount of just compensation based on a review and analysis of an appraisal(s) made by a qualified appraiser with a summary thereof, showing the basis for just compensation. Included in the fair offer letter will be identification of the real property to be acquired, including the estate or interest being acquired. There will be, when appropriate, the identification of the improvements and fixtures considered to be part of the real property to be acquired. The fair offer letter will show that portion of the just compensation considered the amount of damages to the remaining property. At the initiation of negotiation with the owner, Mason County will give to the owner an acquisition brochure furnished by the Washington State Department of Transportation.
(Res. 1134 § B(7), 1980).
13.12.130 No owner shall be required to surrender possession before agreed purchase price has been paid or approved amount of compensation has been paid or approved amount of compensation has been paid into court.
Mason County will not require the owner or tenant to surrender possession of the property before ninety days after the agreed purchase price has been paid or the approved amount of compensation has been paid into court. The ninety-day notice may be reduced only in the event the property being acquired is unimproved, contains no personal property and is not being utilized by the owner or tenant.
(Res. 1134 § B(8), 1980).
13.12.140 All displaced persons must be given a ninety-day notice in advance of date they are required to move.
Mason County will provide relocation assistance to an owner or tenant or contract with a qualified organization to perform this service.
(Res. 1134 § B(9), 1980).
13.12.150 Rental amount charged to owners and/or tenants permitted to occupy property subsequent to acquisition must not exceed fair market rental value to short-term occupant.
Rental amounts charged to owners and tenants occupying the property subsequent to acquisition will not be in excess of fair rental amount of a short-term occupant.
(Res. 1134 § B(10), 1980).
13.12.160 No action must be taken to advance condemnation, defer negotiations or condemnation or take any other action coercive in nature in order to compel an agreement on the price to be paid for the property.
Every reasonable effort will be made to acquire expeditiously real property by negotiations without exercising the right to eminent domain. No action will be taken to advance condemnation, defer negotiations or condemnation or take any other action coercive in nature in order to compel an agreement on the price to be paid for the property.
(Res. 1134 § B(11), 1980).
13.12.170 County must acquire equal interest in all buildings located upon real property acquired.
When any interest in real property is acquired, at least an equal interest will be acquired in all buildings, structures, or other improvements located upon the real property so acquired and which is required to be removed from such real property or which will be adversely affected by the use to which such real property will be put.
(Res. 1134 § B(12), 1980).
13.12.180 Acquiring county must pay recording fees, transfer taxes, penalty costs for prepayment of preexisting mortgage and prorata share of real property taxes paid subsequent to vesting title in acquiring county.
Mason County will comply with RCW 8.26.200 and will pay direct or reimburse the owner for expenses necessarily incurred in the acquisition for:
A. Recording fees, transfer taxes, and similar expenses incidental to conveying such real property to the acquiring Mason County;
B. Penalty costs for full or partial prepayment of any preexisting recorded mortgage entered into in good faith encumbering such real property;
C. The prorata portion of real property taxes paid which are allocable to a period subsequent to the date of vesting title in the acquiring Mason County, or the effective date of possession of such real property by the acquiring Mason County, whichever is the earlier.
(Res. 1134 § B(13), 1980).
13.12.190 No property owner can voluntarily donate property prior to being informed of right to receive just compensation.
A donation or gift of real property will be accepted only after the owner has been fully informed of his right to receive just compensation.
(Res. 1134 § B(14), 1980).
13.12.200 Provisions for rodent control.
If rodent control should become necessary in the project, Mason County will make provisions to maintain control or eradicate the rodents.
(Res. 1134 § B(15), 1980).
13.12.210 No owner intentionally required to institute legal proceedings to prove fact of taking of real property.
No owner will be intentionally required to institute legal proceedings to prove the fact of the taking of his real property.
PUBLIC WORKS STANDARDS
RIGHT-OF-WAY ACQUISITION PROCEDURES
| 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | |
| Water | $360.00 | $360.00 | $360.00 | $360.00 | $360.00 |
| Sewer | 360.00 | 360.00 | 360.00 | 360.00 | 360.00 |
(b) All structure, service lines and water connection lines shall be inspected by Mason County (DCD, water/sewer division) before the work is back-filled.
(c) A fullway water valve controlling all outlets shall be installed by the owner at the structure service line and be readily accessible to Mason County and the owner.
(d) All service connections to the system shall be connected with a three-fourths inch valve which shall be provided by Mason County.
(e) All service connections to the system shall comply with all components of the cross-connection control plan.
(Res. 126-98 § 1.01, 1998).
13.16.020 Water fees.
The following monthly rates shall be charged for each residential unit receiving water services:
| July 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | |
| Single-family dwelling | $21.50 | $21.50 | $21.50 | $21.50 |
| Lot without dwelling | 9.00 | 9.00 | 9.00 | 9.00 |
(Res. 55-05 § 1, 2005: Res. 49-05 § 1, 2005: Res. 126-98 § 1.02, 1998).
13.16.040 Sewer fees.
The following monthly rates shall be charged for each residential unit receiving sewer services:
| July 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | |
| Single-family dwelling | $34.50 | $34.50 | $34.50 | $34.50 |
| Lot without dwelling | 14.00 | 14.00 | 14.00 | 14.00 |
(Res. 55-05 § 2, 2005: Res. 49-05 § 3, 2005: Res. 126-98 § 1.04, 1998).
13.16.050 Billing– Charges due.
Billings shall be mailed prior to the tenth day of every month. Water and sewer charges shall be due and payable before the first day of the next monthly billing period.
(Res. 126-98 § 2.01, 1998).
13.16.060 Delinquency charges and liens.
(a) When sewer and/or water charges are not paid within sixty days after the date of billing, such charges shall be considered delinquent, and the water service for the delinquent account may be shut off by the county. In the event that water service is shut off of delinquent charges, all outstanding charges must be paid before service will be restored. In addition to delinquent charges which caused the service to be shut off, a twenty-five dollar service fee shall be paid to reestablish service. During the period between service shutoff and reestablishment, monthly service charges will continue to accrue at the normal rates. All delinquent payments for service shall also be subject to interest penalties in an amount equal to eight percent annually. Such interest charges shall be computed monthly based on outstanding service changes.
(b) All delinquent charges and penalties added thereto shall be a lien against the property owner. Delinquent charges shall be certified to the county treasurer whenever said charges have been delinquent for a period of sixty days and a lien may be filed by the county. Upon the expiration of sixty days after the attachment of the lien, the county may bring suit in foreclosure by civil action in the superior court of Mason County. In addition to the costs and disbursements provided by statute, the court may allow the county reasonable costs and attorney's fees. The lien shall be foreclosed in the same manner as the foreclosure of real property tax liens.
(Res. 49-05 § 4, 2005; Res. 126-98 § 2.02, 1998).
13.16.070 Billings– To whom mailed.
Billings may be mailed to the owner of the property on which the structure so served is located, or his agent, insofar as the county may reasonably ascertain the same. Failure to receive such bills shall not relieve any person liable therefor from the obligation to pay the same, nor the property receiving such service, or capable or receiving such service, from such lien therefor as may thereafter attach to the property in the manner provided by law. A fee of ten dollars will be charged for any change in tenant, renter, ownership, billing address, etc.
(Res. 126-98 § 2.03, 1998).
13.16.080 Violation and penalties of water system.
Any person or persons, firm, or corporation who tampers or permits tampering with the water or sewer system shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof, shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars or by imprisonment. Each separate day or any portion thereof, during which any violation continues shall be deemed to constitute a separate offense.
(Res. 126-98 § 2.04, 1998).
Chapter 13.18 Sections:
Article I. Establishment and Definitions
13.18.010 Establishment– Policy.
13.18.020 Other applicable laws.
13.18.030 Definition of terms.
Article II. Administration
13.18.040 Department of community development.
13.18.050 Director– Responsibilities and limitations.
13.18.060 Interdepartmental cooperation and agreements.
13.18.070 Authority to construct and operate.
13.18.080 Review, inspection and construction of sewer facilities built by a property owner or developer.
13.18.090 Authorization of inspection of existing sewers and appurtenances.
13.18.100 Sewer utility funds.
Article III. Required Use of Public Sanitary Sewerage Systems
13.18.110 Treatment of wastewater required.
13.18.120 Property required to connect to public sewer.
Article IV. Sewerage Development
13.18.130 Extent of sewerage development.
Article V. Construction of Sanitary Sewer Systems
13.18.140 Design criteria and construction standards.
13.18.150 Connection to public sewers.
13.18.160 Repairs to connections.
13.18.170 Connection standards.
13.18.180 Information from the county.
13.18.190 Costs of building sewer or sewer-line extension borne by owner.
13.18.200 Reuse of old building sewers.
13.18.210 Protection of excavations and restoration of public property.
Article VI. Permits
13.18.220 Permits required.
13.18.230 Building sewer permits.
13.18.240 Building sewer permit– Term and fee.
13.18.250 Building sewer permit requirements.
Article VII. Charges
13.18.260 Schedule of fees.
Article VIII. Unlawful Use of Public and Private Sanitary Sewer Systems
13.18.270 Unlawful wastewater disposal facilities.
13.18.280 Unlawful deposit of waste.
13.18.290 Unlawful discharge of stormwaters and other waters into sewers.
13.18.300 Limitations on discharge locations.
13.18.310 Unlawful damage to sewer facilities.
13.18.320 Discharge of septic tank contents.
13.18.330 Failure to connect or repair building sewer.
13.18.340 Unlawful connections to or disturbances of public sewers.
13.18.350 Disconnection of building sewer.
13.18.360 Building sewer for each building– Exceptions.
Article IX. Enforcement
13.18.370 Notice of violation.
13.18.380 Appeal process.
13.18.390 Civil liability to county.
13.18.400 Continued violation– Penalty.
13.18.410 Delinquent charges.
13.18.420 Lien.
13.18.430 Lien attachment.
13.18.440 Lien interest.
13.18.450 Lien foreclosure.
13.18.460 Criminal penalty.
13.18.470 Validity– Severability.
Article I. 13.18.010 Establishment– Policy.
There is established a sanitary sewage code for Hartstene Pointe. It is the intent and purpose of the board of county commissioners that sewer systems under its responsibility be constructed and maintained in accordance with uniform standards. To meet this purpose, the existing sewage system at Hartstene Pointe and any further construction shall be in compliance with the authority established hereunder.
(Ord. 132-94 § 1.01, 1994).
13.18.020 Other applicable laws.
In the event that federal, state or other applicable laws impose a standard or regulation that is in conflict with any provision of this code or any standard or regulation that the county may adopt pursuant to this code, the most restrictive standard shall prevail.
(Ord. 132-94 § 1.02, 1994).
13.18.030 Definition of terms.
Unless the context specifically indicates otherwise, the meaning of terms used in this chapter shall be as set forth in this section. Terms not specifically defined herein shall be as defined in the latest revised publication, Glossary Water and Wastewater Control Engineering, published jointly by the American Public Health Association, American Society of Civil Engineers, American Water Works Association and Water Pollution Control Federation.
(1) "Association" means the Hartstene Pointe Maintenance Association (HPMA), a Washington nonprofit organization.
(2) "Blue card" means a card issued by the Mason County department of community development upon acquisition of building permit and payment of connection fee. This card authorizes the owner to proceed with connection to the water and sewer system.
(3) "Building sewer" means the sanitary side sewer line, connecting a single structure or more than one structure from the building drain to the public sewer collection and/or trunk line located in easement dedicated to the county, or other approved place of disposal. The building sewer, including that portion called the side sewer stub, is to be inspected at the time of construction and approved by the county but is not owned by the county and therefore shall be maintained by the property owner. This includes single-family dwellings and duplexes.
(4) "Certified" to present in written formal communication attesting as being true as represented or as meeting a standard as guaranteed by signature.
(5) "Collection system" means sanitary sewer lines, of eight-inch or larger diameters, including manholes, cleanouts and appurtenances, whose primary function is to collect sanitary sewage rom individual side sewers and transport this sewage to trunk and/or interceptor sewers.
(6) "Connection charges" means charges assessed by the county against an owner at the time the owner acquires a building permit.
(7) "Covenants" means the restrictive and other covenants running with the land which govern the use of land in Hartstene Pointe. The covenants applicable to each division of Hartstene Pointe are incorporated in a document bearing the title Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions. The covenants applicable to the first division of Harstene Pointe were recorded in the Mason County Land Records on August 7, 1970, under auditor's fee No. 253021.
(8) "Department of community development" means a separate and independent department of Mason County responsible for the administration of the sanitary sewer and water utilities owned and operated by Mason County. Also referred to herein as "department."
(9) "Developer" means any person, or the heirs, successors or assigns of such person, who owns and/or proposes or intends to develop any lot or parcel of real property wherein there is located or is to be located any house, building or structure for human occupancy, employment, recreation or other use.
(10) "Director" means the director of the department of community development or the director's duly authorized representative.
(11) "Domestic wastewater facilities" means all facilities generating wastewater principally from single, duplex or multiple dwellings.
(12) "Duplex" means a two-family dwelling, namely a detached building containing two complete living units sharing a common wall or floor with not more than two kitchens, designated and/or used to house not more than two families living independently of each other and including all necessary household functions of each such family. A duplex shall be considered two single-family dwellings.
(13) "Easement" means a legally binding agreement entitling the county to construct, repair and/or connect sewer facilities located on private property; or, an agreement between two separate owners, for the purpose of mutual wastewater discharge, to construct sewer facilities on property owned by one owner or the other or both.
(14) "Effluent" means wastewater that has been treated to remove wastes and is discharged from treatment facilities.
(15) "Governmental entity" means the organization or agency through which a separate and independent political body exercises authority including but not limited to cities, towns, counties, water and sewer districts and other municipal corporations.
(16) "Garbage" means the animal and vegetable waste resulting from the handling, preparation, cooking and serving of foods. It is composed largely of putrescible organic matter and its natural moisture content.
(17) "Harstene Pointe" means the total land area on the north tip of Hartstene Island in Mason County, Washington, which consists of:
(A) The land area described and platted by that certain plat entitled "Hartstene Pointe" which developer filed with Mason County auditor on July 7, 1970, and which said auditor recorded under this fee No. 252193 on pages 80 to 85 of Plat Volume 8 of the Mason County Land Records; and
(B) Such other lands in Sections 19 and 30 of Township 21 North, Range 1 West, Willamette Meridian and Sections 24 and 25, Township 21 North, Range 2 West, Willamette Meridian (the north tip of Hartstene Island) as may be added thereto by recorded plats identifying the same as additions to Hartstene Pointe.
(18) "Hartstene Pointe (Mason County) sewerage system" means the system of conduits, pumps, treatment plants and structures located on county-owned property or in private road rights-of-way or on easements dedicated to the county used for the purpose of conveying from their source, treating in any manner, and conveying to final points of disposal, all wastes of any nature permitted by this code to enter said system. Specifically included as integral parts of the system are all conduits of any nature forming a part of the general network of conduits or connected directly or indirectly to said network, all pumps, wastewater treatment plant and structures of any kind used in connection with the collection, treatment and disposal of the wastes handled by the system, all appurtenances to any of the above, either physically or functionally connected therewith. Sanitary sewers, as defined in this section, are included as part of the Hartstene Pointe sewerage system. Building sewers and side sewer stubs as defined in this section are not part of the county system and are operated and maintained by the owner.
(19) "Large residential development" means any development which includes more than four residential living units.
(20) "Natural outlet" means any outlet into a watercourse, pond, ditch, lake or other body of surface or groundwater.
(21) "Natural watercourse" means a surface or underground watercourse created by natural agencies and conditions.
(22) "Owner" means the lawful and legal owner of a lot or parcel of land (delineated by parcel number) under single ownership also noted on county assessor/treasurer property rolls as the taxpayer.
(23) "Permit" means written authorization from the director granting the owner permission to make the required building sewer connections to the side sewer stub or to make repairs, alterations, disconnections, caps, or any other sewer construction or repair stipulated in this chapter.
(24) "Person" means any individual or commercial entity, company, association, society, corporation, partnership or group.
(25) "Mason County board of commissioners" means those duly elected individuals serving as the legislative body of Mason County. Also referred to herein as the "board."
(26) "Plumbing outlet" means the part of the lowest horizontal piping of a drainage system of a structure that receives waste from other drainage pipes inside the walls of a structure and conveys it to a building sewer. The building sewer begins twenty-four inches from the outer face of the outside building wall.
(27) "Premises" means a continuous tract of land, building or group of adjacent buildings under a single ownership.
(28) "Private sewer facilities" means any sanitary sewer facility including building sewers, constructed within the limits of property privately owned including but not limited to collection lines, trunk sewers, lateral sewers, pump stations, force mains and appurtenances. Side sewer stubs as defined in this section and located within public rights-of-way or perpetual easements owned by Mason County shall be operated and maintained by the private property owner.
(29) "Properly shredded garbage" means garbage which has been shredded to such degree that all particles will be carried freely under the flow conditions normally prevailing in public sewers, with no particle greater than one-fourth inch in any dimension.
(30) "Public sewer facilities" means any sanitary sewer constructed within a public right-of-way or perpetual easement owned by Mason County including but not limited to collection lines, trunk sewers, lateral sewers, side sewer tees, pump stations, force mains and appurtenances. Building sewers and side sewer stubs as defined in this section are not part of the county system and are operated and maintained by the owner.
(31) "Purchaser" means any person, or the heirs, successors or assigns of such person, who purchases and/or leases any house, building or structure; or one or more units in a subdivision or multiple-housing projects, from a developer as defined in this section.
(32) "Registered professional engineer" means any individual or corporation holding a currently valid license to practice engineering in the state of Washington.
(33) "Registered building sewer contractor" means any contractor who is duly registered to construct, install, repair, reconstruct, excavate or connect any building sewer and side sewer stub to public sewers in the state of Washington.
(34) "Sanitary sewage" means wastewater derived from domestic, commercial and industrial wastes.
(35) "Sanitary sewer" means a sewer which carries sanitary sewage.
(36) "Septic tank" means a settling tank in which settled sludge is in immediate contact with the wastewater flowing through the tank and in which the organic solids are decomposed by anaerobic bacterial action. These types of units are prohibited at Hartstene Pointe.
(37) "Service area" means that area containing Hartstene Pointe and the five hundred thirty-three lots therein.
(38) "Sewage" is a term now being replaced in technical usage by the preferable term of "wastewater," and for the purpose of this chapter shall be considered synonymous.
(39) "Sewer line extension" means
(A) The construction, upgrading, and/or extension of existing sewer facilities located in public rights-of-way or easements conveyed to the county; or
(B) The construction, upgrading and/or extension of existing sewer facilities located on private property serving four or more structures or exceeding a length of four hundred feet.
Sewer line extensions located on private property shall be operated and maintained by the owner including the side sewer stub as defined in this section. Gravity building sewer lines over four hundred feet in length serving one single-family dwelling are exempt from this definition.
(40) "Shall, may." "Shall" is mandatory, "may" is permissive.
(41) "Side sewer stub" means a sanitary sewer constructed from a lateral or trunk sewer to a property line, or edge of a perpetual easement of a property being served. The side sewer stub shall be considered part of the "building sewer" and shall be maintained by the owner.
(42) "Side sewer tee" means the point at which the side sewer stub joins the public sewer.
(43) "Single-family dwelling" means any building designed and/or used to house a single family and shall include mobile homes on individual lots whether owned collectively or individually in mobile home courts, condominiums or townhouses.
(44) "Storm drain" means those drainage pipes which are designated to carry surface drainage water and other such stormwaters as are not permitted to be disposed of through the sanitary sewer system, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
(45) "Structure" means anything constructed, erected or placed, the use of which requires location or attachment to something having location on the ground.
(46) "Unpolluted water" means water in its natural state, or water which, after use for any purpose, is not substantially changed as to chemical or biochemical qualities.
(47) "Wastewater facilities" means the structures, equipment and processes required to collect, transport and treat domestic and commercial wastes, and dispose of the effluent and waste byproducts.
(48) "Wastewater treatment plant" means any arrangement of devices and structures used for treating wastewater collected by the county. See "wastewater facilities."
(49) "Watercourse" means
(A) A natural or artificial channel for passage of water;
(B) A running stream of water;
(C) A natural stream fed from permanent or natural sources, including rivers, creeks, runs and rivulets. There must be a stream, usually flowing in a particular direction (though it need not flow continuously) in a definite channel, having a bed or banks and usually discharging into some other stream or body of water.
(Ord. 132-94 § 1.03, 1994).
Article II. 13.18.040 Department of community development.
The department of community development has been established as a department within the government of Mason County. This department is under the management of the director of the department of community development. This department has the responsibility for the construction, maintenance and operation of sewer utility facilities at Hartstene Pointe and owned by Mason County.
(Ord. 132-94 § 2.01, 1994).
13.18.050 Director– Responsibilities and limitations.
The director shall be the administrator of Mason County's department. Where this chapter requires approval by, permission or decision of, or instructions from the director, the director shall be guided by current county resolutions, ordinances and policy as well as by generally recognized engineering standards and practices. The director shall also be guided by current applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
(Ord. 132-94 § 2.02, 1994).
13.18.060 Interdepartmental cooperation and agreements.
The director may, insofar as practicable, make use of services of the other county departments, offices and agencies. Interdepartmental agreements between the department of community development and the department of public works and other departments of the county, may be authorized when necessary.
(Ord. 132-94 § 2.03, 1994).
13.18.070 Authority to construct and operate.
The department of community development shall construct, operate and maintain the Hartstene Pointe sewerage system, including collection systems and treatment facilities, for the collection and treatment of wastewater.
(Ord. 132-94 § 2.04, 1994).
13.18.080 Review, inspection and construction of sewer facilities built by a property owner or developer.
(a) Prior to the construction, installation and operation of any public sewer facility or any private sewer facility governed by the provisions of this chapter, owners, developers or other entities responsible for the construction shall be required to obtain a building permit and pay all required fees and charges. In addition, owners are required to obtain a building permit from the architectural control committee of the Hartstene Pointe maintenance association.
(b) The department may require the entity responsible for the construction to demonstrate satisfactory completion of all lines installed by the owner. If defects are discovered by the county, the party responsible for the construction will be responsible for incurring all costs for repairing all defects.
(Ord. 132-94 § 2.07, 1994).
13.18.090 Authorization of inspection of existing sewers and appurtenances.
(a) The director shall be authorized to enter upon premises served by any building sewer or connected with any public sewer at all reasonable hours to ascertain or make necessary tests as to whether the provisions of local, state and federal laws relative to sewerage have been complied with.
(b) In the event that entry is refused, necessary steps shall be taken to make application for a search warrant to accomplish the appropriate inspection.
(c) If said sewer, or its attachments, are in conflict with the provisions of any law or resolution in regard thereto, the owner of said premises, or his agent, shall be notified to cause said sewer or its attachments to be so altered, repaired or reconstructed at the owner's expense, so as to make them conform to the requirements of the laws and resolutions within a reasonable time limit established by the director from the time of receipt of such notice.
(Ord. 132-94 § 2.08, 1994).
13.18.100 Sewer utility funds.
The county shall by separate resolutions/ordinances create the necessary sewer utility funds to properly account for any and all revenues received for the use of sewers as set forth herein. All expenses for the administrative development, construction, operation, maintenance and repair of the Hartstene Pointe (Mason County) sewer system shall be charged to said funds.
(Ord. 132-94 § 2.09, 1994).
Article III. 13.18.110 Treatment of wastewater required.
It is unlawful to discharge into any natural outlet within Hartstene Pointe, or onto any land or body of water within the exterior boundaries, any sewage, waste-water, or other polluted waters, except where suitable treatment has been provided in accordance with state and federal regulations or the provisions of this chapter.
(Ord. 132-94 § 3.01, 1994).
13.18.120 Property required to connect public sewer.
(a) Buildings on platted residential lots requiring sewer service shall be connected to the central community sewer system at the owner's expense and in a manner which meets with the approval of the Mason County department of community development and the Hartstene Pointe board of directors. The plans for and specifications of such connection shall be submitted as a part of the owner's application for a building permit. Upon acquisition of the building permit and payment at connection fee, the owner shall receive a blue card entitling the owner to proceed with construction and connection to the community sewer system.
Travel trailer, camper and motorhome owners must apply to the Mason County department of community development for a permit to obtain sanitary sewage service while such vehicle is on a platted residential lot, except as provided as follows:
(1) Travel trailers, campers or motorhomes with self-contained sanitary facilities wherein no disposal of sewerage or wastewater will be made while on the platted residential lot or on the common area, may be used on a platted residential lot having no connection to the community system for a period not to exceed two weeks with written permission of the Hartstene Pointe board of directors.
(2) Where a travel trailer, camper or motorhome does not have self-contained, sanitary facilities, connection to the community sanitary system is mandatory after a period of two consecutive days.
(3) If a travel trailer, camper or motorhome is located on a platted lot during construction of a dwelling unit with written permission of the Hartstene Pointe board of directors, the owner must connect to the community sanitary system.
(b) No more than one travel trailer, camper or motorhome may be located on a platted lot during any period of use.
(Ord. 132-94 § 3.02, 1994).
Article IV. 13.18.130 Extent of sewerage development.
The extent of sewerage development shall be the boundaries of the Hartstene Pointe development as set forth in the approved engineering report, Hartstene Pointe Engineering Report. Connections to the sewer system shall be confined to the five hundred thirty-three lots and the common areas maintained by the Hartstene Pointe maintenance association.
(Ord. 132-94 § 4.01, 1994).
Article V. 13.18.140 Design criteria and construction standards.
The department shall ensure that sewer facilities design and construction standards satisfy the standards of the most current department design and construction specifications, or as prescribed and interpreted by the director.
(Ord. 132-94 § 5.01, 1994).
13.18.150 Connection to public sewers.
All connections to the public sewers of the county shall be made in a permanent and sanitary manner in accordance to the provisions of this chapter and shall be sufficient to carry all the wastewater of every kind from the building or structure into the public sewer.
(Ord. 132-94 § 5.02, 1994).
13.18.160 Repairs to connections.
For assessed properties within Hartstene Pointe, any needed repair to a building sewer or connection to a public sewer shall be made within thirty days after the date of mailing or personal service of a notice by the director to the owner of the property served notifying such owner to make such repair. In the event of an emergency, the director may establish a shorter period of time for the repair to be made or, if the owner cannot be located or does not promptly make such repairs, the county may make the repairs under the procedures of this chapter and charge for the work based on the staff's hourly rate.
(Ord. 132-94 § 5.03, 1994).
13.18.170 Connection standards.
(a) Old building sewers may be used in connection with new buildings, or new building sewers only when they are found to meet all the requirements of this chapter.
(b) The building sewer shall conform to all county and state building codes and/or with the manufacturer's recommended practices, whichever is more restrictive. Sewer pipe and fittings at a minimum shall be PVC and shall meet or exceed ASTM recommended specifications D3034-73, SDR 35, current revisions.
(c) Connections between dissimilar pipe materials shall be by adaptors approved by the director or his agent. The first fitting at the connection of the building sewer to the public sewer service connection shall be a tee, furnished by the owner. Immediately after installation of the tee, an expandable watertight plug shall be installed in the tee branch connected to the public sewer. Said plug shall remain in place during construction and testing of the building sewer. After the plug has been removed, the tee riser shall be extended vertically to within six inches to eighteen inches of finished ground surface and shall be sealed with an approved cap or plug. The riser shall be used as an auxiliary cleanout.
(d) The size and slope of the building sewer shall be subject to the approval of the director, but in no event shall the diameter be less than four inches. The slope of said four-inch pipe shall not be less than one-quarter inch per foot, unless approved by the director. In no case shall the slope of four-inch pipe be less than one-eighth inch per foot. A minimum of eighteen inches of cover shall be maintained over the top of service pipe at all times.
The building sewer shall be laid at uniform grade and in a straight alignment insofar as is possible. Changes in direction shall be made only with curved pipe no greater than forty-five-degree bends. All pipe shall be laid on a four-inch granular base of a three-fourths-minus rock, pea gravel, sand or combination thereof.
Whenever possible, the building sewer shall be brought to the building at an elevation below the basement floor. In all buildings in which any building drain is too low to permit gravity flow to public sewer, sanitary sewage carried by such building drain shall be lifted by an approved means and discharged to the building sewer.
(e) All excavation required for the installation of a building sewer shall be open trench work unless otherwise approved by the director. No backfilling of the trench shall be done until inspection by the county has been conducted.
(f) All joints and connections shall be made gastight and watertight.
(g) The applicant for building permit shall notify the director when the building sewer is ready for inspection and connection to the public sewer. After final approval and testing of the building sewer by the director, the owner shall make the final connection to the building drain, unless otherwise authorized by the director. A thirty-minute internal hydrostatic test may be required on all building sewers before connection is made to the building drain. All water plugs and other facilities for making the test shall be furnished by the applicant. Minimum head over the top of the pipe shall be two feet and a maximum allowable leakage shall be four gallons per hour per one hundred feet.
(h) Any structure having a plumbing outlet that serves fixtures with flood level rims located below the elevation of the next upstream manhole cover shall install an approved backwater valve.
(Ord. 132-94 § 5.04, 1994).
13.18.180 Information from the county.
The owner of any building shall be responsible for obtaining from the director the approximate location and elevation of the sewer wye, tee or stub at the point of connection and, in the case of new construction, for planning the building and plumbing to provide adequate slope for building connection to the side sewer stub. The applicant for permit shall be responsible for determining the available grade between plumbing outlet and sewer wye, tee or stub. All department-supplied information shall be field-checked by the owner/developer or his/her representative prior to design and/or commencing construction. The county is not liable for inaccurate information provided to the county.
(Ord. 132-94 § 5.05, 1994).
13.18.190 Costs of building sewer or sewer-line extension borne by owner.
All costs and expense incidental to the installation, connection, maintenance, cleaning, repair and/or addition to or of the building sewer shall be borne by the owner. This responsibility includes paying all costs incidental to the aforementioned activities performed on all segments of the sewer and including but not limited to side sewer stub, sewer tee, sewer wye and all other sewer appurtenances.
(Ord. 132-94 § 5.10, 1994).
13.18.200 Reuse of old building sewers.
Old building sewers may be used only when they are found, on examination and test by the director to meet all requirements of this chapter. This examination and test shall be at the owner's expense. The owner or his/her agent shall demonstrate to the director that no connection to such building sewer line exists which conveys any material prohibited by county.
(Ord. 132-94 § 5.11, 1994).
13.18.210 Protection of excavations and restoration of public property.
All excavations for building sewer or sewer-line extension installations shall be adequately guarded with barricades and lights in accordance with state and county requirements so as to protect the public from hazard. Roads, parkways and other public property disturbed in the course of the work shall be restored to original condition or better.
(Ord. 132-94 § 5.12, 1994).
Article VI. 13.18.220 Permits required.
No unauthorized person shall uncover, make any connections with or opening into, use, alter or disturb any public sewer or appurtenance thereof or construct any sewer disposal system without first obtaining a written permit from the department or other responsible agency.
(Ord. 132-94 § 6.01, 1994).
13.18.230 Building sewer permits.
There shall be two classes of building sewer permits: (1) for residential, single-family service; and (2) for nonresidential service. In either case, the owner or his agent shall make application on a special form furnished by Mason County. A building sewer permit shall be required of any owner of a lot(s), parcel of real estate or structure(s) either required or electing to make a connection to a public sewer or make a modification, repair, disconnection, inspection or addition to an existing building sewer. The appropriate permit and plan check fee shall be paid to the county at the time the application is filed. Upon acquisition of the building permit and payment of the connection fee, the owner shall receive a blue card authorizing construction and connection.
(Ord. 132-94 § 6.02, 1994).
13.18.240 Building sewer permit– Term and fee.
A building sewer permit is valid for twelve months from the date of issuance. If a building sewer permit expires but the owner still wishes to connect to a sewer, a new permit shall be obtained and the county shall collect another full permit fee unless circumstances, in the judgment of the director, warrant a variance. If a building sewer permit is canceled by the owner, the full permit fee shall be forfeited.
(Ord. 132-94 § 6.03, 1994).
13.18.250 Building sewer permit requirements.
Building sewer permits shall be obtained in the following manner:
(1) Permits shall be issued only upon proper application to the Mason County department of community development.
(2) A permit which authorizes work in a public right-of-way or easement dedicated to Mason County or the connection with or opening into any public sewer other than through the normal opening of a wye, tee or side-sewer stub shall be issued to a licensed contractor.
(3) A permit which authorizes building sewer work may be issued to the owner of the property. For building sewers as defined in Section 13.18.030 of this chapter, the owner may perform only that portion of the connection located on private property and not in public right-of-way or easement dedicated to the county.
(4) Building sewer permits shall not be transferable. No authorized person shall lay any pipe pursuant to any other person's or contractor's permit.
(5) A building sewer permit shall be issued prior to commencement of construction and only after all applicable charges and fees have been paid by the owner or developer.
(6) No building sewer permit allowing connection to the public sewer shall be issued before the main sewer is accepted by the director, and the property owner so notified. An interim approval allowing building sewer construction without connection to a nonoperational public sewer may be issued at the discretion of the director.
(7) The permit card must be posted on the job prior to commencing the work and must be readily accessible to the director.
(Ord. 132-94 § 6.04, 1994).
Article VII. 13.18.260 Schedule of fees.
The schedule of fees covering service charges and permit fees for the sewerage system at Hartstene Pointe is covered by resolution which is attached to and by reference made part of the ordinance codified in this chapter.
(Ord. 132-94 § 7.01, 1994).
Article VIII. 13.18.270 Unlawful wastewater disposal facilities.
Except as hereinafter provided, it is unlawful to construct or maintain any septic tank or other sewage holding facility intended or used for the disposal of wastewater within the boundaries of Hartstene Pointe where sewers are available except as permitted by this chapter. This does not include portable privies or other temporary wastewater disposal systems, such as those used at construction sites.
(Ord. 132-94 § 8.01, 1994).
13.18.280 Unlawful deposit of waste.
(a) It is unlawful for any person to place, deposit or permit to be deposited in an unapproved and unacceptable manner into the county sanitary sewer system any human excrement, garbage, hazardous wastes, and/or other unlawful wastes except in accordance with this chapter.
(b) Unlawful waste, under no conditions, shall be discharged into or be placed where it might find its way into, or be allowed to run, leak, leach or escape into any part of the sanitary sewer system. Unlawful waste includes gasoline, fuel oil, toxins, flammable or explosive liquids.
(Ord. 132-94 § 8.02, 1994).
13.18.290 Unlawful discharge of stormwaters and other waters into sewers.
No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged any storm drainage water, surface water, roof runoff or subsurface drainage into the sanitary sewer system.
(Ord. 132-94 § 8.03, 1994).
13.18.300 Limitations on discharge locations.
No person or entity shall discharge any unlawful substance directly into a manhole or other opening in the public sewer system other than through an approved building sewer without the written authorization of the director in compliance with this chapter, nor until said person or entity has paid all applicable charges and fees and has met any other conditions required by this chapter and the director.
(Ord. 132-94 § 8.04, 1994).
13.18.310 Unlawful damage to sewer facilities.
It is unlawful for any unauthorized person to maliciously or wilfully break, damage, destroy, uncover, deface or tamper with any structure, appurtenance or piece of equipment which is part of the county sewer facilities by throwing, dumping, discharging or otherwise introducing any dirt, rocks, sticks, debris, other foreign matter or any other matter prohibited by this chapter into the county sewer system.
(Ord. 132-94 § 8.05, 1994).
13.18.320 Discharge of septic tank contents.
(a) It is unlawful for anyone to discharge the contents of any septic tank, chemical toilet or sewage holding tank into the sewer system of Mason County except in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
(b) The director shall designate in writing the particular locations where the contents of chemical toilets, or sewage holding tanks may be discharged into public sewer systems, and the manner in which said contents shall be discharged into the county sewer system.
(c) No matter prohibited from sewers by this chapter shall be permitted to be discharged under this section.
(Ord. 132-94 § 8.06, 1994).
13.18.330 Failure to connect or repair building sewer.
(a) If any connection to or repair of a public sewer is not made within the time and in the manner provided in this chapter, the director may forthwith cause to be placed a recorded notice against the property that no new buildings, remodeling or change in ownership will be allowed until the connection or repairs of all sanitary sewer facilities are made. Said notice may be recorded by the director with the Mason County assessor.
(b) If at this time or after a reasonable period so determined by the director, connection of or repairs to the building sewer or sewer-line extension remain to be completed and the director has exhausted the means or methods available to the director to make said connections or repairs as prescribed in this chapter, the county may upon authorization of the director make said connections or repairs for and at the total expense of the owner provided the director takes the following steps:
(1) Notifies the owner that the connections or repairs are delinquent pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and informs said owner that the county intends to make said connections or repairs itself; and
(2) Notifies the owner that the county shall charge said owner for all costs associated with said connections or repairs including, but not limited to, all construction or repair costs and any other applicable costs which would normally be incurred by said owner pursuant to the provisions of this chapter; and
(3) Notifies the owner that any failure to reimburse the county for said costs shall result in the county filing a lien upon the property as provided for in Title 36, Chapter 94, Revised Code of Washington in the amount of said unpaid cost plus interest and plus any applicable penalties.
(Ord. 132-94 § 8.07, 1994).
13.18.340 Unlawful connections to or disturbances of public sewers.
Any person who makes or causes to be made any connection to, opening into, use, alteration and/or disturbance of the public sewers of the county without receiving a permit authorizing such a connection and/or use, alteration, etc., shall be subject to the provisions set forth in this chapter.
(Ord. 132-94 § 8.08, 1994).
13.18.350 Disconnection of building sewer.
No structure may be disconnected from a building sewer and no building sewer may be disconnected from a public sewer for any reason without prior written notification to, and approval by the director. No approval shall be given unless the disconnection is lawful under this chapter and other applicable laws, and satisfactory protection is given by the owner or his contractor to the public sewers of the county including, but not limited to, the satisfactory capping of the building sewer. Sewer service charges for any structure disconnected or to be disconnected shall continue until such disconnection is approved by the county and the building sewer capped and otherwise protected to the satisfaction of the director.
(Ord. 132-94 § 8.09, 1994).
13.18.360 Building sewer for each building– Exceptions.
A single building sewer shall be provided for each building unless the connection of more than one building to a single building sewer is approved in writing by the director prior to the construction of such building sewer.
(Ord. 132-94 § 8.10, 1994).
Article IX. 13.18.370 Notice of violation.
Any person or contractors found to be violating any provision of this chapter shall be served by the county with written notice stating the nature of the violation and providing a time limit for the satisfactory correction thereof. The violator of this chapter shall, within the period of time stated in such notice, permanently cease all violation and make all necessary corrections.
(Ord. 132-94 § 9.01, 1994).
13.18.380 Appeal process.
The person or contractors may file a written notice of appeal of the notice of violation issued by the department. Such appeal must be filed within thirty days after the owner receives notice of the violation. The violation notice will not be enforced until the board of commissioners or its delegee meets, hears the appeal, and renders its decision thereon. The hearing shall be held not less than ten days or more than forty-five days after the date of the filing of objections. No less than seven days prior to the date set for the hearing, notice of the hearing date will be given to the owner. The decision of the board of commissioners or its delegee is final and no appeal may be taken therefrom except as provided by law.
(Ord. 132-94 § 9.02, 1994).
13.18.390 Civil liability to county.
Any person or commercial entity who shall violate any provision of this chapter shall be liable to the county for any penalty or fine; plus the expense, loss, damage, cost of inspection or cost of correction incurred by the county by reason of such violation, including any expenses incurred by the county in collecting from such person or commercial entity any penalty, fine, loss, damage, expense, cost of inspection or cost of correction.
(Ord. 132-94 § 9.03, 1994).
13.18.400 Continued violation– Penalty.
Any person or commercial entity who shall continue any violation beyond the time limit provided for in the notice of violation or in the hearing order on appeal, shall in addition to the items of expense provided in this chapter, become liable to the county for a penalty in the amount of ten percent of such expense items, together with interest thereon at a current rate determined by the county treasurer from the date of the time limit.
(Ord. 132-94 § 9.04, 1994).
13.18.410 Delinquent charges.
When sewer charges are not paid within sixty days after the date of billing or by the date of the next billing, such charges shall be delinquent and the water service may be discontinued (refer to Section 13.16.070 of this title for additional charges).
(Ord. 132-94 § 9.05, 1994).
13.18.420 Lien.
In the event that any person, or commercial entity fails to pay any fee or charge as set forth in this chapter within sixty days after the same is billed by the county, the unpaid balance plus interest shall become and remain a lien against the property.
(Ord. 132-94 § 9.06, 1994).
13.18.430 Lien attachment.
The director shall certify periodically the delinquencies to the Mason County assessor/treasurer at which time the lien shall attach.
(Ord. 132-94 § 9.07, 1994).
13.18.440 Lien interest.
The lien shall be for all charges and interest at the current rate to be determined by the Mason County assessor/treasurer to be applied from the date due until paid, and shall attach to the premises to which the services were furnished.
(Ord. 132-94 § 9.08, 1994).
13.18.450 Lien foreclosure.
Upon the expiration of sixty days after the attachment of the lien herein, the county may bring suit in foreclosure by civil action in the Mason County superior court. In addition to the costs and disbursements provided by statute, the court may allow the county reasonable costs and attorney fees. The lien shall be foreclosed in the same manner as the foreclosure of real property tax liens, RCW 36.94.150.
(Ord. 132-94 § 9.09, 1994).
13.18.460 Criminal penalty.
Any person or commercial entity who wilfully violates any of the terms or conditions of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and on conviction thereof, shall be subject to a fine of not more than five hundred dollars or by imprisonment in the Mason County jail not to exceed ninety days or both fine and imprisonment. Each separate day or any portion thereof, during which any violation continues, shall be deemed to constitute a separate offense.
(Ord. 132-94 § 9.10, 1994).
13.18.470 Validity– Severability.
The invalidity of any section, subsection, clause, sentence or provisions of this chapter shall not affect the validity of any part of this chapter which can be given effect without such part or parts.
(Ord. 132-94 § 9.11, 1994).
Chapter 13.19 Sections:
13.19.010 Purpose.
13.19.020 Definitions– Generally.
13.19.030 Definitions.
13.19.040 Code authority and enforcement.
13.19.050 General policy.
13.19.060 Surveillance program.
13.19.070 Corrective measures.
13.19.080 Code.
13.19.090 Procedures for installation, inspection, and maintenance of backflow-prevention assemblies.
13.19.100 Records and reports.
13.19.010 Purpose.
The purpose of a cross connection control program is to protect the health of water consumers and the potability of the water system. This program is designed to maintain the quality of the Hartstene Pointe's public water supply by the elimination and prevention of cross connections between the distribution system and other sources of water or liquids used for other purposes. The policies and procedures presented in this program are designed in compliance with the Washington Administrative Code (WAC 246-290-490).
(Ord. 128-98 (part), 1998).
13.19.020 Definitions– Generally.
Except where specifically designated herein, all words used in this program shall carry their customary meanings. Words used in the present tense shall include the future, and all plural words shall include the singular. The word "shall" indicates a mandatory action, and the word "may" denotes a use of discretion in making a decision.
(Ord. 128-98 (part), 1998).
13.19.030 Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
"Air gap separation (AG)" means the unobstructed vertical distance through the free atmosphere between the lowest opening from any pipe or faucet supplying water to a tank, plumbing fixture, or other assembly, and the maximum flood level rim of the receptacle. This gap shall be at least double the diameter of the supply pipe measured vertically above the flood rim of the vessel. In no case shall this gap be less than one inch.
"Approved backflow prevention assembly" means any assembly to prevent backflow that has been approved for use by the System Manager and the Washington State Department of Health. Approved assemblies shall be those that have successfully passed performance tests of the University of Southern California Engineering Center or another approved testing laboratory.
"Atmospheric vacuum breaker (AVB)" means a backflow prevention assembly which is operated by atmospheric pressure in combination with the force of gravity. The unit is so designed to work on a vertical plane only. The moving part consists of a poppet valve, which must be carefully sized to slide in a guided chamber and effectively shut off the reverse flow of water when a negative pressure exists in the supply system. An AVB is designed to protect against back siphonage events only.
"Auxiliary supply" means any water supply on or available to the premises other than the county public water supply.
"Backflow" means the flow, other than in the intended direction of flow, of any foreign liquids, gasses or other substances (including water) into the distribution system of the public water supply.
"Backflow assembly tester" means a person certified by Washington State in the inspection and testing of approved backflow prevention devices.
"Back pressure" means any induced pressure caused by a pump, elevated tank, boiler, pressure vessel, or any other means that could create pressure within a customer's system greater than the operating pressure of the public water supply distribution system.
"Back siphonage" means backflow of water due to a negative or reduced pressure within the water system.
"Building inspector" means a building inspector of Mason County.
"County inspector" means that person or persons employed by the county that have been trained and are qualified to perform the designated inspection work.
"Cross connection" means any actual or potential connection whereby a public water supply is connected, directly or indirectly, with any other water supply system, sewer, drain, conduit, pool, storage reservoir, plumbing fixture or other assembly which contains, or may contain, contaminated water, sewage or other waste or liquid of unknown or unsafe quality, which may be capable of imparting contamination to the public water supply system as a result of backflow (reversed flow).
"Customer" means any person, persons, firm or corporation that is furnished potable water from the public water supply system through a legal service connection to the public water supply distribution system.
"Double check detector assembly (DCDA)" means an assembly composed of two single, independently acting, approved check valves, including tightly closing shut-off valves located at each end of the assembly and suitable connections for testing the water tightness of each check valve. The assembly shall also have a factory installed bypass feature, with an approved DCVA designated to monitor low flows on low hazard fire systems. The bypass feature is used to detect unauthorized use of the water allocated for fire protection and/or to detect leaks in the fire system. The DCDA is used to protect the water system from both back siphonage and back pressure events and is not suitable for use in protecting the water system from health threatening substances.
"Double check valve assembly (DCVA)" means an assembly composed of two single, independently acting, approved check valves, including resilient seated shut-off valves located at each end of the assembly and properly located test cocks to test the water tightness of each check valve. Double check valve assemblies are designed to protect the water supply system from both back siphonage and back pressure events. They are not suitable for use in protecting the water system from health threatening substances.
Hazards.
(A) "Degree hazard" means the results of an evaluation of a health, system, or plumbing hazard.
(B) "Health hazard" means any condition, assembly, or practice in a water supply system and/or its operation that creates, or may create, a danger to the health and well-being of a customer.
(C) "Plumbing hazard" means a potential or existing cross connection in a customer's water system that may permit back siphonage in the event of a negative or reduced pressure in the supply line.
(D) "System hazard" means a threat to the physical properties of the public or the customer's potable water system by a material not dangerous to health, but aesthetically objectionable and having a degrading effect on the quality of the potable water within the system.
"Industrial fluids" means any fluid or solution which may be chemically, biologically, or otherwise contaminated or polluted in a form or concentration that would constitute a health or plumbing hazard if introduced into a potable water supply. This may include, but is not limited to, all types of processed waters originating from the public water or auxiliary supply, which may deteriorate in sanitary quality. Types of processed waters include chemicals in fluid form, circulated cooling waters that are chemically or biologically treated or stabilized with toxic substance, and contaminated natural waters, as from springs, stream, or ponds.
"Liquids" means any substance that flows readily but does not expand indefinitely, such as water and industrial fluids.
"Mason County department of community development" shall also be referred to as the county, in this chapter.
"Pressure vacuum breaker assembly (PVBA)" means a backflow prevention assembly which consists of a spring-loaded check valve, an independently operating air-inlet valve, inlet and discharge shut-off valves, and properly installed test cocks. The air-inlet valve is internally loaded to the open position, normally by means of a spring. This internal loading allows the device to be installed on the pressure side of the shut-off valve. A PVBA is designed to protect against back siphonage events only.
"Public health officer" means the duly appointed public health officer of the Southwest Washington Health District. Any act in this program required or authorized by the public health officer may be done on his/her behalf by an authorized representative of the Washington State Department of Health.
"Public water supply" means the system operated and maintained by the county, which is a water supply intended or used for human consumption or other domestic use. The public water supply system includes source, storage, transmission and distribution facilities where water is furnished by the county to the customers of the county.
"Reduced pressure principal backflow prevention assembly (RPBA)" means an assembly containing a minimum of two independently acting, approved check valves, together with an automatically operated pressure differential relief valve located between the two check valves. During normal flow the pressure between these two checks shall be less than the upstream (supply) pressure. In case of leakage of either check valve, the differential valve, by discharging to the atmosphere, shall operate to maintain not less than two pounds per square inch (psi) of pressure between the supply pressure and the zone between the two check valves. The unit must include resilient seated shut-off valves located at each end of the assembly, and each assembly shall be fitted with properly located test cocks.
"Service connection" means a connection between the public water supply distribution system and the customer's system.
"System manager" means the water system manager, Mason County, Washington. Any act in this program required or authorized by the system manager may be done on his/her behalf by an authorized representative of Mason County.
(Ord. 128-98 (part), 1998).
13.19.040 Code authority and enforcement.
The enforcement of this cross connection program, in the area served by the Hartstene Pointe water system, shall be in accordance with the Uniform Plumbing Code, latest edition, and WAC 246-290, rules and regulations of the state Board of Health relating to public water supplies.
(Ord. 128-98 (part), 1998).
13.19.050 General policy.
(a) It is the intention of this program to provide for the permanent abatement or control of all cross connections. Where it is physically and economically infeasible to find or to permanently eliminate all cross connection of the customer's water system, and when it is deemed necessary by the appropriate inspector, there shall be installed at the service connection a suitable backflow prevention assembly commensurate with the degree of hazard to the public water supply.
(b) The following methods of cross connection control are considered minimum protection at the service connection:
(1) The public water supply to a premises having an auxiliary water supply from an additional public supply with no known cross connection shall require an approved DCVA at the service connection.
(2) The public water supply to a premises on which is handled a substance that is objectionable (not a health hazard) in a manner constituting a potential cross connection shall require a DCVA at the service connection.
(3) The public water supply to a premises on which there is an auxiliary water supply and internal cross connections that are not correctable or intricate plumbing arrangements which make it impractical to ascertain whether or not cross connection exist, shall require a RPBA at the service connection.
(4) The public water supply to a premises on which material dangerous to health or toxic substances are handled shall have installed a RPBA at the service connection.
(5) The public water supply to a premises where entry is restricted so that inspection for cross connection cannot be made at a sufficient frequency or a sufficient short notice to assure that cross connection do not exist shall have installed a RPBA at the service connection.
(6) The public water supply to a premises on which any substance is handled under pressure so as to permit entry into the public water supply, or where a cross connection could reasonably be expected to occur, shall have installed a RPBA or DCVA, according to the health hazard at the service connection.
(7) The public water supply to a premises having a repeated history of cross connections being established or re-established, shall have installed a RPBA at the service connection.
(Ord. 128-98 (part), 1998).
13.19.060 Surveillance program.
(a) The county is charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the public water supply is not compromised by events resulting from cross connections. As such, a surveillance program based on proper management, adequate record keeping, and aggressive inspections must be properly implemented by the county.
(b) Such a program for cross connections initially requires the inspection of all new and existing buildings, structures, and grounds. The procedure requires the county inspector(s) and the building inspector(s) to assist with the requirements of the department of health. Each must be knowledgeable in the field of plumbing and building inspection, pipe arrangements, and cross connection control.
(c) The systematic program of inspection shall be established with priority given on the basis of risk to public health and shall be conducted according to the following outline:
(1) New and Proposed Construction.
(A) Upon application for a building permit, the building inspector shall require a detailed set of plans and specifications for the plumbing installations, and shall make such detailed plans and specifications available to the county inspector.
(B) The building inspector and the county inspector shall review these plans and specifications to determine the probability of cross connections, the availability of auxiliary water supplies, the handling of substances which, if introduced into the water system, would constitute a health, plumbing, or system hazard. If, upon review, it is determined that any of these conditions will exist, the county inspector shall coordinate with the property owner to ensure such cross connections are properly controlled, or eliminated.
(C) During the construction phase of any new building, structure, or ground installation, and during the regular plumbing inspection, the county inspector shall perform the required cross connection control inspection. Upon completion of the inspection, but prior to the approval of any water service connection, the county inspector shall advise the customer in writing that further backflow prevention testing is, or is not, required. The customer shall also be notified that a Washington State certified backflow assembly tester must test the backflow assembly, and that the test report form completed by the certified tester must be received by the county inspector prior to the regular use of the customer's water system.
(D) Upon receipt of an application for new water service, but prior to the installation of such new service, a cross connection inspection shall be made by the county inspector and required backflow prevention assemblies shall be installed at the time the new service is installed.
(2) Existing Buildings, Structures, and Grounds.
(A) An initial survey of the water system customers shall be conducted by the county to determine if any cross connections currently exist. The initial cross connection determination shall proceed according to the following steps:
(i) A survey form shall be sent to each customer explaining the program and stressing the relationship between cross connections and water-borne disease epidemics, types of health hazards, and cross connections. The survey shall also include a brief questionnaire with desired information, such as an auxiliary water supply, any chemicals used, and certain types fixtures installed. This survey shall be returned by the water system customer to the county.
(ii) Based upon the responses received from the questionnaire, if the county determines that a customer has a potential cross connection, a letter requesting an appointment for inspection by the county inspector shall be sent to the water system customer.
(iii) Upon completion of the inspection, the county inspector shall orally brief the customer or his/her representative of the inspection findings.
(iv) The county inspector shall prepare a written report for the water system customer and the system manager that shall include the following information:
a. Complete identifying information contained in heading.
b. List of all potential or actual cross connections found, including the location and options for method of control for each.
c. List of any industrial fluids, chemicals or other contaminating liquids used or pumped under pressure, the use of each, and an indication of the probability of cross connection.
d. Any applicable drawings, sketches, blueprints, etc. used in support of the inspection.
e. A summary of the findings of the inspection.
f. Recommendations for actions to be taken by the customer.
(v) The system manager, upon completion of review of the report, shall prepare a letter to the customer outlining the corrective action required, and the time period in which the corrective action must be completed. A copy of this letter shall be sent to the customer (return receipt requested), and a copy shall be maintained at the county.
(vi) When all required actions have been completed, the file copy of the completed actions shall be placed in the county's cross connection control file.
(vii) Each premises required to be in compliance with the program shall be reinspected annually, or more often if the degree of hazard so indicates.
(B) The backflow prevention devices at the wastewater treatment plant and the community center shall be inspected and tested annually by certified backflow assembly tester.
(Ord. 128-98 (part), 1998).
13.19.070 Corrective measures.
Corrective measures for cross connections shall follow the guidelines in the most recently published Accepted Procedure and Practice in Cross Connection Control, of the Pacific Northwest Section (PNWS) of the American Water Works Association (AWWA).
(Ord. 128-98 (part), 1998).
13.19.080 Code.
The following are the abbreviations for assemblies or methods used to prevent or eliminate cross connections:
HARTSTENE POINTE SANITARY SEWAGE CODE
Establishment and Definitions
Administration
Required Use of Public Sanitary Sewerage Systems
Sewerage Development
Construction of Sanitary Sewer Systems
Permits
Charges
Unlawful Use of Public and Private Sanitary Sewer Systems
Enforcement
HARTSTENE POINTE CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL PROGRAM
| (1) | Air gap | AG |
| (2) | Reduced pressure backflow assembly | RPBA |
| (3) | Double check valve assembly | DCVA |
| (4) | Double check detector assembly | DCDA |
| (5) | Pressure vacuum breaker assembly | PVBA |
| (6) | Atmospheric vacuum breaker | AVB |
(Ord. 128-98 (part), 1998).
13.19.090 Procedures for installation, inspection, and maintenance of backflow-prevention assemblies.
(a) Initial Installation.
(1) When it is determined that a RPBA, DCVA, DCDA, PVBA, or AVB is required, the county shall inform the owner/manager of the need for a device.
(2) Approved assemblies shall be installed as specified in the Uniform Plumbing Code, the PNWS-AWWA Cross Connection Control Manual, or the Hartstene Pointe water system design standards, whichever is the more restrictive.
(3) Upon completion of the installation of the backflow assembly, a certified backflow assembly tester shall make such tests as are required to ensure proper operation of the assembly. If the assembly fails any portion of the test, the assembly shall be rejected until such time that a repaired or a replaced assembly passes all portions of the tests. The test results shall then be supplied to the county.
(b) Inspection and Maintenance.
(1) All backflow prevention assemblies shall be tested not less than annually. The testing shall be made by a certified backflow prevention assembly tester, and the results are to be forwarded to the county.
(2) Maintenance.
(A) When a backflow prevention assembly is determined to be defective, the tester shall notify the county immediately.
(B) Upon receipt of notification of the defective assembly, the customer shall take the necessary steps to repair or replace the defective assembly. The defective assembly shall be repaired or replaced by a qualified person, who has specific training in backflow prevention assembly repair.
(C) Upon completion of repair or replacement, the backflow prevention assembly shall be tested by a certified backflow prevention assembly tester.
(Ord. 128-98 (part), 1998).
13.19.100 Records and reports.
(A) The county shall track each customer utilizing a cross connection device.
(B) The following information shall be available through the county's record keeping program:
(1) Information regarding installations;
(2) Test results for installations;
(3) Information about testers;
(4) Tester's certification histories;
(5) Mailing addresses of installation owners;
(6) Device manufacturers and model and approved status.
(Ord. 128-98 (part), 1998).
Chapter 13.20 Sections:
Article I.
13.20.010 Permit and fees.
13.20.020 Water fees.
13.20.030 Surcharges.
13.20.040 Sewer fees.
13.20.045 Shop rates.
13.20.050 Additional water and sewage fee.
Article II.
13.20.060 Billing– Charges due.
13.20.070 Delinquent charges and liens.
13.20.080 Billings– To whom mailed.
13.20.090 Violation and penalties of water and sewer systems.
Article I. 13.20.010 Permit and fees.
At the time of application for a building permit, or if an applicant wishes to connect to the water system, the applicant shall apply for a water connection permit and shall pay to the county a permit fee as set forth below together with connection charges and/or other charges, if any, required by this chapter. If the building permit is not issued, the permit fee and connection charges shall be refunded. The permit shall be in effect for one year and may be extended for an additional year with written approval of the director of utilities and waste management. After two years the applicant may apply for an additional extension but must remit additional fees, if any, equal to the difference of the original permit fee and the current permit fee. Permit fees shall be as follows:
For each water/sewer connection made to the system service line, at the property boundary line:
Water: $2,000.00
Sewer: $5,000.00
There will be no credits towards connection to the system and the following conditions shall apply:
(a) Mason County Department of Utilities/Waste Management personnel shall inspect service lines, both water and sewer before the work is back-filled.
(b) A full way water valve controlling all outlets shall be installed by the owner at the structure service line and be readily accessible to Mason County and the owner.
(c) All service connections to the system shall be connected with a three-quarter-inch valve and water service meter which shall be provided by Mason County.
(d) All service connections to the system shall comply with all components of the cross connection control plan.
(Res. 58-03 § 1.01, 2003).
(Res. No. 05-09, § 1.01, 1-13-2009)
13.20.020 Water fees.
The monthly fees for water service shall increase annually at a rate that corresponds to the April Consumer Price Index for Goods and Services for the Bremerton Area. The County shall charge water services on a monthly water rate billing for 2009 as follows:
Single-family dwelling (ERU): $33.00
Lot without dwelling (with paid connection fee): $15.00
Multiple dwellings: $33.00 ea.
Recreational lots (service access without a permanent dwelling) shall be charged at the full residential rate for each month service is provided.
(Res. 58-03 § 1.02, 2003).
(Res. No. 05-09, § 1.02, 1-13-2009)
13.20.030 Surcharges.
When a connection serves more than one single family structure, house, duplex, apartment, or mobile home, in addition to the first service connection, a surcharge of thirty-three dollars per month shall be added to the billing for each additional unit.
(Res. 58-03 § 1.03, 2003).
(Res. No. 05-09, § 1.03, 1-13-2009)
13.20.040 Sewer fees.
The rate for sewer Service will increase annually at a rate that corresponds to the April Consumer Price Index for Goods and Services for the Bremerton area. The county shall charge sewer services on a monthly rate for 2009 as follows:
Single-family dwelling (ERU): $88.00
Lot without dwelling: $15.00
Multiple dwellings: $88.00 ea.
Recreational lots (service without a permanent dwelling) shall be charged at the full residential rate for the month service is provided.
(Res. 58-03 § 1.04, 2003).
(Res. No. 05-09, § 1.04, 1-13-2009)
13.20.045 Shop rate.
The department of utilities and waste management shall establish a rate of seventy-five dollars per hour for each operator required making system repairs as a result of the negligence of others.
RUSTLEWOOD WATER AND SEWER SYSTEM
| Year | Principal No Interest | Lots | Amount | Months | Monthly Fee |
| 5 years | $113,557 | 167 | $679.98 | 60 | $11.33 |
(b) It is the responsibility of each Rustlewood property owner to submit monthly his/her payment as part of his/her monthly sewer and water payment. All delinquent charges shall be a lien against the property owner. Delinquent charges shall be certified to the county treasurer whenever said charges have been delinquent for a period of sixty days and a lien may be filed by the county. Upon the expiration of sixty days after the attachment of the lien, the county may bring suit in foreclosure by civil action in the superior court of Mason County. In addition to the costs and disbursements provided by statute, the court may allow the county reasonable costs and attorney's fees. The lien shall be foreclosed in the manner as the foreclosure of real property tax liens, RCW 36.94.150.
(Res. 50-95, 1995).
Article II. 13.20.060 Billing– Charges due.
Billings shall be mailed prior to the tenth day of every month. Water and sewer charges shall be due and payable by the last day of the monthly billing period.
(Res. 58-03 § 2.01, 2003).
(Res. No. 05-09, § 2.01, 1-13-2009)
13.20.070 Delinquent charges and liens.
When sewer and/or water charges are not paid within sixty days after the date of billing, or by the date of the next billing, such charges shall be delinquent and the water may be turned off by the county. In the event a service is disconnected for non-payment, the total bill plus a reconnect charge of fifty dollars must be paid before service is restored. An additional fee of thirty-three dollars per month for water will be charged during the disconnected period and an additional fee of eighty-eight dollars for sewer shall be charged for each month during the disconnected period. All delinquent charges shall be subject to an eight percent interest per annum.
All delinquent charges and penalties added thereto shall be a lien against the property. Delinquent charges shall be certified to the county treasurer whenever said charges have been delinquent for a period of sixty days and the county may file a lien. Upon the expiration of sixty days after the attachment of the lien, the county may bring suit in foreclosure by civil action in the Superior Court of Mason County. In addition to the costs and disbursements provided by state, the court may allow the county reasonable costs and attorney's fees. The lien shall be foreclosed in the same manner as the foreclosure of real property tax liens (RCW 36.94.150).
(Res. 58-03 § 2.02, 2003).
(Res. No. 05-09, § 2.02, 1-13-2009)
13.20.080 Billings– To whom mailed.
Billings shall be mailed to the owner of the property receiving service or his/her agent. Failure to receive such bills shall not relieve any obligation to pay, or the property receiving such service, or capable of receiving such service, from such lien that may be attached to the property in the manner provided by law. A fee of fifteen dollars will be charged for any change in tenant, renter, ownership, billing address, etc.
(Res. 58-03 § 2.03, 2003).
(Res. No. 05-09, § 2.03, 1-13-2009)
13.20.090 Violation and penalties of water and sewer systems.
Any person or persons, firm or corporation who tampers or permits tampering with the water or sewer system shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof, shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars. Each separate day or any portion thereof, during which any violation continues, shall be deemed to constitute a separate offense.
(Res. 58-03 § 2.04, 2003).
(Res. No. 05-09, § 2.04, 1-13-2009)
Chapter 13.24 Sections:
Article I.
13.24.010 Permit and fees.
13.24.020 Water fees.
13.24.030 Surcharges.
13.24.035 Shop rate.
Article II.
13.24.040 Billing– Charges due.
13.24.050 Delinquent charges and liens.
13.24.060 Billings– To whom mailed.
13.24.070 Violation and penalties of water and sewer systems.
Article I. 13.24.010 Permit and fees.
At the time of application for a building permit, or if an applicant wishes to connect to the water system, the applicant shall apply for a water connection permit and shall pay to the county a permit fee as set forth below together with connection charges and/or other charges, if any, required by this chapter. If the building permit is not issued, the permit fee and connection charges shall be refunded. The permit shall be in effect for one year and may be extended for an additional year with written approval of the director of utilities and waste management. After two years the applicant may apply for an additional extension but must remit additional fees if any equal to the difference of the original permit fee and the current permit fee. Permit fees shall be as follows:
For each water connection made to the system service line, at the property boundary line:
Water: $2,000.00
There will be no credits towards connection to the system and the following conditions shall apply:
(a) Mason County Department of Utilities/Waste Management personnel shall inspect service lines before the work is back-filled.
(b) A full way water valve controlling all outlets shall be installed by the owner at the structure service line and be readily accessible to Mason County and the owner.
(c) All service connections to the system shall be connected with a three-quarter-inch valve and water service meter which shall be provided by Mason County.
(d) All service connections to the system shall comply with all components of the cross connection control plan.
(Res. 20-03 § 1.01, 2003).
(Res. No. 06-09, § 1.01, 1-13-2009)
13.24.020 Water fees.
The monthly fees for water service shall increase annually at a rate that corresponds to the April Consumer Price Index for Goods and Services for the Bremerton Area. The County shall charge water services on a monthly water rate billing for 2009 as follows:
Single-family dwelling (ERU): $33.00
Lot without dwelling (with paid connection fee): $15.00
Multiple dwellings: $33.00 ea.
Recreational lots (service access without a permanent dwelling) shall be charged at the full residential rate for each month service is provided.
(Res. 20-03 § 1.02, 2003).
(Res. No. 06-09, § 1.02, 1-13-2009)
13.24.030 Surcharges.
When a connection serves more than one single-family structure, house, duplex, apartment, or mobile home, in addition to the first service connection, a surcharge of thirty-three dollars per month shall be added to the billing for each additional unit.
(Res. 20-03 § 1.03, 2003).
(Res. No. 06-09, § 1.03, 1-13-2009)
13.24.035 Shop rate.
The department of utilities and waste management shall establish a rate of seventy-five dollars per hour for each operator required making system repairs as a result of the negligence of others.
(Res. No. 06-09, § 1.04, 1-13-2009)
Article II. 13.24.040 Billing– Charges due.
Billings shall be mailed prior to the tenth day of every month. Water charges shall be due and payable by the last day of the monthly billing period.
(Res. 20-03 § 2.01, 2003).
(Res. No. 06-09, § 1.01, 1-13-2009)
13.24.050 Delinquent charges and liens.
When sewer and/or water charges are not paid within sixty days after the date of billing, or by the date of the next billing, such charges shall be delinquent and the water may be turned off by the county. In the event a service is disconnected for nonpayment, the total bill plus a reconnect charge of fifty dollars must be paid before service is restored. An additional fee of thirty-three dollars per month for water will be charged during the disconnected period. All delinquent charges shall be subject to an eight percent interest per annum.
All delinquent charges and penalties added thereto shall be a lien against the property. Delinquent charges shall be certified to the county treasurer whenever said charges have been delinquent for a period of sixty days and the county may file a lien. Upon the expiration of sixty days after the attachment of the lien, the county may bring suit in foreclosure by civil action in the Superior Court of Mason County. In addition to the costs and disbursements provided by state, the court may allow the county reasonable costs and attorney's fees. The lien shall be foreclosed in the same manner as the foreclosure of real property tax liens (RCW 36.94.150).
(Res. 20-03 § 2.02, 2003).
(Res. No. 06-09, § 2.02, 1-13-2009)
13.24.060 Billings– To whom mailed.
Billings shall be mailed to the owner of the property receiving service or his/her agent. Failure to receive such bills shall not relieve any obligation to pay, or the property receiving such service, or capable of receiving such service, from such lien that may be attached to the property in the manner provided by law. A fee of fifteen dollars will be charged for any change in tenant, renter, ownership, billing address, etc.
(Res. 20-03 § 2.03, 2003).
(Res. No. 06-09, § 2.03, 1-13-2009)
13.24.070 Violation and penalties of water and sewer systems.
Any person or persons, firm or corporation who tampers or permits tampering with the water system shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof, shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars. Each separate day or any portion thereof, during which any violation continues, shall be deemed to constitute a separate offense.
(Res. 20-03 § 2.04, 2003).
(Res. No. 06-09, § 2.04, 1-13-2009)
Chapter 13.28 Sections:
Article I. Establishment of Policy
13.28.010 Intent.
Article II. Definition of Terms
13.28.020 Definitions.
Article III. Administration
13.28.030 Department of community development.
13.28.040 Director– Responsibilities and limitations.
13.28.050 Interdepartmental cooperation and agreements.
13.28.060 Authority to construct and operate.
13.28.070 Review, inspection, and construction of sewer facilities built by a property owner or developer.
13.28.080 Authorization of inspection of existing sewers and appurtenances.
13.28.090 Utility local improvement district– Establishment.
13.28.100 Sewer utility funds.
Article IV. Required Use of Public Sanitary Sewerage Systems
13.28.110 General.
13.28.120 Treatment of wastewater required.
13.28.130 Property required to connect to public sewer.
13.28.140 Required use.
Article V. Construction of Sanitary Sewer Systems
13.28.150 Design criteria and construction standards.
13.28.160 Connection to public sewers.
13.28.170 Repairs to connections.
13.28.180 Connection standards.
13.28.190 Abandonment/modification of existing septic tanks.
13.28.200 Information from the county.
13.28.210 Costs of building sewer or sewer line extension borne by owner.
13.28.220 Mutual maintenance agreement and easement.
13.28.230 Reuse of old building sewers.
13.28.240 Protection of excavations and restoration of public property.
13.28.250 Commercial wastes– Control manhole.
13.28.260 Commercial wastes– Grease traps.
13.28.270 Pretreatment of sewage.
Article VI. Permits
13.28.280 Permits required.
13.28.290 Building sewer permits.
13.28.300 Sewer permit– Term and fee.
13.28.310 Building sewer permits requirements.
13.28.320 Changed conditions– Increased wastewater flows, BOD SS, or grease.
Article VII. Charges
13.28.330 Schedule of fees.
Article VIII. Unlawful Use of Public and Private Sanitary Sewer Systems
13.28.340 Unlawful wastewater disposal facilities.
13.28.350 Unlawful deposit of waste.
13.28.360 Unlawful discharge of storm and other waters into sewers.
13.28.370 Limitations on discharge locations.
13.28.380 Liability for damage.
13.28.390 Unlawful damage to sewer facilities.
13.28.400 Discharge of septic tank contents.
13.28.410 Failure to connect or repair building sewer.
13.28.420 Unlawful connections to or disturbances of public sewers.
13.28.430 Disconnection of building sewer.
13.28.440 Building sewer for each building– Exceptions.
Article IX. Enforcement
13.28.450 Notice of violation.
13.28.460 Appeal process.
13.28.470 Civil liability to county.
13.28.480 Continued violation– Penalty.
13.28.490 Delinquent charges.
13.28.500 Lien for delinquent charges.
13.28.510 Lien attachment.
13.28.520 Lien interest.
13.28.530 Lien foreclosure.
13.28.540 Criminal penalty.
Article I. 13.28.010 Intent.
It is the intent and purpose of the Mason County board of commissioners that sewer systems in the North Bay - Case Inlet sewer service area of the county be coordinated for future development and be constructed and maintained in accordance with uniform standards.
The board further declares that the primary means of sewage collection and disposal in the North Bay - Case Inlet sewer service area shall be through the construction and extension of permanent sanitary sewers and connection of all sewage disposal systems to permanent sewer collection systems and sewage treatment facilities. The construction of sewer systems shall be in accordance with any applicable wastewater facility plan, or engineering report, rules and regulations governing the use of utilities for development and with all other rules, regulations and requirements as may be prescribed from time to time by the respective agencies of Mason County and the state of Washington.
In the event that a federal or state or other applicable law impose a standard or regulation that is in conflict with any provisions of this code or any standard or regulation that the county may adopt pursuant to this code, the most restrictive standard shall prevail.
(Res. 144-99 Art. I, 1999).
Article II. 13.28.020 Definitions.
Words or phrases used herein shall have the following meanings:
"Approved" means approved by the "director" unless otherwise specified.
"ASTM" means American Society for Testing Materials.
"Beneficial use" means the use of reclaimed water or biosolids, which has been transported from the point of production to the point of use without an intervening discharge to waters of the state, for a beneficial purpose.
"Benefited property" means property receiving or having the potential of receiving sanitary sewer service from "public sewer facilities" built either by the "county" or for the "county" to provide service to a defined area.
"Blue card" means a card issued by the Mason County department of community development upon acquisition of building permit and payment of connection fee. This card authorizes an owner to proceed with connection to the water and/or sewer system.
"BOD" means (1) Abbreviation for biochemical oxygen demand. The quantity of oxygen used in the biochemical oxidation of organic matter in a specified time, at a specified temperature, and under specified conditions; (2) A standard test used in assessing wastewater strength. The test shall be completed in accordance with the latest edition of Standard Methods.
"Building sewer" means that portion of the "sanitary sewer" connecting one or more structure(s) from the "plumbing outlet" to the "public sewer facilities." The "building sewer" including that portion called the "side sewer stub" is constructed in accordance with "county" approved standards and is not part of the "county" "public sewer facilities." "Building sewers" shall be maintained by the property owner. Where grinder pump units are installed, the "county" shall maintain the pumping unit and the small diameter force main connecting to the "collection system." The respective responsibilities are illustrated in Exhibit I.
"Certified" means written, formal communication attesting as being true as represented or as meeting a standard and guaranteed by signature.
"Code" means the North Bay - Case Inlet (Mason County) Sanitary Sewer Utility Administrative Code.
"Collection system" means a system of gravity sanitary sewer lines, eight-inch or larger diameters, low pressure pipelines, two-inch to six-inch in diameter, manholes, cleanouts, and appurtenances, whose primary function is to collect sanitary sewage from individual side sewers and small diameter force mains and transport this sewage to trunk, interceptor, and/or force main pipelines.
"Commercial facilities or units" means all facilities generating "wastewater" not herein defined as "residential facilities."
"Connection charges" means charges assessed by the "county" against a property owner for connection to "public sewer facilities" owned by the "county."
"County" means Mason County, Washington.
"Customer" means the legal owner of property or premises served by the county's sewer utility through and by the department, or that person's agent or tenant and shall include anyone who has put service in his/her own name under the provisions of this administrative code.
"Department of community development" means a separate and independent department of Mason County, responsible for the administration of the sanitary sewer and water utilities owned and operated by Mason County. Also referred to herein as "department."
"Developer" means any person, or the heirs, successors, or assigns of such person, who owns and/or proposes or intends to develop any parcel of real property wherein there is located or is to be located any building or structure.
"Director" means the director of the department of community development or the director's duly authorized representative.
"Domestic wastewater facilities" means all facilities generating "wastewater" principally from "residential facilities or units."
"Duplex/triplex" means a two-family, or three-family dwelling consisting of a detached building containing two or three complete living units sharing a common wall or floor with not more than three kitchens, designated and/or used to house not more than three families living independently of each other and including all necessary household functions of each such family.
"Easement" means a legally binding agreement entitling the "county" to construct, repair and/or connect sewer facilities located within defined limits on private property; or, an agreement between two separate owners, for the purpose of mutual "wastewater" discharge, to construct sewer facilities on property owned by one "owner" or the other or both.
"Effluent" means wastewater that has been treated to remove wastes and is discharged from treatment facilities.
"Garbage" means the animal, vegetable, and other waste resulting from the handling, preparation, cooking and serving of foods. It is composed largely of putrescible organic matter and its natural moisture content.
"General" means that unless the context specifically indicates otherwise, the meaning of terms used in this code shall be as set forth in this section. Terms not specifically defined herein shall be as defined in the latest revised publication, "Glossary Water and Wastewater Control Engineering," published jointly by the American Public Health Association, American Society of Civil Engineers, American Water Works Association and Water Environment Federation.
"Governmental entity" means the organization or agency through which a separate and independent political body exercises authority including but not limited to, cities, towns, water and sewer districts and other municipal corporations.
"Grease" means fat oils, waxes and other related constituents found in wastewater.
"Grinder pump" means the pump, wet well, alarm, panel, valve vault, and appurtenances located on private property for the purpose of grinding and transporting wastewater into the collection system.
"Legal owner" means the owner of record as shown by the records of Mason County (see also "customer").
"Mason County board of commissioners" means those duly elected individuals serving as the legislative body of Mason County. Also referred to herein as the board.
"Multifamily dwelling" means a building, other than condominiums or town houses, designed and/or used to house four or more families living independently of each other in separate living quarters that share common walls, floors and/or ceilings and including all necessary household functions of each such family.
"Mutual maintenance agreement and easement" means a legally binding agreement between two or more "owners" for the purpose of connecting two or more structures to a single "building sewer" located on private property and specifying for the mutual maintenance of the single "building sewer" by such property owners.
"Natural outlet" means any outlet into a "watercourse," pond, ditch, lake or other body of surface or ground water.
"Natural watercourse" means a surface or underground "watercourse" created by natural conditions.
"Owner" means the lawful and legal owner of a lot or parcel of land (delineated by parcel number) under single ownership also noted on county property rolls as the taxpayer.
"Permit" means written authorization from the "director" granting the "owner" or his/her duly authorized representative permission to make the required "building sewer" connections to the "side sewer stub" or to make repairs, alterations, disconnections, caps, or any other sewer construction or repair stipulated in this code.
"Person" means any agency, agent, authority, board, church, club, committee, commune, cooperative, department, district, government, group, guardian, league, office, order, party, school, task force, trustee individual, family, partnership, firm, company, association, society, corporation, or other entity.
"Plumbing outlet" means the part of the lowest horizontal piping of a drainage system of a structure that receives waste from other drainage pipes inside the walls of a structure and conveys it to a "building sewer." The "building sewer" begins twenty-four inches from the outer face of the outside building wall.
"Premises" means a continuous tract of land, building or group of adjacent buildings under a single ownership or control with respect to sewer service and responsibility for payment therefor.
"Pretreatment" means the reduction of the amount or pollutant, the elimination of pollutants, or the alteration of the nature of pollutant properties in wastewater before discharge to the "public sewer facilities."
"Private sewer facilities" means any sanitary sewer facility including "building sewers" and "side sewer stubs," constructed within the limits of privately owned property, including but not limited to collection lines, trunk sewers, lateral sewers, pump stations, force mains and appurtenances. "Side sewer stubs," as defined herein and located within a public right-of-way or perpetual "easement" owned by Mason County, shall be operated and maintained by the private property owner.
"Properly shredded garbage" means garbage which has been shredded to such degree that all particles will be carried freely under the flow conditions normally prevailing in public sewer facilities, with no particle greater than one quarter-inch in any dimension.
"Public sewer facilities" means any "sanitary sewer" constructed within a public right-of-way, perpetual "easement" dedicated to the "county," or on property owned by the "county," including but not limited to, water reclamation facilities, structures, collection lines, trunk sewers, interceptor sewers, lateral sewers, side sewer tees, pump stations, force mains, and appurtenances. "Public sewer facilities" are operated and maintained by the "county." "Building sewers" and "side sewer stubs" as defined herein, are not "public sewer facilities" and are operated and maintained by the "owner." Grinder pump stations from the four-inch or six-inch "building sewer," small diameter force mains and appurtenances are maintained by the county.
"Purchaser" means any person, or the heirs, successors or assigns of such person, who purchases and/or leases any house, building or structure; or one or more units in a subdivision or multiple housing projects, from a developer as herein defined.
"Reclaimed water" means effluent derived in any part from sewage from a wastewater treatment system that has been adequately and reliably treated, so that as a result of that treatment, it is suitable for a beneficial use or a controlled use that would not otherwise occur and it is no longer considered wastewater.
"Registered building sewer contractor" means any contractor who is duly registered to construct, install, repair, reconstruct, excavate, or connect any building sewer and side sewer stub to public sewers in the state of Washington.
"Registered professional engineer" means an individual or corporation holding a currently valid license to practice engineering in the state of Washington.
"Residential equivalent unit (R.E.)" means (1) Any residential or nonresidential use which has been reasonably found by the director to place a demand on the county's sewerage system approximately equal to the demand from a single family dwelling; (2) That service unit which, for purposes of sewerage service measurement, is not greater than two hundred eighteen gallons per day (GPD), having a waste strength of not greater than two hundred eighty-two milligrams per liter of BOD and not greater than two hundred eighty-two milligrams per liter of suspended solids (SS).
"Residential facilities or units" means a structure or portion of a structure capable of human habitation, including, but not limited to, private houses; each unit of a duplex, triplex, fourplex, apartment building, condominium, or townhouse; or a mobile home.
"Right-of-entry" means a legally binding agreement entitling the county to construct, operate, and maintain sewer facilities located on private property.
"Sanitary sewage" means the same as "wastewater."
"Sanitary sewer" means those sewers used to collect and transport only domestic or commercial water borne wastes permitted to be discharged by this code.
"Septic tank" means a settling tank in which settled sludge is in immediate contact with the "wastewater" flowing through the tank and in which the organic solids are decomposed by anaerobic bacterial action.
"Service area" means that area eligible for sewer service or extension of sewer service as defined by the North Bay - Case Inlet wastewater facility plan and as it may be amended from time to time. In general, the service area includes Victor beginning at Rocky Point, E. Coulter Creek Road, North Bay Road, the Town of Allyn, Lakeland Village, Sherwood Creek Road, Sherwood Road, and Grapeview Loop Road up to Giles Cove.
"Service lateral" means the small diameter HDPE piping, typically one and one quarter-inch, extending from the grinder pump unit to the valve box and collection system.
"Sewage" means the term now being replaced in technical usage by the preferable term of "wastewater," and for the purpose of this code shall be considered synonymous.
"Sewer facility plan" means a plan that identifies the system of sewerage facilities required to convey and treat "sanitary sewage" in the "county" and has been approved by the Department of Ecology. The "sewer facility plan" shall include location and description of disposal facilities, trunk and interceptor sewers, pumping and monitoring stations, control and treatment facilities, if appropriate. It shall also include preliminary engineering to insure the feasibility of any future proposed structures which are proposed as part of the plan. The preliminary engineering for the "sewer facility plan" shall include all criteria necessary to establish sizing of the sewerage facilities identified in the plan.
"Sewer line extension" means (1) the construction, upgrading, and/or extension of existing sewer facilities located in public rights-of-way or "easements" conveyed to the "county," or (2) the construction, upgrading, and/or extension of existing sewer facilities located on private property serving two or more structures or exceeding a length of four hundred feet, or (3) "sewer line extensions" located on private property shall be operated and maintained by the "owner" including the "side sewer stub" as defined herein. Gravity "building sewer" lines over four hundred feet in length serving one "single family dwelling" are exempt from this definition.
"Shall" or "May" means "shall" is mandatory, "may" is permissive.
"Side sewer stub" means a "sanitary sewer" constructed from a lateral or trunk sewer to a property line, or edge of a perpetual "easement" of a property being served. The "side sewer stub" for gravity service shall be considered part of the "building sewer" and shall be maintained by the "owner."
"Side sewer tee" means the point at which the "side sewer stub" joins the "public sewer facilities."
"Single family dwelling" means a building designed and/or used to house a single family and shall include mobile homes on individual lots whether owned collectively or individually in mobile home courts, and individual units within condominiums or townhouses.
"Storm drain" means those drainage pipes which are designated to carry surface water runoff and other such storm waters as are not permitted to be disposed of through the "sanitary sewer system," in accordance with the provisions of this code.
"Street use permit" means any permit required by any public agency authorizing the customer or his agent to perform work within public rights-of-way.
"Structure" means anything constructed, erected or placed, the use of which requires location or attachment to something having location on the ground, and shall in addition, include but not be limited to, trailers, mobile homes and house trailers, but shall not include fences and retaining walls.
"Suspended solids (SS)" means solids that either float on the surface of, or are in suspension in, water, "wastewater," or other liquids, and which are largely removable by laboratory filtering.
"Unpolluted water" means water in its natural state, or water which, after use for any purpose, is not substantially changed as to chemical or biochemical qualities.
"UPC" means Uniform Plumbing Code.
"Utility local improvement district (ULID)" means a special district (geographic area) established by the "county" or a vote by the property owner of the "benefited properties" under provisions of the Revised Code of Washington for the purpose of providing "wastewater" facility improvements and assessing all properties benefiting from those "wastewater" facility improvements for all or a portion of the cost of those improvements.
"Wastewater" means a combination of liquid and water-carried wastes from domestic, commercial or industrial facilities together with other waters which may inadvertently enter the system.
"Wastewater facilities" means the structures, equipment, and processes required to collect, transport, and treat domestic and commercial wastes, and dispose of the "effluent" and waste by-products including "public" and "private sewer facilities."
"Wastewater treatment plant" means the arrangements of devices and structures used for treating the "wastewater" collected by the "county."
"Water reclamation facility" means the arrangement of devices, structures, and ponds used for treating "wastewater" according to the standards delineated under RCW 90.46 (Reclaimed Water).
"Watercourse" means (1) a natural or artificial channel for passage of water; (2) a running stream of water; (3) a natural stream fed from permanent or natural sources, including rivers, creeks, runs and rivulets. There must be a stream, usually flowing in a particular direction (though it need not flow continuously) in a definite channel, having a bed or banks and usually discharging into some other stream or body of water.
(Res. 144-99 Art. II, 1999).
Article III. 13.28.030 Department of community development.
The department of community development has been established as a department within the government of Mason County. This department is under the management of the director of the department of community development. This department has the responsibility for the construction, maintenance and operation of sewer utility facilities at North Bay - Case Inlet and is owned by Mason County.
(Res. 144-99 Art. III, § 3.01, 1999).
13.28.040 Director– Responsibilities and limitations.
The director shall be the administrator of Mason County's department. Where this code requires approval by, permission or decision of, or instructions from the director, the director shall be guided by current county resolutions, ordinances and policy as well as by generally recognized engineering standards and practices. The director shall also be guided by current applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
(Res. 144-99 Art. III, § 3.02, 1999).
13.28.050 Interdepartmental cooperation and agreements.
The director may, insofar as practicable, make use of services of the other county departments, offices, and agencies. Interdepartmental agreements between the community development and the department of public works and other departments of the county, may be authorized when necessary.
(Res. 144-99 Art. III, § 3.03, 1999).
13.28.060 Authority to construct and operate.
The department of community development shall construct, operate and maintain the North Bay - Case Inlet sewerage system, including collection systems and water reclamation facilities, for the collection, treatment, and beneficial use of wastewater.
(Res. 144-99 Art. III, § 3.04, 1999).
13.28.070 Review, inspection, and construction of sewer facilities built by a property owner or developer.
(a) Prior to the construction, installation and operation of any public sewer facility or any private sewer facility governed by the provisions of the North Bay - Case Inlet (Mason County) sanitary sewer utility administrative code, owners or their agents who are responsible for the construction shall be required to obtain a building permit and pay all required fees and charges.
(b) The department may require the entity responsible for the construction to demonstrate satisfactory completion of all lines installed by the owner. If defects are discovered by the county, the party responsible for the construction will be responsible for incurring all costs for repairing all defects.
(Res. 144-99 Art. III, § 3.05, 1999).
13.28.080 Authorization of inspection of existing sewers and appurtenances.
(a) For the public sewer facilities of North Bay - Case Inlet, the director shall be authorized to enter upon easement premises served by any building sewer or grinder pump installation or connected with any public sewer at all reasonable hours to ascertain or make necessary tests as to whether the provisions of local, state and federal laws relative to sewerage have been complied with.
(b) In the event that entry is refused, necessary steps shall be taken to make application for a search warrant to accomplish the appropriate inspection.
(c) If such sewer, or its attachments, are in conflict with the provisions of any law or resolution in regard thereto, the owner of such premises, or his agent, shall be notified to cause such sewer or its attachments to be so altered, repaired or reconstructed at the owner's expense, so as to make them conform to the requirements of the laws and resolutions within a reasonable time limit established by the director from the time of receipt of such notice.
(d) Every employee of the department being authorized to enter upon private property to inspect or have charge or maintaining the public sewer facilities of the department shall be furnished with means of identification and shall carry such identification at all times when engaged upon the duties of his/her position and produce and exhibit the same upon request.
(Res. 144-99 Art. III, § 3.06, 1999).
13.28.090 Utility local improvement district– Establishment.
The county shall have the power to establish local improvement districts (LIDs) and utility local improvement districts (ULIDs) for the purpose of constructing or reconstructing sewer systems, by the method and manner prescribed in the Revised Code of Washington within the area of a sewerage general plan and to levy special assessments to pay in whole, or part, the cost of any improvements.
(Res. 144-99 Art. III, § 3.07, 1999).
13.28.100 Sewer utility funds.
The county shall by separate resolutions or ordinances create the necessary sewer utility funds to properly account for any and all revenues received for the use of sewers as set forth herein. All expenses for administration, development, construction, operation, maintenance and repair of the North Bay - Case Inlet (Mason County) sewer system shall be charged to such funds.
(Res. 144-99 Art. III, § 3.08, 1999).
Article IV. 13.28.110 General.
It is the intent of this section and the stipulations, conditions, and/or requirements contained herein that all matters pertaining to the collection, treatment and disposal of sewage and wastewater for the North Bay - Case Inlet service area under the jurisdiction of the county shall be subject to this section and all of the other sections and/or appendices contained in this administrative code.
(Res. 144-99 Art. IV, § 4.01, 1999).
13.28.120 Treatment of wastewater required.
It is unlawful to discharge into any natural watercourse within the service area, any sewage and wastewater or other polluted waters, except where suitable treatment has been provided in accordance with state and federal regulations or the provisions of this code.
(Res. 144-99 Art. IV, § 4.02, 1999).
13.28.130 Property required to connect to public sewer.
(a) Within the area under the jurisdiction of the county, by provisions of this code, any single family dwelling, duplex, triplex, multi-family dwelling, or commercial facility located either along the shoreline of North Bay -Case Inlet or Anderson Lake or within two hundred feet of the sanitary sewer line to be constructed by the county and abuts the customer's premises shall connect to the sanitary sewer system. Those single family dwellings beyond the two hundred feet limit may, at the owner's option connect to the sanitary sewer system. New duplex, triplex, multifamily dwellings or commercial facilities located beyond the two hundred feet limit may be allowed to connect to the sanitary sewer system. Such determination shall be made by the Mason County department of community development at the time of the owner's application for a building permit. The conditions for connection to the sanitary sewer system are illustrated in Exhibit II.
(b) New buildings on residential lots requiring sewer service shall be connected to the collection system at the owner's expense and in a manner which meets with the approval of the Mason County department of community development. The plans for and specifications of such connections shall be submitted as a part of the owner's application for a building permit. Upon acquisition of the building permit and payment of the connection fee, the owner shall receive a "blue card" entitling the owner to proceed with construction and connection to the collection system.
(c) Travel trailer, camper, and motor home owners must apply to the Mason County department of community development for a permit to obtain sanitary sewage service while such vehicle is on a platted residential lot, except as provided as follows:
No more than one travel trailer, camper, or motor home may be located on a platted lot during any period.
(Res. 144-99 Art. IV, § 4.03, 1999).
13.28.140 Required use.
When the county or a developer extends permanent sewer service, existing structures will be required by the county to connect to the public system. The owners of existing structures shall be required to connect to the public sewer system immediately and at their own expense and pay all fees/capital charges to the county.
(Res. 144-99 Art. IV, § 4.04, 1999).
Article V. 13.28.150 Design criteria and construction standards.
The department shall ensure that sewer facilities design and construction standards satisfy the standards of the most current department design and construction specifications, or as prescribed and interpreted by the director.
(Res. 144-99 Art. V, § 5.01, 1999).
13.28.160 Connection to public sewers.
All connections to the public sewers of the county shall be made in a permanent and sanitary manner in accordance to the provisions of this code and shall be sufficient to carry all the wastewater of every kind from the building or structure into the public sewer.
(Res. 144-99 Art. V, § 5.02, 1999).
13.28.170 Repairs to connections.
For properties within the North Bay - Case Inlet service area, any needed repair to a building sewer or connection to a public sewer shall be made within thirty days after the date of mailing or personal service of a notice by the director to the owner of the property served notifying such owner to make such repair. In the event of an emergency, the director may establish a shorter period of time for the repair to be made or, if the owner cannot be located or does not promptly make such repairs, the county may make the repairs under the procedures of this code and charge for the work based on the staff's and/or contractor's hourly rate.
(Res. 144-99 Art. V, § 5.03, 1999).
13.28.180 Connection standards.
(a) Gravity Service Connections.
(1) Old building sewers, including septic tank lines, may be used only when they are found, on examination and test by the director to meet all requirements of the code.
(2) The building sewer shall conform to all county and state building codes and/or with the manufacturer's recommended practices, whichever is more restrictive. New sewer pipe and fittings at a minimum shall be PVC and shall meet or exceed ASTM recommended specifications D3034-73, SDR 35, current revisions.
(3) Connections between dissimilar pipe materials shall be by adapters approved by the director or his agent. The first fitting at the connection of the building sewer to the public sewer service connection shall be a tee, furnished by the owner. Immediately after installation of the tee, an expandable watertight plug shall be installed in the tee branch connected to the public sewer. Such plug shall remain in place during construction and testing of the building sewer. After the plug has been removed, the tee riser shall be extended vertically to within six inches of finished ground surface and shall be sealed with an approved cap or plug. The riser shall be used as an auxiliary cleanout.
(4) The size and slope of the building sewer shall be subject to the approval of the director, but in no event shall the diameter be less than four inches. The slope of said four inch pipe shall not be less than one-quarter inch per foot, unless approved by the director. In no case shall the slope of four-inch pipe be less than one-eighth inch per foot. A minimum of eighteen inches of cover shall be maintained over the top of service pipe at all times.
The building sewer shall be laid at uniform grade and in a straight alignment insofar as is possible. Changes in direction shall be made only with curved pipe no greater than "forty-five-degree bends." All pipe shall be laid on a four-inch granular base of a three-quarter-minus rock, pea gravel, sand or combination thereof.
Whenever possible, the building sewer shall be brought to the building at an elevation below the basement floor. In all buildings in which any building drain is too low to permit gravity flow to public sewer, sanitary sewage carried by such building drain shall be lifted by an approved means and discharged to the building sewer.
(5) All excavation required for the installation of a building sewer shall be open trench work unless otherwise approved by the director. No backfilling of the trench shall be done until inspection by the county has been conducted.
(6) All joints and connections shall be made gastight and watertight.
(7) The applicant for building permit shall notify the director when the building sewer is ready for inspection and connection to the public sewer. After final approval and testing of the building sewer by the director, the owner shall make the final connection to the building drain, unless otherwise authorized by the director. A thirty-minute internal hydrostatic test may be required on all building sewers before connection is made to the building drain. All water plugs and other facilities for making the test shall be furnished by the applicant. Minimum head over the top of the pipe shall be two feet and a maximum allowable leakage shall be four gallons per hour per one hundred feet.
(8) Any structure having a plumbing outlet that serves fixtures with flood level rims located below the elevation of the next upstream manhole cover shall install an approved backwater valve.
(b) Grinder Pump Installations.
(1) Any structure requiring a grinder pump unit shall utilize a unit conforming to Mason County standards. The grinder pump unit shall be subject to approval at the same time as the building permit.
(2) Service lateral piping attached to the grinder pump unit and extending to the valve vault shall be one and one quarter-inch HDPE pipe with a working pressure exceeding one hundred sixty psi at 73.4 F and a minimum SDR of eleven. The HDPE pipe shall be installed in a continuous length from the grinder pump unit to the valve vault.
(3) All grinder pump installations shall require a valve vault located approximately at the county or state right-of-way. The valve vault shall conform to Mason County standards for either non-traffic or H-20 traffic conditions. The type of valve vault shall be determined at the time of building permit submittal. Each valve vault shall contain at a minimum a PVC ball shut-off valve and also a PVC check valve at identified locations.
(4) All joints and connections shall be made against and watertight. Transition couplings from HDPE to other material shall be rated for one hundred fifty psi.
(5) The applicant for the building permit shall notify the director when the grinder pump installation is ready for inspection and connection to the public sewer. The applicant shall demonstrate operation of the grinder pump with water over a complete "on/off" cycle and also demonstrate the operation of the alarm light by overfilling the wet well. After final approval and testing of the grinder pump, by the director or his agent, the owner shall connect the building sewer to the grinder pump wet well and the HDPE service lateral to the public sewer system. Both of these connections shall be approved by Mason County prior to backfilling of the trench.
(c) Separation for Water and Sewer Piping.
(1) Requirements for separation between water lines and sanitary sewers are shown in the "Criteria for Sewage Works Design," Washington State Department of Ecology (December 1998). In general, a minimum horizontal separation of ten feet between sanitary sewers and any existing potable water lines and a minimum vertical separation of eighteen inches between the bottom of the water line and the crown of the sewer shall be maintained.
(2) Where local conditions prevent the separations described in subsection (c)(1) of this section, the sewer shall be installed in a separate trench with a minimum of eighteen inches of vertical separation between the crown of the sewer and the bottom of the water line.
(3) Where a potable water well exists, the grinder pump and service lateral piping shall be located outside of a fifty-foot radius from the well. If the service lateral piping cannot be located outside of this radius, the service lateral piping shall be encased with a two-inch HDPE piping, SDR eleven, within the fifty-feet radius.
(4) Additional mitigation efforts may be required by the director for high ground water, unstable soils, or other unusual site conditions.
(Res. 144-99 Art. V, § 5.04, 1999).
13.28.190 Abandonment/modification of existing septic tanks.
(a) Abandonment of existing septic tanks or other sewage containers for the purpose of connecting to public sewers shall be conducted in conformance with WAC 246-272-1850.
(b) Any existing septic tank utilized for an emergency overflow for a grinder pump unit shall be pumped by a licensed septic tank hauler. All tanks whose access opening is greater than eighteen inches below the surface shall be brought to eighteen inches below grade with twenty-four-inch diameter minimum concrete extension rings grouted to become watertight. Modifications, and connections to the existing septic tank shall be inspected by the county for watertightness prior to backfilling.
(Res. 144-99 Art. V, § 5.05, 1999).
13.28.200 Information from the county.
The owner of any building shall be responsible for obtaining from the director the approximate location and elevation of the sewer wye, tee or stub at the point of connection and, in the case of new construction, for planning the building and plumbing to provide adequate slope for building connection to the side sewer stub. The applicant for permit shall be responsible for determining the available grade between plumbing outlet and sewer wye, tee or stub. All department supplied information shall be field checked by the owner/developer or his/her representative prior to design and/or commencing construction. The county is not liable for inaccurate information provided to the county.
(Res. 144-99 Art. V, § 5.06, 1999).
13.28.210 Costs of building sewer or sewer line extension borne by owner.
(a) Gravity Sewer Connections. All costs and expense incidental to the installation, connection, maintenance, cleaning, repair and/or addition to or of the building sewer shall be borne by the owner effective January 1, 2002. This responsibility includes paying all costs incidental to the aforementioned activities performed on all segments of the sewer and including but not limited to side sewer stub, sewer tee, sewer wye, and all other sewer appurtenances.
(b) Grinder Pump Installations. All costs and expense incidental to the installation, connection and/or addition to or of the building sewer shall be borne by the owner effective January 1, 2002. This responsibility includes paying all costs incidental to the aforementioned activities performed on all segments of the sewer and including but not limited to side sewer stubs, sewer tee, sewer wye, grinder pump, service lateral, valve vault, and all other sewer appurtenances. Upon installation and testing of the grinder pump, the maintenance of the grinder pump, service lateral, and valve vault shall be the responsibility of the county. The building sewer shall be the responsibility of the owner.
(Res. 144-99 Art. V, § 5.07, 1999).
13.28.220 Mutual maintenance agreement and easement.
If it is determined that a special condition(s) requires more than one separately owned residence to be served by a single building sewer, written authorization to do so must be obtained from the director after the owners of such properties have entered into a mutual use agreement. This document assuring that all properties involved shall have perpetual mutual easements for the building sewer, and having provisions for mutual maintenance and access for repair purposes, shall be signed by the recorded owners and acknowledged and recorded with the county auditor, and a copy thereof furnished to the director prior to the issuance of a permit for the approval of the building sewer.
(Res. 144-99 Art. V, § 5.08, 1999).
13.28.230 Reuse of old building sewers.
Old building sewers, may be used only when they are found, on examination and test by the director, to meet all requirements of this code. This examination and test shall be at the owner's expense. The owner or his/her agent shall demonstrate to the director that no connection to such building sewer line exists which conveys any material prohibited by county.
(Res. 144-99 Art. V, § 5.09, 1999).
13.28.240 Protection of excavations and restoration of public property.
All excavations for building sewer or sewer line extension installations shall be adequately guarded with barricades and lights in accordance with state and county requirements so as to protect the public from hazard. Road, parkways and other public property disturbed in the course of the work shall be restored to original condition or better.
(Res. 144-99 Art. V, § 5.10, 1999).
13.28.250 Commercial wastes– Control manhole.
When required by the director, the owner of any property served by a building sewer carrying commercial wastes shall install a suitable control manhole in the building sewer to facilitate observation, sampling and measurement of the wastes. Such manhole, when required, shall be fully accessible, safely located, and constructed in accordance with plans approved by the director. Such plans shall be in accordance with current county standard sanitary sewer specifications and standard plans. The manhole shall be installed by the owner at the owner's expense and shall be maintained by the owner so as to be safe and accessible at all times by the county.
(Res. 144-99 Art. V, § 5.11, 1999).
13.28.260 Commercial wastes– Grease traps.
When required by the director, the owner of any commercial establishment found to be discharging excess oils, fats, and grease shall install a suitable grease trap in accordance with the latest edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code. Such grease trap, when required, shall be fully accessible, safely located, constructed and maintained in accordance with plans approved by the director.
(Res. 144-99 Art. V, § 5.12, 1999).
13.28.270 Pretreatment of sewage.
(a) When, at any time, it becomes necessary or desirable to discharge into the North Bay - Case Inlet sewer system any matter from any existing or proposed facility which does not conform to the standards as prescribed in the most current requirements of this code, the owner(s) of such facilities shall be required to pretreat such matter at owner(s) expense to a degree that will produce an effluent which will conform to the standard outlined therein and as amended from time to time or as prescribed and interpreted by the director.
(b) Such pretreatment shall include grease traps, chemical or biochemical plants, sedimentation chambers and any devices which effect a change of any nature in the characteristics of the matter being treated. Any and all such devices and equipment shall be subject to the approval of the director and the Washington State Department of Ecology and shall not be put into operation nor revised in any manner without written permit or approval issued by the director, the Washington State Department of Ecology and other approving governmental agencies. (Any such device other than a grease trap requires approval from other governmental entities.) Such devices and equipment shall be provided with all necessary features of construction permit inspection of operations and testing of materials passing through other governmental agencies for such pretreatment facilities shall not guarantee that the pretreatment facility will operate as designed; the owner and/or the owner's engineer will assume this liability.
(c) New plans and specifications and other pertinent information relating to proposed preliminary treatment facilities shall be prepared by a licensed professional engineer and shall be submitted for the approval of the director and the state of Washington, Department of Ecology and Department of Health when required by law. No construction of preliminary treatment facilities shall be commenced until such approvals are obtained in writing. Any expenses incurred by the county in reviewing such plans, specifications and information shall be paid by the property owner and owner's representative before the county's approval shall be granted.
(d) All approval procedures, planning and design specifications, charges, fees and other requirements relating to pretreatment facilities shall conform to the provision outlined in the most current requirements of this code.
(Res. 144-99 Art. V, § 5.13, 1999).
Article VI. 13.28.280 Permits required.
No unauthorized person shall uncover, make any connections with or opening into, use, alter or disturb any public sewer or appurtenance thereof or construct any sewer disposal system without first obtaining a written permit from the department or other responsible agency. This article covers both permits for gravity sewer connections and grinder pump installations for the service area.
(Res. 144-99 Art. VI, § 6.01, 1999).
13.28.290 Building sewer permits.
There shall be two classes of building sewer permits: (a) for residential, single family service; and (b) for nonresidential service. In either case, the owner or his agent shall make application on a form furnished by Mason County. A building sewer permit shall be required of any owner of a lot(s), parcel of real estate or structure(s) either required or electing to make a connection to a public sewer or make a modification, repair, disconnection, inspection or addition to an existing building sewer. The appropriate permit and plan check fee shall be paid to the county at the time the application is filed. Upon acquisition of the building permit and payment of the connection fee, the owner shall receive a "blue card" authorizing construction and connection.
(Res. 144-99 Art. VI, § 6.02, 1999).
13.28.300 Sewer permit– Term and fee.
A sewer permit is valid for twelve months from the date of issuance. The sewer permit can be extended an additional twelve months without securing a variance. If after the twenty-four months, the sewer permit expires but the owner still wishes to connect to a sewer, the owner must obtain a new permit and pay the county another full permit fee unless circumstances, in the judgment of the director, warrant a variance. If a sewer permit is canceled by the owner, the full permit fee shall be forfeited.
(Res. 144-99 Art. VI, § 6.03, 1999).
13.28.310 Building sewer permits requirements.
(a) A sewer permit shall be obtained in the following manner:
(1) Permits shall be issued only upon proper application to the Mason County department of community development.
(2) A permit which authorizes work in a public right-of-way or easement dedicated to Mason County or the connection with or opening into any public sewer other than through the normal opening of a wye, tee or side sewer stub shall be issued to a licensed contractor.
(3) A permit which authorizes building sewer work may be issued to the owner of the property. For building sewers as defined in Section 13.28.020 of this code the owner may perform only that portion of the connection located on private property and not in public right-of-way or easement dedicated to the county.
(4) Sewer permits shall not be transferable. No person shall lay any pipe pursuant to any other person's or contractor's permit.
(5) A sewer permit shall be issued prior to commencement of construction and only after all applicable charges and fees have been paid by the owner or developer.
(6) No sewer permit allowing connection to the public sewer shall be issued before the main sewer is accepted by the director, and the property owner so notified. An interim approval allowing building sewer construction without connection to a nonoperational public sewer may be issued at the discretion of the director.
(7) The permit card must be posted on the job prior to commencing the work and must be readily accessible to the director.
(Res. 144-99 Art. VI, § 6.04, 1999).
13.28.320 Changed conditions– Increased wastewater flows, BOD SS, or grease.
(a) The county shall have the right to charge an owner of a parcel of property already permitted and connected to the collection system, an additional connection charge and/or increase the monthly sewer service charge to:
(1) Wastewater flows disposed of into the collection system have increased above the amount for which the owner or previous owners paid a connection charge; or
(2) BOD and/or SS are found to be greater than 282 mg/l and 282 mg/l respectively; and
(3) Grease greater than 100 mg/l.
(Res. 144-99 Art. VI, § 6.05, 1999).
Article VII. 13.28.330 Schedule of fees.
The schedule of fees covering monthly service charges, connections fees, and permit fees for the sewerage system at North Bay - Case Inlet shall be covered by resolution and shall be attached and by reference made part of this chapter.
(Res. 144-99 Art. VII, § 7.01, 1999).
Article VIII. 13.28.340 Unlawful wastewater disposal facilities.
Except as hereinafter provided, it shall be unlawful to construct or maintain any septic tank or other sewage holding facility intended or used for the disposal of wastewater within the boundaries of the North Bay - Case Inlet service area where sewers are available except as permitted by this chapter. This does not include portable privies or other temporary wastewater disposal systems, such as those used at construction sites.
(Res. 144-99 Art. VIII, § 8.01, 1999).
13.28.350 Unlawful deposit of waste.
(a) It is unlawful for any person to place, deposit or permit to be deposited in an unapproved and unacceptable manner into the county sanitary sewer system any human excrement, garbage, hazardous wastes, and/or other unlawful wastes except in accordance with this code.
(b) Unlawful waste, under no conditions, shall be discharged into or be placed where it might find its way into, or be allowed to run, leak, leach or escape into any part of the sanitary sewer system. Unlawful waste includes gasoline, fuel oil, toxins, flammable or explosive liquids.
(c) No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged to any of the wastewater facilities any substances, materials, or wastes in quantities or concentration that will cause corrosive damage or hazard to structures, equipment, or personnel of the wastewater facilities, and in no case will discharges be allowed with a pH lower than 5.0 or greater than 10.0.
(d) No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged to any of the wastewater facilities any substances, materials, waters, or wastes that will contain more than one hundred milligrams per liter of nonbiodegradable oils of mineral or petroleum origin or contain floatable oils, fats or grease.
(Res. 144-99 Art. VIII, § 8.02, 1999).
13.28.360 Unlawful discharge of storm and other waters into sewers.
No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged any storm drainage water, surface water, groundwater, roof runoff, or subsurface drainage into the sanitary sewer system. Roof, foundation, areaway, parking lot, roadway, or other surface runoff or groundwater drains shall discharge to natural outlets or storm sewers.
(Res. 144-99 Art. VIII, § 8.03, 1999).
13.28.370 Limitations on discharge locations.
No person or entity shall discharge any unlawful substance directly into a manhole or other opening in the public sewer system other than through an approved building sewer without the written authorization of the director in compliance with this administrative code, nor until such person or entity has paid all applicable charges and fees and has met any other conditions required by this administrative code and the director.
(Res. 144-99 Art. VIII, § 8.04, 1999).
13.28.380 Liability for damage.
The customer shall be responsible for and pay for any damage to public sewer facilities belonging to the department caused by any unauthorized use, carelessness or neglect by the customer.
(Res. 144-99 Art. VIII, § 8.05, 1999).
13.28.390 Unlawful damage to sewer facilities.
It is unlawful for any unauthorized person to maliciously or willfully break, damage, destroy, uncover, deface or tamper with any structure, appurtenance or piece of equipment which is part of the county sewer facilities by throwing, dumping, discharging or otherwise introducing any dirt, rocks, sticks, debris, other foreign matter or any other matter prohibited by this code into the county sewer system.
(Res. 144-99 Art. VIII, § 8.06, 1999).
13.28.400 Discharge of septic tank contents.
(a) It is unlawful for anyone to discharge the contents of any septic tank, chemical toilet, or sewage holding tank into the sewer system of Mason County except in accordance with the provisions of this code.
(b) The director shall designate in writing the particular locations where the contents of chemical toilets, or sewage holding tanks may be discharged into public sewer systems, and the manner in which such contents shall be discharged into the county sewer system.
(c) No matter prohibited from sewers by this code shall be permitted to be discharged under this section.
(Res. 144-99 Art. VIII, § 8.07, 1999).
13.28.410 Failure to connect or repair building sewer.
(a) If any connection to or repair of a public sewer is not made within the time and in the manner provided in this code, the director may forthwith cause to be placed a recorded notice against the property that no new buildings, remodeling or change in ownership will be allowed until the connection or repairs of all sanitary sewer facilities are made. Such notice may be recorded by the director with the Mason County assessor.
(b) If at this time or after a reasonable period so determined by the director, connection of or repairs to the building sewer or sewer line extension remain to be completed and the director has exhausted the means or methods available to the director to make such connections or repairs as prescribed in this code, the county may upon authorization of the director make such connections or repairs for and at the total expense of the owner provided the director takes the following steps:
(1) Notifies the owner that the connections or repairs are delinquent pursuant to the provisions of this code and informs such owner that the county intends to make such connections or repairs itself; and
(2) Notifies the owner that the county shall charge such owner for all costs associated with such connections or repairs including, but not limited to, all construction or repair costs and any other applicable costs which would normally be incurred by such owner pursuant to the provisions of this code; and
(3) Notifies the owner that any failure to reimburse the county for such costs shall result in the county filing a lien upon the property as provided for in Title 36, Chapter 94, Revised Code of Washington in the amount of such unpaid cost plus interest and plus any applicable penalties.
(Res. 144-99 Art. VIII, § 8.08, 1999).
13.28.420 Unlawful connections to or disturbances of public sewers.
Any person who makes or causes to be made any connection to, opening into, use, alteration and/or disturbance of the public sewers of the county without receiving a permit authorizing such a connection and/or use, alteration, etc., shall be subject to the provisions set forth in this code.
(Res. 144-99 Art. VIII, § 8.09, 1999).
13.28.430 Disconnection of building sewer.
No structure may be disconnected from a building sewer and no building sewer may be disconnected from a public sewer for any reason without prior written notification to, and approval by the director. No approval shall be given unless the disconnection is lawful under this code and other applicable laws, and satisfactory protection is given by the owner or his contractor to the public sewers of the county including, but not limited to, the satisfactory capping of the building sewer. Sewer service charges for any structure disconnected or to be disconnected shall continue until such disconnection is approved by the county and the building sewer capped and otherwise protected to the satisfaction of the director.
(Res. 144-99 Art. VIII, § 8.10, 1999).
13.28.440 Building sewer for each building– Exceptions.
A single building sewer shall be provided for each building unless the connection of more than one building to a single building sewer is approved in writing by the director prior to the construction of such building sewer.
(Res. 144-99 Art. VIII, § 8.11, 1999).
Article IX. 13.28.450 Notice of violation.
Any person or contractors found to be violating any provision of this code shall be served by the county with written notice stating the nature of the violation and providing a time limit for the satisfactory correction thereof. The violator of this code shall, within the period of time stated in such notice, permanently cease all violation and make all necessary corrections.
(Res. 144-99 Art. IX, § 9.01, 1999).
13.28.460 Appeal process.
The person or contractors may file a written notice of appeal of the notice of violation issued by the department. Such appeal must be filed within thirty days after the owner receives notice of the violation. The filing fee for an appeal is an amount of one hundred dollars payable at the time of filing. The violation notice will not be enforced until the board of commissioners or its delegated representative meets, hears the appeal, and renders its decision thereon. The hearing shall be held not less than ten days or more than forty-five days after the date of the filing of objections. No less than seven days prior to the date set for the hearing, notice of the hearing date will be given to the owner. The decision of the board of commissioners or its delegated representative is final and no appeal may be taken therefrom except as provided by law.
(Res. 144-99 Art. IX, § 9.02, 1999).
13.28.470 Civil liability to county.
Any person or commercial entity who shall violate any provision of this code shall be liable to the county for any penalty or fine; plus the expense, loss, damage, cost of inspection or cost of correction incurred by the county by reason of such violation, including any expenses incurred by the county in collecting from such person or commercial entity any penalty, fine, loss, damage, expense, cost of inspection or cost of correction.
(Res. 144-99 Art. IX, § 9.03, 1999).
13.28.480 Continued violation– Penalty.
Any person or commercial entity who shall continue any violation beyond the time limit provided for in the notice of violation or in the hearing order on appeal, shall in addition to the items of expense provided in this code, become liable to the county for a penalty in the amount of ten percent of such expense items, together with interest thereon at a current rate determined by the county treasurer from the date of the time limit.
(Res. 144-99 Art. IX, § 9.04, 1999).
13.28.490 Delinquent charges.
When sewer charges are not paid within sixty days after the date of billing or by the date of the next billing, such charges shall be delinquent and shall be assessed a penalty of ten percent of the amount due (including accrued interest).
(Res. 144-99 Art. IX, § 9.05, 1999).
13.28.500 Lien for delinquent charges.
In the event that any person, or commercial entity fails to pay any fee or charge as set forth in this code within sixty days after the same is billed by the county, the unpaid balance plus interest at eight percent per annum or such higher amount permitted by RCW 36.94.150 or any successor statute shall become and remain a lien against the property in accordance with RCW 36.94.150.
(Res. 144-99 Art. IX, § 9.06, 1999).
13.28.510 Lien attachment.
The director shall certify periodically the delinquencies to the Mason County assessor/treasurer at which time the lien shall attach.
(Res. 144-99 Art. IX, § 9.07, 1999).
13.28.520 Lien interest.
The lien shall be for all unpaid balance charges and interest at the current rate to be applied from the date due until paid, and shall attach to the premises to which the services were furnished.
(Res. 144-99 Art. IX, § 9.08, 1999).
13.28.530 Lien foreclosure.
Upon the expiration of sixty days after the attachment of the lien herein, the county may bring suit in foreclosure by civil action in the Mason County Superior Court. In addition to the costs and disbursements provided by statute, the court may allow the county reasonable costs and attorney fees. The lien shall be foreclosed in the same manner as the foreclosure of real property tax liens (RCW 36.94.150).
BEARD'S COVE WATER SYSTEM
NORTH BAY-CASE INLET SANITARY SEWER UTILITY ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
Establishment of Policy
Definition of Terms
Administration
Required Use of Public Sanitary Sewerage Systems
Construction of Sanitary Sewer Systems
Permits
Charges
Unlawful Use of Public and Private Sanitary Sewer Systems
Enforcement
| Residential Customer (see administrative code for definitions) | 2006 | 2007 |
| (A) Single-Family Dwelling (includes each unit in a condominium) | $ 76.00 | $ 86.00 |
| (B) Duplex | 106.00 | 120.00 |
| (C) Triplex | 159.00 | 180.00 |
| (D) Installed Grinder Pumps on Vacant Lots | 52.00 | 62.00 |
(E) Multi-Family. The basic monthly sewer charge shall be seventy-six dollars per residential equivalent (R.E.) beginning June 1, 2006 and increasing to eighty-six dollars per R.E. effective January 1, 2007.
For residential customers, the distribution of residential equivalent units shall be as set forth in the following table:
| Residential Customer Type | Unit | R.E./Unit |
| (A) Single-Family Dwelling Unit (includes each unit in a condo) | Each | 1.00 |
| (B) Duplex/Triplex | Each dwelling unit | 0.7 |
| (C) Multi-Family Dwelling | Each dwelling unit | 0.7 |
| (D) Mobile Home | Each | 1.00 |
| (E) Cabin/Additional Dwelling Unit (adjacent to single-family dwelling) | Each additional occupied unit | 0.7 |
(2) Commercial Customers. For commercial customers, the distribution of residential equivalent units shall be as set forth in the following table (the basic monthly sewer charge shall be seventy-six dollars in 2006 per month per residential equivalent (R.E.), and eighty-six dollars in 2007).
| Commercial Type | Unit | R.E./Unit |
| (A) Restaurant, Lounge, Tavern (with full service indoor seating) | 6 seats | 1.00 |
| (B) Fast Food or Tavern | 12 seats | 1.00 |
| (C) Convalescent/Rest Homes | Bed | 0.6 |
| (D) Churches, Lodges, Club Houses, Theaters | 100 seats | 1.00 |
| (E) Laundromat and Other | (1)* |
(1)* Other establishments not specifically defined in this section shall be determined on a specific use basis, consistent with the criteria of this section. It shall be the responsibility of the owner to provide a description of the use, metered water consumption, number of employees, or other information necessary to determine the monthly sewer rate.
(b) Connection Fees Required.
(1) Residential Customer. A sewer connection fee shall be paid to Mason County before any structure is connected to the county sewer system. No sewer permit shall be issued prior to the application for a building permit. No building permit shall be issued until all connection fees have been paid in full. The connection fees shall be according to the following schedule and shall increase by five hundred dollars starting January 1st of each year after 2007.
Residential Customer Type (effective June 1, 2006 and includes both gravity and grinder pump connections).
(A) Single-family dwelling (includes each unit in a condominium);
(B) Duplex/triplex;
(C) Multi-family dwellings (for multi-family dwellings or mobile home park facilities, the connection fee shall be calculated based on residential equivalents at a rate of 0.7 R.E.);
(D) Mobile homes.
| 2006 | 2007 |
| $8,150.00 | $8,650.00 |
All costs and expenses incidental to the installation and connection to the sanitary sewer system, whether it be gravity or grinder pump connection, shall be borne by the owner, including costs associated with decommissioning any existing on-site septic tank. Owners shall purchase the required grinder pump from Mason County or provide a grinder pump identical to that used by Mason County. The cost to the owner shall be that paid by the county, including tax. Owners shall be required to provide right-of-entry documents for those properties served with a grinder pump.
(E) Certain single-family dwellings are served by multiple plumbing outlets and/or septic tank facilities. The minimum connection fee shall be that established for the respective year noted above and shall be adjusted for any costs incurred by the county.
(2) Commercial Customer. Each commercial customer shall pay a minimum connection fee as established for the respective year noted in subsection (b)(1)(D) of this section. For larger commercial connections, the connection assessment shall be based on the distribution of residential equivalent units as set forth in the table in subsection (a)(2) of this section.
(Res. 44-06 (part), 2006).
Article II. 13.29.020 Billing– User charges due.
Billings shall be mailed prior to the tenth day of every month. Sewer user charges shall be due and payable before the first day of the next monthly billing period for which charges are made.
(Res. 44-06 (part), 2006).
13.29.030 Delinquent charges and liens.
Delinquent charges and liens shall be as set forth as those described in Article 9 (Enforcement) of the North Bay/Case Inlet sanitary sewer utility administrative code.
(Res. 44-06 (part), 2006).
13.29.040 Billings– To whom mailed.
Billings may be mailed to the owner of the property, or his/her tenant, insofar as the county may reasonably ascertain the same. Failure to receive such bills shall not relieve any person liable therefor from the obligation to pay the same, nor the property receiving such service, or capable of receiving such service, from such lien therefor as may thereafter attach to the property in the manner provided by law. A fee of ten dollars will be charged for any change in tenant, renter, ownership, billing address, or etc.
(Res. 44-06 (part), 2006).
13.29.050 Enforcement.
Enforcement for this chapter shall be conducted in accordance with Article 9 of the North Bay/Case Inlet (Mason County) sanitary sewer administrative code.
(Res. 44-06 (part), 2006).
Chapter 13.30 Sections:
13.30.010 Purpose and intent. 13.30.020 Definitions. 13.30.030 Minimum levels of curbside recyclables service for single-family residences.
13.30.040 Customer service responsibility and coordinated public outreach programs.
13.30.050 Reporting requirements for residential recyclables collection.
13.30.060 Disposal limitations and materials marketing preferences.
13.30.070 County notification of WUTC tariff filings.
13.30.080 Full program implementation.
13.30.090 Commodity credit.
13.30.010 Purpose and intent.
A. The purpose of this chapter is to define minimum levels of service for curbside recycling collection, which shall be provided to households serviced by the solid waste collection company operating in the urban and rural areas of Mason County.
B. It is the intent of the Commission to:
1. Establish residential recycling programs as an integral component of the collection of solid waste, incorporating the State's goals to make "source separation of waste a fundamental strategy" and to "make recycling at least as affordable and convenient to the ratepayer as mixed waste disposal."
2. Increase diversion of recyclables from single-family and multi-family residences, and condominiums in Mason County.
3. Make recycling easier and more convenient for residents through use of efficient collection systems;
4. Retain low-cost strategies to encourage participation;
5. Encourage the private sector to develop and operate the recycling facilities that are needed to process and market recyclables collected in Mason County and its cities and towns.
(Ord. No. 68-09, Exh. A, 8-4-2009)
13.30.020 Definitions.
For the purposes of this Chapter, certain terms, phrases, and words, and their derivatives, shall have specific meanings as defined in this Section. Terms, phrases, and words used in the singular shall also apply to the plural. Terms, phrases, and words used in the plural shall also apply to the singular.
A. "Automated recycling container or cart," means a wheeled, plastic receptacle designated for the collection of recyclables and designed to be picked up and emptied by mechanical means into the company's collection vehicle.
B. "Automated Collection" means a route serviced by a vehicle with mechanical means to pick up garbage and recycling at the customer's residence.
C. "Cities" means the cities and towns within Mason County that have signed interlocal agreements with the Board of County Commissioners to adopt and implement the Mason County Solid Waste Management Plan.
D. "Commodity credit" means the amount of recycling revenue returned to residential customers from the sale of recyclable materials collected through curbside residential programs, as required by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission.
E. "Mobile Home Park" means a tract of land designed and maintained under a single ownership of unified control where two or more spaces or pads are provided solely for the placement of mobile or manufactured homes for residential purposes with or without charge. The mobile home park is billed for solid waste collection service as a whole and not by individual dwelling units.
F. "Multi-family residence" means any residential structure containing two or more dwelling units with the units joined to one another and where the structure is billed for solid waste collection service as a whole and not by individual dwelling units. This may include, but is not limited to, apartments and condominiums.
G. "Recyclable materials" or "recyclables" means those solid wastes that are separated for recycling or reuse and thus diverted from landfill disposal.
H. "Recycling rate" means the percentage rate achieved by dividing the total tonnage of recyclables by the sum of the total tonnage of waste disposed added to the total tonnage of recyclables.
I. "Set-out counts" means the number of single-family residential customers that set-out their recyclables containers every collection day; or a monthly average of the set-outs as compared to total number of single-family customers.
J. "Single-family residence" means any residential dwelling receiving solid waste and recycling collection service where the owner or tenant is billed for solid waste collection service to the dwelling as an individual unit. This may include, but is not limited to, duplexes, mobile homes within mobile homes subdivisions, or attached single-family structures such as townhouses, row houses, or triplexes.
K. "Single-stream collection" means the collection of designated recyclables commingled in one covered, wheeled container, collected with automated or semi-automated trucks.
L. "Solid waste collection company" means a privately owned solid waste and recycling transportation company or "hauler", which provides collection services in rural and urban designated areas of Mason County and is regulated by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) under the provisions of Chapter 81.77 RCW. The companies may be collectively referred to as "certificated haulers" and means every person or his lessees, receivers, or trustees, owning, controlling, operating or managing vehicles used in the business of transporting solid waste for collection and/or disposal for compensation over any public highway whether as a "common carrier" or as a "contract carrier."
M. "Source separation" means the separation of different kinds of solid waste at the place where the waste originates.
N. "Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission" or "WUTC" means the State agency, which regulates privately owned solid waste collection companies who provide collection service to the unincorporated areas under a G certificate.
(Ord. No. 68-09, Exh. A, 8-4-2009)
13.30.030 Minimum levels of curbside recyclables service for single-family residences.
The minimum levels of service for single-family residential curbside collection in Mason County shall include the following:
A. Single-Stream Collection Service.
1. Collection companies shall offer every-other-week (EOW), single-stream curbside collection of recyclables to all single-family residences that subscribe to automated curbside solid waste service.
2. The collection companies shall provide the curbside recycling collection with all combinations of automated solid waste cart service approved by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) for their respective certificated areas. Residents in automated service areas may request curbside recycling service without having solid waste service at a rate set by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission.
3. The collection services to the customers shall be on the same day as garbage collection, unless the collection company can demonstrate to the County that an alternative collection schedule is necessary because of geographic or development limitations, such as road width or density, that require an alternative truck system or collection schedule.
a. The hauler shall identify the location of the area affected; the alternative collection schedule; and the reasons supporting the alternative.
b. The County shall consider whether the number of customers affected is minimized; that program participation is not adversely affected; whether there is substantial cost savings due to the alternative schedule; whether an alternative collection schedule can result in higher levels of participation and recycling; and other information presented by the hauler.
B. Recycling Collection Containers.
1. Collection companies shall provide one wheeled container of approximately ninety-six-gallons to each of their single-family customers signed up for curbside collection. The containers shall be made of durable plastic materials and manufactured using a maximum percentage of recycled materials that meet specifications.
2. Collection companies shall provide a process for customers to request and receive an alternative sixty-four-gallon wheeled container for those customers who feel they do not generate enough recyclables to fill the standard size container or who feel its size is too unwieldy for them to move or store. There will be no change in monthly service fees for the difference sizes of recycling containers.
3. All containers shall contain, or have attached, information about the proper preparation of materials and the name of the certified hauler. The information may be stamped into the container, on a waterproof sticker, a combination of both, or some other alternative, which provides the customer with sufficient permanent information to be able to contact the hauler. If stickers are chosen, hauler shall provide replacements to all customers in Mason County when normal aging and weather exposure has made them unreadable.
4. Replacement of the containers necessitated by normal use or by container damage due to the haulers negligence shall be the responsibility of the hauler. Replacement necessitated by container damage or loss due to the customer's negligence shall be at the customer's expense.
C. Exceptions: Collection Alternatives for Restricted Access or Storage Situations, or for Residents with Limited Mobility.
1. Criteria: Collection companies shall have a process in place to work cooperatively with residents to tailor the single-stream recycling collection service to meet the needs of residents in situations where:
a. Private driveways are inaccessible or incapable of withstanding the weight of collection trucks and collection of recyclables or garbage cannot be provided under the approved drive-in rate tariff for such situations;
b. Because of long, steep and/or winding driveways, a resident would have difficulty in moving a large recycling container, manually or by vehicle, from their house to the public access road for collection;
c. A resident could not provide a storage place to keep recycling or garbage containers at the end of the driveway close to the public access road;
d. Truck access or container size is in any way otherwise restricted due to density and road width or where outside container storage is limited by homeowners' association covenants; or
e. Residents with special needs, such as physical infirmity or physical limitations, with no able-bodied person living in the residence to set out the container, and need reasonable accommodation.
2. Alternatives: Collection companies shall offer alternatives that suit their collection system or the particular customer's limitation. The alternatives may include:
a. A drive-in tariff rate and/or a walk-in tariff rate for those situations where a recycling truck can negotiate the long-driveway and where the driveway can support the weight of the truck.
b. Any other solution mutually agreed to by the customer and the solid waste collection company per WAC 480.70.366.
3. Monitoring Alternative Service Options: The Solid Waste Collection Company shall maintain an updated list of customers who have requested an alternative collection system, a description of the problem and of the chosen solution, or how the problem was otherwise resolved, and will provide an annual list to Mason County.
4. Nothing in this section shall either prevent or require collection companies from developing a centralized drop-off site in neighborhoods, to be maintained by the hauler, where such access problems are clustered or where covenants prevent outside storage of containers.
D. Materials Collected. The following recyclable materials, at a minimum, shall be collected from single-family residences when properly prepared and meeting the material description as specified.
1. Cardboard: Corrugated cardboard and Kraft paper, including unbleached, unwaxed paper with a ruffled ("corrugated") inner liner.
2. Metal cans: Tin-coated steel cans and aluminum cans, excluding aerosol spray cans.
3. Mixed-waste paper: Clean and dry paper, including: glossy papers; magazines; catalogues; phone books; cards; laser-printed white ledger paper; windowed envelopes; paper with adhesive labels; paper bags; nonmetallic wrapping paper; packing paper; glossy advertising paper; chipboard, such as cereal and shoeboxes; juice boxes; and milk-style cartons of the refrigerated variety (nonrefrigerated products contain aluminum linings).
4. Newspaper: Printed groundwood newsprint, including glossy advertisements and supplemental magazines that are delivered with the newspaper.
5. Plastics: Bottles and jars #1-2: primarily polyethylene terephthalate (PET - #1), such as soft drink, water, and salad dressing bottles; and high-density polyethylene (HDPE - #2) such as milk, shampoo, or laundry detergent bottles; including any bottle with a neck narrower than its base.
E. Optional Materials. Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit a hauler from exceeding the minimum requirements set forth above by collecting additional materials including, but not limited to, food waste, yard waste, scrap metal, glass, or other types of plastic, or other materials in the future.
F. Amending the List of Required Materials. Prior to proposing any amendments to the list of materials to be collected, the County will negotiate and mutually agree upon any proposed changes to the collected materials list with the haulers.
G. Recycling Collection Rates. Collection companies shall request the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) to approve a rate structure, which includes the costs to implement the modified single-stream residential curbside recycling program for all solid waste customers contained in Section 3 of these minimum levels of service. The collection companies shall include the following elements in the tariffs proposed to the WUTC:
1. A rate structure designed to provide customers with adequate options and incentives to reduce their level of solid waste collection service as a result of their participation in waste reduction and recycling programs.
2. The rates shall include the costs of the containers, stickers, collection equipment and staffing.
3. Collection rates should include a separate delivery service fee equal to or less than the replacement cost of the bins. This service replacement cost shall not apply to the first-time delivery of the standard-sized container, or for the first-time delivery of a smaller sized container when the smaller size is requested by the customer.
4. Rates should include but are not limited to the haulers' costs for the mutually agreed upon coordinated public outreach program, monitoring set-out participation, and any other costs for the data reporting system required by the County.
5. The haulers shall capitalize and amortize the equipment costs as determined by the WUTC.
(Ord. No. 68-09, Exh. A, 8-4-2009)
13.30.040 Customer service responsibility and coordinated public outreach programs.
Collection companies shall work with the County to develop and implement a coordinated public outreach program.
A. Haulers' customer service responsibilities shall include, but not be limited to:
1. Notifications of new service availability, program sign-up, container delivery, bin stickers, explanation of rate structure, schedule of collection days and container replacement information.
2. Delivery of containers within ten days of a request for service with collection service beginning within thirty-five days of a request.
3. A telephone hotline within their certificated area, which shall be:
a. Accessible to residents for the purpose of providing program information and accepting service complaints, including after hours.
b. Capable of responding to a large volume of phone calls.
c. Clearly shown on the collection equipment, included in all mailings, and on other publicity materials.
4. A process to resolve participation problems if access to the program is restricted due to impassable road conditions, other than those occasionally caused by severe weather situations. If the hauler deems the road conditions are regularly impassable by collection vehicles, the hauler will work with customers to determine a mutually agreed upon location for the collection of recyclables, preferably from the nearest roadway which is accessible by the hauler's collection vehicle.
5. Notification to both new and ongoing solid waste customers of: different solid waste collection service options including cart sizes, frequency, and costs; recycling container provided to all solid waste customers. Hauler shall notify solid waste customers of the above during phone calls, in billing inserts and special mailings, on their website and during new service sign up procedures. Hauler will ensure that website is updated and links to Mason County specific information are working. The website shall also provide a link to Mason County Utilities and Waste Management to provide residents with additional waste disposal and reduction information.
B. At the initiation of a new collection program to allow for coordination of promotional and educational efforts, haulers shall provide the County with container delivery schedules and collection schedules showing where implementation will begin by geographic areas. Implementation may be staged.
C. County responsibilities shall include the development of a countywide public outreach program. The program should include:
1. Newsletters mailed to all households and handouts for self-haulers.
2. News releases and an advertising campaign.
3. Coordination of design of brochures and other materials with information on the new program to be mailed to customers via hauler billings or to be distributed with new bins by the hauler. Ongoing design of brochures and other materials, to be included with hauler billings, that educates residents on the curbside recycling program as well as various waste reduction methods above and beyond curbside recycling.
4. An Internet website describing the haulers' services, how to sign-up for the new program, how to resolve a service complaint, and information about drop-off alternatives and other County programs.
5. An email address to allow residents with opportunity to request brochures or other materials and to ask for additional information or help.
6. Traveling exhibits.
7. Incorporation of information about programs into youth and adult environmental education programs.
8. Presentations to civic groups.
9. Staffing sufficient to provide information to customers with inquiries.
10. Automated telephone information line.
(Ord. No. 68-09, Exh. A, 8-4-2009)
13.30.050 Reporting requirements for residential recyclables collection.
Collection companies shall provide the County with regular and accurate reports of data on all residential recycling collection services as determined necessary by Mason County for evaluating the effectiveness of recycling programs.
A. Single-Family Curbside Recyclables Collection Program.
1. At a minimum, annual reports will be provided by March 1 the next calendar year and shall contain the flowing data, broken down by each month and by certificated area.
• The number of single-family solid waste collection customers subscribing to each level of garbage collection service.
• Aggregate tonnage of recyclable materials collected from single-family customers per year.
• Recyclables collected per single-family customer expressed as average pounds of recyclables generated per customer.
• Aggregate tonnage of solid waste disposed of from single-family customers.
• Subscribing customer recycling rate participation.
• Log of unresolved customer complaints with summary of measures taken to resolve any problems.
• Any percentage residue amounts or contamination problems reported by processing facilities.
• Summaries of tons and value of single stream materials sold.
2. Annual reports shall include an analysis of the effects of changes in services and areas served or problems that were encountered and any suggested changes to increase efficiency and participation in the curbside program.
(Ord. No. 68-09, Exh. A, 8-4-2009)
13.30.060 Disposal limitations and materials marketing preferences.
A. Solid waste collection companies shall use processing facilities that have obtained all applicable local, state, and federal permits. Whenever possible, local businesses shall be given priority and should be used to receive recyclables for purposes of processing, handling, or remanufacturing the materials into new products.
B. The haulers shall not under any circumstances dispose of marketable recyclables by landfilling or incineration. Contaminated single stream materials may be disposed with permission from County staff.
C. Recyclable materials shall be marketed for highest possible use, as noted in the Washington State Beyond Waste Plan, current solid waste issues, Chapter 2.
(Ord. No. 68-09, Exh. A, 8-4-2009)
13.30.070 County notification of WUTC tariff filings.
Whenever a collection company files a proposed tariff revision for solid waste and recyclables collection rates with the WUTC, the collection company shall simultaneously provide the County with copies of the proposed tariff submitted to the WUTC and all supporting materials. Any propriety information provided to the County shall be handled as confidential to the extent allowed by law.
A. The County shall review the rates for compliance in relation to the Mason County Solid Waste Management Plan, and minimum service level ordinances.
B. After tariffs are approved by the WUTC, the collection company shall notify the County of the approved rates and the effective dates.
MINIMUM LEVELS OF SERVICE FOR RESIDENTIAL RECYCLING COLLECTION