A Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) is a document that describes the activities the City uses to manage the wastewater collection system effectively. Effective management of a wastewater collection system can include the following:
1. Maintaining or improving the condition of the collection system infrastructure in order to provide reliable service into the future.
2. Cost-effectively minimizing infiltration/inflow (I/I) and providing adequate sewer capacity to accommodate design storm flows; and
3. Minimizing the number and impact of sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) that occur.
On May 2, 2006, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) adopted the Statewide General Waste Discharge Requirements (WDRs) for publicly owned sanitary sewer systems with greater than one mile in length that collect and/or convey untreated or partially treated wastewater to a publicly owned treatment facility in California. Under WDRs, the owners of such systems must comply with the following requirements:
1. Acquire an online account from the State Water Board and report all sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) online.
2. Develop and implement a written plan called a Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) to control and mitigate SSOs and make it available to any member of the public upon request in writing.
The City of Rialto acquired online accounts from the State Water Board and began reporting of overflows as of the State due date of January 2, 2007. The City has ongoing programs in place that are designed to meet City policies as adopted by the City Council and its mission to protect public health and the environment by controlling and mitigating sewer overflows and odors. These programs are in line with the WDRs objectives and are described in detail in the City's Sewer System Management Plan.
The Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) will be comprised of the following elements:
1. Collection system management goals;
2. Organization of personnel, including the chain of command and communications;
3. Legal authority;
4. Operations and maintenance;
5. Design and performance provisions;
6. Overflow emergency response plan;
7. Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) control program;
8. System evaluation and capacity assurance program;
9. Monitoring, measurement, and modifications plan for SSMP program effectiveness;
10. Periodic internal SSMP audits; and
11. SSMP communication Program.
Fats, Oil, and Grease Control Program:
Fats, oils, and grease often stick to the insides of sewer pipes when washed into kitchen plumbing systems. This can block pipes and cause back ups and overflows on private property and in the streets, causing property damage, environmental problems and other health hazards.
Solutions:
At home –
· Scrape grease and food scraps from plates, pots, pans, utensils, and grills (or other cooking surfaces) into a can or the trash for disposal.
· Do not put grease down garbage disposals.
· Use baskets or strainers in sink drains to catch food scraps and other solids—and dispose of them in the trash.
Food service operations –
· Use the practices recommended above, and
· Install a grease interceptor that’s sized and manufactured to handle the amount of grease byproduct anticipated.
· Maintain your grease interceptor in proper operating condition by having it cleaned and serviced on a frequent basis.
Maintenance crews regularly clean the sewers to prevent spills. They also respond to emergencies when a sewer blockage occurs. The number of spills in the City has significantly decreased over the last eight years as a result of these efforts.
Vandalism, fats, oil, grease, and tree roots from our homes and businesses are the most common causes of spills. The result can be a sewage overflow, usually through maintenance holes and onto the street. The sewage then runs into the gutters and eventually into storm drain inlets. The storm drain system is connected to our rivers, and the ocean. Spills create a hazard that is potentially dangerous to our health and the environment because the wastewater that overflows is not treated.
Spills and the conditions that lead to them can have health and financial impacts on our neighborhoods and on the City as a whole. The City needs the public's help in reducing sewer spills.
Your home, business, and neighborhood
As a sewer becomes blocked, trapped sewage, and food particles often attract insects and other vermin and may create potential health hazards. Do your part by controlling fats, oil, grease, and tree roots to protect your neighborhood.
Property damage can result from sewage backups. This can result in expensive cleanups and plumbing repairs that may have to be paid for by you.
Business owners may be subject to health code violations or closures.
The Environment
If sewage overflows onto streets, it enters the storm drain system, where the untreated sewage is then carried to our local rivers and beaches, creating a health risk for swimmers, threatening marine life, and causing beach closures.
The City
Sewer blockages and overflows lead to excessive and costly emergency maintenance and can result in severe fines from regulatory agencies.
Most sewage wastes are easily removed at the treatment plants. Soaps, food and human waste are appropriate for disposal through the City's sewer system. Other wastes, such as: Paints, Solvents, Motor oil and other lubricants, Anti-freeze, Pool chemicals, Pesticides, Medicines, Industrial wastes are considered hazardous and are potentially dangerous to humans and our environment, and should not be placed down the drain or in the garbage at your home or business. These pollutants could flow into and cause harm in our rivers, the ocean, and treatment plants.
Household hazardous wastes should be taken to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility behind 246 South Willow Avenue on designated weekends or call (909) 421-7222.
For information on disposing of business waste and other non-acceptable waste, call San Bernardino County Fire, Hazardous Waste at (800) 645-9228.
Industrial wastewater is monitored by the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant. Industrial dischargers should contact the plant at (909) 877-2752 for permit applications and more information.