Lompoc Municipal Code Art. V Fees and Charges

The City shall recover costs from users of the wastewater system for the implementation of the pretreatment program established herein. The applicable charges and fees shall be as set forth in the City's wastewater service rates and charges, as adopted by resolution or ordinance of the City Council and amended from time to time.

(Prior code § 3371; Ord. 1740(25), 12/16/2025)

The City may adopt fees and charges which may include:

A. Wastewater Fees.

1. Reimbursement of costs for developing and operating the City's pretreatment program;

2. Monitoring, inspection, and surveillance procedures;

3. Reviewing accidental discharge procedures and construction;

4. Permit applications;

5. Filing appeals;

6. Non-compliance;

7. Consistent removal (by the City) of pollutants otherwise subject to Federal Pretreatment Standards;

8. Connection to sewer;

9. Other fees as deemed necessary by the City to implement the provisions of this Chapter.

B. Wastewater charges.

1. Extra-Strength. After being notified that City analyses of the BOD of its wastewater exceeds applicable surcharge thresholds, the user shall, within 30 days of notification, either notify the City in writing of its plans for wastewater pretreatment or submit a written request for permission to pay the surcharge in lieu of pretreatment. Approval to pay surcharge is not automatic. City approval shall be on a case-by-case basis based upon such factors as, among others, the treatment capabilities of the City at the time of the request and anticipated future capabilities. Approval to pay surcharge is assumed to be of limited duration, shall be conditional and may be revised or revoked by the City. If an industrial user is approved to pay surcharge, it shall be billed every surcharge period that such permission is in effect. Surcharge on extra-strength wastes may be assessed on all users with concentrations over the specified surcharge thresholds in Section 13.16.340.

a. The wastewater shall be sampled by the user and/or the City at whatever frequency the City deems necessary and in accordance with the applicable provisions in this Chapter.

b. The surcharge shall be calculated based upon the actual flow discharge, and the difference of the permitted or calculated concentration within the wastewater discharge permit, discharge authorization directive or order in excess of the BOD (300 mg/L) and TSS (300 mg/L) domestic standards. Surcharge also may be calculated based on the laboratory analyses. If the most current laboratory analyses indicate that the average concentration exceeds the applicable surcharge concentration, a surcharge shall be assessed based upon the actual flow discharged and the difference between the actual concentration in excess of any or all of the surcharge parameters.

c. A user may conduct additional sampling or submit a written request at any time that its wastewater be re-sampled by the City for purposes of adjusting surcharges. This request shall contain a justification that explains modifications that have been made to the industrial user's operations resulting in lower BOD or TSS concentrations. Re-sampling by City staff shall be accomplished at a time selected by the City. Re-sampling and associated laboratory work shall be performed at the expense of the user.

d. The flow used in determining pounds of BOD or TSS for surcharge billings shall be the wastewater discharged during the period for which the surcharge is calculated, based upon the user's water meter reading and shall be assumed to be 100% of water consumption unless other metering arrangements for wastewater flow have been approved by the City.

e. The City shall use the following formulae to calculate surcharge amounts for billing each user subject to surcharge:

f. Surcharge rates and minimum surcharge fees for BOD and TSS, or any other pollutant of concern shall be based upon annual costs for wastewater treatment and determined by a formula that reflects amortization of treatment facilities cost, interest on bonded indebtedness for treatment facilities, and O&M costs. These rates are subject to change annually or at the discretion of the City due to the annual fluctuation in the City's costs for wastewater treatment. All surcharges shall be computed based upon the surcharge rates most recently adopted in the City's Master Fee Schedule.

2. Other charges as deemed necessary by the City to implement the provisions of this Chapter.

C. These fees and charges relate exclusively to matters covered by this Chapter and are separate from all other fees chargeable by the City.

(Prior code § 3372; Ord. 1740(25), 12/16/2025)

Unless specified otherwise, all fees, charges and penalties imposed pursuant to this Chapter are due and payable upon receipt of notice thereof, and shall be collected in accordance with the City's utility billing charges and special procedures.

(Prior code § 3373; Ord. 1740(25), 12/16/2025)