Montague Municipal Code Ch. 13.23 Backflow Prevention Device

Sections:

• 13.23.010 Purpose for Requiring Installation of Backflow Prevention Devices. 13.23.020 Responsibility for Backflow Prevention Devices. 13.23.030 Conditional requirements with options for conditions triggering BPD requirement, applies only to new construction of buildings or laterals, or significant remodels, or where damage has occurred.

• 13.23.040 Maintenance Requirements.

• 13.23.050 Elevation Requirements. 13.23.060 Inspection Requirements.

When blockages or stoppages occur in a sanitary sewer, there exists the potential for adverse public and private health impacts, bodily injuries and damages to property resulting from sewage overflow and back flooding on public and private property. It is the purpose of this Ordinance to protect the health, safety and welfare of residents of the city and to minimize the possibility of damage to property or injury to persons by requiring the proper installation and maintenance of back water overflow prevention devices pursuant to the directives and standards of the city. The city will not be liable for damage resulting from sewer overflows when a backflow protection device has not been installed or maintained as required by this Ordinance. (Ord. 13-03, 2013)

In this Ordinance, the term “backflow prevention device” includes, but is not limited to, backwater overflow devices and black water check valves, pressure relief devices and shutoff systems, and any other devices the city may approve for the purpose of preventing or minimizing the possibility that raw sewage will back up into any structure, or for any similar purpose. All backflow prevention devices shall comply with standards acceptable to the city and shall be maintained and repaired by the property owner to provide for their uninterrupted function for the purpose for which they were designed. (Ord. 13-03, 2013)

All new private laterals including replacements shall be equipped with a cleanout riser in locations previously specified. All new private laterals shall also be fitted with a backflow prevention device of type and materials as approved by the city, and shall be located on the private lateral between the building and the property line, preferably at the locations of the cleanout, in the manner prescribed by the city. The backflow protective device, if below grade, shall be enclosed in a suitable utility box with removable cover and shall be readily accessible for inspection and maintenance.

Additionally, a Backflow Prevention Device shall be required when any of the following conditions exist:

1. All new building private laterals and private lateral replacements;

2. On remodels where plumbing fixtures are added to the property, and/or more than twenty-five percent of the structure area is being remodeled;

3. When property has been damaged by the blockage of the City's Public Sewer on the private lateral, if deemed necessary by Public Works Supervisor.

A backflow prevention device will also be required whenever the Public Works Supervisor determines, in the Public Works Supervisor's discretion, and based upon specific site conditions, that the purpose of this Section will best be served by the installation of such a device.

The installation of any such backflow protection device shall be at the sole cost and expense of the property owner. The maintenance of the backflow protection device shall be the sole obligation of the owner or the owner's successor in interest. The city shall be under no obligation to ascertain that the backflow protection device continues in operating condition. (Ord. 13-03, 2013)

All backflow protection devices shall fully comply with all city requirements and shall be maintained by the property owner to provide for their continuing function as designed. All backflow protection devices shall be accessible at all times and shall be free from any obstructions, including, but not limited to, rocks, soil, vegetation, debris, grass, trees, bushes, plants, landscaping, concrete, asphalt, or other ground coverings or any other materials or substances that may impair the proper function of or unobstructed accessibility to the devices. (Ord. 13-03, 2013)

All backflow protection devices shall be installed at an elevation that protects the property upon which it is installed and other property in its vicinity from damage. The property owner shall either confirm that the backflow protection device is properly installed and placed at the proper elevation, or obtain competent assistance from a duly licensed plumber or contractor to confirm its proper elevation. If any subsequent modification of the property results in the backflow protection device being at an improper elevation, the property owner shall adjust the backflow protection device to the property elevation. The property owner shall be responsible for any damage to property or injury to person that is sustained as a result of the improper installation or location of a backflow protection device. (Ord. 13-03, 2013)

The property owner shall confirm that the backflow protection device is property installed and placed at the proper elevation, by inspection from a duly licensed plumber or a licensed contractor.

All cost and expense associated with the inspection requirement of the backflow protection device shall be borne by the property owner. (Ord. 13-03, 2013)