5.0 Design and Performance Provisions [SSSWDR D.13(v)]
SSSWDR D.13(v) states:
(a).Design and construction standards and specifications for the installation of new sanitary sewer systems, pump stations, and other appurtenances; and for the rehabilitation and repair of existing sanitary sewer systems; and
(b).Procedures and standards for inspecting and testing the installation of new sewers, pumps, and other appurtenances and for rehabilitation and repair projects.
Finding: Section D.13(v)(a): The City adopted design standards and specifications in June 2009. Standards and Specifications are found for the following sewer assets; standard manholes, drop manholes, sewer mains, trench details, sewer cleanouts, sewer lateral connections, and sewer backwater valves. Sewer lift stations and force mains are also discussed, however specific and detailed standards and specifications are provided to meet site conditions and requirements associated with individual projects. The design of pump stations and other appurtenances must be performed by a qualified professional engineer registered in the State of California.
Conclusion: The section above is in compliance with the above requirements.
Finding: Section D.13(v)(b): Procedures and standards for the acceptance testing and inspection of new and repaired sewer main and appurtenances are specified in Section 6 – Sewerage: of the City’s Standards and Specifications. These standards are specified for manholes, sewers, connections, etc. and results are required to be sent to the City Engineer for approval.
Conclusion: The section above is in compliance with the above requirements.
Element 5 Sufficiency: In Compliance
Reference: 2018 SSMP; City 2007 Design Standards and Specifications: Section 6. Sewer Details: S1 – S8.
Deficiencies: N/A - The City is in compliance with the requirements for this SSMP Element.
Design Standards and Specifications with Testing Procedures and Requirements were reviewed during the Audit.
Recommendation: Refer to the specific location of the City’s Design Standards and Specifications in the next revision of the SSMP. Include these Standards and Specifications as an attachment to the SSMP. Include a reference to the current San Luis Obispo County Standards as a default design standard in the updated SSMP. Include the website location for these standards.
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 3
Audit Report by Wallace Group
City of Grover Beach
August 2021
6.0 Overflow Emergency Response Plan [SSSWDR D.13(vi)]
SSSWDR D.13(vi) states:
Each Enrollee shall develop and implement an overflow emergency response plan that identifies measures to protect public health and the environment. At a minimum, the plan must include the following:
(a).Proper notification procedures so that the primary responders and regulatory agencies are informed of all SSOs in a timely manner;
(b).A program to ensure appropriate response to all overflows; (c). Procedures to ensure prompt notification to appropriate regulatory agencies and other potentially affected entities (e.g. health agencies, Regional Water Boards, water suppliers, etc.) of all SSOs that potentially affect public health or reach the waters of the State in accordance with the MRP. All SSOs shall be reported in accordance with this MRP, the California Water Code, other State Law, and other applicable Regional Water Board WDRs or NPDES permit requirements. The SSMP identifies the officials who will receive immediate notification; (d).Procedures to ensure that appropriate staff and contract personnel are aware of and follow the Emergency Response Plan and are appropriately trained; (e).Procedures to address emergency operations, such as traffic and crowd control and other necessary response activities; and
(f). A program to ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to contain and prevent the discharge of untreated or partially treated wastewater to waters of the United States and minimize or correct any adverse impact on the environment resulting from the SSOs, including such accelerated or additional monitoring as may be necessary to determine the nature and impact of the discharge.
Finding: Section D.13(vi): The City SSMP gives a general summary of City’s Overflow Emergency Response Program (OERP). The appendix of the SSMP has a placeholder for the physical OERP and associated Emergency Response Procedures, however these materials are not included as o the date of this Audit. This plan requires additional development to address all the requirements for an OERP; specifically, written procedures to address requirements (a) – (f) in SSMP Element 6 of the SSSWDR and Amended 2013 Monitoring and Reporting Requirements.
Finding: Section D.13(vi)(a): Section A of the City OERP includes the City’s Notification Procedure. This procedure discusses how the City is notified of a SSO and how staff is dispatched to a SSO through the Police Dispatch Center. There is discussion of how regulatory agencies are informed of a SSO in a timely manner. Spill classifications, notification timeframes and regulatory agency contact information are in compliance with current 2013 Monitoring and Reporting Requirements. There are some areas highlighted that should be reviewed and confirmed for an updated and certified SSMP.
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 3
Audit Report by Wallace Group
City of Grover Beach
August 2021
Finding: Section D.13(vi)(b): A general overview of SSO response was provided and associated organizational flow chart and summary showing key positions and their responsibility to ensure appropriate response to all overflows was reviewed.
Finding: Section D.13(vi)(c): Procedures to ensure prompt notification are discussed in the following portions of this Element of the SSMP:
o Section 6.4: SSO Notification and Reporting
Initial reporting contact information is provided for associated regulatory agencies, along with reporting timeframes for specific SSO Categories in accordance with the Monitoring and Reporting Program (2013 MRP) Requirements adopted in 2013 by the RWQCB.
This section identifies nine (9) Emergency Operating Procedures that are referenced for development by June 2019, however there was no evidence that these procedures were developed or implemented.
Finding: Section D.13(vi)(d): Procedures to ensure appropriate staff and contractor personnel are aware of, follow, and are trained on an Overflow Emergency Response Plan were not available at the time of this audit. Evidence of contractor training or procedures for contractors who may assist with SSO related activities was not available at the time of this audit.
Finding: Section D.13(vi)(e): Formal procedures to address emergency operations, such as emergency traffic and crowd control, SSO volume estimation and other necessary response activities were not available at the time of this audit.
Finding: Section D.13(vi)(f): The City OERP does not summarize how staff should contain a SSO or address surface water quality monitoring information. A comprehensive program with specific procedures to contain, prevent, and monitor untreated and partially treated wastewater to waters of the State was not available at the time of this audit.
Conclusion: The sections above are in marginal compliance with the above requirements. See recommendations below.
Element 6 Sufficiency: Marginal Compliance
Reference: 2018 SSMP and appendices.
Findings: This SSMP Element has the following deficiencies:
▪ The plan requires additional development to address all the requirements for an OERP.
Formal, written procedures required above were not provided during the Audit and are not included in the SSMP. Evidence of a program to inform and train City Staff and contractors on how to contain and prevent a SSO and conduct follow-up water quality monitoring and an impact assessment was also not provided during the Audit. Training Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 3
Audit Report by Wallace Group
City of Grover Beach
August 2021
records for SSO emergency response training were not available at the time of this Audit.
▪ There are some areas highlighted that should be reviewed and confirmed for an updated and certified SSMP.
Recommendation: This SSMP Section is recommended to be updated with a plan and schedule to create the necessary:
▪ Update of this Element as it is a draft
▪ SSO emergency response program
▪ SSO response procedures specific to the City’s sewer collection and conveyance system (See attached list of sample Emergency Operating Procedures at end of audit report.)
▪ Implement SSO response forms (Ex: Spill Volume Estimation, SSO Field Report, Customer Contact Form, etc.)
▪ SSO emergency response training program
▪ SSO impact mitigation and assessment program
▪ SSO water quality monitoring program
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 3
Audit Report by Wallace Group
City of Grover Beach
August 2021
7.0 FOG Control Program [SSSWDR D.13(vii)]
SSSWDR D.13(vii) states:
Each Enrollee shall evaluate its service area to determine whether a FOG control program is needed. If an Enrollee determines that a FOG program is not needed, the Enrollee must provide justification for why it is not needed. If FOG is found to be a problem, the Enrollee must prepare and implement a FOG source control program to reduce the amount of these substances discharged to the sanitary sewer system. This plan shall include the following as appropriate:
(a).An implementation plan and schedule for a public education outreach program that promotes proper disposal of FOG;
(b).A plan and schedule for the disposal of FOG generated within the sanitary sewer system service area. This may include a list of acceptable disposal facilities and/or additional facilities needed to adequately dispose of FOG generated within a sanitary sewer system service area;
(c). The legal authority to prohibit discharges to the system and identify measures to prevent SSOs and blockages caused by FOG;
(d).Requirements to install grease removal devices (such as traps or interceptors) and the development of design standards for such devices, maintenance requirements, BMP requirements, record keeping and reporting requirements; (e).Authority to inspect grease producing facilities, enforcement authorities, and whether the City has sufficient staff to inspect and enforce the FOG ordinance; (f). An identification of sewer system sections subject to FOG blockages and establishment of a cleaning maintenance schedule for each section; and (g).Development and implementation of source control measures for all sources of FOG discharged to the sewer system for each section identified in (f) above.
Finding: Section D.13(vii): After the issuance of the SSSWDR, the City determined that FOG is an on-going problem in the sewer collection system and a FOG Program was needed. The City has over fifty (50) food service establishments (FSEs) in its service area.
In this Audit, the FOG Program presented in the 2018 SSMP was evaluated against the Section D.13(vii) requirements above. The effectiveness of the FOG Program is evaluated at the end of this section.
Finding: Section D.13(vii)(a): The City’s SSMP describes public outreach for FOG from its inception in 2007. The City is part of a Member Agency Group that contracts FOG Inspection services through the Wallace Group. Public education is conducted with FSEs during semiannual inspections each fiscal year. Literature is distributed to each FSE covering; best Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 3
Audit Report by Wallace Group
City of Grover Beach
August 2021
management practices, certified grease hauler list, cleaning record forms, and no grease posters for display in FSE kitchens. Inspectors discuss program parameters and strategies to keep FOG from entering the sewer system during each inspection. Public education and outreach is documented for FSE’s within the City limits.
Residential outreach regarding FOG is discussed in the SSMP as being conducted through flyers at public meetings, information in billing statements, and door hangers for residential areas prone to FOG. These activities were performed and documented prior to 2011 as documentation for residential FOG education and outreach. City staff reports that HMAs related to FOG in residential neighborhoods are no longer necessary due to the majority of HMAs being caused by structural issues or root intrusion. In the event residential sections of the collection system do become problematic in the future, the City plans to use a residential door hanger to notify residents that they may be contributing to a potential line restriction or SSO due to FOG contributions coming from their private sewer lateral.
The SSMP also discusses development of a FOG Web Page as a reference for residents and Commercial Facilities, demonstrating FOG Program Best Practices and links. A copy of the template for this webpage planned for upload to the City’s website in 2018 was reviewed in Appendix 7A. This webpage was not in service at the time of this audit.
Conclusion: The section above is in substantial compliance with the above requirement.
Finding: Section D.13(vii)(b): The 2018 SSMP states that information concerning how to dispose of FOG generated within the City’s service area is disseminated under the public FOG education program.
The SSMP includes a list of companies’ food service establishments may utilize for the collection and disposal of FOG in SSMP Appendix 7D.
Conclusion: The section above is in compliance with the above requirement.
Finding: Section D.13(vii)(c) – (d): The legal authority to prohibit discharges to the collection system and identify measures to prevent FOG-caused SSOs is provided in the Grover Beach Municipal Code. The 2018 SSMP gives a brief description of the Grover Beach Municipal Code to achieve the required legal authorities. The status of South San Luis Obispo County Sanitation District (SSLOCSD) Fats, Oils and Grease Control Program Ordinance No. 2008-01 provides additional FOG Program legal authorities. It was unclear at the time of the audit if the City had formally adopted this Ordinance providing these additional legal authorities which would help with City FOG Program management.
Table 4 illustrates the Cities existing legal authorities and Design, Installation and Maintenance Requirements required for SSMP Element 7: FOG Control Program.
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 3
Audit Report by Wallace Group
City of Grover Beach
August 2021
Table 4: City FOG Legal Authority
WDR Requirement City Municipal
Code Section Specific Language
Prohibit FOG
discharges to
collection system
Article VII, Chapter
1, Part 6, Sec.
7172
Except as hereinafter provided, no person shall
discharge or cause to be discharged any of the
following described waters or wastes into any
public sewers.
(A) Any liquid or vapor having a temperature
higher than one hundred fifty degrees
Fahrenheit
(150F.);
(B) Any water or wastes which may contain
more than one hundred (100) parts per million,
by weight, of fat, oil, or grease;
(C) Any gasoline, benzene, naphtha, fuel oil, or
other flammable or explosive liquid, solid or gas;
(D) Any garbage that has not been properly
shredded;
(E) Any ashes, cinders, sand, mud, straw,
shavings, metal, glass, rags, feathers, tar,
plastics, woods, paunch manure, or any other
solid or viscous substance capable of causing
obstruction to the flow in sewers or other
interference with the proper operation of the
sewage works;
(F) Any water or wastes having a pH lower than
5.5 or higher than 9.00, or having any other
corrosive property capable of causing damage
or hazard to structures, equipment, and
personnel of the sewage works;
(G) Any waters or wastes containing a toxic or
poisonous substance in sufficient quantity to
injure or interfere with any sewage treatment
process, constitute a hazard to humans or
animals, or create any hazard in the receiving
waters of the sewage treatment plan;
(H) Any waters or wastes containing suspended
solids of such character and quantity that
unusual
attention or expense is required to handle such
materials at the sewage treatment plant;
(I) Any noxious or malodorous gas or substance
capable of creating a public nuisance.
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 3
Audit Report by Wallace Group
City of Grover Beach
August 2021
WDR Requirement City Municipal
Code Section Specific Language
Require the
installation of
grease control
devices such as a
trap or interceptor
Article VII, Chapter
1, Part 3, Sec.
7139.1
To prevent sand, grease, soil or other
objectionable matter entering the sewerage
system, restaurants and public places serving
food shall be provided with grease traps, and
public and private garage floor drains and
public wash racks shall be provided with catch
basins or sumps of a design approved by the
Superintendent of Public Works. Garage and
oiling pits shall not be connected to any
sewerage system.
Require the
installation of
grease control
devices such as a
trap or interceptor
Article VII, Chapter
1, Part 6, Sec.
7173
Grease, oil and sand interceptors shall be
provided when, in the opinion of the
Superintendent of Public Works, they are
necessary for the proper handling of liquid
wastes containing grease in excessive
amounts, or any flammable wastes, sand, or
other harmful ingredients; except that such
interceptors shall not be required for private
living quarters or dwelling units. All interceptors
shall be of a type and capacity approved by the
Superintendent of Public Works, and shall
be located so as to be readily and easily
accessible for cleaning and inspection.
Design standards
for grease removal
devices
Article VII, Chapter
1, Part 6, Sec.
7173.1
Grease and oil interceptors shall be
constructed of impervious materials capable of
withstanding abrupt and extreme changes in
temperature. They shall be of substantial
construction, water-tight, and equipped with
easily removable covers which, when bolted in
place, shall be gas-tight and water-tight.
Require the
maintenance of
grease control
devices, the
implementation of
Best Management
Practices, and
records and
reporting.
Article VII, Chapter
1, Part 6, Sec.
7173.2
South San Luis
Obispo County
Sanitation District
Ordinance No.
2008-01, Article 4,
Section 4.1 – 4.6
Where installed, all grease, oil and sand
interceptors shall be maintained by the owner,
at his expense, in continuously efficient
operation at all times.
The City’s FOG Control Program requires the
implementation of Best Management
Practices, records and reporting. Legal
Authority for the FOG control program was
previously implemented through SSLOCSD
Ord No. 2008-1. It is unclear if the City formally
adopted/incorporated this Ordinance to
implement FOG Program authorities identified
in the SSLOCSD Ordinance.
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 3
Audit Report by Wallace Group
City of Grover Beach
August 2021
Authority to Inspect
grease producing
facilities.
Article VII, Chapter
1, Part 4, Sec.
7153
City representatives shall carry evidence
establishing their position as an authorized
representative of the City and upon
presentation and exhibiting these proper
credentials and identification shall be permitted
to enter in and upon all buildings and premises
within the City for the purposes of inspection,
observation, measurement, sampling, testing,
or otherwise performing such duties as may be
necessary in carrying out the provisions of this
chapter.
Conclusion: The City is in substantial compliance with the above requirements.
Finding: Section D.13(vii)(e): The City currently contracts the management and implementation of their FOG Control Program to the Wallace Group and implementation currently includes the issuance of a permit (control mechanism) to each FSE informing them of their requirements to manage their FOG as identified in City Municipal Code Article VII, Chapter 1, Part 6 Standards and Regulations for Quality of Sewer Discharge.
Based on the FOG files reviewed, which are organized by FSE, the last round of inspections was performed by Wallace Group contract staff in July 2021. Additional inspections will be conducted throughout the 2021/22 Fiscal Year.
FOG Files reviewed included:
▪ Taco Bell: 1500 West Grand Avenue
▪ AJ Spurs: 1520 West Grand Avenue
▪ Burger King: 1773 West Grande Avenue
▪ El Taco De Mexico: 791 West Grand Avenue
▪ Grover Beach FOG Control Program Master Inspection Spreadsheet A review of the City’s CIWQS Operations Report generated on July 12, 2016, shows the City has not experienced SSOs related to FOG between 2013 and 2016. This serves as an indication that the current FOG program is effective.
Conclusion: The sections above are in compliance with the above requirements.
Finding: Section D.13(vii)(f): The City SSMP states that it identifies sections of the collection system when and if they occur, which are subject to grease blockages and contains a cleaning maintenance schedule for these high maintenance areas (HMAs) as applicable. The City currently does not experience FOG related HMAs due to a successful FOG inspection program.
The only HMAs at the time of this audit are caused by root intrusion and pipeline defects.
Conclusion: The section above is in compliance with the above requirement.
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 3
Audit Report by Wallace Group
City of Grover Beach
August 2021
Finding: Section D.13(vii)(g): The City SSMP provides information regarding the development and implementation of source control measures for all sources of FOG discharged to the sanitary sewer system for each FOG induced HMA through residential outreach and a formal FOG Inspection Program for all FSEs. The City is implementing the source control measures identified in the SSMP.
Conclusion: The section above is in compliance with the above requirement.
Element 7 Sufficiency: In Compliance
Reference: The following references were used:
▪ 2018 SSMP
▪ Grover Beach Municipal Code, Article VII, Chapter 6 - Standards and Regulations for Quality of Sewer Discharge
▪ SSLOCSD Ordinance No. 2008-01
▪ CIWQS City Operation Report History June 2021
▪ July 2021 FOG Inspection Reports
▪ City of Grover Beach FOG Control Program Master Inspection Spreadsheet Findings: The City has not adopted the SSLOCSD FOG Ordinance which would help to support the FOG management program. The City did not implement the FOG Website Template provided in the appendix of the SSMP.
Recommendation: It is recommended that this SSMP Element be updated to include:
▪ Implement the FOG Webpage for residential and Commercia FOG outreach. ▪ Include provisions from the SSLOCSD Ordinance No. 2008-01 and proof of City adoption/incorporation into its legal authority.
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 3
Audit Report by Wallace Group
City of Grover Beach
August 2021
8.0 System Evaluation and Capacity Assurance Plan [SSSWDR D.13(viii)] SSSWDR D.13(viii) states:
The Enrollee shall prepare and implement a capital improvement plan (CIP) that will provide hydraulic capacity of key sanitary sewer system sections for dry weather peak flow conditions, as well as the appropriate design storm or wet weather event. At a minimum, the plan must include:
(a).Evaluation: Actions needed to evaluate those portions of the sanitary sewer system that are experiencing or contributing to a SSO discharge deficiency. The evaluation must provide estimates of peak flows (including flows from SSOs that escape from the system) associated with conditions similar to those causing overflow events, estimates of the capacity of key system components, hydraulic deficiencies (including components of the system with limiting capacity) and the major sources that contribute to the peak flows associated with overflow events; (b).Design Criteria: Where design criteria do not exist or are deficient, undertake the evaluation identified in (a) above to establish appropriate design criteria; and (c). Capacity Enhancement Measures: The steps needed to establish a short- and long-term CIP to address identified hydraulic deficiencies, including prioritization, alternatives analysis, and schedules. The CIP may include increases in pipe size, I/I reduction programs, increases and redundancy in pumping capacity, and storage facilities. The CIP shall include an implementation schedule and shall identify sources of funding.
(d).Schedule: The Enrollee shall develop a schedule of completion dates for all portions of the capital improvement program developed in (a)-(c) above. This schedule shall be reviewed and updated consistent with the SSMP review and update requirements as described in Section D.14.
Finding: Section D.13(viii)(a): The City SSMP refers to the 2006 Sewer System Master Plan (2006 SMP) that evaluated physical and hydraulic conditions of the City sewer system. The 2006 SMP provided hydraulic evaluations of City: Lift Stations, Force Mains, and Gravity Sewer Lines. Hydraulic evaluations were conducted to model existing dry and wet weather conditions and future dry and wet weather conditions which represent “worst case scenario” flow conditions. This SMP identified several projects to correct capacity related issues in City sewer lines and at system lift stations. Three phases of projects were identified to correct these hydraulic deficiencies. These projects have been completed. A review of City records shows the few City SSOs occurring over the past 3 years were not caused by hydraulic restrictions.
The SSMP states the City is also completing additional investigations to identify and eliminate potential inflow and infiltration which may cause hydraulic problems within the system. CCTV investigations for the entire system are discussed to be completed in FY 2017/18 and that the results of these investigations will identify capacity deficient and defective areas of the system.
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 3
Audit Report by Wallace Group
City of Grover Beach
August 2021
The City completed a more recent Sewer Master Plan (SMP) in 2019 which identifies areas of the system that have existing capacity deficiencies and areas that are projected to have capacity deficiencies in the future as a result of development. This information should be included in the next SSMP update. The update should include projects that address capacity deficiencies, project ranking system, schedule and sources of funding to complete these projects.
Conclusion: The section above is in partial compliance with the above requirements.
Finding: Section D.13(viii)(b-d): Design criteria were identified in the 2006 SMP and used in system modeling to assess the hydraulic conditions existing in the system. These criteria were used to make recommendations for hydraulic upgrades in City: Lift Stations, Force Mains, and Gravity Sewer Lines. Information from the 2019 SMP assigning design criteria should be included in the next update to the SSMP.
Conclusion: The section above is in partial compliance with the above requirements.
Element 8 Sufficiency: Partial Compliance
Reference: City of Grover Beach 2018 SSMP; City of Grover Beach 2006 SMP; City Capital Improvement Program: 2022, 2019 Sewer Master Plan.
Findings: Information found in this section is in draft format. Information provided to address areas of hydraulic deficiencies references an old SMP (2006) and past projects.
Recommendation: Integrate new 2019 SMP information into this section. Include a plan, schedule and sources of funding for long- and short-term CIP related to areas of the system that currently have hydraulic deficiencies and areas that are projected to have hydraulic deficiencies in the future based on development.
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 3
Audit Report by Wallace Group
City of Grover Beach
August 2021
9.0 Monitoring, Measurement, and Program Modifications [SSSWDR D.13(ix)]
SSSWDR D.13(ix) states:
The Enrollee shall:
(a).Maintain relevant information that can be used to establish and prioritize appropriate SSMP activities;
(b).Monitoring the implementation and, where appropriate, measure the effectiveness of each section of the SSMP;
(c). Assess the success of the preventative maintenance program; (d).Update program elements, as appropriate, based on monitoring or performance evaluations; and
(e).Identify and illustrate SSO trends, including: frequency, location and volume.
Finding: Section D.13(ix)(a-c): The City created Table 9-1 and 9-2 as a guide to track SSMP Implementation and Management. At the time of this audit there was no evidence that the relevant information identified in this table was monitored or analyzed.
Conclusion: The section above is in marginal compliance with the above requirement. See recommendations below.
Finding: Section D.13(ix)(d): The City’s SSMP states that the City will review the Elements of the SSMP annually to check for necessary updates and/or revisions based on the assessments identified in subsections a-c. At the time of this audit there was no evidence these reviews occurred.
Conclusion: The section above is out of compliance with the above requirement. See recommendations below.
Finding: Section D.13(ix)(e): The 2018 SSMP does track the frequency, location, cause, and volume of SSOs. The SSMP states that SSO trends will be identified and illustrated as part of the SSMP and a SSO trending Table 9-3. The SSO tracking table should be updated to include information from 2018 - 2020. *
*It should be noted that the City has experienced a low number of SSOs over the past 4 years (1 SSO recorded in CIWQS) and is well below the State and Regional Averages for SSOs in both SSO occurrence and SSO volume. Based on this information, the City has minimal information to track and assess regarding SSOs over the course of the past 4 years.
Conclusion: The section above is in partial compliance with the above requirement. See recommendations below.
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 3
Audit Report by Wallace Group
City of Grover Beach
August 2021
Element 9 Sufficiency: Marginal Compliance
Reference: 2018 SSMP, CIWQS Facility at a Glance and Operational Reports: June 2021.
Findings: While the City has had relatively few SSOs, which have been small in nature, the City is required to have and implement a written plan to formally evaluate the implementation or effectiveness of each SSMP Element and to identify and evaluate SSO trends.
Recommendation: Implement a written program to schedule, track, and evaluate the effectiveness of preventative maintenance for the sanitary sewer system. Implement a plan and schedule to review and assess the effectiveness of each SSMP Element. Create a written record of SSO trend evaluation and identification. Complete these plans and records and incorporate them into the update of this SSMP Element.
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 3
Audit Report by Wallace Group
City of Grover Beach
August 2021
10.0 SSMP Program Audits [SSSWDR D.13(x)]
SSSWDR D.13(x) states:
As part of the SSMP, the Enrollee shall conduct periodic internal audits, appropriate to the size of the system and the number of SSOs. At a minimum, these audits must occur every two years and a report must be prepared and kept on file. This audit shall focus on evaluating the effectiveness of the SSMP and the Enrollee’s compliance with the SSMP requirements identified in this subsection (D.13), including identification of any deficiencies in the SSMP and steps to correct them.
Finding: Section D.13(x): SSMP audits are required to be performed a minimum of every two years from the date of required adoption, August 2, 2009. SSMP Audits were required on a twoyear interval by August 2nd (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021). Audits were completed in 2011, 2013, & 2017 with the 2021 Audit to be completed in 2021.
The 2018 SSMP provides a plan, procedure and schedule to conduct SSMP Audits on a 2 year interval.
Element 10 Sufficiency: Partial Compliance
Reference: 2018 SSMP, SSMP Audit Reports 2011, 2013, & 2017 Findings: The City is required to maintain a 2-year audit schedule from the original date of adoption and certification by its governing body. The City has missed two audits (2015 & 2019).
The 2021 SSMP audit will be completed in August 2021.
Recommendation: Maintain a copy of the 2021 SSMP Audit Report with the City’s SSMP.
Update the 2018 SSMP to include the findings of the 2021 Audit Report. Schedule future audits for completion prior to the August 2nd due date. Future audits are due as follows:
o August 2, 2023
o August 2, 2025
o August 2, 2027
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 3
Audit Report by Wallace Group
City of Grover Beach
August 2021
11.0 Communication Program [SSSWDR D.13(xi)]
SSSWDR D.13(xi) states:
The Enrollee shall communicate on a regular basis with the public on the development, implementation, and performance of its SSMP. The communication system shall provide the public the opportunity to provide input to the Enrollee as the program is developed and implemented.
The Enrollee shall also create a plan of communication with systems that are tributary and/or satellite to the Enrollee’s sanitary sewer system.
Finding: Section D.13(xi): The SSMP is available for public review and comment on the City of Grover Beach’s website, www.grover.org, under the Public Works Department webpage:
https://www.grover.org/215/Documents-Forms-Resources. The SSMP that is on file is outdated (2013 version), however it is the last formally adopted SSMP.
The 2018 SSMP provides a Communication Program Overview matrix for providing outreach to members of the public, City Council and interested parties on the SSMP and SSMP related programs.
The SSMP states that annual SSMP status reports, will be developed and presented to the City Council to keep the Council and the Public informed on the City’s sewer system performance and activities. At the time of tis audit there was no evidence that any of these outreach activities had occurred.
There is also a plan to communicate with satellite agencies that flow to the City’s sewer system.
At the time of tis audit there was no evidence that these communications occurred.
Element 11 Sufficiency: Marginal Compliance
Reference: 2018 SSMP, City of Grover Beach Website: www.grover.org Findings: There is minimal evidence of the City implementing the Communication Program identified in the SSMP.
Recommendation: Establish and implement a formal SSMP Communication Program for communicating further development, implementation, and performance of the SSMP with the Public and City Council. Document this program in the SSMP. Keep a record of all outreach and coordination in the SSMP Element 11: Communication Program.
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 3
Audit Report by Wallace Group
City of Grover Beach
August 2021
RECORDS LIST BY SSMP ELEMENT
1.0 Goal
a. See records under SSMP Elements 3 – 11
2.0 Organization
a. CIWQS Facility At-A Glance Report (June 2021)
3.0 Legal Authority
a. Grover Beach Municipal Code Articles I and VII
4.0 Operation and Maintenance Program
a. Sewer Line Hot Spot Cleaning Records
b. City Sewer and Stormdrain Maps
c. City of Grover Beach Incident Report (Work Order)
d. Critical Parts and Equipment Lists 2018
e. 2021 CCTV Reports
f. Capital Improvement Project Budget 2022
5.0 Design and Performance Standards
a. City of Grover Beach 2007 Sewer Details S.1-S.8
6.0 Overflow Emergency Response Plan
a. CIWQS SSO History – City of Grover Beach (June 2021)
7.0 Fats, Oils, and Grease Program
a. FOG inspection Reports 2021
b. City of Grover Beach FOG Master Inspection List
8.0 System Evaluation and Capacity Assurance Plan
a. City of Grover Beach Sewer Master Plan 2006
b. City of Grover Beach Sewer Master Plan 2019
9.0 Monitoring, Measurement, and Program Modifications
a. No records
10.0 SSMP Program Audit
a. City 2017 SSMP Audit
11.0 Communication Program
a. City of Grover Beach Website: www.grover.org
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 3
Audit Report by Wallace Group
City of Grover Beach
August 2021
LIST OF PROCEDURES
(Recommended for Development)
Emergency Operating Procedures
▪ SSO Notification & Reporting Response Documentation and Records ▪ SSO Traffic and Crowd Control
▪ SSO Volume Estimation
▪ SSO Mitigation and Cleanup
▪ Water Quality Monitoring / Beach or Surface Water Closure ▪ SSO Impact Assessment
▪ SSO Follow up Investigations
Standard Operating Procedures
▪ Preventative Maintenance Program
▪ Lift Station Operation and Maintenance
▪ Annual Collection System Cleaning, HMA Cleaning & Manhole Inspections ▪ GIS Maps and Annual Updates
▪ USA Marking
▪ Routine Traffic and Crowd Control
▪ Sewer Connection Requests
Management Procedures
▪ Customer Contact and Complaints
Sewer System Management Plan – Revision 04
Element 11 – Communication Program
City of Grover Beach
September 2022
APPENDIX 11A
Draft FOG Website Page
Draft Non-Flushable Wipes Flyer
Minutes from City Council Meetings: SSMP Related Topics (Placeholder) Facebook Posts Relating to Sewer System (Placeholder)
Reports to City Council – SSMP Performance (Placeholder) Satellite Communications – Outreach (Placeholder)
City of Grover Beach Fats, Oils, and Grease
Control Program: (805) 473-4520
FATS, OILS & GREASE (FOG)
What is FOG?
FOG stands for Fats, Oils, and Grease. Did you know
that pouring fats, oils, and grease down the drain or
garbage disposal creates obstructions in underground
pipes and creates serious problems like blockages and
sewer overflows? In fact, FOG is one of the leading
causes of sewer overflows and blockages in the United
States.
When washed down the sink, grease sticks to the
insides of your sewer pipes (both on your property and
in the streets). Over time, grease buildup can clog an
entire pipeline, causing sewer overflows in your home
and neighborhood. The damage from overflows could
cost you thousands of dollars!
Here are some simple tips on how to prevent sewer overflows. Do not pour cooking oil, greasy food, dairy products, or salad dressing down the drain.
Use strainers in the sink drains to catch food scraps and other solids. Do not use hot water and soap to try to wash grease down the drain. It will eventually cool and harden in the sewer lines.
Pour cooled grease into a disposable container, cover with a tight-fitting lid and place in your freezer. Once contents are frozen, toss in the garbage. Mix cooking oils with absorbent material such as coffee grounds or cat litter.
Place in tight lidded container and dispose of it in garbage. Wipe or scrape food particles from pots, pans and dishes into the trash can prior to placing them in the sink for washing.
Wipe excess fats and grease from pans with a dry paper towel and toss it in the garbage.
Clogged Sewer Line Caused by
FOG
(805) 473-4530
Many household cleaning products are labeled and marketed as disposable; many baby
hygiene products are
labeled both disposable and flushable.
While these products
may be marketed as a
convenience item in
this way, the truth is
that these household
wipes and cleaning towelettes have the ability to clog and stop up not only the sewer line on your property, but also can cause blockage and service problems in the public
sewer system and pump stations. Unlike toilet paper,
these products don’t break down once they are flushed.
They can cause blockages in your private service lateral, especially older pipelines that may have grease, roots, or other pre-existing sewer line
obstructions .
A repair of a private service
lateral can leave the homeowner with a nasty repair
bill. On a larger scale when
these products make their way into the
public sewer system they collect together
and cause clogs in the sewer main lines
and get tangled in pump stations requiring repair or replacement of equipment, potentially leading to a sanitary sewer
overflow.
The following items
should never be flushed
into the sewer system:
Disinfecting wipes,
Baby wipes.
Q-tips.
Toilet cleaning pads.
Mop or “Swiffer” type
refills.
Paper towels.
Moist towelettes.
Any consumer item
that is not toilet paper.
City of Grover Beach
154 South 8th Street
Grover Beach, CA
93433
Phone: (805) 473-4520
Fax: (805) 489-9657
(805) 473-4530