SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN
Richmond Municipal Sewer District
Updated April 2026
Veolia Water operates, maintains and manages the RMSD Sewer Collection, Storm Water and Wastewater Treatment systems by contract to the City of Richmond.
This document, amended in April 2026, has been assembled to present the City of Richmond's Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP), which has been prepared pursuant to the (updated) State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Statewide General Waste Discharge Requirements General Order for Sanitary Sewers (GWDR), Order No. 2022-0103-DWQ.
All components of the management plan are currently in place in well-established programs. The SSMP describes the City's and Veolia's goals, organizational structure, spill emergency response plan (SERP), FOG control program and pipe blockage control activities, legal authority, measures and activities, design and construction standards, capacity management, spill monitoring, measurement and program modifications, and audits.
Certified by: Certified by:
Tawfic N. Halaby, PE Anderson Dill
Deputy Director of Public Works/ General Manager
Waste Water Recovery Division Veolia NA
City of Richmond, CA
VEOLIA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF ACRONYMS ............................................................................................................................................. vii LIST OF TERMS .................................................................................................................................................... viii ELEMENT 1 – GOALS AND INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................... 1-1
1.1 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 REGULATORY CONTEXT ........................................................................................................................... 1-2
1.3 SCHEDULE FOR SSMP UPDATES AND AUDITS ........................................................................................... 1-3
1.4 RMSD SERVICE AREA AND COLLECTION SYSTEM ...................................................................................... 1-3 ELEMENT 2 – ORGANIZATION ............................................................................................................................. 2-1
2.1 ORGANIZATION CHART AND SSMP RESPONSIBILITIES .............................................................................. 2-1
2.2 CHAIN OF COMMUNICATION FOR REPORTING ........................................................................................ 2-6
2.3 REGULATORY REPORTING........................................................................................................................ 2-6
2.4 APPENDIX A – ELEMENT 2 DOCUMENTS .................................................................................................. 2-9 ELEMENT 3 - LEGAL AUTHORITY .......................................................................................................................... 3-1
3.1 LEGAL AUTHORITY TO ENFORCE SSMP REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................... 3-1
3.1.1 Prevention of Illicit Discharges ..................................................................................................................... 3-2
3.1.2 Collaborate with Storm Sewer Agencies ....................................................................................................... 3-4
3.1.3 Proper Design and Construction of Sewers and Connections ....................................................................... 3-4
3.1.4 Responsibility for Private Laterals ................................................................................................................ 3-5
3.1.5 Access for Maintenance, Inspection & Repairs ............................................................................................. 3-6
3.1.6 Enforcement Measures ................................................................................................................................. 3-6
3.2 INTERAGENCY AGREEMENTS AND SATELLITE SYSTEMS ............................................................................ 3-7
3.3 APPENDIX B – ELEMENT 3 DOCUMENTS .................................................................................................. 3-7 ELEMENT 4 - OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAM .................................................................................. 4-1
4.1 RMSD COLLECTION SYSTEM MAPPING DESCRIPTION ............................................................................... 4-1 Sewer System Management Plan
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4.2 PREVENTIVE OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES ..................................................................... 4-1
4.3 VISUAL AND CLOSED-CIRCUIT TELEVISION INSPECTION ........................................................................... 4-2
4.4 TRAINING ON SANITARY SEWER OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE ........................................................ 4-3
4.5 INVENTORY OF EQUIPMENT AND REPLACEMENT PARTS ......................................................................... 4-3
4.6 APPENDIX C – ELEMENT 4 DOCUMENTS ................................................................................................... 4-3 ELEMENT 5 - DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE PROVISIONS ...................................................................................... 5-1
5.1 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS FOR INSTALLATION, REHABILITATION, AND REPAIR ............ 5-1
5.2 PROCEDURES AND STANDARDS FOR INSPECTION, TESTING, REHABILITATION AND REPAIR ..................... 5-1
5.3 APPENDIX D – ELEMENT 5 DOCUMENTS .................................................................................................. 5-2 ELEMENT 6 - SPILL EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN ................................................................................................ 6-5
6.1 SWRCB REQUIREMENTS .......................................................................................................................... 6-5
6.2 SPILL EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN GOALS .............................................................................................. 6-5
6.3 SPILL CATEGORIES ................................................................................................................................... 6-6
6.4 SPILL NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES .......................................................................................................... 6-7
6.4.1 Normal Working Hours ................................................................................................................................. 6-8
6.4.2 After Normal Working Hours ......................................................................................................................... 6-8
6.4.3 Notification from Pump Station SCADA Alarms ............................................................................................. 6-8
6.5 STAFF AND CONTRACTOR TRAINING ..................................................................................................... 6-10
6.6 RESPONSE PROGRAM ............................................................................................................................ 6-10
6.6.1 First Responder Priorities ............................................................................................................................ 6-11
6.6.2 Initial Response ........................................................................................................................................... 6-11
6.6.3 External Spill Response ............................................................................................................................... 6-12
6.6.4 Internal Spill Response (Residential Sewage Backup) ................................................................................ 6-13
6.6.5 Pump Station Spill Response ....................................................................................................................... 6-13
6.6.6 Storm Sewer Coordination .......................................................................................................................... 6-14
6.6.7 Recovery and Cleanup ................................................................................................................................ 6-14
6.7 IMPACT TO WATERS OF THE STATE ........................................................................................................ 6-15 Sewer System Management Plan
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6.7.1 Water Quality Sampling ............................................................................................................................. 6-16
6.7.2 Receiving Water Visual Observations ......................................................................................................... 6-17
6.7.3 Spill-Specific Monitoring Requirements ...................................................................................................... 6-18
6.7.4 Spill Technical Report.................................................................................................................................. 6-18
6.8 CONTAINMENT OR BYPASS ................................................................................................................... 6-19
6.9 SPILL NOTIFICATION SIGNAGE ............................................................................................................... 6-20
6.10 TRAFFIC AND CROWD CONTROL ........................................................................................................ 6-20
6.11 SPILL FAILURE ANALYSIS .................................................................................................................... 6-20
6.12 SPILL DOCUMENTATION ............................................................................................................................ 6-21
6.12.1 Responsibilities ....................................................................................................................................... 6-22
6.12.2 Spill Event Complaints ............................................................................................................................ 6-22
6.12.3 Recordkeeping of Category 4 Spills ........................................................................................................ 6-22
6.12.4 Recordkeeping for Total Annual Spill Information ................................................................................. 6-23
6.12.5 Sewer System Telemetry Records ........................................................................................................... 6-23
6.12.6 Sewer System Management Plan Implementation Records .................................................................. 6-24
6.12.7 Audit Records .......................................................................................................................................... 6-24
6.12.8 Equipment Records ................................................................................................................................. 6-24
6.12.9 Work Orders .......................................................................................................................................... 6-24
6.12.10 Spill Specific Monitoring (Documentation) ............................................................................................. 6-24
6.12.10.1 Spill Location and Spread ............................................................................................................... 6-24
6.12.10.2 Spill Volume Estimation .................................................................................................................. 6-25
6.12.11 Other Records ......................................................................................................................................... 6-25
6.13 SPILL REPORTING ............................................................................................................................... 6-25
6.13.1 Multiple Appearance Points – Single Spill .............................................................................................. 6-28
6.13.2 2-Hour Notification to Regulatory Agencies of Spills ............................................................................. 6-28
6.13.3 Detailed Reporting Requirements .......................................................................................................... 6-29
6.13.3.1 Category 1 Spills ............................................................................................................................. 6-29
6.13.3.2 Category 2 Spills ............................................................................................................................. 6-32
6.13.3.3 Category 3 and 4 Spills ................................................................................................................... 6-32
6.13.3.4 Monthly Certification of “No-Spills” or “Category 4 Spills” ............................................................ 6-34
6.14 CIWQS NOT AVAILABLE ...................................................................................................................... 6-35
6.15 EQUIPMENT ....................................................................................................................................... 6-35 Sewer System Management Plan
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6.16 CONTRACTORS WORKING ON CITY SEWER FACILITIES ........................................................................ 6-35
6.17 TRAINING .......................................................................................................................................... 6-35
6.17.1 Initial and Annual Refresher Training ..................................................................................................... 6-36
6.17.2 Spill Response Drills ................................................................................................................................ 6-36
6.17.3 Spill Training Record Keeping ................................................................................................................. 6-36
6.18 ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE SPILL EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN ............................................................ 6-36
6.19 APPENDIX E – ELEMENT 6 DOCUMENTS ............................................................................................. 6-37 ELEMENT 7 - SEWER PIPE BLOCKAGE CONTROL PROGRAM ................................................................................. 7-1
7.1 PUBLIC EDUCATION OUTREACH PLAN ...................................................................................................... 7-2
7.2 FOG DISPOSAL PLAN ................................................................................................................................ 7-2
7.3 LEGAL AUTHORITY TO PROHIBIT SPILLS AND BLOCKAGES CAUSED BY FOG DISCHARGE ........................... 7-3
7.4 REQUIREMENTS AND DESIGN STANDARDS FOR INSTALLATION OF GREASE REMOVAL DEVICES ............... 7-3
7.5 DEVICE MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................................. 7-4
7.6 BMP REQUIREMENTS, RECORDKEEPING AND REPORTING ....................................................................... 7-5
7.7 AUTHORITY TO INSPECT GREASE PRODUCING FACILITIES AND ENFORCE REQUIREMENTS ....................... 7-6
7.8 SEWER SECTIONS SUBJECT TO FOG BLOCKAGES ....................................................................................... 7-7
7.9 APPENDIX F – ELEMENT 7 DOCUMENTS ................................................................................................... 7-7 ELEMENT 8 - SYSTEM EVALUATION, CAPACITY ASSURANCE, AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS .............................. 8-1
8.1 EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENT OF SYSTEM CONDITION ........................................................................ 8-1
8.2 CAPACITY ASSESSMENT AND DESIGN CRITERIA ....................................................................................... 8-1
8.3 PRIORITIZED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN ............................................................................................ 8-2
8.4 APPENDIX G – ELEMENT 8 DOCUMENTS .................................................................................................. 8-2 ELEMENT 9 - MONITORING, MEASUREMENT AND PROGRAM MODIFICATIONS .................................................. 9-1
9.1 ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT ....................................................................................................................... 9-1
9.2 MAINTENANCE OF RELEVANT DATA ........................................................................................................ 9-1
9.3 MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT ............................................................................................................. 9-2 Sewer System Management Plan
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9.4 UTILITY METRICS TO MEASURE PROGRESS AND PRIORITIZE ACTIVITIES ................................................... 9-2
9.5 PERFORMANCE MONITORING AND PROGRAM MODIFICATIONS ............................................................. 9-3
9.6 SPILL TRENDS – FREQUENCY, LOATION, AND VOLUME ............................................................................ 9-3
9.7 APPENDIX H – ELEMENT 9 DOCUMENTS .................................................................................................. 9-4 ELEMENT 10 - INTERNAL AUDITS ....................................................................................................................... 10-1
10.1 AUDIT PROCEDURES, ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES .......................................................................... 10-1
10.2 APPENDIX I – SSMP PROGRAM AUDIT DOCUMENTS .......................................................................... 10-2 ELEMENT 11 - COMMUNICATION PLAN ............................................................................................................. 11-1
11.1 COMMUNICATION PLAN .................................................................................................................... 11-1
11.2 APPENDIX J – ELEMENT 11 DOCUMENTS ............................................................................................ 11-1
TABLES
Table 1-1 Required Elements and Dates of Original Submittal/Adopted SSMP Update Table 1-2 Size and Distribution of Active Gravity Sewers Table 1-3 Size and Distribution of Active Forcemain Sewers Table 1-4 Pump Station Information
Table 2-1 SSMP Responsibilities
Table 6-1 Statewide WDR Spill Categories
Table 6-2 Information to Gather from Caller of Potential Spill Table 6-3 Sampling Locations for Spills 50,000 Gallons or Greater Table 6-4 Key Deadlines for Spill Reporting
Table 6-5 Regulatory Reporting Requirements
Table 6-6 Category 1 and 2 CIWQS Draft Spill Report – Required Information Table 6-7 Category 1 and 2 CIWQS Spill Certification – Required Information Table 6-8 Category 3 CWQS Spill Certification – Required Information Table 9-1 Success Factors and Metrics
Table 9-2 Summary of Spills from 2021 through 2025
FIGURES
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Figure 1-1 RMSD Sewer System and Service Area
Figure 2-1 RMSD Sewer Collection System Organization Chart Figure 2-2 Chain of Communication
Figure 6-1 Spill Notification and Response
APPENDICES
Appendix A Element 2 (Organization) Supporting Documents Appendix B. Element 3 (Legal Authority) Supporting Documents Appendix C. Element 4 (Operation and Maintenance Program) Supporting Documents Appendix D. Element 5 (Design and Performance Provisions) Supporting Documents Appendix E. Element 6 (Spill Emergency Response Plan) Supporting Documents Appendix F. Element 7 (Sewer Pipe Blockage Control Program) Supporting Documents Appendix G. Element 8 (System Evaluation, Capacity Assurance, and Capital Improvements) Supporting Documents Appendix H. Element 9 (Monitoring, Measurement and Program Modifications) Placeholder for Future Supporting Documents
Appendix I. Element 10 (Internal Audits) Supporting Documents Appendix J. Element 11 (Communication Plan) Placeholder for Future Supporting Documents
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ACRONYMS AND TERMS
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LIST OF ACRONYMS
BACWA Bay Area Clean Water Agencies
BMP Best Management Practice
CCCFCD Contra Costa County Flood Control District CCTV Closed-Circuit Television CFR Code of Federal Regulations
CIP Capital Improvement Project
CIWQS California Integrated Water Quality System
CMMS Computerized Maintenance Management System
CDFW California Department of Fish and Wildlife
EHS Environmental Health Services
FHF Food Handling Facility
FOG Fats, Oils and Grease
FSE Food Service Establishment
GIS Geographical Information System
GPM Gallons per Minute
I/I or I&I Inflow & Infiltration
LRGP Lateral Replacement Grant Program
LRO Legally Responsible Official
MGD Million Gallons per Day
MRP Monitoring and Reporting Program
NASSCO National Association of Sewer System Companies
NPDES National Pollution Discharge Elimination System
OES Office of Emergency Services (formerly California Emergency Management Agency) SERP Spill Emergency Response Plan
PACP Pipeline Assessment and Certification Program
POTW Publicly-Owned Treatment Works
RMSD Richmond Municipal Sewer District (also referenced as “City”) RWQCB Regional Water Quality Control Board
SSMP Sewer System Management Plan
SWRCB State Water Resources Control Board
WDR General Waste Discharge Requirements
WPCP Water Pollution Control Plant (also known as the Wastewater Treatment Plant) WWTP Wastewater Treatment Plant
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LIST OF TERMS
Bay Area Clean Water Association (BACWA) – Association comprised of Bay Area wastewater treatment and collection system agencies. BACWA represents the interests of public wastewater agencies in regulatory matters and to support the exchange of information. https://www.bacwa.org Blockage – An object that partially or fully hinders flow through a sewer pipeline. The blockage can be caused by debris in the sewer, grease buildup, root intrusion, or a partial or full collapse of the pipeline. Also known as a stoppage.
California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA) - A non-profit, statewide association representing public agencies that provide wastewater collection, treatment, disposal, and/or water reclamation services to California agencies. Website: https://www.casaweb.org California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) – A computer system used by the State and Regional Water Quality Control Boards to track information about SSOs, among other information. CIWQS is the tool used for online submittal of SSO details, which are then made available to the public. Website:
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/ciwqs/
California Water Environment Association (CWEA) – The statewide association of wastewater professionals that trains and certifies wastewater professionals, disseminates technical information and promotes policies to protect and enhance the environment.
Website: https://www.cwea.org
Enrollee – The legal public entity that owns a sanitary sewer system, as defined by the Statewide WDR .
Also known as a sewer system agency or wastewater collection system agency.
FOG Control Program –Program implemented at the discretion of the agency, based on the identified causes of sewer overflows, to reduce the discharge of fats, oils and grease into the sewer system.
Geographical Information System (GIS) – A database linked with mapping that records sewer system information. The GIS database could include sewer features such as pipe location, diameter, material, condition, or last date cleaned or repaired. GIS maps also typically contain base information such as streets and parcels.
Governing Board – Richmond City Council.
Groundwater Induced Infiltration (GWI) – Infiltration attributed to groundwater entering the sewer system.
Infiltration – The seepage of groundwater into a sewer system, including service connections. Seepage frequently occurs through defective or cracked pipes, pipe joints, connections or manhole walls and joints.
Inflow – Water discharged into a sewer system from such sources as roof leaders, cellars, yard and area drains, foundation drains, through holes in manhole covers, cross connections from the storm system or street wash waters. Inflow differs from infiltration in that it is a direct discharge into the sewer rather than a leak through defects in the sewer.
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Lateral or Private Lateral – The privately-owned sewer pipeline that conveys wastewater from the premises of a user to the City’s sewer system. The upper lateral extends from the building to property line (or easement line). The lower lateral extends from the property or easement line to the connection to the pipe.
Monitoring and Reporting Program - The program used by the City to monitor, maintain records, report issues and complete needed public notifications.
Preventive maintenance (PM) – Regularly scheduled servicing of machinery, infrastructure or other equipment using appropriate tools, tests, and lubricants.
R-Value – The amount of rainfall that reaches the collection system via infiltration and inflow. This value is typically expressed as a percentage of total rainfall volume that reaches the collection system.
Rainfall Dependent Infiltration and Inflow – Infiltration and Inflow that is attributed directly to rainfall R- Value.
Rehabilitation and Replacement Plan (also referred to as a Capital Improvement Plan) – Identifies and prioritizes system deficiencies and implements short-term and long-term rehabilitation actions to address each deficiency.
San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board – Also known as Region 2 or RWQCB. This regulatory agency preserves, enhances and restores the quality of California's water resources, and ensures their proper allocation and efficient use for the benefit of present and future generations. Website:
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/sanfranciscobay
Sanitary Sewer Spill (Spill) – Any release, discharge or diversion of untreated or partially treated wastewater from a sanitary sewer system, including releases that reach waters of the United States, overflows or releases that do not reach water of the United States, and backups into buildings and/or private property caused by conditions within the publicly owned portion of the sewer system.
Sanitary Sewer System – Any system of pipes, pump stations, sewer lines, or other conveyances, upstream of a wastewater treatment plant head works used to collect and convey wastewater to the wastewater treatment plant.
Satellite Collection System – The portion, if any, of a sanitary sewer system that is owned or operated by a different public agency or user.
Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) – A series of written programs that address how a collection system owner/operator conducts daily business. Each SSMP is unique for an individual discharger. The plan includes provisions to provide proper and efficient management, operation, and maintenance of sanitary sewer systems, while taking into consideration risk management and cost benefit.
Spill Emergency Response Plan (SERP) – This document identifies measures that are needed to respond to sanitary sewer overflows in a way that maximizes the protection of public health and the environment.
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State Water Resources Control Board – Also called the State Board. This agency developed and passed the Statewide Waste Discharge Requirements for collection systems and maintains the SSO reporting web site.
System Evaluation and Capacity Assurance Plan – A required component of an agency’s SSMP that provides hydraulic capacity of key sanitary sewer system elements for dry weather peak flow conditions, as well as the appropriate design storm or wet weather event.
Statewide Waste Discharge Requirements – The Statewide General Waste Discharge Requirements for Sanitary Sewer Systems was adopted by the SWCRB in 2023 (Order No. 2022-0103-DWQ).
Veolia Water – Contract operator for the RMSD sanitary sewer and stormwater collection systems and wastewater treatment plant.
Wastewater Collection System – See Sanitary Sewer System.
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GOALS AND INTRODUCTION
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ELEMENT 1 – GOALS AND INTRODUCTION
1.1 INTRODUCTION
The purpose of the City of Richmond Municipal Sewer District (“RMSD”) Sewer System Management Plan (“SSMP”) is to provide a plan and schedule to:
A. Properly manage, operate, and maintain all parts of the City’s sanitary sewer system B. Reduce and prevent sanitary sewer spills
C. Contain and mitigate spills that do occur
D. Maintain and improve the condition of the collection system infrastructure in order to provide reliable service into the future
These goals are intended to define a program that promotes continuous improvement in wastewater collection system management and maintenance processes by RMSD and its contract operator, Veolia Water.
More specific objectives of the RMSD sewer management program include:
1. Implement Preventative Maintenance on the collection system to minimize spills. a. Clean sewer mainlines within the identified required maintenance period b. Continue with scheduled preventative maintenance cleaning of identified sewer mainline target (problem) areas
c. Maintain a video-based sewer collection condition assessment program d. Maintain Root Control Program and conduct root-foaming of identified areas on a rotating basis
e. Refer mainlines with repeat non-scheduled maintenance to engineering for evaluation f. Conduct appropriate analysis/evaluation of spills utilizing historical maintenance and activity data and records and provide recommendations to reduce future risk
2. Identify collection system blockages and develop strategies to decrease backups.
3. Mitigate the impact of spills on public health and the environment.
4. Operate pump stations efficiently and perform required preventive maintenance on equipment at all sanitary sewer pump stations.
5. Maintain records of the sanitary sewer system and respond to inquiries.
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6. Assist with the development of a capital improvement program directed at maintaining the current sewer assets, improving system reliability and providing adequate future capacity.
7. Be available and responsive to the needs of the public and work cooperatively with local, state, and federal agencies to reduce, mitigate impacts of, and properly report spills.
1.2 REGULATORY CONTEXT
This SSMP has been prepared by the RMSD in compliance with the requirements of the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) and State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) pursuant to Section 13267 of the California Water Code.
The SSMP is intended to meet the requirements of the Statewide General Waste Discharge Requirements General Order for Sanitary Sewers (GWDR), Order No. 2022-0103-DWQ.
The SSMP provides a general description of the RMSD’s sewer system management program and discusses SSMP implementation and updates. The City plans to adopt the SSMP by City Council in May 2026 and subsequently upload the SSMP to the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS), and post the document on the City’s website.
The SSMP includes eleven elements as listed below. Each of these elements forms a section of this document.
SSMP ELEMENTS
1. Goal and Introduction.
2. Organization.
3. Legal Authority
4. Operation and Maintenance Program
5. Design and Performance Provisions
6. Spill Emergency Response Plan (SERP)
7. Sewer Pipe Blockage Control Program
8. System Evaluation, Capacity Assurance, and Capital Improvements
9. Monitoring, Measurement, and Program Modifications
10. Internal Audits
11. Communication Plan
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1.3 SCHEDULE FOR SSMP UPDATES AND AUDITS
Table 1-1 presents a schedule for Plan updates, including the schedule for conducting internal audits. The schedule includes milestones for incorporation of activities addressing prevention of sewer spills.
Table 1-1. Required Elements and Dates of Original Submittal/Adopted SSMP Update
UPDATE REQUIRED DATE OF
SUBMITTAL ACTUAL COMPLETION DATE
3-Year SSMP Audit ending August 2, 2024 February 2, 2025 May 2, 2025 2025 SSMP Update including audit findings May 2, 2025 April 27, 2026 3-Year SSMP Audit ending August 2, 2027 February 2, 2028 Incorporation of 8/2/27 audit findings May 2, 2028
3-Year SSMP Audit ending August 2, 2030 February 2, 2031 2031 SSMP Update including audit findings May 2, 2031
3-Year SSMP Audit ending August 2, 2033 February 2, 2034 Incorporation of 8/2/33 audit findings May 2, 2034
3-Year SSMP Audit ending August 2, 2036 February 2, 2037 2037 SSMP Update including audit findings May 2, 2037
1.4 RMSD SERVICE AREA AND COLLECTION SYSTEM
The City of Richmond (City) is located in Contra Costa County along the eastern shore of the San Francisco Bay. The City is bordered by the San Pablo Bay to the north, the City of El Cerrito and the Berkeley Hills to the east, and the City of San Francisco across the Bay to the west. Richmond is a major transportation hub, with access to Interstate 80, Interstate 580, and multiple transit options, including BART and Amtrak. The City is home to a diverse community, a rich industrial history, and a dynamic waterfront that includes the Port of Richmond and numerous parks and recreational areas. As of 2025, Richmond, California, has an estimated population of approximately 112,712 residents.
RMSD maintains about half of the sewer lines within the City’s boundaries. Residents living in the northern half of the City of Richmond are served by West County Wastewater District. Residents in the southeastern portion of the City, including the Richmond Annex, are serviced by Stege Sanitary District.
The RMSD sewer system includes 182 miles of active sanitary sewer lines, consisting of 4 miles of force main and 178 miles of gravity sewers. The number of siphons the City’s gravity system includes is under Sewer System Management Plan
GOALS AND INTRODUCTION
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review and will be incorporated by December 31, 2026. RMSD also has 10 wastewater lift stations and a pumping facility located near the influent pump station to the wastewater treatment plant. This pump station is considered a wastewater treatment plant asset. During peak wet weather events, the pump station diverts influent flow that exceeds plant capacity to a 5-million-gallon storage tank. The City of Richmond also owns and manages approximately 75 miles of storm drain infrastructure within the RMSD service area.
RMSD does not own or operate any private laterals, other than sewer laterals that serve the City’s facilities within the RMSD service area. The private lateral begins at the building foundation and continues to and includes the connection to the public sewer main. There are no known structures that divert stormwater to the sanitary sewer system. Further, RMSD does not receive water from any satellite agencies.
The RMSD Sewer System and Boundary are shown on Figure 1-1.
Figure 1-1. RMSD Sewer System and Service Area
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Tables 1-2 through Table 1-4 on the following pages provide information about the RMSD sewer collection system assets. Some totals may not be exact due to rounding.
Table 1-2 Size and Distribution of Active Gravity Sewers Pipe Size Gravity Sewer
Length (feet)
Total Length
(miles)
Percentage of
Total
Not Listed 2,580 0.5 0.3%
4 1,160 0.2 0.1%
6 583,276 110.5 62.2%
8 128,555 24.3 13.7%
10 48,543 9.2 5.2%
12 41,120 7.8 4.4%
14 3,155 0.6 0.3%
15 28,613 5.4 3.0%
16 1,075 0.2 0.1%
18 20,475 3.9 2.2%
20 3,302 0.6 0.4%
21 23,982 4.5 2.6%
24 22,567 4.3 2.4%
26 403 0.1 0.0%
27 184 0.0 0.0%
30 2,154 0.4 0.2%
33 6,041 1.1 0.6%
36 11,778 2.2 1.3%
38 130 0.0 0.0%
39 1,675 0.3 0.2%
42 45 0.0 0.0%
45 150 0.0 0.0%
48 914 0.2 0.1%
54 4,680 0.9 0.5%
58 62 0.0 0.0%
66 1,781 0.3 0.2%
Total 938,397 177.7 100.0%
Notes: Quantities taken from City’s Sewer GIS Layer
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Table 1-3. Size and Distribution of Active Forcemain Sewers Pipe Size Force Main
Length (feet)
Total Length
(miles)
Percentage of
Total
Not listed 12,358 2.3 56.6%
2.5 186 0.0 0.9%
3 508 0.1 2.3%
4 800 0.2 3.7%
6 5,351 1.0 24.5%
8 2,638 0.5 12.1%
Total 21,842 4.1 100.0%
Notes:
(1) Quantities were taken from City’s GIS maps.
Table 1-4. Pump Station Information
Lift Station Name No. Pumps Pump Capacity
(gpm)
Brickyard Booster 2 550
Brickyard Cove 2 265
Canyon Estates 1 2 250
Canyon Estates 2 2 45
Canyon Estates 3 2 45
Ferry Point 2 250
I.C.I. 2 275
Keller Beach 2 720
Marina Bay Cove 2 100
Marina Bay Parkway 3 2125
Nevin and A 2 600
Port 2 210
Sunset Pointe 2 286
Notes:
(1) The City operates and maintains the Canyon Estates pump stations which convey flow to Stege Sanitary District
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ORGANIZATION
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ELEMENT 2 – ORGANIZATION
SWRCB Waste Discharge Requirement:
The Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) must identify
• The name of the Legally Responsible Official as required in Section 5.1 of the GWDR; • The position titles, telephone numbers, and email addresses for management, administrative, and maintenance positions responsible for implementing specific measures in the SSMP elements;
• Organizational lines of authority through an organization chart or similar narrative document; and
• The chain of communication for reporting spills, from receipt of a complaint or other information, including the person responsible for reporting spills to the State and Regional Water Board and other agencies if applicable (such as County Health Officer, County Environmental Health Agency, and/or State Office of Emergency Services (OES).
2.1 ORGANIZATION CHART AND SSMP RESPONSIBILITIES
The RMSD sewer collection system is operated and maintained by contractor Veolia Water. Veolia is responsible for all sanitary sewer, stormwater, and treatment plant operations, maintenance, and management. Veolia staff respond to sewer emergencies including sewer spills. Veolia reports each spill to the Regional Board through the CIWQS portal and makes all reports to the City, SWRCB, RWQCB, County, Department of Environmental Health Services (EHS), Contra Costa County Flood Control District (“CCCFCD”), California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and/or OES as appropriate. The City of Richmond Deputy Director of Public Works/City Engineer is the Legally Responsible Official (“LRO”) for certifying spills. The City of Richmond Senior Administrative Analyst is the back-up LRO.
Roles and responsibilities of key personnel involved in managing the wastewater collection system are as follows:
City Council. The Richmond City Council consists of six (6) Council Members who are elected at large, and a separately elected Mayor. The City Council appoints the City Manager.
The current City Council Members, as of April 2026, include:
• Mr. Eduardo Martinez – Mayor
• Ms. Doria Robinson – Vice
Mayor/Councilmember
• Ms. Jamelia Brown - Councilmember
• Mr. Cesar Zepeda - Councilmember
• Ms. Sohelia Bana - Councilmember
• Ms. Sue Wilson – Councilmember
• Ms. Claudia Jimenez - Councilmember
The City Council Chambers are located at: 440 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond, California. The main telephone number is: (510) 620-6581.
City Clerk. Pamela Christian; 450 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond, California; (510) 620-6513 ext. 9; [email protected].
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The City Clerk supports the City Council and manages specific business functions for the City.
Related to this SSMP, the City Clerk receives claims from private property owners for damage to private property that is allegedly the result of City sewer operations.
City Manager. Shasa Curl; 450 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond, California; (510) 620-6512; [email protected].
The City Manager is responsible for implementing City Council policy, directing departments and the City’s administrative functions, and for providing day-to-day leadership in policy development and implementation. The City Manager has signatory and certification authority for all applications, reports, or information related to the sewer system.
Deputy Director of Public Works/City Engineer – Legally Responsible Official. Robert Armijo; 450 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond, California; (510) 620-5477; [email protected].
The Deputy Director of Public Works/City Engineer ensures compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations, oversees source control, provides reports on spill events, and manages the City’s contract operator, Veolia Water. This person also serves as the Legally Responsible Official.
Senior Compliance Inspector. Bradley Harms, 450 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond, California; (510) 307-8094; [email protected]
The Senior Compliance Inspector works directly with the Deputy Director of Public Works/City Engineer to enforce the City’s FOG Control Program and the environmental compliance component of the Statewide WDR.
Senior Administrative Analyst. Ana Crispin; 450 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond, California; (510) 307-8095; [email protected].
The Senior Administrative Analyst in the Water Resource Recovery Department is responsible for ensuring all data entered into CIWQS is accurate.
Project Coordinator. Trina Jackson-Lincoln; 450 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond, CA; (510) 620- 6581; [email protected].
The Project Coordinator is responsible for the Lateral Inspection Program and for conducting public outreach to Plumbers and Contractors to ensure compliance with the Sewer System Management Plan.
Risk Management. 450 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond, California; (510) 620-6810.
The City’s Risk Management Department manages all aspects of risk for the City, including addressing claims related to spills.
Veolia General Manager. Anderson Dill; 601 Canal Blvd., Richmond, CA; (510) 412-2001; [email protected].
Veolia Water’s Richmond Operations General Manager is responsible for managing operations and maintenance of the WWTP and sanitary sewer and stormwater collection systems. The General Manager serves as the primary contact between Veolia Water and the City’s Deputy Director of Public Works/City Engineer.
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Veolia Underground Asset Management Group. 2300 Contra Costa Blvd, Suite 350, Pleasant Hill, CA; (925) 681-2304.
Veolia Water’s Underground Asset Management Group provides overall management of the collection system.
Veolia Director of Capital Program Management - West. Rodrigo Vignau; 601 Canal Blvd., Richmond, CA; (510) 412-2001; [email protected].
Veolia Water’s Director of Capital Program Management manages the implementation of all phases of capital improvement plans for the collection system and wastewater treatment plant.
Veolia Maintenance and Collections Manager. Mitchell Hendricks; 601 Canal Blvd., Richmond, CA; (510) 412-2001; [email protected].
Veolia’s Maintenance and Collections Manager oversees field operations and maintenance activities including spill response, prepares and implements contingency plans, leads emergency response, provides relevant information to Veolia Water’s management team, investigates and reports spills to the City, and trains field crews. The Maintenance and Collections Manager makes all reports to the City, SWRCB, RWQCB, County Department of Environmental Health Services (EHS), Contra Costa County Flood Control District (CCCFCD), California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and OES as appropriate.
Veolia Collection System Planner/Scheduler.601 Canal Blvd., Richmond, CA Veolia Water’s Collection System Planner/Scheduler works directly with the Underground Asset Management Group and Veolia Maintenance and Collections Manager to plan, estimate, and prioritize operation and maintenance tasks and project work based on the established performance measurements and benchmarks. The Planner/Scheduler also coordinates emergency response work with the Veolia Maintenance and Collections Manager.
Veolia Collection System Field Crew. Veolia Water’s Field Crew performs preventive maintenance activities and mobilizes and responds to blockages and spills. The Field Crew operates the inspection and sewer cleaning equipment, bypass pumping equipment, portable generators, and other equipment used to maintain the collection system.
The structure of the City and Veolia Water team for RMSD is shown in Figure 2-1. This organization chart also identifies the reporting lines between Veolia and the City of Richmond, and between Veolia, the City, and regulatory agencies. This figure is under review by the City and will be updated by December 31, 2026, if necessary.
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Figure 2-1. RMSD Sewer Collection System Organization Chart
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Table 2-1. SSMP Responsibilities
SSMP Element Responsible Position
1. Goals and Introduction • The City Manager leads staff in the implementation of the City’s goals.
2. Organization • The Deputy Director of Public Works/City Engineer updates the organizational structure, manages SSMP implementation assignments, and amends spill response and reporting chains of communication, as needed.
3. Legal Authority • The City Manager upholds the City Ordinance and drafts new ordinances as needed.
4. Operations & Maintenance • The Deputy Director of Public Works/City Engineer manages the City’s resources and budget.
• The Project Coordinator manages outreach to plumbers and building contractors.
• The Veolia Maintenance and Collections Manager manages Veolia’s resources and budget, preventive maintenance, contingency equipment and replacement inventories, training, collection system map, project inspections, and condition assessments.
5. Design and Performance
Provisions
• The Deputy Director of Public Works/City Engineer reviews design and construction documents to ensure that all construction projects meet the City’s standards. The WRR Manager also updates standards for installation, rehabilitation and repair, as needed.
6. Spill
Emergency Response Plan
• The Veolia Maintenance and Collections Manager implements the Spill Emergency Response Plan, makes revisions to the plan, and conducts regular training for maintenance crew members.
7. Sewer Pipe Blockage Control
Program
• The Veolia Maintenance and Collections Manager and the Collection System Planner/Scheduler identify grease hot spots and maintain an effective cleaning program for grease problem sewers. The City Source Control Superintendent inspects grease interceptors/traps that have been installed at non-residential locations and enforces discharge regulations, as needed.
8. System Evaluation, Capacity
Assurance and Capital
Improvements
• The Deputy Director of Public Works/City Engineer establishes and assesses capacity requirements for the RMSD collection system and manages implementation of the System Evaluation and Capacity Assurance Plan that was completed by Veolia. The Deputy Director of Public Works/City Engineer also endorses the City’s long-term Capital Improvement Plan as developed by Veolia, including updating City CIP budgets and schedules.
9. Monitoring, Measurement
and Program Modifications
• The Deputy Director of Public Works/City Engineer and Veolia Maintenance and Collections Manager monitor implementation and assess success of the SSMP program elements, including identifying trends in spills, and reporting progress to the City Manager.
10. Internal Audits • The Deputy Director of Public Works/City Engineer oversees annual SSMP audits.
11. Communication Plan • The Deputy Director of Public Works/City Engineer, City Manager, and Veolia Maintenance and Collections Manager communicate with the public and nearby agencies regarding the RMSD SSMP.
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2.2 CHAIN OF COMMUNICATION FOR REPORTING
The following chain of communication is also shown in the diagram on Figure 2-2.
A. During Normal Business Hours
• During normal business hours, telephone calls reporting spills are received at Veolia Water’s office, either directly or via the City or 9-1-1. Calls are dispatched by the Collection System Planner/Scheduler to the Field Crew.
• The Field Crew responds to the spill site within a target range of 30 minutes to one hour and evaluates the severity of the spill.
• The Field Crew relays the information to the Veolia Maintenance and Collections Manager, who in turn immediately determines if the California Office of Emergency Services (“OES”) should be notified.
• The Veolia Maintenance and Collections Manager communicates spill details to the Collection Planner/ Scheduler as soon as possible after arrival on site and regularly during the spill response.
Information is recorded electronically on the Veolia handheld field devices, and conveyed to the City via a combination of telephone and email communication.
B. During Non-Business Hours
• After normal business hours, the Field Crew receives spill calls from the Veolia Water office answering service and responds to the spill site within one hour. • The Field Crew designee relays the information to the Veolia Maintenance and Collections Manager, who immediately determines if OES should be notified. • The Veolia Maintenance and Collections Manager communicates spill details to the Collection System Planner/Scheduler.
2.3 REGULATORY REPORTING
The Collection System Planner/Scheduler is the primary data submitter responsible for spill reporting.
• Within two hours of becoming aware of any Category 1 spill greater than or equal to 1,000 gallons discharged to surface water or spilled in a location where it probably will be discharged to surface water, the Veolia Maintenance and Collections Manager or the Collections System Planner/Scheduler will notify the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and obtain a notification control number. • Category 1 Spill: Veolia Collection System Planner/Scheduler submits draft report in CIWQS within three days of becoming aware of the spill and Richmond’s LRO will certify within 15 calendar days of the spill end date.
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• Category 2 Spill: Veolia Collection System Planner/Scheduler submits draft report within 3 business days of becoming aware of the spill and Richmond’s LRO will certify within 15 calendar days of the spill end date.
• Category 3 Spill: Veolia Collection System Planner/Scheduler submits report within 15 calendar days of the end of month in which spill the occurred. Richmond LRO will certify within 30 calendar days of the end of the month in which the spill occurred. • Spill Technical Report: Richmond’s LRO submits the certified report within 45 calendar days after the end date of any Category 1 spill in which 50,000 gallons or greater are spilled to surface waters.
• “No Spill” Certification: Richmond’s LRO will certify that no spills occurred within 30 calendar days of the end of the month or, if reporting quarterly, the quarter in which no spills occurred.
• Collection System Questionnaire: Richmond’s LRO will update and certify every 12 months.
Figure 2-2 shows the Veolia and RMSD Chain of Communication for responding to and reporting overflows.
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Figure 2-2. Chain of Communication
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2.4 APPENDIX A – ELEMENT 2 DOCUMENTS
Appendix A includes the following documents related to this section. The information in these documents will change from time to time, and the documents in Appendix A may have been superseded. Please contact the City Deputy Director of Public Works/City Engineer for the most recent updates to the Appendix A documents.
• City Staff First Responder and Contract Responder Names and Contact Numbers • Emergency Contact List
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ELEMENT 3 - LEGAL AUTHORITY
This element of the SSMP discusses the City’s Legal Authority provided through the Richmond Municipal Code (RMC).
SWRCB Waste Discharge Requirement:
Each Enrollee must demonstrate, through sanitary sewer system use ordinances, service agreements, or other legally binding procedures, that it possesses the necessary legal authority to:
• Prevent illicit discharges into its sanitary sewer system from inflow and infiltration (I&I); unauthorized stormwater; chemical dumping; unauthorized debris; roots; fats, oils, and grease; and trash, including rags and other debris that may cause blockages; • Collaborate with storm sewer agencies to coordinate emergency spill responses, ensure access to storm sewer systems during spill events, and prevent unintentional cross connections of sanitary sewer infrastructure to storm sewer infrastructure; • Require that sewers and connections be properly designed and constructed; • Ensure access for maintenance, inspection, or repairs for portions of the service lateral owned or maintained by the Public Agency;
• Enforce any violation of its sewer ordinances, service agreements, or other legally binding procedures; and
• Obtain easement accessibility agreements for locations requiring sewer system operations and maintenance, as applicable.
3.1 LEGAL AUTHORITY TO ENFORCE SSMP REQUIREMENTS
The RMSD is regulated by several agencies of the United States Government and the State of California, pursuant to the provisions of Federal and State Law. Federal and State Laws including, but not limited to the following, grant to the City the authority to regulate and/or prohibit, by the adoption of an ordinance and by issuance of control mechanisms, the discharge of any waste, directly or indirectly, to the Richmond Municipal Sewer District sewerage facilities.
1) Federal Water Pollution Control Act, commonly known as the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C.
Section 1251 et seq.);
2) California Porter Cologne Water Quality Act (California Water Code Section 13000 et seq.);
3) California Health & Safety Code Sections 25100 to 25250; 4) Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (42 U.S.C. Section 6901 et seq.); and
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5) California Government Code, Sections 54739-54740.
Through the RMC, the City possesses the necessary legal authority. The relevant RMC Chapters are included in Appendix B and available at the City of Richmond website (ci.richmond.ca.us), along with the City’s Municipal Code. The City’s legal authority is further described below.
3.1.1 Prevention of Illicit Discharges
The City’s Sewer Use Ordinance comprises RMC Article XII, Chapter 12.18, “Discharges to the Wastewater Treatment System” and RMC Article XII, Chapter 12.17, “Sanitary Sewer Connections.” RMC Chapter 12.18 establishes the City’s authority related to the prevention of illicit discharges to the sewer system. Also, Article XII, Chapter 12.22, “Stormwater Management and Discharge Control” addresses stormwater discharges to the sewer system as noted below.
RMC Section 12.18.020.1 “Prohibited Discharge Standards” A. General Prohibitions. No user shall introduce or cause to be introduced into the WPCP any pollutant or wastewater which causes pass through or interference. These general prohibitions apply to all users of the WPCP whether or not they are subject to Categorical Pretreatment Standards or any other Federal, State, or local Pretreatment Standards or Requirements.
B. Specific Prohibitions. No user shall introduce or cause to be introduced into the WPCP the following pollutants, substances, or wastewater:
(1) Pollutants which create a fire or explosive hazard in the WPCP, including, but not limited to, waste streams with a closed-cup flashpoint of less than 140 degrees F (60 degrees C) using the test methods specified in 40 CFR Part 261.21.
Closed-cup flashpoint values may be found in the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards; (2) Wastewater having a pH less than 6.0 or more than 10.0, or otherwise causing corrosive structural damage to the POTW or equipment;
(3) Solid or viscous substances, such as, but not limited to, grease, garbage with particles greater than one-half (0.5) inch in any dimension, animal guts or tissues, paunch manure, bones, hair, hides or fleshing, entrails, whole blood, feathers, ashes, cinders, sands, spent lime, stone or marble dust, metal, glass, straw, shavings, grass clippings, rags spent grains, spent hops, waste paper, wood, plastics, gas, tar, asphalt residues, residues from refining or processing of fuel or lubricating oil, mud, glass grindings, or polishing wastes, in amounts which will cause obstruction of the flow in the WPCP resulting in interference;
(4) Pollutants, including oxygen-demanding pollutants (BOD, etc.), released in a discharge at a flow rate and/or pollutant concentration which, either singly or by interaction with other pollutants, will cause interference with the WPCP; (5) Wastewater having a temperature greater than 140 degrees F (60 degrees C), or which will inhibit biological activity in the treatment plant resulting in interference, but in no case wastewater which causes the temperature at the introduction into the treatment plant Sewer System Management Plan
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to exceed 104 degrees F (40 degrees C);
(6) Petroleum oil, non-biodegradable cutting oil, or products of mineral origin, in amounts that will cause interference or pass through;
(7) Pollutants which result in the presence of toxic gases, vapors, or fumes within the WPCP in a quantity that may cause acute worker health and safety problems; (8) Trucked or hauled pollutants, except at discharge points designated by the City Manager in accordance with Section 12.18.030.5 of this ordinance; (9) Noxious or malodorous liquids, gases, solids, or other wastewater which, either singly or by interaction with other wastes, are sufficient to create a public nuisance or a hazard to life, or to prevent entry into the sewers for maintenance or repair; (10) Pollutants that impart color, which cannot be removed by the treatment process, such as, but not limited to, dye wastes and vegetable tanning solutions. (11) Wastewater containing any radioactive wastes or isotopes except in compliance with applicable State or Federal regulations;
(12) Storm water, surface water, groundwater, artesian well water, roof runoff, subsurface drainage, swimming pool drainage, condensate, deionized water, non-contact cooling water, and unpolluted wastewater, unless specifically authorized by the City Manager; (13) Sludges, screenings, or other residue from the pretreatment of industrial wastes; (14) Medical wastes, except as specifically authorized by the City Manager in a wastewater discharge permit;
(15) Wastewater causing, alone or in conjunction with other sources, the treatment plant’s effluent to fail toxicity test;
(16) Detergents, surface-active agents, or other substances that might cause excessive foaming in the WPCP;
(17) Wastewater causing two readings on an explosion hazard meter at the point of discharge into the sanitary sewer system, or at any point in the WPCP, of more than five percent (5%) as hexane or any single reading over ten percent (10%) of the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) of the meter. LEL values may be found in the NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. Prohibited materials include, but are not limited to, gasoline, kerosene, naphtha, ethers, alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, peroxides, chlorates, perchlorates, bromates, carbides, hydrides, and sulfides.
Pollutants, substances, or wastewater prohibited by this Section shall not be processed or stored in such a manner that they could be discharged to the WPCP.
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RMC 12.18.030.2 “Fats, Oils, and Grease”.
This Section establishes the City’s FOG Program, which comprises the following. The City’s FOG management program is discussed further in Section 7.
A. Requirements for fats, oils, and grease interceptors B. FOG Management Program permit which enables City staff right of entry to inspect the facility
C. Parameters warranting inspection
D. Responsibility for overflow
RMC 12.22.060 “Prohibited Discharges”.
A. The release of non-stormwater discharges to the City stormwater system is prohibited.
B. The discharge of stormwater from premises or an activity that causes or contributes to a violation of receiving water limitations in the City's NPDES permit is prohibited.
C. The following discharges are exempt from the prohibition set forth in subsection (a) above:
(1) Any discharge in compliance with a NPDES permit issued to the discharger; (2) Flows from riparian habitats and wetlands, diverted stream flows, springs, rising groundwater and uncontaminated groundwater infiltration.
D. The following discharges are exempt from the prohibitions set forth in subsection (a) above if the Regional Water Quality Control Board approves the exempted category under Section C. 11. of the City's NPDES permit: uncontaminated pumped groundwater, foundation drains, water from crawl space pumps, footing drains, air conditioning condensate, irrigation water, landscape irrigation, lawn or garden watering, planned and unplanned discharges from potable water sources, water line and hydrant flushing, individual residential car washing, discharges or flows from emergency fire-fighting activities, and dechlorinated swimming pool discharges.
3.1.2 Collaborate with Storm Sewer Agencies
The City and its contract operator, Veolia Water, manage the storm sewer system; sewer and stormwater personnel collaborate to coordinate response efforts during sewer spills. A separate ordinance is not required for collaboration with outside storm sewer agencies.
3.1.3 Proper Design and Construction of Sewers and Connections The following Sections of the RMC establish the requirement that sewers and connections must be properly designed and constructed.
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RMC 12.16.010 “Sewer and Water Pipe Connections Required” All property owners owning or controlling property facing upon any of the streets or avenues of the City of Richmond shall lay or cause to be laid all necessary sewer and water pipe connections with the mains before said streets or avenues are bituminized, macadamized, or otherwise permanently improved.
RMC 12.16.020 “Connections Required Every Separate Lot” Every separate lot of twenty-five feet or more or any two lots adjoining shall be connected with the mains as provided in Section 12.16.010.
RMC 12.17.020 “Sewer Connections Required”
Property owners shall provide connections to the sanitary sewer system in accordance with Richmond Municipal Code Sections 12.16.010 and 12.16.020, as those Sections may be amended from time to time.
In addition, the City has developed standard design standards and specifications for sewer pipelines, appurtenances, connections, trenches, and other details. These standards are available on the City’s website and are discussed further in Element 5 of this SSMP.
3.1.4 Responsibility for Private Laterals
RMC Chapter 12.17 establishes the property owner’s responsibility for the sewer lateral, which is privately-owned up to and including the connection to the City’s sewer system.
RMC 12.17.040 “Standards for Sewer Laterals and Appurtenant Facilities” A. Every property owner shall perform all required maintenance and keep the lateral(s) and private sewer main(s), if any, connecting the premises on his or her property to the City's sanitary sewer system in good condition.
B. Every lateral shall meet the following minimum requirements:
(1) It shall be kept free from roots, grease deposits, and other solids which may impede the flow or obstruct the transmission of waste.
(2) All joints shall be tight and all pipes shall be sound and free from structural defects, cracks, breaks, openings, and missing portions to prevent ex-filtration by waste or infiltration by groundwater or stormwater.
(3) The grade of every lateral shall be uniform without sags or offsets. (4) It shall have a two-way cleanout located at or near the property line or at or near the sewer main easement. All cleanouts shall be securely capped at all times. (5) It shall be equipped with a backflow valve or overflow device.
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(6) In conjunction with a lateral serving a structure in which there are plumbing fixtures at an elevation too low to permit drainage by gravity from the fixtures to the sewer main, the property owner shall install and maintain a pump or other appropriate device or devices to lift the contents of the sewer lateral to the City's sanitary sewer system. Such devices shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the Uniform Building and Plumbing Codes and all applicable provisions of the Richmond Municipal Code, and shall be subject to testing, repair and replacement under the provisions of this Section governing sewer laterals.
3.1.5 Access for Maintenance, Inspection & Repairs
The Sewer Use Ordinance establishes the City’s authority to enter buildings and property for the purpose of protecting the public sewer system and enforcing provisions of the Municipal Code:
RMC 12.17.120 “Right of Entry”
The City Manager, or his or her designee, may enter, inspect, collect wastewater samples, and test any buildings, structures, or premises to secure compliance or prevent a violation of any portion of this Section. Unless there is an emergency threatening the public health, safety or welfare, the City Manager shall provide at least ten (10) business days’ notice to the property owner of intent to enter upon property. The City Manager may also request that a property owner provide all written records of lateral inspection, maintenance, repair and replacement at the time of inspection or within ten (10) or more business days after receipt of the request.
3.1.6 Enforcement Measures
The Sewer Use Ordinance describes the various enforcement measures available to the City to enforce the terms of the RMC.
RMC 12.18.100 “Administrative Enforcement Remedies” et. seq RMC Section 12.18.100 describes the administrative enforcement remedies for non-compliance with the RMC, beginning with Section 12.18.100.1Notification of Violation, which states:
When the City Manager finds that a user has violated, or continues to violate, any provision of this Section, a wastewater discharge permit, or order issued hereunder, or any other Pretreatment Standard or Requirement, the City Manager may serve upon that user a written Notice of Violation. Within fourteen (14) days of the receipt of such notice, an explanation of the violation and a plan for the satisfactory correction and prevention thereof, to include specific required actions, shall be submitted by the user to the City Manager. Submission of such a plan in no way relieves the user of liability for any violations occurring before or after receipt of the Notice of Violation. Nothing in this section shall limit the authority of the City Manager to take any action, including emergency actions or any other enforcement actions, without first issuing a Notice of Violation.
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RMC Section 12.18.110 describes judicial enforcement remedies and RMC Section 12.18.120 describes supplemental enforcement actions such as fines and penalties.
RMC Section 12.18.030.2 “Fats, Oils & Grease, ” establishes the City’s authority to enforce the FOG program.
RMC 12.18.030.2 “Fats, Oils & Grease ”, Section H
Pursuant of this Section and/or lawful direction from the City, any user who fails to maintain a grease interceptor or grease trap shall be subject to enforcement procedures set forth in Sections
12.18.100, 12.18.110, and/or 12.18.120 of this Section. Enforcement actions may be initiated if the user fails to maintain, pump, and/or institute a proper grease or flammable substance reduction program and/or providing appropriate employee training.
This Section also provides the City with the power to disconnect the individual user from the RMSD system, and to require the user to deposit the cost of disconnection and reconnection with the City before the service is reconnected.
3.2 INTERAGENCY AGREEMENTS AND SATELLITE SYSTEMS
The RMSD does not collect wastewater from satellite systems, and therefore does not have any agreements with satellite sewer collection agencies.
3.3 APPENDIX B – ELEMENT 3 DOCUMENTS
Appendix B includes the following documents related to this section. The information in these documents will change from time to time, and the documents in Appendix B may have been superseded. Please contact the Deputy Director of Public Works/City Engineer for the most recent updates to the Appendix B documents.
• Richmond Municipal Code Applicable Sections from Article VI, Building Regulations and Article XII, Public Works
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ELEMENT 4 - OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
This section of the SSMP discusses the RMSD mapping, operations, preventive maintenance, inspection, training and outreach activities.
SWRCB Waste Discharge Requirement:
The Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) must include those elements listed below that are appropriate and applicable to the Enrollee’s system:
• An up-to-date map of the sanitary sewer system, showing all gravity line segments and manholes, pumping facilities, pressure pipes and valves, and applicable stormwater conveyance facilities;
• Scheduling and data collection system for preventive operation and maintenance activities by staff and contractors, including a system for scheduling regular inspections and maintenance of the sanitary sewer system with more frequent cleaning and maintenance targeted at known problem areas including tree root areas; • Regular visual and closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspections of manholes and sewer pipes;
• Internal and external training on a regular basis for staff and contractors in sanitary sewer system operations and maintenance; and
• Inventory of equipment and replacement parts, including identification of critical replacement parts.
4.1 RMSD COLLECTION SYSTEM MAPPING DESCRIPTION
Veolia and the RMSD currently use Geographic Information System (GIS) software to create and maintain maps of the sewer collection system facilities. The GIS geodatabase includes gravity line segments and manholes, pumping facilities, and force main pipes, The GIS records pipe length, direction of flow, manhole numbers, most pipe diameters, rim and invert elevations, and materials when known.
The RMSD sewer map grid system, which accompanies the RMSD sewer map book, is included in Appendix C. The map books contain individual map sheets printed at 1”=300’ scale. Maps are updated regularly within GIS by Veolia, and updates are transferred approximately monthly to the City’s GIS department.
The City and Veolia are completing a project to document stormwater facilities in GIS. The known facilities are included as a separate layer in the RMSD maps described above.
4.2 PREVENTIVE OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES
The City’s contract with Veolia requires cleaning all parts of the sewer collection system on a four-year cycle. Veolia must also develop and maintain a Hot Spots list for areas requiring more frequent maintenance. Pipeline maintenance is planned according to this schedule, and prioritized through field experience. The City’s contract with Veolia requires the development of a System Cleaning Plan. This plan must be updated every three years in order to incorporate new information. Veolia maintains internal documentation on maintenance activities and prioritization plans, and is developing a formal summary Sewer System Management Plan
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document for presentation to the City in 2017.
Veolia uses hydro-cleaning and other methods to clean the sanitary sewer system, and herbicide chemical treatment application (via contract) and cutting to manage root intrusions. Pipes with known spills are placed on a one-year hot spot list. If recurring spills occur, this segment is elevated to a more frequent cleaning schedule (1-, 3-, 6- or 9-month schedule). Appendix C includes a map showing Veolia’s cleaning schedule and a second map showing the segments on the current Hot Spot list.
The City and Veolia have initiated a study to determine whether spills related to roots, debris, and other solids require a formal pipe blockage control program. This analysis evaluates spills that have occurred over the past five years, their cause and whether this cause has been addressed through maintenance or repair, and whether the location has a history of spills. The results of this analysis will be documented in the SSMP by December 31, 2026.
Veolia conducts emergency repairs to the sewer system when failure appears imminent, in situations that may involve public and employee health and/or safety issues, and in situations that may involve property or liability damages. These repairs are discussed with the City in advance of completing the work. All other repairs must be prioritized by Veolia and pre-authorized by the City. Veolia is also required to inspect manholes and include the inspection results as an integral part of the system documentation.
Veolia currently inspects manholes as part of the CCTV inspection process. Photo and video documentation are taken from the street level into the manhole, and from the pipeline up and out of the manhole. Structural defects are noted during the visual inspection. Veolia documents manhole inspections using an electronic form on their field tablet. This form is included in Appendix C.
To supplement pipeline assessment, repair and replacement, Veolia’s maintenance program includes hydrogen sulfide monitoring and control, easement maintenance at lift stations, and electronic monitoring of lift stations through the use of the plant SCADA. Weekly lift station checks are conducted to determine the physical condition of equipment. If authorized, Veolia also provides temporary repairs to landscaping, driveways, and final roads including grading, seeding, and sod replacement after pipe repairs.
Gravity pipeline maintenance assets and activities are included in Veolia’s computerized maintenance management system (CMMS), which uses Innovyze® InfoNet™ CMMS software. Pump station data is maintained in a separate CMMS system named Oracle Work and Asset Management (OWAM).
InfoNet™ and OWAM generate work orders for sewer system and pump station preventive maintenance, respectively, and store the resulting findings and recommendations.
4.3 VISUAL AND CLOSED-CIRCUIT TELEVISION INSPECTION
Veolia conducts all CCTV inspections for the RMSD system. CCTV data is collected in digital format with fully equipped CCTV vehicles, using pan-and-tilt cameras. Veolia’s inspection program uses the National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO) Pipeline Assessment and Certification Program (PACP)) defect rating systems. In addition to evaluating each defect, the program assigns a PACP “Quick Rating” for each pipe segment. The quick rating indicates the number of occurrences for the two highest severity grades for each pipe segment for either maintenance or structural defects.
The contract with Veolia requires the completion of CCTV inspection every ten years. The inspection results must be fully documented so that they support the development of a prioritized CIP. Veolia must then work with the City to prepare annual budgets for repairing the Collection System.
Sewer System Management Plan
OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
Richmond Municipal Sewer District Page 4-3
4.4 TRAINING ON SANITARY SEWER OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE Veolia provides sewer maintenance and customer service training to its employees, through either classroom or on-the-job exercises. Veolia also provides monthly safety training based on an established schedule.
The City and Veolia has recently expanded this training to include the contents of the SSMP and the Overflow Emergency Response Plan. Recipients also include City employees that are responsible for implementing the various elements of this SSMP.
Records are kept of all training that is provided by Veolia in support of the SSMP. The records include the date, time, place, content, name of trainer(s) and names of attendees.
Veolia also provides focused training on CIWQS electronic reporting procedures to staff responsible for submitting spill data, and trains field operators in the accurate estimation of spill volumes during emergency response scenarios and drills. These trainings ensure that field staff are compliant with the requirements of the Statewide General Order.
4.5 INVENTORY OF EQUIPMENT AND REPLACEMENT PARTS
The current collection systems equipment inventory, as maintained by Veolia, is listed below. • Three (3) Vacuum and Jetter Trucks; two of these trucks are provided by the City as part of the contract between the City and Veolia.
• One (1) Rodder Truck
• Three (3) Video Trucks
• Two (2) Traffic Utility Trucks
• One (1) Small Gas Generator
• One (1) 6” Portable Bypass Pump
• One (1) 3” Honda Portable Pump
The inventory of critical replacement parts is stored in a CMMS named Oracle Work and Asset Management (OWAM) and is published as a component of Appendix C.
4.6 APPENDIX C – ELEMENT 4 DOCUMENTS
Appendix C includes the following documents related to this section. The information in these documents will change from time to time, and the documents in Appendix C may have been superseded. Please contact the Deputy Director of Public Works/City Engineer for the most recent updates to the Appendix C documents.
• Richmond Municipal Sewer District Sewer Map Grid
Sewer System Management Plan
OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
Richmond Municipal Sewer District Page 4-4
• Current Fiscal Year Sewer Related Budget
• Maps Showing Cleaning Schedule, Hot Spot Preventive Maintenance Program, and CCTV Inspection Plan
• Manhole Inspection Form
Sewer System Management Plan
DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
Richmond Municipal Sewer District Page 5-1
ELEMENT 5 - DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE PROVISIONS
This section of the SSMP discusses the City’s design and construction standards.
SWRCB Waste Discharge Requirement:
• 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 • Procedures and standards for inspecting and testing the installation of new sewers, pumps, and other appurtenances and for rehabilitation and repair projects.
5.1 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS FOR INSTALLATION, REHABILITATION,
AND REPAIR
The City of Richmond standards for the design and construction for the installation of sewer system components and for rehabilitation and repair of existing are specified in part in the Richmond Municipal Code, Article VI Building Regulations Chapters 6.02, 6.04, 6.20 and 6.28 reference the appropriate electrical, mechanical, building and other adopted codes and standards that apply to City construction.
RMC Chapters 12.24, 12.28, 12.30, 12.32, 12.36, 12.44 and 12.48 describe standards for public works construction including roads, sidewalks, utilities, pipes, earthwork and other related construction. Legal authority for enforcing the design and construction standards is provided by City Chapter 1.04 Adoption of Code – Construction of Provisions – Enforcement.
In addition to the RMC requirements, the City Engineering Services Division has developed standalone design and construction standards for pipeline projects. The design criteria includes pipe materials, minimum sizes, minimum cover, strength, minimum slope, trench and backfill requirements, structure standards and other factors.
Design criteria for specific pump stations and pressurized pipes are not included in the Standard Specifications and are established on a facility-by-facility basis by the respective design engineer for each project. Inspection and testing procedures for these facilities follow project-specific requirements developed by the design engineer and are subject to review by the City. Hydraulic capacity needs are discussed in Element 8, Capacity Assurance. The City has adopted a 10-year, 24-hour storm as its design storm.
The Municipal Code Sections are included as part of Element 3, in Appendix B. The City’s design and construction standards are included in Appendix D.
5.2 PROCEDURES AND STANDARDS FOR INSPECTION, TESTING, REHABILITATION AND REPAIR
City of Richmond design standards establish the standards that the City follows when inspecting and testing new or rehabilitated sewers, pump stations, and other appurtenances. For small maintenance projects, inspections are provided by Veolia staff. For larger projects, inspection services may be provided through a joint effort from the City’s engineering consultant and Veolia or by other persons(s) appointed by the City. Testing is normally conducted by the contractor, with the inspector Sewer System Management Plan
DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
Richmond Municipal Sewer District Page 5-2
observing to verify that all requirements are met.
5.3 APPENDIX D – ELEMENT 5 DOCUMENTS
Appendix D includes the City of Richmond Design and Construction Standards. The information in this document will change from time to time, and the document in Appendix D may have been superseded.
Sewer System Management Plan
SPILL EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
Richmond Municipal Sewer District 6-Intro
ELEMENT 6 – SPILL EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
The City updated the Spill Emergency Response Plan (“SERP”) in May 2023, as required by the Statewide WDR. The following SERP has been updated to reflect the current staff involved in spill response, if different than May 2023.
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SPILL EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
Richmond Municipal Sewer District 6-Intro
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Sewer System Management Plan
SPILL EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
City of Richmond / Veolia Water
SPILL EMERGENCY
RESPONSE PLAN
(SERP)
Updated April 2026
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SPILL EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
6.1 SWRCB REQUIREMENTS ......................................................................................................... 6-5
6.2 SPILL EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN GOALS ............................................................................ 6-5
6.3 SPILL CATEGORIES ................................................................................................................. 6-6
6.4 SPILL NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES ......................................................................................... 6-7
6.4.1 Normal Working Hours ............................................................................................................... 6-8
6.4.2 After Normal Working Hours ...................................................................................................... 6-8
6.4.3 Notification from Pump Station SCADA Alarms ........................................................................... 6-8
6.5 STAFF AND CONTRACTOR TRAINING .................................................................................... 6-10
6.6 RESPONSE PROGRAM .......................................................................................................... 6-10
6.6.1 First Responder Priorities ......................................................................................................... 6-11
6.6.2 Initial Response ........................................................................................................................ 6-11
6.6.3 External Spill Response ............................................................................................................. 6-12
6.6.4 Internal Spill Response (Residential Sewage Backup) .............................................................. 6-13
6.6.5 Pump Station Spill Response .................................................................................................... 6-13
6.6.6 Storm Sewer Coordination ....................................................................................................... 6-14
6.6.7 Recovery and Cleanup .............................................................................................................. 6-14
6.7 IMPACT TO WATERS OF THE STATE ...................................................................................... 6-15
6.7.1 Water Quality Sampling ........................................................................................................... 6-16
6.7.2 Receiving Water Visual Observations ...................................................................................... 6-17
6.7.3 Spill-Specific Monitoring Requirements ................................................................................... 6-18
6.7.4 Spill Technical Report ............................................................................................................... 6-18
6.8 CONTAINMENT OR BYPASS .................................................................................................. 6-19
6.9 SPILL NOTIFICATION SIGNAGE ............................................................................................. 6-20
6.10 TRAFFIC AND CROWD CONTROL ...................................................................................... 6-20
6.11 SPILL FAILURE ANALYSIS .................................................................................................. 6-20
6.12 SPILL DOCUMENTATION .......................................................................................................... 6-21
6.12.1 Responsibilities ..................................................................................................................... 6-22
6.12.2 Spill Event Complaints .......................................................................................................... 6-22 Sewer System Management Plan
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Richmond Municipal Sewer District Page 6-2
6.12.3 Recordkeeping of Category 4 Spills ...................................................................................... 6-22
6.12.4 Recordkeeping for Total Annual Spill Information ............................................................... 6-23
6.12.5 Sewer System Telemetry Records......................................................................................... 6-23
6.12.6 Sewer System Management Plan Implementation Records ................................................ 6-24
6.12.7 Audit Records ....................................................................................................................... 6-24
6.12.8 Equipment Records .............................................................................................................. 6-24
6.12.9 Work Orders ........................................................................................................................ 6-24
6.12.10 Spill Specific Monitoring (Documentation) .......................................................................... 6-24
6.12.10.1 Spill Location and Spread ............................................................................................. 6-24
6.12.10.2 Spill Volume Estimation ............................................................................................... 6-25
6.12.11 Other Records ....................................................................................................................... 6-25
6.13 SPILL REPORTING ............................................................................................................. 6-25
6.13.1 Multiple Appearance Points – Single Spill ............................................................................ 6-28
6.13.2 2-Hour Notification to Regulatory Agencies of Spills ........................................................... 6-28
6.13.3 Detailed Reporting Requirements ........................................................................................ 6-29
6.13.3.1 Category 1 Spills ........................................................................................................... 6-29
6.13.3.2 Category 2 Spills ........................................................................................................... 6-32
6.13.3.3 Category 3 and 4 Spills ................................................................................................. 6-32
6.13.3.4 Monthly Certification of “No-Spills” or “Category 4 Spills” ......................................... 6-34
6.14 CIWQS NOT AVAILABLE .................................................................................................... 6-35
6.15 EQUIPMENT ..................................................................................................................... 6-35
6.16 CONTRACTORS WORKING ON CITY SEWER FACILITIES ...................................................... 6-35
6.17 TRAINING ......................................................................................................................... 6-35
6.17.1 Initial and Annual Refresher Training .................................................................................. 6-36
6.17.2 Spill Response Drills .............................................................................................................. 6-36
6.17.3 Spill Training Record Keeping ............................................................................................... 6-36
6.18 ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE SPILL EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN .......................................... 6-36
6.19 APPENDIX E – ELEMENT 6 DOCUMENTS ........................................................................... 6-37
Sewer System Management Plan
SPILL EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
Richmond Municipal Sewer District Page 6-3
TABLES
Table 6-1 Statewide WDR Spill Categories
Table 6-2 Information to Gather from Caller of Potential Spill Table 6-3 Sampling Locations for Spills 50,000 Gallons or Greater Table 6-4 Key Deadlines for Spill Reporting
Table 6-5 Regulatory Reporting Requirements
Table 6-6 Category 1 and 2 CIWQS Draft Spill Report – Required Information Table 6-7 Category 1 and 2 CIWQS Spill Certification – Required Information Table 6-8 Category 3 CWQS Spill Certification – Required Information
FIGURES
Figure 6-1 Spill Notification and Response
Sewer System Management Plan
SPILL EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
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SPILL EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
Richmond Municipal Sewer District Page 6-5
ELEMENT 6 - SPILL EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
This section of the SSMP provides a summary of the Spill Emergency Response Plan (SERP) that was developed and is maintained by Veolia, and fulfills the Spill Emergency Response Plan requirements for both the RWQCB and the SWRCB Statewide Waste Discharge Requirements (WDR). Veolia also maintains a stand-alone version of the SERP document as required by the RWQCB.
6.1 SWRCB REQUIREMENTS
The City and Veolia must develop and implement a spill emergency response plan to ensure prompt detection and response to spills to reduce spill volumes and collect information for prevention of future spills. At a minimum, this plan must include procedures to:
• Notify primary responders, appropriate local officials, and appropriate regulatory agencies of a spill in a timely manner;
• Notify other potentially affected entities (for example, health agencies, water suppliers, etc.) of spills that potentially affect public health or reach waters of the State; • Comply with the notification, monitoring and reporting requirements of the WDR, State law and regulations, and applicable Regional Water Board Orders; • Ensure that appropriate staff and contractors implement the Spill Emergency Response Plan and are appropriately trained;
• Address emergency system operations, traffic control and other necessary response activities; • Contain a spill and prevent/minimize discharge to waters of the State or any drainage conveyance system;
• Minimize and remediate public health impacts and adverse impacts on beneficial uses of waters of the State;
• Remove sewage from the drainage conveyance system;
• Clean the spill area and drainage conveyance system in a manner that does not inadvertently impact beneficial uses in the receiving waters;
• Implement technologies, practices, equipment, and interagency coordination to expedite spill containment and recovery;
• Implement pre-planned coordination and collaboration with storm drain agencies and other utility agencies/departments prior, during, and after a spill event; • Conduct post-spill assessments of spill response activities; • Document and report spill events as required in the WDR; and • Annually, review and assess effectiveness of the Spill Emergency Response Plan, and update the Plan as needed.
6.2 SPILL EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN GOALS
The purpose of the Spill Emergency Response Plan is to support an orderly and effective response to Sewer System Management Plan
SPILL EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
Richmond Municipal Sewer District Page 6-6
Sanitary Sewer Spills. The Spill ERP provides guidelines for staff to follow in responding to, cleaning up, and reporting spills that may occur within the City’s service area.
The City’s goals with respect to responding to spills are:
• Respond quickly to minimize the volume of the spill
• Eliminate the cause of the spill
• Contain the spilled wastewater to the extent feasible • Minimize public contact with the spilled wastewater
• Mitigate the impact of the spill
• Meet regulatory reporting requirements
6.3 SPILL CATEGORIES
Four categories of spills, Categories 1 through 4, are defined in the Statewide WDR, as defined in Table
6.1 on the following page. For reporting purposes, the Statewide WDR also has requirements for a “No Spill” category.
All agencies that own or operate sanitary systems greater than one mile in length that collect and/or convey untreated or partially treated wastewater to a publicly owned treatment facility are required to report all spills, excluding private lateral spills.
Table 6-1 Statewide WDR Spill Categories
Category 1
• A spill of any volume of sewage from or caused
by a sanitary sewer system or publicly owned
lateral that results in a discharge to:
• A surface water, including a surface water
body that contains no flow or volume of water;
or
• A drainage conveyance system that discharges
to surface waters when the sewage is not fully
captured and returned to the sanitary sewer
system or disposed of properly.
Category 2 • A spill from a sewer main of 1,000 gallons or greater that does not discharge to a surface
water.
Category 3
• A spill from a sewer main of equal to or
greater than 50 gallons and less than 1,000
gallons that does not discharge to a surface
water.
Category 4 • A spill from a sewer main of less than 50
gallons that does not discharge to a surface
water.
Sewer System Management Plan
SPILL EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
Richmond Municipal Sewer District Page 6-7
6.4 SPILL NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES
The City and Veolia are most often notified of a spill by Veolia staff. However, on occasion, spills are called into a particular City department, after which City staff contact Veolia to execute a response.
Veolia learns of the spill through its crews, contractors, or a member of the public. When a member of the public notices an overflow or blockage, they report this occurrence to the Veolia spill hotline. The hotline is answered by Veolia staff at the Wastewater Treatment Plant (601 Canal Boulevard, Richmond, CA).
The Veolia number for reporting spills is (510) 412-2001.
Table 6.2 lists Information to be Collected from the Initial Call / Report.
Table 6-2 Information To Gather From Caller Of Potential Spill Call Notes from Potential Spill – Conversation Checklist • Date and time of call;
• Date and time the caller first noticed the spill, if available; • Specific location of the potential problem;
• Narrative description of the complaint, including any information the caller provided regarding whether the spill has reached surface waters or a drainage conveyance system, if available; • Caller’s contact information, if available; and
• Additional supportive information such as whether the caller smells any odor, or whether the appearance was at a cleanout or manhole would be beneficial. • Document on the same record the final resolution of the call.
The Veolia hotline is included in the telephone book and on the City’s website, which can be accessed through the url: http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us under the “Wastewater” tab.
Figure 6.1 on the following page provides a notification and response flow chart procedure for a spill occurrence.
The Veolia Field Crew, which includes the First Responder, arrives at the spill site within 30 minutes to one hour to perform an initial evaluation of the impact of the spill. The First Responder selects an approach that will result in the least environmental damage – deciding between clearing the blockage first or initiating spill containment measures. The First Responder reports the severity of the spill to both the Veolia Maintenance and Collections Manager and Veolia Underground Asset Management Group.
The Field Crew takes and sends pictures to the Maintenance and Collections Manager and Underground Asset Management Group. The Field Crew is responsible for calling for back-up support if a large volume of spill has the potential to reach the storm drain system and/or the San Francisco Bay.
The Veolia Manager or Veolia Maintenance and Collections Manager records the spill start time, and provides update as soon as flow is restored and the clean-up procedure begins. Immediate notification is a Sewer System Management Plan
SPILL EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
Richmond Municipal Sewer District Page 6-8
priority if the spill appears to be over 1,000 gallons, in a sensitive area, may imminently and substantially endanger human health, results in fish kills, if there is doubt regarding the extent, impact, or how to proceed, or if additional help is needed for line cleaning or repair, containment, recovery, lab analysis, and/or site cleanup.
Veolia staff make all reports to the regulatory agencies.
6.4.1 Normal Working Hours
Normal business hours are Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Service calls received during normal business hours are taken immediately by the Veolia Collection System Planner/Scheduler who fills out the service call report form and then dispatches the call to the Veolia Field Crew who will respond within 30 minutes to one hour of a spill event.
Upon arrival, the crew makes assessment, mitigates exposure and notifies the Veolia Maintenance and Collections Manager of all facts related to the spill. The Field Crew remains in close communication with the Veolia Maintenance and Collections Manager.
6.4.2 After Normal Working Hours
After normal business hours, service calls are taken by the Veolia Water Answering Service Center which relays the information to the Veolia Field Crew on-call representative, who responds within a one-hour time frame. The Veolia operator completes a standardized form available through the Infonet® mobile tablet that records start time of the incident and other information related to the spill.
All other communications procedures are similar to that of a spill during normal working hours.
6.4.3 Notification from Pump Station SCADA Alarms
Any spills associated with a lift station are detected and reported through the SCADA remove monitoring and Mission alarm system to the Veolia Field on call staff. Pump or equipment failure and high wet well levels produce alarms which may require a response depending on the circumstances. The on-call person would initiate a support response by the field crew as necessary. A lift station spill may also be relayed by the public to Veolia and addressed as described above.
In a non-emergency response situation, a Work Order to address the issue is provided through the plant CMMS program.
Sewer System Management Plan
SPILL EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
Richmond Municipal Sewer District Page 6-9
Figure 6-1 Spill Notification and Response
Sewer System Management Plan
SPILL EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
Richmond Municipal Sewer District Page 6-10
6.5 STAFF AND CONTRACTOR TRAINING
All Veolia personnel and contractor employees who may have a role in responding to, reporting and/or mitigating a spill receive training on the contents of the Spill ERP. All new employees receive training before they are placed in a position where they may have to respond. Current employees receive annual refresher training on this plan and the procedures to be followed.
Records are kept of all training that is provided in support of this plan. The records for all scheduled training courses and for each spill emergency response training event include date, time place, content, name of trainer(s) and names of attendees.
6.6 RESPONSE PROGRAM
Names and contact information for the Veolia spill responders are as listed below:
• Veolia Hotline: (510) 412-2001
• Veolia General Manager – Anderson Dill Cell: (510) 412-2001; [email protected] • Veolia Underground Asset Management Group - (925) 681-2304 • Veolia Maintenance and Collections Manager/Veolia Sewer Crew Supervisor – Mitchell Hendricks; Cell (510) 412-7942; [email protected] • Veolia Field Crew Cell Numbers:
o Armstrong, Ronnie (510) 812-2776
o Roos, Jason (510) 812-1173
o Wallis, David (510) 447-0220
o Lewis, Kenny (510) 932-1242
o Madison, Wayne (510) 542-3247
o Hill, Arlee (510) 829-2108
o Mendoza, Rafael (510) 334-4924
• In Case of Emergency: 911
• City Police Dispatch: (510) 233-1214
• Office of Emergency Services: (800) 852-7550
• City Manager: Shasa Curl; (510) 620-6512; [email protected] • City Deputy Director of Public Works /City Engineer: Robert Armijo; (510) 62 0-5477; [email protected]
• City Senior Compliance Inspector : Bradley Harms; (510) 307 -8094; [email protected]
Sewer System Management Plan
SPILL EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
Richmond Municipal Sewer District Page 6-11
• City Senior Administrative Analyst: Ana Crespin; (510) 307-8095; [email protected]
• Contractors:
o Bay Hawk, Inc.: (510) 776-5886
o Ghilotti Brothers: (415) 454-7011
o W.R. Forde: (510) 215-9338
o TMB, LLC: (707) 252-5480
o Sierra Pacific Loss Management (Bruce Burnett – Interior Cleaning): (707) 479-1375 o Rain for Rent (bypass pumping): (925) 679-2803
o DW Pumps: (510) 633-2040
• Regulatory Agencies:
o California Regional Water Quality Control Board: (510) 622-2369 o California Department of Fish and Game - Bay Delta Region: (707) 944-5500 o East Bay Regional Park District: (510) 633-0460
o Contra Costa County Health Services: (925) 692-2500
o California Office of Emergency Services: (916) 845-8506 / (800) 852-7550 • U.S. Coast Guard: (510) 437-3073
6.6.1 First Responder Priorities
The First Responder’s priorities are as follows:
• To follow safe work practices, including those related to traffic control, confined space, and employee and public safety.
• To respond promptly with the appropriate equipment.
• To evaluate the cause of spill and determine responsibility. • To restore the flow as soon as possible.
• To contain the spill whenever feasible.
• To minimize public access to and/or contact with the spilled sewage.
6.6.2 Initial Response
The First Responder must report to the spill location within 30 minutes to one hour of the initial spill report during business hours, and within one hour during non-business hours. The objective of the response is to minimize and/or eliminate the spill. The appropriate response measure will vary based on the circumstances and nature of the spill and the information provided by the caller. Actions related to external and internal spills are summarized below.
Veolia uses a computerized form to document the contact and response for each spill that occurs.
Separate forms are used for spill response and customer issues. These forms are included in Appendix E.
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Richmond Municipal Sewer District Page 6-12
Veolia has a variety of equipment available for clearing blockages and impact mitigation and cleanup activities, including the following:
• Three (3) Combination Sewer Cleaning Trucks (vacuum and jetter/hydroflush); two of these trucks are provided by the City as part of the contract between the City and Veolia. • One (1) Rodder Truck
• Two (2) CCTV Trucks
• Two (2) Traffic Utility Trucks
• One (1) 3” Honda Portable Pump
• One (1) 6” Portable by-pass pump, trailer mounted
6.6.3 External Spill Response
Upon arrival at the site, the First Responder should complete the following:
• Note notification time, crew arrival time, spill start time and end time and cleaning completion time; Crew completes the report through the use of Infonet® mobile tablet. • Verify the existence of the spill.
• Field-verify the address and nearest cross street, and confirm that the spill is part of the RMSD sewer/conveyance system.
• Conduct visual monitoring to determine immediate actions, starting with documentation of spill volume using the methods included in the SERP.
• Identify and clearly assess the affected area and extent of spill, including possible impacts on surface water. Where it is safe and practical, visually inspect surface water in the vicinity of the spill and record observations on the Infonet® mobile table t. Signs of receiving water impacts include clear signs of sewage (solids, grease, and paper), abnormal color, fish kills, etc. • Estimate spill volume using spill reporting guidelines in Appendix E. • Contain, mitigate, and minimize impacts from the spill. If the spill is the result of a blockage, and the blockage cannot be cleared expeditiously via hydro -cleaning from the downstream manhole, then clearing and vacuuming the blockage from the pipe, containment and/or bypass pumping must be initiated.
• If several efforts to clear blockage have failed, the Manager or Veolia Maintenance Manager must be immediately informed, who will in turn call up other employees and local contractors to initiate emergency repair to restore flow and also provide assistance to initiate spill containment or bypass pumping.
• In the event the spill should exceed 50,000 gallons, text and e -mail the City Source Control Superintendent, so the City can activate their Water Quality Monitoring Plan. Comply with all safety precautions (traffic, confined space, etc.).
• Contact caller. Identify spill cause, including conducting CCTV inspection as appropriate.
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• Document all activities through photos and written documentation.
6.6.4 Internal Spill Response (Residential Sewage Backup) Upon arrival at the location of a spill into a house or a building, the First Responder should evaluate and determine if the spill was caused by a blockage in the lateral or in the RMSD-owned sewer main. If a blockage is found in a property owner’s lateral, it should be clearly communicated to the homeowner that response and repair of private laterals is not the City’s responsibility. Additionally, Veolia’s Maintenance and Collections Manager is notified immediately if a sewage back up impacts a home or business owner within the dwelling. The homeowner is responsible for clearing any blockage or addressing a failure in the home's plumbing system or private lateral and for any resulting flood damage to the structure.
As a courtesy, Veolia crews will assist the homeowner in coordinating for the repair. However, Veolia and/or the City are not authorized to repair the private lateral at the City’s cost.
If a backup in the main line is found to have caused the spill in a house or building, the First Responder should take steps to address the issue as described above. An independent contractor hired by the City and/or Veolia is advised to follow the steps below:
• Keep all family members and pets away from the affected area. • Place towels, rags, blankets, etc. between areas that have been affected and areas that have not been affected, and move any uncontaminated property away from the spill area. • Move any uncontaminated property away from the spill area. Do not remove any contaminated items.
• Turn off the HVAC system.
The First Responder should follow the following steps to assist the homeowner:
• Gather information and fill out the electronic form on the Infonet® mobile tablets. A hard copy is included in the Spill ERP.
• Call a restoration company as described below (contact numbers are included in the emergency response list), and wait for the restoration firm to arrive. • Forward incident reports and related documents to Maintenance and Collections Manager.
6.6.5 Pump Station Spill Response
The First Responder to a potential pump station or force main failure should determine whether flow can be restored within a reasonable time. If it appears that flow cannot be restored within a reasonable time or if the conveyance system facility requires construction and/or repairs, then the First Responder should employ a plan covering containment, bypass pumping and contractor assistance.
Veolia uses DW Pumps for bypass pumping services. The pump stations in the service area were evaluated in 2017. A formalized emergency contingency plan for each pump station will be developed by the City and Veolia in the future. The individual plans will become an integral part of the Sewer System Management Plan.
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6.6.6 Storm Sewer Coordination
The City and its contract operator, Veolia Water, manage the storm sewer system; sewer and stormwater personnel collaborate to coordinate response efforts during sewer spills in the follow areas:
• Containment and cleanup operations;
• Notification and communication procedures;
• Training;
• Post-incident reviews;
• Spill response staffing, equipment, and mapping systems.
6.6.7 Recovery and Cleanup
The recovery and clean up phase begin when the flow has been restored and the spilled sewage has been contained to the extent possible. Spilled sewage is vacuumed or pumped and discharged to the extent possible back into the sanitary sewer system.
Estimate and Recover the Volume of Spilled Sewage
Use the methods outlined in Appendix E to estimate the volume of the spilled sewage. Wherever possible, document the estimate using photos of the spill site before and during the recovery operation.
Spilled sewage shall be vacuumed or pumped and discharged to the extent possible back into the sanitary sewer system.
Clean Up and Disinfection
Clean up and disinfection procedures must be implemented to reduce the potential for human health issues and adverse environmental impacts that are associated with a spill event. The procedures described are for dry weather conditions and should be modified as required for wet weather conditions. Clean up should proceed quickly in order to minimize negative impact. Any water that is used in the cleanup process should be de-chlorinated prior to use.
Where cleanup is beyond the capabilities of Veolia staff, Veolia contacts a cleanup contractor to complete the work. Phone numbers are provided in the emergency response list.
Spills inside houses or buildings should be cleaned by a professional cleaning company as discussed above. Contact information for professional cleaning companies can be found in the “Water Damage Restoration” section of the Yellow Pages and is also provided in the Spill ERP. Claims by homeowners should be forwarded to the City Risk Manager.
In the event of a spill occurrence during night time hours, the incident must be re-inspected as soon as possible the following day. The site shall be inspected for any signs of sewer related debris/material that may warrant additional cleanup activities.
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Guidelines for Cleanup
On hard surface areas, collect all signs of sewage solids and sewage-related material either by protected hand or with the use of rakes and brooms. Take reasonable steps to contain and vacuum up the wastewater. Repeat the process if additional cleaning is required.
On landscaped or unpaved areas, collect all signs of sewage solids and sewage-related material either by protected hand or with the use of rakes and brooms. Allow the area to dry. Repeat the process if additional cleaning is required.
If the spill has reached the storm drain system, the combination sewer cleaning truck should be used to vacuum/pump out the catch basin and any other portion of the storm drain that may contain sewage. In the event that a spill occurs at night, the location should be re-inspected as soon as possible the following day. The operator should look for any signs of sewage solids and sewage-related material that may warrant additional cleanup activities.
6.7 IMPACT TO WATERS OF THE STATE
If a spill is confirmed to have entered waters of the State1, the Sewer System Coordinator is immediately notified. The response team would then proceed with the following additional activities:
• Determine the extent of the spill by investigating downstream until there is no evidence of sewage or debris along the creek or water body;
• If the spill is 50,000 gallons or greater, collect water quality samples within 18 hours of becoming aware of the spill;
• Post contaminated water sign(s) and protect the water body from public access on all sides; • Photograph sign placement and evidence of the spill in and around the water body to the farthest point reached by the sewage;
• Determine if the water body is safe to enter. During the winter storm season, cleaning the water body may not be feasible due to high water flows;
• If feasible, block the water body downstream of the affected area in a location that is safe to enter and is accessible to set up a pump or utilize other sewer cleaning equipment; • To the extent feasible, recover and return contaminated water to the collection system; • For spills 50,000 gallons or greater, perform follow-up sampling until posted signs can be removed.
The Inspection Superintendent ultimately determines when this happens and makes any follow up calls to affected agencies.
1 Waters of the State include any surface water or groundwater, including saline waters, within the boundaries of the state as defined in Water Code section 13050(e), and are inclusive of waters of the United States.
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6.7.1 Water Quality Sampling
Water quality sampling and testing are required for sanitary sewer overflows that are 50,000 gallons or greater and reach surface water. Sampling and testing may be required for spills less than 50,000 gallons as required by the Contra Costa County Health Officer. The purpose of testing is to determine the extent and impact of the spill. The following guidelines must be followed:
• The First Responder should arrange for collection of samples. Samples should be collected as soon as possible after the discovery of the spill event;
• Sample locations are listed in the table below. The City and Veolia may require additional sample locations;
• Samples must be collected within 18 hours of initial knowledge of the spill event; and • Records of monitoring information should include the date, exact place, and time of sampling or measurements, the individual(s) who performed the sampling or measurements, the date(s) analyses were performed, the individual(s) who performed the analyses, the analytical technique or method used, and the results of such analyses.
The required water quality sampling procedures are as follows:
• Collect one water sample, each day of the duration of the spill, upstream of the spill entry point if sewage discharges to a surface water via a drainage conveyance system; and/or • Three receiving water sampling locations (upstream, at the spill entry point, and downstream). • If the receiving water has no flow during the duration of the spill, report “No Sampling Due to No Flow” for the receiving water sampling locations;
• Analyze the collected receiving water samples for Ammonia and the appropriate other bacterial indicator(s) that include one or more of the following, unless directed otherwise by the Regional Water Board: Total Coliform Bacteria, Fecal Coliform Bacteria, E-coli, and/or Enterococcus; and
• Collect and analyze additional samples as required by the applicable Regional Water Board Executive Officer or designee.
Sample locations are described further in Table 6.3. The distance above and below the sample point should be selected by the City and Veolia as appropriate for the spill location. Often, samples are taken 100 feet upstream and downstream of the spill location, and also at the spill location.
Table 6-3 Sampling Locations for Spills 50,000 Gallons or Greater Sampling Location Description
DCS-001 A point in a drainage conveyance system before the drainage conveyance system flow discharges into a receiving water.
RSW-001 Point of
Discharge
A point in the receiving water where sewage initially enters the receiving water.
RSW-001U: Upstream of
Point of Discharge
A point in the receiving water, u/s of the point of sewage discharge, to capture ambient conditions absent of sewage discharge impacts.
RSW-001D: Downstream
of Point of Discharge
A point in the receiving water, d/s of the point of sewage discharge, where the spill material is fully mixed with the receiving water.
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• Sample analysis must be conducted according to sufficiently sensitive test methods approved under 40 Code of Federal Regulations Part 136 for the sample analysis of pollutants . A method is considered sufficiently sensitive when the minimum level of the analytical method approved under 40 Code of Federal Regulations Part 136 is at or below the receiving water pollutant criteria; and • The analysis of water quality samples required per this General Order must be performed by a laboratory that has accreditation pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with section 100825) of Chapter 4 of Part 1 of Division 101 of the Health and Safety Code. (Water Code section 13176(a).) The State Water Board accredits laboratories through its Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP). Additional sites may require sampling, following the requirements of the County Environmental Health Services (EHS) department.
In addition, recommended procedures from EHS include the following:
• Keep the sterile collection bottle closed until it is to be filled. Do not contaminate inner surface of the lid or bottle rim;
• Collect water sample just below the surface in knee deep water, approximately 3 feet deep (full arm’s length), without rinsing. If needed, extend the sampling pole to the fullest length to reach deeper water depth. Minimize contact with bank or beach bed as water fouling may occur; • Remove cap and hold the bottle near its base and plunge it, neck downward, below the surface; • Turn bottle until neck points slightly upward and mouth is directed toward the current. Fill bottle leaving about 1 inch of air to allow lab to mix by shaking. Collect a minimum of 100 mL. (If applicable, insert sterile collection bottle into the holder on the sample pole. Extend the sample pole and plunge bottle end into the water, bottle opening downward); • Immediately place cap securely on bottle to avoid leaks and contamination; • Dry the bottle;
• Label container with distinctive sample site name, date, and time collected; and • Complete the laboratory requisition slip with requested information (site, bottle number, collector, date and time of collection, type of sample, test requested, name and phone number of responsible person for reporting purposes, and deliverer name). Note any field observations that may have occurred during the sampling;
Samples should be tested for ammonia, fecal coliform, total coliform and enterococcus. Samples should be stored and shipped by placing the water sample bottle in a cooler with frozen blue ice. Water sample must be kept cool. Ice may be used but care must be taken so water samples are not contaminated or diluted by the ice.
Water samples may be taken to the Caltest laboratory at 1885 North Kelly Road, Napa, CA, (707) 258-4000, Toll Free 888-258-TEST (8378), Fax: 707.226.1001. The water samples must be brought to the laboratory within 8 hours of collection. If the Caltest laboratory is closed, an alternate testing laboratory may be used that is certified for the required water quality tests.
6.7.2 Receiving Water Visual Observations
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calculation techniques, the response team shall gather and document the following information for spills discharging to surface waters:
• Estimated spill travel time to the receiving water;
• For spills entering a drainage conveyance system, estimated spill travel time from the point of entry into the drainage conveyance system to the point of discharge into the receiving water; • Estimated spill volume entering the receiving water; and • Photography of:
o Waterbody bank erosion,
o Floating matter;
o Water surface sheen;
o Discoloration of receiving water; and
o Impact to the receiving water.
6.7.3 Spill-Specific Monitoring Requirements
Spill-specific monitoring means the gathering of information and data for a specific spill event to be reported or kept as records. The WDR requires the following assessments, as a component of data gathering following a spill.
The City and Veolia shall visually assess the spill location(s) and spread using photography, global positioning system (GPS), and other best available tools. The City and Veolia shall document the critical spill locations, including:
• Photography and GPS coordinates for:
o The system location where spill originated; or
o For multiple appearance points of a single spill event, the points closest to the spill origin. • Photography for:
o Drainage conveyance system entry locations;
o The location(s) of discharge into surface waters, as applicable; o Extent of spill spread; and
o The location(s) of clean up.
6.7.4 Spill Technical Report
If 50,000 gallons or greater from a spill reaches surface waters, a Spill Technical Report must be prepared and submitted to the CIWQS online spill database within 45 calendar days of the spill end date. The Spill Technical Report must include, at a minimum, the following:
1. Spill causes and circumstances, including at minimum:
a) Complete and detailed explanation of how and when the spill was discovered; Sewer System Management Plan
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b) Photographs illustrating the spill origin, the extent and reach of the spill, drainage conveyance system entrance and exit, receiving water, and post-cleanup site conditions; c) Diagram showing the spill failure point, appearance point(s), the spill flow path, and ultimate destinations;
d) Detailed description of the methodology employed, and available data used to calculate the discharge volume and, if applicable, the recovered spill volume; e) Detailed description of the spill cause(s);
f) Description of the pipe material, and estimated age of the pipe material, at the failure location; g) Description of the impact of the spill;
h) Copy of original field crew records used to document the spill; and i) Historical maintenance records for the failure location.
2. The City and Veolia’s response to the spill:
a) Chronological narrative description of all actions taken by the City and Veolia to terminate the spill;
b) Explanation of how the Spill ERP was implemented to respond to and mitigate the spill; and c) Final corrective action(s) completed and a schedule for planned corrective actions, including:
i) Local regulatory enforcement action taken against an illicit discharge in response to this spill, as applicable,
ii) Identifiable system modifications, and operation and maintenance program modifications needed to prevent repeated spill occurrences, and
iii) Necessary modifications to the Spill ERP to incorporate lessons learned in responding to and mitigating the spill.
3. Water Quality Monitoring, including at minimum:
a) Description of all water quality sampling activities conducted; b) List of pollutant and parameters monitored, sampled and analyzed; c) Laboratory results, including laboratory reports;
d) Detailed location map illustrating all water quality sampling points; and e) Other regulatory agencies receiving sample results (if applicable).
4. Evaluation of spill impact(s), including a description of short-term and long-term impact(s) to beneficial uses of the surface water.
The Deputy Director of Public Works/City Engineer, in conjunction with Veolia, are responsible for development and certification of the Spill Technical Report.
6.8 CONTAINMENT OR BYPASS
The First Responder should attempt to contain as much of the spilled sewage as possible using the following steps:
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• Determine the immediate destination of the overflowing sewage. • Plug storm drain manholes, catch basins, inlets and culverts using available equipment and materials, including sandbags, air plugs and plastic mats to contain the spill, where feasible. If spilled sewage has made contact with the storm drainage system, at tempt to contain the spilled sewage by plugging downstream storm drainage facilities. • Contain/direct the spilled sewage using dike/dam or sandbags. • Pump around the blockage or pipe failure, or vacuum up flow from upstream of the blocka ge and dispose of downstream of the blockage to prevent further overflow. • If a spill reaches a water body, follow the requirements below for posting and spill notification signage. Also conduct water quality sampling if the spill volume is greater than or equal to 50,000 gallons.
6.9 SPILL NOTIFICATION SIGNAGE
Veolia supplies notification signage, which is posted by Veolia staff and the Source Control Inspector and/or other City staff. Barriers are installed where required to prevent the public from having contact with the sewage. Signs are posted along with barricades with yellow flashing lights to keep vehicles and pedestrians away from contact with spilled sewage. “Closed” signs should be posted at the outfall of streams and a minimum of 100 feet upstream and 100 feet downstream of the discharge. If there is a large volume of sewage, more signs must be posted downstream.
Signs must remain in place until risk of contamination has subsided to acceptable levels. Warning signs should be checked every day in order to ensure they are still in place.
A sample warning sign is included in Appendix E.
6.10 TRAFFIC AND CROWD CONTROL
Traffic and crowd control measures vary based on the size and potential impact of the spill event. When appropriate, local police, fire department, and City contacts must be notified to aide in addressing traffic and crowd control issues.
General steps in implementing traffic and crowd control include the following:
• Contact impacted agencies, local law enforcement and fire/sheriff as needed. • Set up barriers and delineation directing human and vehicular traffic around spill area, including closing any entrances or exits from adjacent facilities. • Establish signage including signs protecting public health and safety. • Use staff personnel to control traffic and pedestrians.
6.11 SPILL FAILURE ANALYSIS
For each spill event greater than 250 gallons, all participants involved in the response – from the person who received the call to the last person to leave the site – should meet, as soon as feasible, after the event to review and evaluate the incident and the City and/or Veolia response procedures. The objective of the Post-Spill Debrief is to determine actions necessary, if any, to reduce the recurrence and better mitigate Sewer System Management Plan
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the effects of spills.
It is the responsibility of the Veolia Maintenance and Collections Manager to investigate a spill and to ensure that the procedures in the Spill ERP are followed or modified as a result of the incident failure analysis. The failure analysis is intended to determine if additional maintenance, repair/replacement or other follow-up actions or response procedures changes are needed to reduce or eliminate the likelihood of future spills. The procedures for investigating a spill are as follows:
• Review and complete the Sewer Spill Report.
• Review the incident timeline and other documentation regarding the incident. • Review actions by all persons involved in the response, including the initial recipient of the complaint.
• Review communications with all reporting parties and witnesses. • Review volume estimate, volume recovered estimate, volume estimation assumptions and • associated drawings.
• Review available photographs.
• Interview staff that responded to the spill.
• Review past maintenance records of all affected manholes and pipe segments. • Review past CCTV records.
• Conduct a CCTV inspection to determine the condition of the line segment immediately following the spill and reviewing the video and logs.
• Review any FOG related information or results.
• Identify any changes or additions needed to the Spill ERP and SSMP following the event.
The product of the failure analysis investigation should be the determination of the root cause and identification of the corrective actions. The Collection System Failure Analysis Form in Appendix E should be used to document the investigation.
6.12 SPILL DOCUMENTATION
In accordance with the WDR, the City and Veolia should maintain the following records for each sanitary sewer overflow. Records are maintained at the Wastewater Treatment Plant office and are also entered into Veolia’s CMMS system. Veolia also maintains records of complaints received, even if the complaint does not relate to a City spill.
1. Records are retained for at least five (5) years
2. Records are readily available, either electronic or hard copies, for review by Water Board staff during onsite inspections or through an information request
3. Records are retained for each of the following spill-related events and activities:
a. Spill event complaints
b. Category 4 spills
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c. Sewer system telemetry records
d. Sewer system management plan implementation records
e. Audit records
f. Equipment Records
g. Work orders
Specific requirements for recordkeeping are listed further in the sections below.
6.12.1 Responsibilities
The First Responder should complete a work order and the Spill Report Form (See Appendix E). The First Responder should follow the procedures and complete the Sewer Backup Summary Report (See Appendix E) if a spill has occurred in a residence or building. The City and Veolia maintains spill-related files with the information discussed below.
6.12.2 Spill Event Complaints
The City and Veolia shall maintain records for each of the following spill-related events and activities:
• Spill event complaint, including but not limited to records documenting how the City and Veolia responded to notifications of spills. Each complaint record must, at a minimum, include the following information:
o Date, time, and method of notification;
o Date and time the complainant first noticed the spill, if available; o Narrative description of the complaint, including any information the caller provided regarding whether the spill has reached surface waters or a drainage conveyance system, if available;
o Complainant’s contact information, if available; and
o Final resolution of the complaint.
• Records documenting the steps and/or remedial action(s) undertaken by the City and Veolia; • Records documenting how estimate(s) of volume(s) and, if applicable, volume(s) of spill recovered were calculated;
• All California Office of Emergency Services notification records, as applicable; and • Water quality monitoring records.
6.12.3 Recordkeeping of Category 4 Spills
The City and Veolia shall maintain the following records for each individual Category 4 spill:
1. Contact information: Name and telephone number of the City and Veolia’s contact person to respond to spill-specific questions;
2. Spill location name;
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3. Description and GPS coordinates for the system location where the spill originated;
4. Did the spill reach a drainage conveyance system? If Yes:
Description of drainage conveyance system location;
Estimated spill volume fully recovered within the drainage conveyance system; Estimated spill volume remaining within the drainage conveyance system; and Estimated total spill volume exiting the sanitary sewer system.
5. Spill date and start time;
6. Spill cause(s) (for example, root intrusion, grease deposition, etc.);
7. System failure location (for example, main, pump station, etc.);
8. Description of spill response activities including description of immediate spill containment and cleanup efforts;
9. Description of how the volume estimation was calculated, including, at minimum:
a. The methodology and type of data relied upon, including supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) records, flow monitoring or other telemetry information used to estimate the volume of the spill discharged, and the volume of the spill recovered (if any volume of the spill was recovered); and
b. The methodology and type of data relied upon to estimate the spill start time, on -going spill rate at time of arrival (if applicable), and the spill end time.
10. Description of implemented system modifications and operating/maintenance modifications.
6.12.4 Recordkeeping for Total Annual Spill Information The City and Veolia shall keep the following records summarizing annual spills:
1. Estimated total annual spill volume;
2. Description of spill corrective actions, including at minimum:
a. Local regulatory enforcement action taken against the sewer lateral owner in response to a spill, as applicable; and
b. System operation, maintenance and program modifications implemented to prevent repeated spill occurrences at the same spill location.
6.12.5 Sewer System Telemetry Records
The City and Veolia shall maintain the following sewer system telemetry records if used to document compliance with Statewide WDR, as applicable:
1. Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system(s);
2. Alarm system(s);
3. Flow monitoring device(s) or other instrument(s) used to estimate sewage flow rates, and/or volumes;
4. Computerized maintenance management system records; and Sewer System Management Plan
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5. Asset management-related records.
6.12.6 Sewer System Management Plan Implementation Records The City and Veolia shall maintain records documenting the implementation of its Sewer System Management Plan, including documents supporting its Sewer System Management Plan audits, corrections, modifications, and updates to the Sewer System Management Plan.
6.12.7 Audit Records
The City and Veolia shall maintain, at minimum, the following records pertaining to its Sewer System Management Plan audits, and other internal audits:
1. Completed audit documents and findings;
2. Name and contact information of staff and/or consultants that conducted or involved in the audit; and
3. Follow-up actions based on audit findings.
6.12.8 Equipment Records
The City and Veolia shall maintain a log of all owned and leased sewer system cleaning, operational, maintenance, construction, and rehabilitation equipment.
6.12.9 Work Orders
The City and Veolia shall maintain record of work orders for operations and maintenance projects.
6.12.10 Spill Specific Monitoring (Documentation)
Spill-specific monitoring means the gathering of information and data for a specific spill event to be reported or kept as records. The WDR requires the following assessments, as a component of data gathering following a spill.
Spill Location and Spread
The City and Veolia shall visually assess the spill location(s) and spread using photography, global positioning system (GPS), and other best available tools. The City and Veolia shall document the critical spill locations, including:
• Photography and GPS coordinates for:
o The system location where spill originated; or
o For multiple appearance points of a single spill event, the points closest to the spill origin. • Photography for:
o Drainage conveyance system entry locations;
o The location(s) of discharge into surface waters, as applicable; o Extent of spill spread; and
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o The location(s) of clean up.
Spill Volume Estimation
The City and Veolia shall estimate the total spill volume using updated volume estimation techniques, calculations, and documentation for electronic reporting. The City and Veolia shall update its notification and reporting of estimated spill volume (which includes spill volume recovered) as further information is gathered during and after a spill event.
• Initial service call information
• Spill Report Form
• Copies of the certified CIWQS report forms including volume estimate • CCTV inspection if completed
• Water quality sampling and test results, if applicable • Spill Technical Report if prepared
6.12.11 Other Records
In addition to the abovementioned records, the following additional records should also be retained for all spills when available and as applicable:
• All original recordings for continuous monitoring instrumentation • Service call records and complaint logs of calls received by the City and/or Veolia for the previous five years
• Work orders, work completed, and any other maintenance records from the previous five years that are associated with spills
• Documentation of performance and implementation measures for the previous five years
6.13 SPILL REPORTING
This section describes the requirements that have been established for reporting of spills to the regulatory agencies.
Table 6.4 summarizes key deadlines to be aware of for spill reporting. Table 6.5 summarizes all regulatory reporting requirements, as described further in this section.
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Table 6-4. Key Deadlines for Spill Reporting
2 HOURS of being aware of spill Call Office of Emergency Services & Health Department if Category 1 sewer main spill is 1000
gallons or more
3 BUSINESS DAYS of being aware of spill Submit draft reports to CIWQS for Category 1 and sewer main or Category 2 sewer main spills
15 CALENDAR DAYS from spill end date Certify Category 1 and Category 2 spills 30 CALENDAR DAYS from end of month if
applicable
Certify Category 3 and/or Category 4 sewer main
spills or submit “No Spill” report
45 CALENDAR DAYS from spill end date Submit Spill Technical Report for spills 50,000 gallons or larger that reach Waters of the State
90 CALENDAR DAYS from spill end date (Cat 1 or 2)
or certified spill report due date (Cat 3)
Submit amended spill report for Category 1 through
3 spills
FEBRUARY 1 of each year Submit Category 4 spill summary report
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Table 6-5 Regulatory Reporting Requirements
Element Requirement Method
NOTIFICATION CATEGORY 1 SPILL GREATER THAN 1,000 GALLONS:
Notify OES w ithin two hours of becoming aware of any Category 1 Spill (i.e., greater than or equal to 1,000 gallons discharged to Waters of the State Obtain an OES notification control number.
Also notify Costa Environmental Health, and the County Health Officer Call Cal OES at: (800) 852-7550, Contra Costa Environmental Health at (925) 608-5500, and the County Health Officer at (925) 313-6712.
REPORTING CATEGORY 1 SPILL
Draft Report within three business days of becoming aware of the spill LRO certifies within 15 calendar days of spill end date If Greater than 50,000 Gallons: LRO submits a Spill Technical Report within 45 calendar days after the spill end date
CATEGORY 2 SPILL
Draft Report within 3 business days of becoming aware of the spill LRO certifies within 15 calendar days of the spill end date CATEGORY 3 SPILL
Certified report within 30 calendar days of the end of month in which the spill occurred CATEGORY 4 SPILL
Monthly the estimated total spill volume exiting the sanitary sewer system, and the total number of all Category 4 spills within 30 calendar days after the end of the calendar month in which the spills occurred
LRO certifies annually a report of all Category 4 spills, by February 1 after the end of the calendar year in which the spills occurred
“NO SPILL” OR “CATEGORY 4 SPILL” CERTIFICATION
LRO certifies that no Spill or only Category 4 spills occurred within 30 calendar days of the end of the month.
Enter data into the CIWQS Online Spill Database (http://ciwqs.waterboards.ca.gov/), certified by the Legally Responsible Official(s).
All information required by CIWQS should be captured in the Spill report.
Certified Spill reports may be updated by amending the report or adding an attachment to the Spill report within 90 calendar days after the Spill end date (for Category 1 and 2 spills) or the date of the certified report (for Category 3 spills), as applicable.
After 90 days, the State and Regional Board must be contacted to request to amend a Spill report along with a justification for why the additional information was not available prior to the end of the 90 days.
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6.13.1 Multiple Appearance Points – Single Spill
For reporting purposes, if one spill event of whatever category results in multiple appearance points in a sewer system, a single spill report is required in CIWQS which includes the GPS coordinates for the location of the spill appearance point closest to the failure point, blockage or location of the flow condition that caused the spill, and descriptions of the locations of all other discharge points associated with the single spill event.
6.13.2 2-Hour Notification to Regulatory Agencies of Spills Cal OES is to be notified of a Category 1 spill greater than or equal to 1,000 gallons discharged to surface water or spilled in a location where it probably will be discharged to surface water.
The First Responder is responsible for reviewing field data for reporting to regulatory agencies. If it is determined that the criteria for Cal OES notification were met, then the First Responder must notify Cal OES of the event no later than two (2) hours after:
1. Veolia and/or the City have knowledge of the spill;
2. Notification is possible; and
3. Notification can be provided without substantially impeding cleanup or other emergency measures.
The Cal OES phone number is (800) 852-7550.
The following information should be reported to Cal OES, as applicable:
• Name and phone number of the person notifying the California Office of Emergency Services; • Estimated spill volume (gallons);
• Estimated spill rate from the system (gallons per minute); • Estimated discharge rate (gallons per minute) directly into waters of the State or indirectly into a drainage conveyance system;
• Spill incident description, which includes:
o Brief narrative of the spill event, and
o Spill incident location (address, city, and zip code) and closest cross streets and/or landmarks;
• Name and phone number of contact person on-scene;
• Date and time the Enrollee was informed of the spill event; • Name of sanitary sewer system causing the spill;
• Spill cause or suspected cause (if known);
• Amount of spill contained;
• Name of receiving water body receiving or potentially receiving discharge; and • Description of water body impact and/ or potential impact to beneficial uses.
The First Responder is responsible for obtaining an OES Control Number.
Following the initial notification to Cal OES and until the spill report is certified in the SWRCB online Sewer System Management Plan
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Sanitary Sewer Spill Database, the LRO will provide updates (or provide direction for updates to be provided) to Cal OES regarding substantial changes to the following:
• Estimated spill volume (increase or decrease in gallons initially estimated); • Estimated discharge volume discharged directly into waters of the State or indirectly into a drainage conveyance system (increase or decrease in gallons initially estimated); and • Additional impact(s) to the receiving water(s) and beneficial uses.
6.13.3 Detailed Reporting Requirements
Table 6.4, above, provides detail on the City and Veolia’s regulatory reporting process, which is also described below. All reporting must be submitted electronically to the online CIWQS Sanitary Sewer System Database (https://ciwqs.waterboards.ca.gov). Electronic reporting may solely be conducted by a Legally Responsible Official or Data Submitter(s) previously designated by the Legally Responsible Official.
The City and Veolia shall report any information that is protected by the Homeland Security Act, by email to [email protected], with a brief explanation of the protection provided by the Homeland Security Act for the subject report to be protected from unauthorized disclosure and/or public access, and for official Water Board regulatory purposes only.
Category 1 Spills
Spill Reporting for Category 1 Spills – 3 Business Days of Becoming Aware of Spill Cal OES, EHS, and the County Health Officer shall receive notification of Category 1 spills greater than or equal to 1,000 gallons.
The City and Veolia’s Data Submitter, must then submit the initial draft report to the SWRCB’s CIWQS Online Spill Database within 3 business days of becoming aware of the spill.
Table 6.6 on the following page lists information that is required in the draft spill report. The data provided in the draft spill must be supplemented further, during the certification process, as discussed further below
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Table 6-6 Category 1 and 2 CIWQS Draft Spill Report – Required Information Required Information for Category 1 and 2 Draft Spill Reports
1. Contact information: Name and telephone number of contact person to respond to spill-specific questions;
2. Spill location name;
3. Date and time the City and Veolia were notified of, or self-discovered, the spill;
4. Operator arrival time;
5. Estimated spill start date and time;
6. Date and time the City and Veolia notified the California Office of Emergency Services, and the assigned control number;
7. Description, photographs, and GPS coordinates of the system location where the spill originated;
8. If a single spill event results in multiple appearance points, provide GPS coordinates for the appearance point closest to the failure point and describe each additional appearance point in the spill appearance point explanation field;
9. Estimated total spill volume exiting the system;
10. Description and photographs of the extent of the spill and spill boundaries;
11. Did the spill reach a drainage conveyance system? If Yes:
12. Description of the drainage conveyance system transporting the spill;
13. Photographs of the drainage conveyance system entry location(s);
14. Estimated spill volume fully recovered from the drainage conveyance system;
15. Estimated spill volume remaining within the drainage conveyance system;
16. Description and photographs of all discharge point(s) into the surface water;
** Items 12 and 13 are required for Category 1 spills only **
17. Estimated spill volume that discharged to surface waters; and
18. Estimated total spill volume recovered.
Spill Certification for Category 1 Spills – 15 Calendar Days of the Spill End Date Within 15 calendar days of the spill end date, the LRO must review and certify the report in the CWIQS Online spill database @ http://ciwqs.waterboards.ca.gov/ciwqs The Certified Spill Report requires additional information to supplement the data provided in the Draft Spill Report. Table 6.7 on the following page summarizes information that is required during spill certification.
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Table 6-7 Category 1 and 2 CIWQS Spill Certification – Required Information Required Information for Category 1 and 2 Spill Certification
1. Description of the spill event destination(s), including GPS coordinates if available, that represent the full spread and reach of the spill;
2. Spill end date and time;
3. Description of how the spill volume estimations were calculated, including at a minimum:
4. The methodology, assumptions and type of data relied upon, such as supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) records, flow monitoring or other telemetry information used to estimate the volume of the spill discharged, and the volume of the spill recovered (if any volume of the spill was recovered); and
5. The methodology(ies), assumptions and type of data relied upon for estimations of the spill start time and the spill end time;
6. Spill cause(s) (for example, root intrusion, grease deposition, etc.);
7. System failure location (for example, main, lateral, pump station, etc.);
8. Description of the pipe material, and estimated age of the pipe material, at the failure location;
9. Description of the impact of the spill;
10. Whether or not the spill was associated with a storm event;
11. Description of spill response activities including description of immediate spill containment and cleanup efforts;
12. Description of spill corrective action, including steps planned or taken to reduce, eliminate, and prevent reoccurrence of the spill, and a schedule of major milestones for those steps;
13. Spill response completion date;
14. Detailed narrative of investigation and investigation findings of cause of spill;
15. Reasons for an ongoing investigation (as applicable) and the expected date of completion;
** Items 14 through 17 are required for Category 1 spills only **
16. Name and type of receiving water body(s);
17. Description of the water body(s), including but not limited to:
18. Observed impacts on aquatic life;
19. Public closure, restricted public access, temporary restricted use, and/or posted health warnings due to spill;
20. Responsible entity for closing/restricting use of water body; and
21. Number of days closed/restricted as a result of the spill.
22. Whether or not the spill was located within 1,000 feet of a municipal surface water intake; and
23. If water quality samples were collected, identify sample locations and the parameters the water quality samples were analyzed for. If no samples were taken, “Not Applicable” shall be selected.
Spill Technical Report
If 50,000 gallons or greater from a spill reaches surface waters, a Spill Technical Report must be prepared and submitted to the CIWQS online spill database within 45 calendar days of the spill end date. The LRO is responsible for submitting the Spill Technical Report. The required contents of the Spill Technical Report are discussed in Section 6.5, above.
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Spill Amendments for Category 1 Spills – 90 Calendar Days of the Spill End Date The City and Veolia shall update or add additional information to a Certified Spill Report within 90 calendar days of the spill end date by amending the report or by adding an attachment to the Spill Report in the online CIWQS Sanitary Sewer System Database. The Enrollee shall certify the amended report.
After 90 calendar days, the City and Veolia shall contact the State Water Board at [email protected] to request to amend a Spill Report. The Legally Responsible Official shall submit justification for why the additional information was not reported within the Amended Spill Report due date.
Category 2 Spills
Spill Reporting for Category 2 Spills – 3 Business Days of Becoming Aware of the Spill Within 3 business days of becoming aware of the spill, the LRO must submit the initial report to the SWRCB’s CWIQS Online Spill Database @ http://ciwqs.waterboards.ca.gov/ciwqs. The draft report shall include Items 1 through 11 of the list provided above for the Category 1, 3-day draft report.
Spill Certification for Category 2 Spills – 15 Calendar Days of the Spill End Date Within 15 calendar days of the spill end date, the LRO must review and certify the report in the CWIQS Online Spill Database @ http://ciwqs.waterboards.ca.gov/ciwqs. The Spill Certification must include, in addition to the information provided in the draft report, Items 1 through 13 of the list provided above for the Category 1 Spill Certification. In addition, the Spill Certification must include a new Item 14 - Whether or not the spill was located within 1,000 feet of a municipal surface water intake.
Amended Certified Spill Reports for Individual Category 2 Spills – 90 Calendar Days of the Spill End Date
The City and Veolia shall update or add additional information to a Certified Spill Report within 90 calendar days of the spill end date by amending the report or by adding an attachment to the Spill Report in the online CIWQS Sanitary Sewer System Database. The LRO shall certify the amended report. After 90 calendar days, the City and Veolia shall contact the State Water Board at [email protected] to request to amend a Spill Report. The Legally Responsible Official shall submit justification for why the additional information was not reported within the Amended Spill Report due date.
Category 3 and 4 Spills
Monthly Spill Reporting for Category 3 Spills
Within 30 calendar days of the end of the calendar month in which the spill occurred, the LRO must submit and certify a report to the SWRCB's CWIQS Online Spill database @ http://ciwqs.waterboards.ca.gov/ciwqs. For each spill, the report shall include the information shown in Table 6.8.
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Table 6-8 Category 3 CIWQS Spill Certification – Required Information Required Information for Category 3 Spill Certification
1. Contact information: Name and telephone number of Enrollee contact person to respond to spill- specific questions;
2. Spill location name;
3. Date and time the Enrollee was notified of, or self-discovered, the spill;
4. Operator arrival time;
5. Estimated spill start date and time;
6. Description, photographs, and GPS coordinates where the spill originated:
7. If a single spill event results in multiple appearance points, provide GPS coordinates for the appearance point closest to the failure point and describe each additional appearance point in the spill appearance point explanation field;
8. Estimated total spill volume exiting the system;
9. Description and photographs of the extent of the spill and spill boundaries;
10. Did the spill reach a drainage conveyance system? If Yes:
a. Description of the drainage conveyance system transporting the spill; b. Photographs of the drainage conveyance system entry locations(s); c. Estimated spill volume fully recovered from the drainage conveyance system; and d. Estimated spill volume discharged to a groundwater infiltration basis or facility, if applicable.
11. Estimated total spill volume recovered;
12. Description of the spill event destination(s), including GPS coordinates, if available, that represent the full spread and reaches of the spill;
13. Spill end date and time;
14. Description of how the spill volume estimations were calculated, including, at minimum:
a. The methodology and type of data relied upon, including supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) records, flow monitoring or other telemetry information used to estimate the volume of the spill discharged, and the volume of the spill recovered (if any volume of the spill was recovered); and
b. The methodology and type of data relied upon to estimate the spill start time, on-going spill rate at time of arrival (if applicable), and the spill end time.
15. Spill cause(s) (for example, root intrusion, grease deposition, etc.);
16. System failure location (for example, main, pump station, etc.);
17. Description of the pipe/infrastructure material, and estimated age of the pipe/infrastructure material, at the failure location;
18. Description of the impact of the spill;
19. Whether or not the spill was associated with a storm event;
20. Description of spill response activities including description of immediate spill containment and cleanup efforts;
21. Description of spill corrective actions, including steps planned or taken to reduce, eliminate, and prevent reoccurrence of the spill, and a schedule of the major milestones for those steps; including, at minimum:
a. Local regulatory enforcement action taken against an illicit discharge in response to this spill, as applicable, and
b. Identifiable system modifications, and operation and maintenance program modifications needed to prevent repeated spill occurrences at the same spill event location, including:
i. Adjusted schedule/method of preventive maintenance;
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Required Information for Category 3 Spill Certification ii. Planned rehabilitation or replacement of sanitary sewer asset; iii. Inspected, repaired asset(s), or replaced defective asset(s); iv. Capital improvements;
v. Documentation verifying immediately implemented system modifications and operating/maintenance modifications;
vi. Description of spill response activities;
vii. Spill response completion date; and
viii. Ongoing investigation efforts, and expected completion date of investigation to determine the full cause of spill.
22. Detailed narrative of investigation and investigation findings of cause of spill.
Amended Certified Spill Reports for Individual Category 3 Spills – 90 Calendar Days of the Spill End Date
The City and Veolia shall update or add additional information to a Certified Spill Report within 90 calendar days of the spill end date by amending the report or by adding an attachment to the Spill Report in the online CIWQS Sanitary Sewer System Database. The LRO shall certify the amended report. After 90 calendar days, the City and Veolia shall contact the State Water Board at [email protected] to request to amend a Spill Report. The Legally Responsible Official shall submit justification for why the additional information was not reported within the Amended Spill Report due date.
Monthly Spill Reporting for Category 4 Spills
Within 30 calendar days of the end of the calendar month in which the spill occurred, the LRO must submit and certify the estimated total spill volume exiting the sanitary sewer system and the total number of all Category 4 spills to the SWRCB's CWIQS Online spill database @ http://ciwqs.waterboards.ca.gov/ciwqs.
Annual Spill Reporting for Category 4 Spills
Upload and certify a report, in an acceptable digital format, of all Category 4 spills to the online CIWQS Sanitary Sewer System Database, by February 1st after the end of the calendar year in which the spills occur.
Monthly Certification of “No-Spills” or “Category 4 Spills” If either (1) no spills occur during a calendar month or (2) only Category 4 spills occur during a calendar month, the LRO shall certify, within 30 calendar days after the end of each calendar month, either a “No- Spill” certification statement, or a “Category 4 Spills” certification statement, in the online CIWQS Sanitary Sewer System Database, certifying that there were either no spills, or Category 4 spills that will be reported annually for the designated month.
If a spill starts in one calendar month and ends in a subsequent calendar month, and the City and Veolia have no further spills of any category, in the subsequent calendar month, the LRO shall certify “no-spills” for the subsequent calendar month. If the City and Veolia have no spills from its systems during a Sewer System Management Plan
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calendar month, but the City and Veolia voluntarily reported a spill from a private lateral or a private system, the LRO shall certify “no-spills” for that calendar month.
6.14 CIWQS NOT AVAILABLE
In the event that the CIWQS online spill database is not available, the LRO will fax or e-mail all required information to the RWQCB office at (510) 622-2460 and the SWRCB at [email protected] in accordance with the time schedules identified above.
In such an event, the City and Veolia will submit the appropriate reports using the CIWQS online spill database when the database becomes available.
A copy of all documents that certify the submittal in fulfillment of this section shall be retained in the spill document file.
6.15 EQUIPMENT
This section provides a list of specialized equipment that is required to support this Spill Emergency Response Plan.
Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Inspection Unit – A CCTV Inspection Unit is required to determine the root cause for all spills from gravity sewers.
Camera – A digital or disposable camera is required to record the conditions upon arrival, during clean up, and upon departure.
Emergency Response Trucks -- A utility body pickup truck, or open bed is required to store and transport the equipment needed to effectively respond to sewer emergencies. The equipment and tools should include containment and clean up materials.
Portable Generators, Portable Pumps, Piping, and Hoses – Equipment used to bypass pump, divert, or power equipment to mitigate a spill.
Combination Sewer Cleaning Trucks -- Combination high velocity sewer cleaning trucks with vacuum tanks are required to clear blockages in gravity sewers, vacuum spilled sewage, and wash down the impacted area following the spill event.
6.16 CONTRACTORS WORKING ON CITY SEWER FACILITIES
All contractors working on City sewer facilities will be trained in the City and Veolia’s Spill ERP and will be required to follow the Spill ERP in the event that they cause or observe a spill.
6.17 TRAINING
This section provides information on the training that is required to support this Spill Emergency Response Plan.
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6.17.1 Initial and Annual Refresher Training
All City and Veolia personnel who may have a role in responding to, reporting, and/or mitigating a sewer system spill should receive training on the contents of this Spill ERP. All new employees should receive training before they are placed in a position where they may have to respond. Current employees should receive annual refresher training on this plan and the procedures to be followed. Affected employees will receive annual training on the following topics, at a minimum, by knowledgeable trainers:
• The City and Veolia’s Spill Emergency Response Plan
• Spill Volume Estimation Techniques
• Impacted Surface Waters: Response Procedures
The City and Veolia will verify that annual safety training requirements are current for each employee, and that employees are competent in the performance of all core competencies. The City and Veolia will address, through additional training/instruction, any identified gaps in required core competencies.
6.17.2 Spill Response Drills
Periodic training drills should be held to ensure that employees are up to date on these procedures, equipment is in working order, and the required materials are readily available. The training drills will cover scenarios typically observed during sewer related emergencies (e.g., mainline blockage, mainline failure, force main failure, pump station failure, and lateral blockage). The results and the observations during the drills will be recorded and action items should be tracked to ensure completion.
6.17.3 Spill Training Record Keeping
Records should be kept of all training that is provided in support of this plan. The records for all scheduled training courses and for each overflow emergency response training event and will include date, time, place, content, name of trainer(s), and names of attendees.
6.18 ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE SPILL EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN The City of Richmond and Veolia is developing a standard process to conduct an annual review of the Spill Emergency Response Plan to evaluate its effectiveness and ensure continued compliance with the WDR, State laws, and Regional Water Board Orders.
The process includes:
• An internal audit of all spill incidents and response activities; • Evaluation of training effectiveness and staff performance; • Review of new or modified equipment and technology;
• Identification of lessons learned from the past year’s spills; • Recommendations for corrective action or plan modification; Sewer System Management Plan
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• Update of contact lists and contractor information.
Any changes made as a result of the annual review are documented in the SSMP change log, which is available as requested during audits or inspections.
6.19 APPENDIX E – ELEMENT 6 DOCUMENTS
Appendix E includes the following documents related to this section. The information in these documents will change from time to time, and the documents in Appendix E may have been superseded. Please contact the Deputy Director of Public Works/City Engineer for the most recent updates to the Appendix E documents.
• Hard Copies of Veolia Field Forms
• Spill Volume Estimation Methods
• Sample Warning Sign
• Collection System Failure Analysis Form
• Spill Report Form
• Sewer Backup Summary Report
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ELEMENT 7 - SEWER PIPE BLOCKAGE CONTROL PROGRAM
The purpose of this section is to evaluate the extent and nature of spills related to Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG), rags, and debris, to determine the need for a Sewer Pipe Blockage Control Program, and to outline the elements of this program if required.
SWRCB Waste Discharge Requirement:
Each Enrollee shall evaluate its service area to determine whether a sewer pipe blockage control program is needed to control fats, oils, and grease (FOG), rags, and debris. If an Enrollee determines that a sewer pipe blockage control program is not needed, the Enrollee must provide justification for why it is not needed. If a program is needed, it must include:
• An implementation plan and schedule for a public education outreach program that promotes proper disposal of pipe blockage substances;
• A plan and schedule for the disposal of pipe blocking substances 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 substances generated within a sanitary sewer system service area;
• The legal authority to prohibit discharges to the system and identify measures to prevent spills and blockages;
• Requirements to install grease removal devices (such as traps or interceptors), design standards for the removal devices, maintenance requirements, best management practice (BMP) requirements, record keeping and reporting requirements; • Authority to inspect grease producing facilities, enforcement authorities, and whether the Enrollee has sufficient staff to inspect and enforce the FOG ordinance; • An identification of sanitary sewer system sections subject to FOG blockages and establishment of a cleaning schedule for each section; and • Implementation of source control measures for all sources of FOG reaching to the sanitary sewer system for each section identified above.
The City of Richmond has had a FOG Control Plan since 2003. At that time, a field survey identified all food service facilities with and without grease control devices. Periodic inspection of food service facilities began in 2004.
In 2006, the City of Richmond Municipal Code was revised to require that new Food Handling Facilities (FHFs) install grease pretreatment devices that conform to the current version of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC). Additionally, one component of the 2006 settlement agreement between the City and San Francisco Baykeeper required the City to increase the inspection frequency of FHFs, and improve the public education and outreach program.
The RMC provides legal authority to prevent the introduction of FOG into the Sanitary Sewer System. In addition, the City’s FOG Control Plan has developed tools for tracking, inspecting, and grading FOG dischargers, as well as developed documents for education and outreach on FOG disposal.
As related to other potential sources of pipe blockage, such as roots, rags or debris, the City has pre- Sewer System Management Plan
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existing programs that are discussed further in Element 4. These programs include the hot spot program, root control program, and repair and replacement program. The City uses data from CIWQS and from cleaning and CCTV operations to help develop, refine, and update these programs. In order to continue to improve these programs, the City is in the process of evaluating prior spills, spill cause, spill location, and locations with repeat spills in conjunction with the hot spot program, root control program, and pipe repair priorities to determine if these programs require adjustment to accommodate additional locations.
Any changes to the hot spot program, root control program, or pipe repair priorities will be documented in the SSMP by December 31, 2026.
7.1 PUBLIC EDUCATION OUTREACH PLAN
The City has developed a public outreach program to inform residents about the impacts of FOG waste on the sewer system. The program begins with information provided on the City website, which discusses the sources of FOG and the impact of FOG on the sewer system, and provides links to fact sheets for grease traps, grease interceptors, and mechanical grease removal devices. These fact sheets are also included in Appendix F.
When a residential FOG-related spill occurs, the City’s source control staff distribute brochures, door hangers, and educational pot scrapers to the residents upstream of the spill location to inform these residents of proper FOG control. This program may be updated/modified annually by the Source Control Superintendent based on departmental staffing. A copy of this program and example handout materials are included in Appendix F.
The City has approximately 115 food service establishments (FSE). The outreach program includes a component designed to educate the City’s FSE owners and employees about minimizing FOG disposal into the sewer system, including information about best management practices for minimizing FOG. The City’s program was based on materials developed by the Tri- TAC CalFOG workgroup. Program information is included in Appendix F.
7.2 FOG DISPOSAL PLAN
The requirement for proper FOG disposal is provided in RMC Section 12.18.030.2.D.
RMC 12.18.030.2.D “Fats, Oils & Grease”
D. Best Management Practices.
(1) Drain Screen. After March 1, 2006, drain screens shall be installed on all drainage pipes for all new food services establishments deemed by the City Manager to generate FOG.
(2) Waste FOG:
(a) All waste FOG shall be collected and stored properly in recycling barrels, drums, or bins.
(b) Such recycling barrels, drums, or bins shall be maintained appropriately to ensure they do not leak or enter the City's stormwater collection system by direct discharge or by commingling with stormwater.
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(c) A licensed collection service must be used to dispose of waste FOG.
Currently, grease haulers dispose of grease pumped from interceptors at a grease collection facility outside of the RMSD service area. At this time, there does not appear to be a need for additional grease disposal facilities to collect grease from the City’s service area. However, the City may choose to evaluate this need further, should the need for additional grease disposal facilities become an issue in the future.
7.3 LEGAL AUTHORITY TO PROHIBIT SPILLS AND BLOCKAGES CAUSED BY FOG
DISCHARGE
Section 3, Legal Authority, discusses the City’s authority to enforce sewer-related issues. Specifically, Richmond Municipal Code Section 12.18.020.1. B prohibits the discharge of fats, oils and grease. Only the specific subsections relevant to this requirement are listed.
RMC Section 12.18.020.1.B “Prohibited Discharge Standards” B. Specific Prohibitions. No User shall introduce or cause to be introduced into the WPCP the following pollutants, substances, or wastewater (specifically, Items 3 and 6):
(3) Solid or viscous substances, such as, but not limited to, grease, garbage with particles greater than one-half (0.5) inch in any dimension, animal guts or tissues, paunch manure, bones, hair, hides or fleshing, entrails, whole blood, feathers, ashes, cinders, sands, spent lime, stone or marble dust, metal, glass, straw, shavings, grass clippings, rags spent grains, spent hops, waste paper, wood, plastics, gas, tar, asphalt residues, residues from refining or processing of fuel or lubricating oil, mud, glass grindings, or polishing wastes, in amounts which will cause obstruction of the flow in the WPCP resulting in interference. (6) Petroleum oil, non-biodegradable cutting oil, or products of mineral origin, in amounts that will cause interference or pass through.
7.4 REQUIREMENTS AND DESIGN STANDARDS FOR INSTALLATION OF GREASE
REMOVAL DEVICES
RMC Section 12.18.030.02 includes requirements for the installation of grease removal devices, including design standards and approvals. Specific subsections are called out below and numbered as they appear in the RMC.
RMC 12.18.030.2 “Fats, Oils & Grease”
A. Fats, Oils, and Grease Program, subsections 1 and 3:
(1) Fats, oils, and grease interceptors (seven subsections) (3) Dishwashers and food grinders are prohibited from discharging through the grease trap pursuant to the State of California Plumbing Code.
B. Administration of FOG Program
E. Grease Separators (Traps) for Treating FOG Wastes
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F. Grease Interceptors for Treating FOG Wastes.
7.5 DEVICE MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
RMC Section 12.18.030.02 includes requirements for the maintenance of grease removal devices. Only the specific subsections relevant to this requirement are listed. Sections are numbered s they appear in the RMC.
RMC 12.18.030.2 “Fats, Oils & Grease”
A. Fats, Oils, and Grease Program.
(1) Fats, oils, and grease interceptors:
(g) Where installed, all FOG separators or grease interceptors shall be maintained and in continuous efficient operation at all times.
(6) If significant grease accumulation (e.g., a partial blockage) is found downstream or if significant grease wicking is found upstream of the process of concern, an Authorized Inspector and/or the City Manager may inspect the facility. The inspection will include a review of the grease management program, treatment system, waste storage area, and drains not flowing to the treatment system. BMPs not in place, hauler receipts for the prior three (3) years not available, and/or training documents not current may result in future inspections with an assessed fee as published in the City's fee schedule (see Section 12.18.140).
(7) If a business is shown to be the cause of a grease-related sewer overflow, the user will be responsible for the cost of clean-up as set forth in Section 12.18.140 C. Grease Interceptor Maintenance Procedures and Program. Any user, required by the City and/or this chapter to install and/or operate a grease interceptor or grease trap, shall adequately maintain the device so that the device is in proper working order at all times. Grease and oil interceptors shall be cleaned by a licensed and permitted waste hauler on a periodic basis to assure that the grease interceptor will be operated as designed at all times. Any user, required to install or have in operation a grease interceptor or grease trap pursuant of this chapter, shall have a plan of operation or program for their facility that is intended to ensure that the grease interceptor or grease trap operates as designed to prevent grease, oil, sand, or other harmful constituents from entering the sewer system. These procedures may include adoption of kitchen practices to minimize grease-laden garbage, which may ultimately enter the facility's drains and floor traps and/or other such procedures as may be required for proper operation of the grease interceptors (8 subsections)
E. Grease Separators (Traps) for Treating FOG Wastes.
(4) Maintenance of the grease trap shall be as often as required to maintain it in an efficient operating condition.
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free of storage and the top of the grease trap must not be bolted down. (6) A maintenance log for the grease trap must be kept for a minimum of three (3) years and must be provided at the request of the City.
F. Grease Interceptors for Treating FOG Wastes.
(7) All grease interceptors shall be located such that they are readily and easily accessible for cleaning, inspection, and removal of intercepted waste. (10) Grease interceptors shall have a clean-out installed after the sample box on the private lateral as required by the City of Richmond Building and Plumbing Code.
7.6 BMP Requirements, Recordkeeping and Reporting
BMP requirements are included in the following section of the RMC:
RMC 12.18.030.2 D “Best Management Practices”
(1) Drain Screen. After March 1, 2006, drain screens shall be installed on all drainage pipes for all new food services establishments deemed by the City Manager to generate FOG. (2) Waste FOG:
(a) All waste FOG shall be collected and stored properly in recycling barrels, drums, or bins.
(b) Such recycling barrels, drums, or bins shall be maintained appropriately to ensure they do not leak or enter the City's stormwater collection system by direct discharge or by commingling with stormwater.
(c) A licensed collection service must be used to dispose of waste FOG.
(3) Food Waste. All food waste shall be disposed of directly into the trash or garbage and not in sinks.
(4) Employee Training:
(a) Employees of food service establishments shall be trained within three (3) months after the effective date of this chapter, and two (2) times each calendar year thereafter, on the following subjects:
(i) How to "dry wipe" pots, pans, dishware, and work areas before washing to remove FOG.
(ii) How to properly dispose of food waste and solids in enclosed plastic bags prior to disposal in trash bins or containers to prevent leaking and odors. (iii) The location and use of absorption products to clean under fryers and other Sewer System Management Plan
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locations where grease may be spilled or dripped.
(b) Training shall be documented and employee signatures retained, indicating each employee's attendance and understanding of the practices. (c) Training records shall be available for review at any reasonable time by an Authorized Inspector and/or the City Manager.
(5) Kitchen exhaust filters shall be cleaned as frequently as necessary in order to maintain good operating condition.
(6) All BMPs shall be posted conspicuously in the food preparation and dishwashing areas and process areas at all times.
7.7 AUTHORITY TO INSPECT GREASE PRODUCING FACILITIES AND ENFORCE
REQUIREMENTS
The following sections of the RMC provide authority to inspect facilities and enforce requirements. Only the specific subsections relevant to this requirement are listed.
RMC 12.18.030.2 “Fats, Oils & Grease”
A. Fats, Oils, and Grease Program.
(2) These facilities must have a FOG Management Program Permit. An Authorized Inspector and/or the City Manager shall have right of entry as described in Section
12.18.070.1 of this chapter.
(3) Fees, charges, and penalties are pursuant of Section 12.18.140 of this chapter.
(6) If significant grease accumulation (e.g., a partial blockage) is found downstream, or if significant grease wicking is found upstream of the process of concern, an Authorized Inspector and/or the City Manager may inspect the facility. The inspection will include a review of the grease management program, treatment system, waste storage area, and drains not flowing to the treatment system. BMPs not in place, hauler receipts for the prior three (3) years not available, and/or training documents not current may result in future inspections with an assessed fee as published in the City's fee schedule (see Section 12.18.140).
E. Grease Separators (Traps) for Treating FOG Wastes.
(6) A maintenance log for the grease trap must be kept for a minimum of three (3) years and must be provided at the request of the City.
F. Grease Interceptors for Treating FOG Wastes.
(4) All new grease interceptors shall be designed, constructed, and installed in Sewer System Management Plan
SEWER PIPE BLOCKAGE CONTROL PROGRAM
Richmond Municipal Sewer District Page 7-7
accordance with the current City of Richmond Building and Plumbing Codes, and shall be subject to approval by the Building Regulations Department. (9) Inspection by the City of installed grease interceptors and piping prior to backfilling is required. Piping shall meet the requirements of the City of Richmond Building and Plumbing Code.
7.8 SEWER SECTIONS SUBJECT TO FOG BLOCKAGES
Spills due to FOG are reported in CIWQS. Appendix F contains a table with locations of FOG- related spills from 2020 to present.
The City’s Source Control Superintendent manages response, outreach activities, and maintains records of the response activities for FOG-related spills. This information is updated annually.
7.9 APPENDIX F – ELEMENT 7 DOCUMENTS
Appendix F includes the following documents related to this section. The information in these documents will change from time to time, and the documents in Appendix F may have been superseded. Please contact the Deputy Director of Public Works/City Engineer for the most recent updates to the Appendix F documents.
• Fats, Oils and Grease Policy (RMC §12.18.020.2)
• FOG Control Program Including City Handouts and Public Outreach Materials • FOG Related Spills reported in CIWQS and Source Control Activities tables 2020 – Present.
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SYSTEM EVALUATION, CAPACITY ASSURANCE, AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
Richmond Municipal Sewer District Page 8-1
ELEMENT 8 - SYSTEM EVALUATION, CAPACITY ASSURANCE, AND CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENTS
This section of the SSMP discusses the RMSD’s activities related to capacity management.
SWRCB Waste Discharge Requirement:
• The Plan Must Include Procedures and Activities For:
o Routine Evaluation And Assessment Of System Conditions; o Capacity Assessment And Design Criteria;
o Prioritization Of Corrective Actions; And
o A Capital Improvement Plan.
8.1 EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENT OF SYSTEM CONDITION
The City completes condition assessments on a 10-year cycle to identify non-capacity needs for the gravity sewer pipelines. This assessment is discussed in Element 4. System areas that hold a high level of environmental consequences and are more vulnerable to collapse, failure, blockage, or other system deficiencies as identified through CCTV inspections and, more specifically, specific structural and operations and maintenance defect scores, are inspected on a more frequent basis. Pipes are prioritized for repair through the City’s annual Risk Assessment Analysis (RAA).
The City plans to integrate additional analyses of potentially elevated risk for pipes located in the vicinity of surface waters, within steep terrain, in locations with known high groundwater elevations, and in other known environmentally sensitive areas, which will be addressed in the SSMP by December 31, 2026.
These analyses and associated documentation will become part of the City’s repair and replacement prioritization program, which is addressed in Element 4.
8.2 CAPACITY ASSESSMENT AND DESIGN CRITERIA
The contract between the City and Veolia required Veolia to complete a capacity assurance plan and establish a prioritized CIP to address capacity needs in the sewer collection system. In 2010, Veolia Water completed an updated Sewer Collection System Master Plan (Master Plan) that addressed pipeline capacity issues. The Master Plan was adopted by City Council in 2011, and used a calibrated fully dynamic hydraulic model developed in Innovyze® Infoworks ™ CS. The hydraulic model was updated in 2019 using Innovyze Infoworks ICM and again in 2024 and is used to evaluate future pipeline capacity issues, and to further evaluate collection system pump station performance.
The hydraulic model has been used to predict sewer system pipelines that would have capacity constraints leading to spills during a 10-year, 24-hour design storm. The model also predicts peak hourly system flow that would be conveyed by the system during the design storm, provided the predicted spills are addressed.
The predicted spill locations are in areas of the system that have known spills. However, because recorded spill data is related to storm events that are not identical to the theoretical design storm event in magnitude, intensity, and rainfall distribution, there is some difference between predicted and actual Sewer System Management Plan
SYSTEM EVALUATION, CAPACITY ASSURANCE, AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
Richmond Municipal Sewer District Page 8-2
system behavior.
The Master Plan includes a description of the 2022/2023 flow monitoring program. The results from this program was used to estimate the proportion of inflow and infiltration (I&I) that enters the sewer system during a wet weather event. The flow monitoring program identified various sources of I&I, including groundwater and tidal influence. The Master Plan also establishes design criteria for use in evaluating system capacity, and for sizing new pipelines.
Flows generated by the system hydraulic model were compared to firm pump station capacity (i.e., with the largest pump out of service) as listed in the City’s 2006 master plan report and confirmed by Veolia.
Based on this information, all of the modeled pump stations have sufficient capacity to convey flows from the 10-year, 24-hour design storm. The 2010 Master Plan identified the need for wet weather storage directly upstream of the wastewater treatment plant. This storage facility has been constructed and placed in use. Additional in-system storage is not required.
The Master Plan includes a short- (one to five year) and long-term (10 year) capital improvement plan (CIP) to address predicted pipeline hydraulic deficiencies under the design storm event. The CIP evaluates, assigns costs, and prioritizes recommended projects. The CIP implementation schedule is focused on maximizing the success in achieving the capacity-related spill reduction requirements of the settlement agreement between the City and San Francisco Baykeeper.
Information on capacity needs are included in the City’s gravity sewer asset management risk model and help to inform priorities and project needs for pipeline repair and replacement. Capacity assessment results are compared to historical spill data to confirm that predicted spills are representative of known field conditions.
The City is considering ways to integrate potential effects of climate change, including but not limited to:
sea level rise; flooding and/or erosion due to increased storm volumes, frequency, and/or intensity; wildfires; and increased power disruptions into the current capacity analysis. The hydraulic model is a flexible, working tool that can be used to run “what-if” scenarios related to predicted future events. Local industry organizations such as CWEA, CASA, and BACWA are working to understand the potential data that is emerging regarding climate change and its effects on sanitary sewer facilities. As this information becomes known and accepted, the City is prepared to update the hydraulic model to further evaluate potential impacts.
8.3 PRIORITIZED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Figure 8-1 is found at the end of this section. This figure reproduces the CIP presented in Table 9-1 of the Master Plan. The CIP is updated each year as part of the City’s annual budgeting process.
The Master Plan CIP is integrated into the City’s annual budget. The CIP that was provided in the Master Plan is included in the Master Plan Executive Summary, which is included in Appendix G. The CIP shows projected start and completion timeframes. Preliminary design through construction involve joint coordination between operation and maintenance staff and engineering staff/consultants, as well as interagency coordination involving outside utilities and Caltrans where applicable.
8.4 APPENDIX G – ELEMENT 8 DOCUMENTS
Appendix G includes the following documents related to this section. The information in these documents Sewer System Management Plan
SYSTEM EVALUATION, CAPACITY ASSURANCE, AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
Richmond Municipal Sewer District Page 8-3
will change from time to time, and the documents in Appendix G may have been superseded. Please contact the Deputy Director of Public Works/City Engineer for the most recent updates to the Appendix G documents.
• Master Plan Executive Summary and CIP
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MONITORING, MEASUREMENT, AND PROGRAM MODIFICATIONS
Richmond Municipal Sewer District Page 9-1
ELEMENT 9 - MONITORING, MEASUREMENT AND PROGRAM MODIFICATIONS This section of the SSMP discusses the RMSD Monitoring, Measurement, and Program Modifications.
SWRCB Waste Discharge Requirement:
The Enrollee shall include an Adaptive Management section that addresses Plan implementation effectiveness and the steps for necessary Plan improvement, including:
• Maintaining relevant information including audit findings, to establish and prioritize appropriate Plan activities;
• Monitor the implementation and measure the effectiveness of each Plan element; • Update Plan procedures and activities, as appropriate, based on the results of monitoring or performance evaluations; and
• Identify and illustrate spill trends, including spill frequency, locations, and estimated volumes.
9.1 ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT
The City includes adaptive management principles to ensure effective implementation and continuous improvement, as discussed below.
• Maintaining relevant information, including audit findings, to establish and prioritize appropriate Plan activities. The City conducts biannual audits as discussed in Element 10. Recommendations from the audits are incorporated into Plan updates, as shown on the schedule in Element 1. • Monitoring the implementation and measuring the effectiveness of each Plan Element is completed through the Plan audits. Performance metrics are tracked in this Element 9. • Assessing the success of the preventive operation and maintenance activities. The effectiveness of preventive operation and maintenance activities is assessed through the Plan audits and recommendations from the audits are included in SSMP updates per the schedule shown in Element 1. • Updating Plan procedures and activities, as appropriate, based on results of monitoring and performance evaluations.
• Identifying and illustrating spill trends, including spill frequency, locations and estimated volumes.
The remaining information provides information on spill trends, frequency, locations, and estimated volumes.
9.2 MAINTENANCE OF RELEVANT DATA
The RMSD maintains complaint and blockage records in electronic format, maintains electronic logs of cleaning, repairs, other preventive maintenance activities, and records problems (e.g., excessive debris, observed manhole defects) identified through regular sewer maintenance activities on special report forms within the CMMS. This information is used to establish and prioritize appropriate SSMP activities.
Sewer System Management Plan
MONITORING, MEASUREMENT, AND PROGRAM MODIFICATIONS
Richmond Municipal Sewer District Page 9-2
9.3 MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT
The RMSD tracks the following parameters with which to measure the effectiveness of the SSMP and its effectiveness in reducing spills:
• Number of spills per year
• Volume of spills per year
• Number of spills per year by cause
• Number of dry weather spills per year
• Response time to spills and other service calls (time from call received to time First Responder arrived on site)
• Length of gravity sewers cleaned annually (at least one time and in total) • Length of gravity sewers CCTV inspected annually (at least one time and in total) • Record of pump station maintenance work orders completed annually • Footage of sewer mainlines rehabilitation
The SSMP will be audited as described in Element 10 SSMP Audits, based on this performance data.
9.4 UTILITY METRICS TO MEASURE PROGRESS AND PRIORITIZE ACTIVITIES The RMSD has established the preventive maintenance sewer metrics that are shown in Table 9- 1 for the City and Veolia’s use in monitoring, measuring and adjusting sewer maintenance activities. The City’s responsibilities pertain to source control and claims, and Veolia is responsible for monitoring and measuring progress in sewer system performance.
Sewer System Management Plan
SSMP PROGRAM AUDITS
Richmond Municipal Sewer District Page 9-3
Table 9-1. Success Factors and Metrics
Sewer Maintenance Success Factor Metric
System Pipes Miles
Sewer Maintenance Field Staff Full Time Equivalents (FTE) Pipes Initially Cleaned Miles/Year
Pipes Re-cleaned Miles/Year
Pipe Inspected (CCTV) Miles/Year
Manholes Inspected Miles/Year
Hot Spots Cleaned Number by Underlying Cause (Roots, Debris, FOG, Structural) Spills Number by Underlying Cause per 100 Miles
Repeat Spills Number by Address
Response Time Minutes per Spill after Notification
Pump Station Overflows Number by Cause
Odor Complaints Number
FSE Inspections #/Year
Laterals Replaced (LRGP) #/Year
Pipe Replaced Miles/Year
Claims #/Year and $/Year/Incident
9.5 PERFORMANCE MONITORING AND PROGRAM MODIFICATIONS
The City will evaluate the performance of its SSMP on an annual basis using the performance indicators noted in Section 9.3. Any operational changes that are made to improve specific performance indicators will be documented in the SSMP Audit and reflected in the revised language of the SSMP. Element 10 discusses the SSMP Audit process in detail.
9.6 SPILL TRENDS – FREQUENCY, LOATION, AND VOLUME
Table 9-2 summarizes the nature of reported spills from 2021 – 2025. Between 2021 and 2025, spills generally decreased in number and volume as shown on Table 9-2.
Sewer System Management Plan
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Richmond Municipal Sewer District Page 9-4
Table 9-2. Summary of Spills from 2021 through 2025
Year Roots FOG Debris Structural &
Other
Capacity Total (#) Recovered
Vol (gal)
Lost Volume
(gal)
Total
Volume
(gal)
2021 2 3 1 5 9 20 11,861 1,297,997 1,309,858
2022 0 62 2 5 6 19 139,540 655,915 795,455
2023 1 1 3 4 28 38 7,963 1,903,822 1,911,785
2024 1 63 1 2 0 10 52,387 95 52,482
2025 0 52 0 14 7 13 31,348 349,329 380,677
9.7 APPENDIX H – ELEMENT 9 DOCUMENTS
There are no Appendix documents to accompany Section IX. However, this Appendix H is included as a placeholder for future documents.
2 Two of these spills were also caused by debris.
3 These spills were also caused by debris.
4 This spill was also caused by FOG.
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SSMP PROGRAM AUDITS
Richmond Municipal Sewer District Page 10-1
ELEMENT 10 - INTERNAL AUDITS
This section of the SSMP discusses plans for required self-audits of the SSMP. This section fulfills the SSMP Audit requirement for the RWQCB and the SWRCB elements.
SWRCB Waste Discharge Requirement:
As part of the Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP), the Enrollee shall include internal audit procedures, appropriate to the size and performance of the system, for the Enrollee to comply with section 5.4 (Sewer System Management Plan Audits) of this General Order.
At a minimum, these audits must occur every two three 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, including identification of any deficiencies in the SSMP and steps to correct them. The audit must:
• Evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of the Enrollee’s Sewer System Management Plan in preventing spills;
• Evaluate the Enrollee’s compliance with the most updated General Order; • Identify Sewer System Management Plan deficiencies in addressing ongoing spills and discharges to waters of the State; and
• Identify necessary modifications to the SSMP Plan to correct deficiencies; The Enrollee shall submit a complete audit report that includes:
• Audit findings and recommended corrective actions;
• A statement that sewer system operators’ input on the audit findings has been considered; and • A proposed schedule for the Enrollee to address the identified deficiencies.
10.1 AUDIT PROCEDURES, ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The City audits and updates its SSMP on a 3-year basis. Updates may occur more frequently if the Water Resources Manager recommends modifications, or if regulations change between audits. The audit process is documented in the SSMP Audit Form shown in Appendix 10. The audit form provides structure for a systematic review of each SSMP element in order to ensure the SSMP contains current information, regulatory requirements are satisfied, and programs are effective and meeting City’s goals for the operation of the collection system stated in Element 1. If updates or changes are required, the content and timeline to complete those change is described in the audit form. The most recent audit showing the results of the City’s SSMP evaluation was completed in March 2025 and is included in Appendix I. The City’s audit form is also included in Appendix I of this document.
As part of the audit process, City staff develops a timeline for updates to critical information in the SSMP, such as contact information, names of the key staff in the response chain of communication, or other similar data as needed. A comprehensive SSMP update will occur every 6 years, as required by the Statewide WDR.
It is anticipated that the main SSMP document will remain generally unchanged, and that any changes will be recorded in the SSMP Change Log, which is included in Appendix I.
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SSMP PROGRAM AUDITS
Richmond Municipal Sewer District Page 10-2
10.2 APPENDIX I – SSMP PROGRAM AUDIT DOCUMENTS
Appendix I include the following documents related to this section. The information in these documents will change from time to time, and the documents in Appendix I may have been superseded. Please contact the Deputy Director of Public Works/City Engineer for the most recent updates to the Appendix I documents.
• Most recent audit
• Change Log
• Example audit form
Sewer System Management Plan
COMMUNICATION PLAN
Richmond Municipal Sewer District Page 11-1
ELEMENT 11 - COMMUNICATION PLAN
This section of the SSMP discusses the City’s Communication plan.
SWRCB Waste Discharge Requirement:
• The Enrollee shall communicate on a regular basis with the public for spills and discharges resulting in closures of public areas, or that enter a source of drinking water; and the development, implementation, and update of its Plan (i.e., SSMP), including opportunities for public input to Plan implementation and updates;
• The Enrollee shall also create a plan of communication with owners/operators of systems that connect into the Enrollee’s system, including satellite systems, for system operation, maintenance, and capital improvement-related activities.
11.1 COMMUNICATION PLAN
The City has a comprehensive library of documents that are available to the public through the “Wastewater” page of the City website. The SSMP is included in this library for access by the public, and a clear link to the document will be provided on the website to facilitate access to the document. The public has the opportunity to comment on the SSMP at Council meetings, which are open to the public and held at least twice per month.
In the event of a sewer spill or discharge that results in the closure of public areas or impacts a source of drinking water, the City notifies the public through the City’s website, social media platforms, press releases, and/or coordination with Contra Costa County Health Services to protect public health.
The City currently does not receive flows from any satellite systems. If any agencies or private systems are connected in the future, the City will establish coordination procedures to address operation, maintenance, and capital planning requirements.
11.2 APPENDIX J – ELEMENT 11 DOCUMENTS
There are no Appendix documents to accompany Section IX. However, this Appendix J is included as a placeholder for future documents.
Sewer System Management Plan
COMMUNICATION PLAN
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SewerSystemManagementPlan
APPENDICES
AppendixA
Element2(Organization)SupportingDocuments
Contact Names and Phone Numbers
Appendix A
H\002RI-12-01\WP\SSMP
Names and contact information for the Veolia SSO responders (First Responder) and responsible City employees are as listed below:
• Veolia Hotline: 510-412-2001
• Veolia Project Manager - Aaron Winer Cell: 510-385-6482 • Veolia Sewer Collection Manager - 7LP2
&RQQRU&HOO
• Veolia Sewer Field Supervisor - Wayne Madison Cell: 510-542-3247 • Veolia Field Crew Cell Numbers:
o$UPVWURQJ.HQQ\ 510-812-
o Roos, Jason 510-812-1173
o Wallis, David 510-447-0220
o Lewis, Kenny 510-932-1242
o 0DGLVRQ:D\QH 510-542-3247
o +LOO$UOHH 510-
o +HQGULFNV0LWFKHOO 510-
o Mendoza, Rafael 510-
• In Case of Emergency: 911
• City Police Dispatch: 510-233-1214
• OES: 800-852-7550
• City Manager: 510-620-6512
• City Interim Engineering Services Director Cell: 510-435-4340 • City 6RXUFH&RQWURO6XSHULQWHQGHQW&HOO
• Contractors
o BayHawk, Inc.: 510-776-5886
o Roto-Rooter: 804-794-7474 TMB, LLC: 707-252-5480
Contact Names and Phone Numbers
Appendix A
H\002RI-12-01\WP\SSMP
o Sierra Pacific Loss Management (Bruce Burnett – Interior Cleaning): 707-479- 1375
o DW Pumps- 916-559-2054
• California Regional Water Quality Control Board: 510-622-2369 • California Department of Fish and Games - Bay Delta Region : 707-944-5500 • East Bay Regional Park District: 510-633-0460
• Contra Costa County Health Services: 925-692-2500
• California Office of Emergency Services : • U.S. Coast Guard : 510-437-3073
SewerSystemManagementPlan
APPENDICES
AppendixB
Element3(LegalAuthority)SupportingDocuments
Richmond, California, Code of Ordinances >> Article VI - BUILDING REGULATIONS >> Chapter 6.02 - BUILDING REGULATIONS ADMINISTRATIVE CODE >>
Chapter 6.02 - BUILDING REGULATIONS ADMINISTRATIVE CODE Sections:
6.02.010 - Title.
6.02.020 - Definitions.
6.02.030 - Purpose.
6.02.040 - Scope.
6.02.050 - Existing buildings, structures and equipment.
6.02.060 - Conflicting provisions.
6.02.070 - Alternate materials and methods of construction.
6.02.080 - Modifications.
6.02.090 - Tests.
6.02.100 - Authority.
6.02.110 - Powers and duties of Building Official.
6.02.120 - Unsafe buildings, structures or equipment.
6.02.130 - Board of Appeals.
6.02.140 - Violations—Penalties.
6.02.150 - Permits.
6.02.160 - Application for permit.
6.02.170 - Permits issuance.
6.02.180 - Fees.
6.02.190 - Inspections.
6.02.210 - Special inspections.
6.02.220 - Engineering or architect requirements.
6.02.230 - Connection to utilities.
6.02.240 - Certificate of Occupancy.
6.02.250 - Adoption of technical codes.
6.02.010 - Title.
These regulations shall be known as the "Building Regulations Administrative Code," may be cited as such and will be referred to herein as "this chapter."
6.02.020 - Definitions.
General. For the purpose of this chapter, certain terms, phrases, words and their derivatives shall be construed as specified in this section.
Where terms are not defined, they shall have their ordinarily accepted meanings within the context with which they are used. Webster's Third New International Dictionary of the English Language, Unabridged, Copyright 1961, shall be considered as providing ordinarily accepted meanings.
Words used in the singular include the plural and the plural the singular. Words used in the masculine gender include the feminine and the feminine the masculine.
"Accepted for construction," means as to materials, types of construction, equipment and systems, refers to the acceptance by the Building Official as the result of investigation and/or tests conducted by him, or by reason of accepted principles or tests by recognized authorities, technical or scientific organizations.
"Addition" means an extension or increase in floor area or height of a building or structure. "Alter" or "alteration" means any change or modification in construction or building service equipment. "Approved agency" means an established and recognized agency regularly engaged in conducting tests or furnishing inspection services, when such agency has been approved by the Building Official. "Building" means any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering and use or occupancy. "Building Code" or "Building Standards Code" means the California Building Standards Code as published by the California Building Standards Commission and promulgated in Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations (including any interim amendments thereto), and adopted in this Code herein by reference.
"Building Official" means the person charged with the administration and enforcement of this chapter and the Building Code, or the duly authorized representative of the Building Official. All references to Building Official in Article VI of this Code shall include the Building Official's designee, if any.
"Building service equipment" means it refers to the plumbing, mechanical, electrical and elevator equipment including piping, wiring, fixtures and other accessories which provide sanitation, lighting, heating, ventilation, cooling, refrigeration, firefighting and transportation facilities essential for the habitable occupancy of the building or structure for its designated use and occupancy.
Building, Existing. "Existing building" means a building erected prior to the adoption of this chapter, or one for which a legal building permit has been issued.
1/9/2013http://library.municode.com/HTML/16579/level2/ARTVIBURE_CH6.02BUREADCO.html CABO One and Two-Family Dwelling Code. This jointly sponsored code is intended to eliminate conflicts and duplications among the model codes to achieve national uniformity.
CABO Model Energy Code. This Code sets forth minimum requirements for the effective use of energy in the design of new buildings and structures and additions to existing buildings and is adopted by reference in the Uniform Building Code. "Chief Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing Inspector, Plans Examiner" means the person providing expertise for the Building Official in the designated technical code.
"Concrete Inspection Manual" means a publication on concrete to be used for reference or as a text on concrete inspection. "Dangerous Building Code" means the Uniform Building Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings promulgated by the International Conference of Building Officials, as adopted by the City of Richmond in Chapter 6.10. "Electrical Code" means the National Electrical Code promulgated by the National Fire Protection Association, as adopted by the City of Richmond in Chapter 6.16. "Engineer of Record" means an engineer licensed by the State of California to practice as such and who is responsible for the preparation of plans, specifications, engineering calculations and other data submitted to the City of Richmond for the purpose of obtaining a permit under the provisions of this chapter. "Fire Code" means the California Fire Code and Fire Code Standards as published in the Building Standards Code and Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, and adopted in this Code herein by reference. "Jurisdiction," as used in this chapter and technical codes, means the City of Richmond, California. "Listed" and "Listing" mean terms referring to equipment and materials which are shown in a list published by an approved testing agency, qualified and equipped for experimental testing and maintaining an adequate periodic inspection of current productions and whose listing states that the equipment complies with recognized safety standards. "Mechanical Code" means the California Mechanical Code as published in the Building Standards Code and Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, and adopted in this Code herein by reference. "Occupancy" means the purpose for which a building, or part thereof, is used or intended to be used. The term "occupancy" as used in this chapter shall include the building or part thereof housing such use. "Occupant" means the person, agent, firm or corporation occupying a building or part thereof. "Owner" means any person, agent, firm or corporation having a legal or equitable interest in the property interest. "Permit" means an official document or certificate issued by the Building Official authorizing performance of a specific activity. "Person" means a natural person, his heirs, executors, administrators or assigns, and also includes a firm, partnership or corporation, its or their successors or assigns, or the agent of any of the aforesaid. "Plumbing Code" means the California Plumbing Code as published in the Building Standards Code and Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, and adopted in this Code herein by reference. "Process equipment" means equipment used in the production or development of manufactured products. Process equipment includes the following production or research equipment: pressure vessels, heat exchangers, pumps, compressors, boilers and furnaces. Process equipment shall be designed and fabricated in conformance with nationally established and recognized industry codes and standards and is to be certified as such. Process equipment also includes its installation but does not include foundations or structures around this equipment or the connection to utility sources.
"Repair" means the reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing building, structure or building service equipment for the purpose of its maintenance.
"Shall," as used in this chapter, means mandatory.
"Stamped plans" and/or "specifications" mean the plans and/or specifications which have been "accepted for construction" as the official plans and/or specifications to be followed on the job site. Such plans and/or specifications are to be stamped by the Building Official with the official stamp of the City of Richmond's Building Regulations Division and signed by the Building Official authorizing the issuance of a permit(s) for work to proceed.
"Structure" means that which is built or constructed, an edifice or building of any kind, or any piece of work artificially built up or composed of parts joined together in some definite manner.
"Technical Codes" means it refer to those codes adopted by the City of Richmond containing the provisions for design, construction, alteration, addition, repair, removal, demolition, use, location, occupancy and maintenance of all buildings and structures and building service equipment as herein defined.
"Uniform Building Code" means it covers the fire, life and structural safety aspects of all building and related structures. "Uniform Building Code Standards" means it presents in a compact and concise manner national test, material and special design standards referred to as the Uniform Building Code. U.B.C. STANDARDS is the Uniform Building Code Standards promulgated by the International Conference of Building Officials, as adopted by the City of Richmond in Chapter 6.04 "Uniform Building Security Code" means it establishes minimum standards to make dwelling units resistance to unlawful entry. It regulates swinging doors, sliding doors, windows and hardware in connection with dwelling units of apartment houses or one- and two-family dwellings. The code gives consideration to the concerns of police, fire and Building Officials in establishing requirements for resistance to burglary which are compatible with fire and life safety.
1/9/2013http://library.municode.com/HTML/16579/level2/ARTVIBURE_CH6.02BUREADCO.html (A)
(B)
1. 2.
3. 4.
5. 6.
7. 8.
(C)
(D)
"Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings" means it sets forth orderly procedures for remedying dangerous buildings. This Code covers all structures and may be used to supplement the Building Code and State Housing Code. "Uniform Fire Code and Uniform Fire Code Standards" means it sets out provisions necessary for fire prevention while achieving uniformity in terms and requirements with other codes published by the conference. The Code is sponsored jointly by the Western Fire Chiefs Association and the International Conference of Building Officials, as adopted by the City of Richmond in Chapter 8.16 of this Code. "Uniform Housing Code" means it provides for the conservation and rehabilitation of housing compatible with the Uniform Building Code; meets Federal Workable Program requirements and is sponsored by the International Conference of Building Officials, as adopted by the City of Richmond in Chapter 6.24. "Uniform Mechanical Code" means it contains requirements for the installation and maintenance of heating, ventilating, cooling and refrigeration systems. This publication is sponsored jointly by the International Conference of Building Officials and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials.
"Uniform Plumbing Code," means published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, the Uniform Plumbing Code covers all aspects of plumbing, including requirements for plumbing materials, and IAPMO installation standards. It is endorsed by the ICBO. "Uniform Sign Code" means dedicated to the development of better sign regulation. Its requirements pertain to all signs and sign construction attached to buildings and is sponsored by the International Conference of Building Officials, as adopted by the City of Richmond in Chapter 4.04 of this Code.
"Valuation" or "value of buildings," means as applied to a building and its building service equipment, shall be the established cost to replace the building and its building service equipment in kind, based on current replacement costs. "Valuation" or "value of structures," means as applied to a structure and its process and/or service equipment, shall be the estimated cost to replace the structure and its process and service equipment in kind, based on current replacement costs. (Amended by Ordinance Nos. 11-94 N.S., 4-06 N.S. and 18-06 N.S.)
6.02.030 - Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to provide for the administration and enforcement of the technical codes adopted by the City of Richmond and to provide for and promote the health, safety and welfare of the general public, and not to create or otherwise establish or designate any particular class or group of persons who will or should be especially protected or benefitted by the terms of this chapter of the technical codes.
6.02.040 - Scope.
The provisions of this chapter shall serve as the administrative, organizational and enforcement rules and regulations for the technical codes which regulate the site preparation, construction, alteration, moving, demolition, repair, use and occupancy of buildings, structures and building service equipment within the City of Richmond.
6.02.050 - Existing buildings, structures and equipment.
General. Buildings, structures and their building service equipment to which additions, alterations or repairs are made shall comply with all the requirements of the technical codes for new facilities, except as specifically provided in this section.
Additions, Alterations or Repairs.
Additions, alterations or repairs may be made to any building or structure without requiring the existing building or structure to comply with all the requirements of this chapter, provided the addition, alteration or repair conforms to that required for a new building or structure, and the capability of the existing building or structure to resist all lateral forces to which it may be subjected has been demonstrated.
Additions or alterations shall not be made to an existing building or structure which will cause the existing building or structure to be in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter nor shall such additions or alterations cause the existing building or structure to become unsafe. An unsafe condition shall be deemed to have been created if an addition or alteration will cause the existing building or structure to become structurally unsafe or overloaded; will not provide adequate egress in compliance with the provisions of this chapter or will obstruct existing exits; will create a fire hazard; will reduce required fire resistance or will otherwise create conditions dangerous to human life.
Any altered building which involves a change in use or occupancy, shall not exceed the height, number of stories and the area permitted for new buildings.
Any new building plus additions shall not exceed the height, number of stories and area specified for new buildings.
Additions or alterations shall not be made to an existing building or structure when such existing building or structure is not in full compliance with the provisions of this chapter except when such addition or alteration will result in the existing building or structure being no more hazardous based on safety and sanitation, than before such additions or alterations are undertaken.
Alterations or repairs to an existing building or structure which are nonstructural and do not adversely affect any structural member or any part of the building or structure having required fire resistance may be made with the same materials of which the building or structure is constructed. The installation or replacement of glass shall be as required for new installations.
Minor additions, alterations and repairs to existing building service equipment installations may be made in accordance with the technical code in effect at the time the original installation was made, subject to the approval of the Building Official, and provided such additions, alterations and repairs will not cause the existing building service equipment to become unsafe, unsanitary or overloaded.
Structural alterations intended to improve the resistance to lateral forces due to earthquakes in existing building may be made without full compliance with the provisions for earthquake-resistant design as specified in the technical codes.
Existing Installations. Building service equipment lawfully in existence at the time of the adoption of the technical codes may have their use, maintenance or repair continued if the use, maintenance or repair is in accordance with the original design and no hazard to life, health or property has been created by such building service equipment.
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Existing Occupancy. Buildings in existence at the time of the adoption of the Building Code may have their existing use or occupancy continued if such use or occupancy was legal at the time of the adoption of the Building Code, provided such continued use is not dangerous to life, health and safety. Any change of use, occupant or occupancy of any existing building or structure shall comply with the provisions of Section 6.02.240 of this chapter and the Building Code.
Maintenance. All buildings, structures and building service equipment, existing and new, and all parts thereof shall be maintained in a safe and sanitary condition. All devices or safeguards which are required by the technical codes shall be maintained in conformance with the technical code under which installed. The owner or his designated agent shall be responsible for the maintenance of buildings, structures and their building service equipment. To determine compliance with this subsection, the Building Official may cause any structure to be reinspected.
Moved Buildings and Temporary Buildings. Buildings, structures and their building service equipment moved into or within the City of Richmond shall comply with the provisions of the technical codes for buildings or structures and their building service equipment.
Temporary structures such as reviewing stands and other miscellaneous structures, sheds, canopies or fences used for the protection of the public around and in conjunction with construction work may be erected by special permit from the Building Official for a limited period of time. Such buildings or structures need not comply with the type of construction or fire-resistive time periods required by the Building Code. Temporary buildings or structures shall be completely removed upon the expiration of the time limit stated in the permit.
Historic Buildings. Repairs, alterations and additions necessary for the preservation, restoration, rehabilitation or continued use of a building structure, or its building service equipment may be made without conformance to all the requirements of the technical codes when authorized by the Building Official, provided:
The building or structure has been designated by official action of the City Council as having special historical or architectural significance.
Any unsafe conditions as described in this chapter are corrected.
The restored building or structure and its building service equipment will be no more hazardous based on safety and sanitation than the existing building.
6.02.060 - Conflicting provisions.
Wherever conflicting provisions or requirements occur between this chapter and the technical codes; or between the technical codes; or between any other municipal code section, the following shall apply:
This Administrative Code shall prevail in the administration of all codes relating to construction within the City of Richmond.
The various technical codes shall prevail in their technical field (i.e., the California Building Code shall prevail over other codes in the area of occupancies, types of construction, quality and design of the materials and methods of construction of buildings and structures, and permit requirements. The National Electric Code shall prevail over other codes as relating to electrical work, etc.).
Where conflicts occur within a technical code, those provisions providing the greater safety shall govern. In other conflicts where safety or sanitation are not involved, the most restrictive provisions shall govern.
Where in any specific case, different sections within any of the technical codes specify different materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern. Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific requirement shall be applicable.
Changes, additions and deletions to any technical code can only occur within that particular code which governs the technical field which is being changed, added to or deleted from.
(Amended by Ordinance No. 18-06 N.S.)
6.02.070 - Alternate materials and methods of construction.
The provisions of the technical codes are not intended to prevent the use of any material or method of construction not specifically prescribed by the technical codes, provided any alternate has been approved and its use authorized by the Building Official.
The Building Official may approve any alternate, provided he finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the provisions of the technical codes and that the material, method or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in the technical codes in suitability, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability, safety and sanitation.
The Building Official shall require that sufficient evidence or proof be submitted to substantiate any claims that may be made regarding its use. The details of any action granting approval of an alternate shall be recorded and entered in the files of the code enforcement agency.
6.02.080 - Modifications.
Whenever there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of the technical codes, the Building Official may grant modifications for individual cases, provided he shall first find that a special individual reason makes the strict letter of the technical code impractical and the modification is in conformity with the intent and purpose of the technical code, and that such modification does not lessen safety or health requirements or any degree of structural integrity. The details of actions granting modifications shall be recorded and entered in the files of the code enforcement agency.
6.02.090 - Tests.
Whenever there is insufficient evidence of compliance with any of the provisions of the technical codes or evidence that materials or construction do not conform to the requirements of the technical codes, the Building Official may require tests as evidence of compliance to be made at no expense to the City of Richmond.
Test methods shall be as specified by the technical codes or by other recognized test standards. In the absence of recognized and accepted test methods for the proposed alternate, the Building Official shall determine test procedures.
All tests shall be made by an approved agency. Reports of such tests shall be retained by the Building Official for the period required for the retention of public records.
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6.02.100 - Authority.
Creation of Enforcement Agency. There is established in the City of Richmond a code enforcement agency which shall be under the administration and operational control of the Building Official.
General. Whenever the term or title "administrative authority," "responsible official," "Building Official," "Chief Inspector," "Code Enforcement Officer," "Superintendent of Inspection Services," or other similar designation is used herein or in any of the technical codes or in any other law, ordinance or regulation, it shall be construed to mean the Building Official as designated by the Director of Public Works of the City of Richmond.
6.02.110 - Powers and duties of Building Official.
General. The Building Official is authorized and directed to enforce all the provisions of this chapter and the referenced technical codes.
The Building Official shall have the power to render interpretations of this chapter and the referenced technical codes, and to adopt and enforce rules and regulations supplemental to this chapter as he may deem necessary in order to clarify the application of the provisions of this chapter and the technical codes. Such interpretations, rules and regulations shall be in conformity with the intent and purpose of this chapter and the technical codes.
Deputies. In accordance with prescribed procedures and with the approval of the appointing authority, the Building Official may appoint such number of technical officers and inspectors and other employees as shall be authorized from time to time. He may deputize such inspectors or employees as may be necessary to carry out the functions of the code enforcement agency.
Right-of-Entry. Whenever necessary to make an inspection to enforce any of the provisions of this chapter and the technical codes, or whenever the Building Official or his authorized representative has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in any building or upon any premises any condition or code violation which makes such building or premises unsafe, dangerous or hazardous, the Building Official or his authorized representative may enter such building or premises at all reasonable times to inspect the same or to perform any duty imposed upon the Building Official by such codes, provided that if such building or premises be occupied, he shall first present proper credentials and request entry; and if such building or premises be unoccupied, he shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other persons having charge or control of the building or premises and request entry. Should entry be refused, the Building Official or his authorized representative shall have recourse to every remedy provided by law to secure entry.
Stop Orders. Whenever any work is being done contrary to the provisions of this chapter and the technical codes, the Building Official may order the work stopped by notice in writing served on any persons engaged in the doing or causing such work to be done, and any such persons shall forthwith stop such work until authorized by the Building Official to proceed with the work.
Occupancy Violations. Whenever any building or structure or building service equipment therein regulated by this chapter and the technical codes are being used contrary to the provisions of such codes, the Building Official may order such use discontinued and utility service disconnected by written notice served on any person causing such use to be continued. Such person shall discontinue the use within the time prescribed by the Building Official after receipt of such notice to make the structure, or portion thereof, comply with the requirements of such codes. Utility disconnection authorized by this section shall be pursuant to the provisions of subsection (f) of this section.
Authority to Disconnect Utilities. The Building Official or his authorized representative shall have the authority to order the disconnection and/or to disconnect any utility service or energy supplied to the building, structure or building service equipment therein regulated by this chapter or the technical codes in case of emergency where necessary to eliminate an immediate hazard to life or property. The Building Official shall notify the City Attorney and the utility company prior to disconnection and whenever possible notify the owner or occupant of the building, structure or building service equipment, in writing, of such disconnection prior to disconnect.
Authority to Condemn Building Service Equipment. Whenever the Building Official ascertains that any building service equipment regulated in the technical codes has become hazardous to life, health, property or becomes unsanitary, he shall order in writing that such equipment either be removed or restored to a safe or sanitary condition, whichever is appropriate.
The written notice itself shall fix a time limit for compliance with such order. No person shall use or maintain defective building service equipment after receiving such notice.
When such equipment or installation is to be disconnected, a written notice of such disconnection and causes therefore shall be given within 24 hours to the serving utility, the owner and occupant of such building, structure or premises. Utility disconnection authorized by this section shall be pursuant to the provisions of subsection (f) of this section.
When any building service equipment is maintained in violation of the technical codes and in violation of any notice issued pursuant to the provisions of this section, the Building Official shall institute any appropriate action to prevent, restrain, correct or abate such violation.
Connection After Order to Disconnect. No person shall make connections from any energy, fuel or power supply nor supply energy or fuel to any building service equipment which has been disconnected or ordered to be disconnected by the Building Official or the use of which has been ordered to be discontinued by the Building Official until the Building Official authorizes the reconnection and use of such equipment.
Liability. The Building Official, or his authorized representative charged with the enforcement of this chapter and the technical codes, acting in good faith and without malice in the discharge of his duties, shall not thereby render himself personally liable for any damage that may accrue to persons or property as a result of any act or by reason of any act or omission in the discharge of his duties. Any suit brought against the Building Official or employee because of such act or omission performed by him in the enforcement of any provision of such codes shall be defended by the City of Richmond until final termination of such proceedings, and any judgment resulting therefrom shall be assumed by the City of Richmond.
This chapter, the technical codes and other laws shall not be construed to relieve from or lessen the responsibility of any person owning, operating or controlling any building, structure or building service equipment therein for any damages to persons or property caused by defects, nor shall the Public Works Department or its parent jurisdiction, the City of Richmond be held as assuming any such liability by reason of the inspections authorized by such laws or approvals issued under such laws.
Cooperation of Other Officials and Officers. The Building Official may request, and shall receive so far as is required in the discharge of his duties, the assistance and cooperation of other officials of the City of Richmond. (Amended by Ordinance No. 18-06 N.S.)
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6.02.120 - Unsafe buildings, structures or equipment.
All buildings or structures regulated by this chapter and the technical codes which are structurally inadequate or have inadequate egress, or which constitute a fire hazard, or are otherwise dangerous to human life are, for the purpose of this section, unsafe.
Building service equipment regulated by such codes, which constitutes a fire, electrical or health hazard, or insanitary condition, or is otherwise dangerous to human life is, for the purpose of this section, unsafe. Any use of buildings, structures or building service equipment constituting a hazard to safety, health or public welfare by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, obsolescence, fire hazard, disaster, damage or abandonment is, for the purpose of this section, an unsafe use.
Parapet walls, cornices, spires, towers, tanks, statuary and other appendages or structural members which are supported by, attached to, or a part of a building and which are in deteriorated condition or otherwise unable to sustain the design loads which are specified in the Building Code are hereby designated as unsafe building appendages.
All unsafe buildings, structures or appendages and building service equipment are hereby declared to be public nuisances and shall be abated by repair, rehabilitation, demolition or removal in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Dangerous Buildings Code or such alternative procedure as may be adopted by the City of Richmond. As an alternative, the Building Official or other employee or official of the City of Richmond as designated by the City Council, may institute any other appropriate action to prevent, restrain, correct or abate the violation.
6.02.130 - Board of Appeals.
General. There is created a Board of Appeals to hear appeals of decisions, orders or determinations of the Building Official, or his or her designee, regarding the application and interpretations of the technical codes, as well as the soundness or habitability of all new or existing buildings, dwellings and structures, including all alterations, additions, repair, demolition, and moving thereof. The Board shall also hear appeals of all notices and orders issued by the Building Official, or his or her designee.
Board Members. The Board shall consist of five members who are qualified by experience and training to pass upon matters pertaining to building construction in conformance with the California Building Standards Code and applicable local ordinances, including the Uniform Code for Abatement of Dangerous Buildings. Board members shall not be City employees and shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the City Manager. A quorum for the conduct of business shall be three.
Appeals. Except as otherwise provided by law, any person, firm, or corporation adversely affected by a decision, order, or determination by the Building Official, or his or her designee, relating to the application of building standards published in the California Building Standards Code, the Uniform Code for Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, or any lawfully enacted City ordinance, may appeal the issue for resolution to the Board of Appeals.
Form of Appeal. Appeals of notice, orders and determinations of the Building Official, or his or her designee, shall follow the requirements set forth in Chapter 5 (Appeal) of the Uniform Code for Abatement of Dangerous Buildings. All appeals shall be filed within thirty (30) days from the date of the service of such order or action of the Building Official; provided, however, that if the building or structure is in such condition as to make it immediately dangerous to the life, limb, property or safety of the public or adjacent property and is ordered vacated, such appeal shall be filed within ten (10) days from the date of service of the notice, order or determination of the Building Official, or his or her designee.
Decisions of the Board may be challenged only through the courts. Failure to comply with the appeal deadline acts as a waiver of all appeal rights and constitutes a failure to exhaust administrative remedies.
Hearing on Appeal. The Board of Appeals shall conduct a hearing within sixty (60) days from the date the appeal is filed. The Board shall render a written decision within fifteen (15) business days from the date the hearing is closed. (Amended by Ordinance No. 9-06 N.S.; Ord. No. 14-10 N.S., § 1, 4-6-2010)
6.02.140 - Violations—Penalties.
It is unlawful and a misdemeanor for any person, firm or corporation to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any building, structure or building service equipment, or to cause, suffer or permit the same to be done, in violation of any provision of state or local law, including the California Building Standards Code, the Uniform Code for Abatement of Dangerous Buildings or the Richmond Municipal Code.
Cumulative Remedies. The rights and remedies provided herein are cumulative and in addition to any other rights and remedies provided by law.
(Amended by Ordinance No. 11-94 N.S.; Ord. No. 14-10 N.S., § 1, 4-6-2010)
6.02.150 - Permits.
Permits Required. Except as specified in subsection (b) of this section, no building, structure or service equipment regulated by this chapter and the technical codes shall be erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted or demolished unless a separate, appropriate permit for each building, structure or service equipment has first been obtained from the Building Official.
Exempted Work:
Building Permits. A building permit shall not be required for the following:
One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the projected roof area does not exceed 120 square feet;
Fences not over 6 feet high;
Oil derricks;
Movable cases, counters and partitions not over 5 feet high; Retaining walls which are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding flammable liquids; Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed two to one;
Platforms, walks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below;
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Painting, papering and similar finish work;
Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery; Window awnings supported by an exterior wall of Group R, Division 3, and Group M occupancies when projecting not more than 54 inches;
Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R, Division 3 occupancy in which the pool walls are entirely above the adjacent grade and if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons; The replacement of any window with another window of the same shape and size.
Plumbing Permits. A plumbing permit shall not be required for the following:
The stopping of leaks in drains, soil, waste or vent pipe, provided, however, that should any concealed trap, drainpipe, soil, waste or vent pipe become defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, the same shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be procured and inspection made as provided in this chapter; The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, nor for the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures; Equipment and/or appliances not connected directly or indirectly to utility service.
Electrical Permits. An electrical permit shall not be required for the following:
Portable motors or other portable appliances energized by means of a cord or cable having an attachment plug end to be connected to an approved receptacle when that cord or cable is permitted by the Electrical Code; Repair or replacement of fixed motors, transformers or fixed approved appliances of the same type and rating in the same location;
Temporary decorative lighting;
Repair or replacement of current-carrying parts of any switch, contractor or control device; Reinstallation of attachment plug receptacles, but not the outlets therefor; Repair or replacement of any overcurrent device of the required capacity in the same location; Repair or replacement of electrodes or transformers of the same size and capacity for signs or gas tube systems; Taping joints;
Removal of electrical wiring;
Temporary wiring for experimental purposes is suitable experimental laboratories; The wiring for temporary theater, motion picture of television stage sets; Electrical wiring, devices, appliances, apparatus or equipment operating at less than 25 volts and not capable of supplying more than 50 watts of energy;
Low-energy power, control and signal circuits of Classes II and III as defined in the Electrical Code; The installation, alteration or repair of electrical wiring, apparatus or equipment or the generation, transmission, distribution or metering of electrical energy or in the operation of signals or the transmission of intelligence by a public or private utility in the exercise of its function as a serving utility;
Equipment and/or appliances not connected directly or indirectly to utility service.
Mechanical Permits. A mechanical permit shall not be required for the following:
Any portable heating appliance;
Any portable ventilating equipment;
Any portable cooling unit;
Any portable evaporative cooler;
Any closed system of steam, hot or cold water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by the Mechanical Code;
Replacement of any component part of assembly of an appliance which does not alter its original approval and complies with other applicable requirements of the technical codes;
Any refrigerating equipment which is part of the equipment for which a permit has been issued pursuant to the requirements of the technical codes;
Any unit refrigerating system as defined in the Mechanical Code; Equipment and/or appliances not connected directly or indirectly to utility service. (Amended by Ordinance Nos. 11-94 N.S. and 4-06 N.S.)
6.02.160 - Application for permit.
Application. To obtain a permit, the applicant shall first file an application therefor in writing on a form furnished by the Public Works Department for that purpose. Every such application shall:
Identify and describe the work to be covered by the permit for which application is made.
Describe the land on which the proposed work is to be done by legal description, street ad-dress or similar description that will readily identify and definitely locate the proposed building or work.
Indicate the use or occupancy for which the proposed work is intended.
Be accompanied by plans and diagrams, computations and specifications and other data as required in subsection (B) of this section.
State the valuation of any new building or structure or any addition, remodeling or alteration to an existing building.
Be signed by permittee, or his authorized agent.
Give such other data and information as may be required by the Building Official.
Be accompanied by a plat of the survey of the land as required in subsection (D) of this section.
Plans and Specifications. Plans, engineering calculations, diagrams and other data shall be submitted in three or more sets with each application for a permit. The Building Official may require plans, computations and specifications to be prepared and designed by an engineer or architect licensed by the state to practice as such.
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Exception: The Building Official may waive the submission of plans, calculations, etc., if he finds that the nature of the work applied for is such that reviewing of plans is not necessary to obtain compliance with this chapter or the work is being done under Section 6.02.200 "Certified Inspection Program" and Section 6.02.220 "Engineer or Architect Requirements." Information on Plans and Specifications. Plans and specifications shall be drawn to scape upon substantial paper and shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of the technical codes and all relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations.
Plans for buildings more than two stories in height of other than Groups R, Division 3 and M Occupancies shall indicate how required structural and fire-resistive integrity will be maintained where a penetration will be made for electrical, mechanical, plumbing and communication conduits, pipes and similar systems.
Plat of a Property Survey. With each application for a building permit, three copies of a plat of a survey of the property shall be submitted. The survey upon which the plat is based shall have been made by a licensed land surveyor or registered civil engineer of the State of California and shall be signed by him and endorsed with his license or certificate number. Elevations shown thereon shall be to the Mean Sea Level Datum of 1929 established by the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey unless the nearest City of Richmond bench mark is more than five hundred feet (500ƍ) from the property or to such other datum as is approved by the City Engineer.
The plat shall show the following information:
The exterior lines of said property to be improved defined by appropriate stakes or marks.
The elevations of such stakes or marks.
The location of said exterior lines by map or deed distance to the nearest intersecting street.
Ties to existing permanent monuments.
Contours of not more than two-foot (2ƍ) intervals except that five-foot (5ƍ) intervals may be used when the slope of lot exceeds one foot (1ƍ) in five (5) in any direction. Such contours shall extend to the center of the street when said street is unimproved.
The location of every existing building or structure on the property.
The location of reserves and the location and elevation of existing curbs, sidewalks, center line of pavement, main sewers, waterways, drains and culverts, affecting the property.
Exceptions: When authorized by the Building Official, plats of surveys need not be submitted for the following:
Minor additions and alterations to existing structures or minor detached accessory buildings.
Areas located more than sixty feet (60ƍ) beyond the proposed work for land zones M-2 or M-3 and under one ownership.
Expiration of Plan Review. Applications for which no permit is issued within 180 days following the date of application shall expire by limitation, and plans and other data submitted for review may thereafter be returned to the applicant or destroyed by the Building Official. The Building Official may extend the time for action by the applicant for a period not exceeding 180 days upon request by the applicant showing that circumstances beyond the control of the applicant have prevented action from being taken. No application shall be extended more than twice. In order to renew action on an application after expiration, the applicant shall resubmit plans and pay a new plan review fee.
6.02.170 - Permits issuance.
Issuance. The application, plans and specifications, and other data, filed by an applicant for permit shall be reviewed by the Building Official.
Such plans may be reviewed by other departments of this jurisdiction to verify compliance with any applicable laws under their jurisdiction. If the Building Official finds that the work described in an application for a permit and the plans, specifications and other data filed therewith conform to the requirements of this chapter and the technical codes and other pertinent laws and ordinances, and that the fees specified in the City's adopted fee schedule have been paid, he shall issue a permit therefor to the applicant.
When the Building Official issues the permit where plans are required, he shall endorse in writing and stamp the plans and specifications "ACCEPTED, City of Richmond, by ____________." Such stamped plans and specifications shall not be changed, modified or altered without authorization from the Building Official, and all work shall be done in accordance with the stamped plans.
The Building Official may issue a permit for the construction of part of a building, structure or building service equipment before the entire plans and specifications for the whole building, structure or building service equipment have been submitted or approved, provided, adequate information and detailed statements have been filed complying with all pertinent requirements of the technical codes. The holder of such permit shall proceed at his own risk without assurance that the permit for the entire building, structure or building service will be granted.
Retention of Plans. One set of stamped plans and specifications shall be returned to the applicant and shall be kept on the site of the building or work at all times during which the work authorized thereby is in progress. One set of stamped plans, specifications and computations shall be retained by the Building Official for at least ninety (90) days after final approval and inspection of the work. After the retention period the Building Official shall cause to be delivered to the address of the permitted work or to the owner of such plans, specifications and records which are not required by law to be kept as official records.
Validity of Permit. The issuance of a permit or approval of plans and specifications shall not be construed to be a permit for, or an approval of, any violation of any of the provisions of this chapter or the technical codes, or of any other ordinance of the jurisdiction.
No permit presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of these laws shall be valid.
The issuance of a permit based upon plans, specifications and other data shall not prevent the Building Official from thereafter requiring the correction of errors in said plans, specifications and other data, or from preventing building operations being carried on thereunder when in violation of these Codes or of any other ordinances of this jurisdiction.
Expiration. Every permit issued by the Building Official under the provisions of the technical codes shall expire by limitation and become null and void; if the work is not completed within 365 days; or if the building or work authorized by such permit is not commenced within 180 days from the date of such permit; or if the building or work authorized by such permit has not had a satisfactory inspection after the work has commenced for a period of 180 days. Before such work can be recommenced, a new permit shall be first obtained and the fee for such new
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permit shall be one-half the amount required for a new permit for such work, provided no changes have been made or will be made in the original plans and specifications for such work; and provided further that such suspension or abandonment has not exceeded one year.
Any permittee holding an unexpired permit may apply for an extension of the time within which he may commence or complete work under that permit when he is unable to commence or complete work within the time required by this section for good and satisfactory reasons. The Building Official may extend the time for action by the permittee for a period not exceeding 180 days upon written request by the permittee showing that circumstances beyond the control of the permittee have prevented action from being taken. No permit shall be extended more than twice once. In order to renew action on a permit after expiration, the permittee shall pay a new full permit fee.
Utility Service. Until all work and inspections are completed and during the course of construction all utility service to the property shall be temporary construction utility service and/or temporary occupancy utility service. Temporary utility service is at the discretion of the Building Official.
Suspension or Revocation. The Building Official may, in writing, suspend or revoke a permit issued under the provisions of this chapter and the technical codes whenever the permit is issued in error or on the basis of incorrect information supplied, or in violation of any ordinance, regulation or any of the provisions of law.
(Amended by Ordinance No. 9-06 N.S.)
6.02.180 - Fees.
General. Fees shall be assessed in accordance with the provisions set forth in the fee schedule adopted by resolution by the City of Richmond.
Permit Fees. The fee for each permit shall be as set forth in City's adopted fee schedule.
For fee based on valuation the determination of value or valuation under any of the provisions of these Codes shall be made by the Building Official. The value to be used in computing the building permit and building plan review fees shall be the total value of all construction work for which the permit is issued as well as all finish work, painting, roofing, electrical, plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, elevators, fire-extinguishing systems and any other permanent equipment.
Plan Review Fees. When a plan or other data are required to be submitted by subsection (B) of Section 6.02.160 a plan review fee shall be paid at the time of submitting plans and specifications for review. Said plan review fee for buildings or structures shall be as adopted in the City's fee schedule.
Where plans are incomplete or changed so as to require additional plan review, an additional plan review fee shall be charged at the rate adopted in the City's fee schedule.
The plan review fees specified in this subsection are separate from any permit fees specified in subsection (B) and are in addition to the permit fees.
Work Without a Permit:
Investigation. Whenever any work for which a permit is required by this chapter has been commenced without first obtaining said permit, a special investigation shall be made before a permit may be issued for such work.
Fee. An investigation fee, in addition to the permit fee, shall be collected whether or not a permit is then or subsequently issued. The investigation fee shall be equal to the amount of the permit fee required by this chapter. The minimum investigation fee shall be the same as the minimum fee set forth in the City's adopted fee schedule. The payment of such investigation fee shall not exempt any person from compliance with all other provisions of either this chapter or the technical codes nor from any penalty prescribed by law.
Fee Refunds. The Building Official shall not authorize the refunding of any fee paid except upon written application filed by the original permittee not later than 180 days after the date of fee payment.
The Building Official may authorize the refunding of any fee paid hereunder which was erroneously paid or collected.
The Building Official may authorize the refunding of not more than 80 percent of the permit fee paid when no work has been done under a permit issued in accordance with this chapter.
The Building Official may authorize the refunding of not more than 80 percent of the plan review fee paid when an application for a permit for which a plan review fee has been paid is withdrawn or canceled before any plan checking is done.
Transfer of Permit. The Building Official may authorize the transferring of a permit upon written request of the owner and the permit applicant.
Permit transfers shall be charged a filing fee plus a fee of ten percent (10%) of the original permit fee including plan check fees.
6.02.190 - Inspections.
General. All construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the Building Official and all such construction or work shall remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes until approved by the Building Official. In addition, certain types of construction shall have special inspection by special inspectors as specified in Section 6.02.210 It shall be the duty of the permit applicant to cause the work to remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes. Neither the Building Official nor his jurisdiction shall be liable for expense entailed in the removal or replacement of any material required to allow inspection.
A survey of the lot may be required by the Building Official to verify that the structure is located in accordance with stamped plans.
Inspection Record Card. Work requiring a building permit shall not be commenced until the permit holder or his agent shall have posted or otherwise made available the inspection record card such as to allow the Building Official to conveniently make the required entries thereon regarding inspection of the work. This card shall be maintained available by the permit holder until final approval has been issued by the Building Official.
Inspection Requests. It shall be the duty of the person doing the work authorized by a permit to notify the Building Official that such work is ready for inspection. The Building Official may require that every request for inspection be filed at least one working day before such inspection is desired. Such request may be in writing or by telephone at the option of the Building Official.
It shall be the duty of the person requesting any inspections required either by this chapter or the technical codes to provide access to and means for inspection of such work.
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Approval Required. No work shall be done beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection without first obtaining the approval of the Building Official. The Building Official, upon notification, shall make the requested inspections and shall either indicate that portion of the construction is satisfactory as completed or shall notify the permit holder or his agent wherein the same fails to comply with this chapter or the technical codes. Any portions which do not comply shall be corrected and such portion shall not be covered or concealed until authorized by the Building Official.
There shall be a final inspection and approval of all buildings and building service equipment when completed and ready for occupancy or use.
Required Building Inspections. Reinforcing steel or structural framework of any part of any building or structure shall not be covered or concealed without first obtaining the approval of the Building Official.
The Building Official, upon notification, shall make the following inspections:
Foundation Inspection: To be made after excavations for footings are complete and any required reinforcing steel is in place. For concrete foundations, any required forms shall be in place prior to inspection. All materials for the foundation shall be on the job, except where concrete is ready mixed in accordance with U.B.C. Standard No. 26-13, the concrete need not be on the job. Where the foundation is to be constructed of approved treated wood, additional inspections may be required by the Building Official.
Concrete Slab or Under-Floor Inspection: To be made after all in-slab or under-floor building service equipment, conduit, piping accessories, insulation and other ancillary equipment items are in place but before any concrete is placed or floor sheathing installed, including the subfloor.
Frame Inspection: To be made after the roof, all framing, fire blocking and bracing are in place and all pipes, chimneys and vents are complete and the rough electrical, plumbing, and heating wires, pipes, and ducts are approved.
Lath and/or Wallboard Inspection: To be made after all lathing and wallboard, interior and exterior, is in place but before any plastering is applied or before wallboard joints and fasteners are taped and finished.
Final Inspection: To be made after finish grading and the building is completed and ready for occupancy.
Required Building Service Equipment Inspections:
General. All building service equipment for which a permit is required by this chapter shall be inspected by the Building Official. No portion of any building service equipment intended to be concealed by any permanent portion of the building shall be concealed until inspected and approved. When the installation of any building service equipment is complete, an additional and final inspection shall be made. Building service equipment regulated by the technical codes shall not be connected to the water, fuel or power supply or sewer system until authorized by the Building Official.
Operation of Building Service Equipment. The requirements of this section shall not be considered to prohibit the operation of any building service equipment installed to replace existing building service equipment serving an occupied portion of the building in the event a request for inspection of such building service equipment has been filed with the Building Official not more than 48 hours after such replacement work is completed, and before any portion of such building service equipment is concealed by any permanent portion of the building.
Other Inspections. In addition to the required inspections specified above, the Building Official may make or require other inspections of any construction work to ascertain compliance with the provisions of this chapter or technical codes and other laws which are enforced by the code enforcement agency.
Reinspections:
A reinspection fee may be assessed for each inspection or reinspection when such portion of work for which inspection is called is not complete or when corrections called for are not made.
This subsection is not to be interpreted as requiring reinspection fees the first time a job is rejected for failure to comply with the requirements of the technical codes, but as controlling the practice of calling for inspections before the job is ready for such inspection or reinspection.
Reinspection fees may be assessed when the permit card is not properly posted on the work site; when the stamped plans are not readily available to the inspector for failure to provide access on the date for which inspection is requested; or for deviating from plans requiring the approval of the Building Official.
To obtain a reinspection, the applicant shall file an application therefor in writing upon a form furnished for that purpose, and pay the reinspection fee in accordance with the fee schedule adopted by the City of Richmond.
In instances where reinspection fees have been assessed, no additional inspection of the work will be performed until the required fees have been paid.
6.02.210 - Special inspections.
General. In addition to the inspections required by Section 6.02.190 the owner shall employ one or more special inspectors who shall provide continuous inspection during construction on the following types of work:
Concrete: During the taking of test specimens and placing of all reinforced concrete and pneumatically placed concrete.
Exceptions:
Concrete for foundations conforming to the minimum requirements of Table No. 29-A of the Building Code or for Group R, Division 3 or Group M, Division 1 Occupancies, provided the Building Official finds that a special hazard does not exist.
For foundation concrete when the structural design is based on f'c no greater than 2500 psi.
Nonstructural slabs on grade, including prestressed slabs on grade when effective prestress in concrete is less than 150 pounds per square inch.
Site work concrete fully supported on earth and concrete where no special hazard exists.
Bolts Installed in Concrete: During installation of bolts and placing of concrete around such bolts when stress increases permitted by Table No. 26-G are utilized.
Ductile Moment-Resisting Concrete Frame: As required by Section 2626(h) of the Building Code.
Reinforcing Steel and Prestressing Steel:
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During all stressing and grouting of prestressed concrete.
During placing of reinforcing steel, placing of tendons and prestressing steel for all concrete required to have special inspection by Item No. 1.
Exception: The special inspector need not be present during entire reinforcing steel and prestressing steel placing operations, provided he has inspected for conformance with the stamped plans, prior to the closing of forms or the delivery of concrete to the jobsite.
Welding:
Ductile moment-resisting steel frames. As required by Section 2272(f) of the Building Code.
All structural welding, including welding of reinforcing steel.
Exceptions:
When welding is done in an approved fabricator's shop.
When approved by the Building Official, single pass fillet welds when stressed to less than 50 percent of the allowable stresses and floor and roof deck welding and welded studs when used for structural diaphragm or composite systems may have periodic inspections in accordance with Section 6.02.210(E) of this chapter. For periodic inspection, the inspector shall check qualifications of welders at the start of work and then make final inspection of all welds for compliance prior to completion of welding.
High-Strength Bolting: During all bolt installations and tightening operations.
Exceptions:
The special inspector need not be present during the entire installation and tightening operation, provided he has:
Inspected the surfaces and bolt type for conformance to plans and specifications prior to start of bolting:
And will, upon completion of all bolting, verify the minimum specified bolt tension for 10 percent of the bolts for each connection with a minimum of two bolts per connection.
In bearing-type connections when threads are not required by design to be excluded from the shear plane, inspection prior to or during installation will not be required.
Structural Masonry: During preparation of masonry wall prisms, sampling and placing of all masonry units, placement of reinforcement, inspection of grout space, immediately prior to closing of cleanouts, and during all grouting operations. Where the f'm is less than 2600 psi and special inspection stresses are used, test specimens may consist of either one prism test for each 5000 square feet of wall area or a series of tests based on both grout and mortar for the first three consecutive days and each third day thereafter.
Exceptions:
Special inspection will not be required for structures designed in accordance with the values in appropriate tables for noncontinuous inspection.
The special inspector need not provide continuous inspection during the placement of masonry units or reinforcement, provided the special inspector has inspected for conformance with the stamped plans prior to any grouting.
Reinforced Gypsum Concrete: When cast-in-place Class B gypsum concrete is mixed and placed.
Insulating Concrete Fill: During the application of insulating concrete fill when used as part of a structural system.
Exception: The special inspections may be limited to an initial inspection to check the deck surface and placement of reinforcing. The special inspector shall supervise the preparation of compression test specimens during this initial inspection.
Sprayed-On Fireproofing: As required by U.B.C. Standard No. 43-9.
Piling, Drilled Piers and Caissons: During driving and resting of piles and construction of cast-in-place drilled piles or caissons. See Items Nos. 1 and 3 for concrete and reinforcing steel inspection.
Special Grading, Excavation and Filling: During earthwork excavations, grading and filling operations inspection to satisfy requirements of Chapter 29 and Chapter 70 (Appendix) of the Building Code.
Special Cases: Work which, in the opinion of the Building Official, involves unusual hazards or conditions.
Number of Special Inspectors. There shall be a sufficient number of special inspectors present for each particular type of construction or operation to adequately perform the inspection.
Special Inspectors:
Special inspectors shall be individuals who are qualified for inspection of the particular type of construction or operation requiring special inspection.
Special inspectors shall be approved by and shall be responsible to the engineer or architect of record.
Duties and Responsibilities of the Special Inspector:
Special inspectors shall observe the work assigned for conformance with the stamped plans and specifications.
The special inspector shall furnish inspection reports to the Building Official, the engineer or architect of record, and other designated persons. All discrepancies shall be brought to the immediate attention of the builder for correction, then, if uncorrected, to the proper design authority and to the Building Official.
Special inspectors shall submit a final signed report stating that whether the work required special inspection was, to the best of their knowledge, in substantial conformance with the stamped plans and specifications.
PERIODIC SPECIAL INSPECTION. Some inspections may be made on a periodic basis and satisfy the requirements of continuous inspection, provided this periodic scheduled inspection is performed as outlined in the project plans and specifications and approved by the Building Official.
APPROVED FABRICATORS. Special inspections required by this section and elsewhere in this Code or in the technical codes shall not be required where the work is done on the premises of a fabricator registered and approved by the Building Official to perform such work without special inspection. The certificate of registration shall be subject to revocation by the Building Official if it is found that any work done pursuant to the approval is in violation of the technical codes. The approved fabricator shall submit a Certificate of Compliance that the work was
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5. performed in accordance with the stamped plans and specifications to the Building Official and to the engineer or architect of record. The approved fabricator's qualifications shall be contingent on compliance with the following:
The fabricator has developed and submitted a detailed fabrication procedural manual reflecting key quality control procedures which will provide a basis for inspection control of workmanship at the fabricator plant.
Verification of the fabricator's quality control capabilities, plant and personnel as outlined in the fabrication procedural manual shall be by an approved agency.
Periodic plant inspections shall be conducted by an approved inspection or quality control agency to monitor the effectiveness of the quality control program.
It shall be the responsibility of the inspection or quality control agency to notify the approving authority in writing of any change to the procedural manual. Any fabricator approval may be revoked for just cause. Reapproval of the fabricator shall be contingent on compliance with quality control procedures during the past year.
WAIVER of SPECIAL INSPECTION. The Building Official may waive the requirement that special inspectors be employed if he finds that the construction is of a minor nature.
6.02.220 - Engineering or architect requirements.
GENERAL. In addition to the inspections required in Section 6.02.190 on work designed by a professional engineer or architect the following shall also apply:
Worksite Visits. During the construction or installation of work designed by a professional engineer or architect, the Building Official may require the engineer or architect of record responsible for the design, or such approved authorized representative of the engineer or architect, to make visits at the worksite to observe general compliance with the stamped plans, specifications and approved change orders. The engineer or architect of record shall submit a statement in writing to the Building Official stating that such engineer or architect knows from personal knowledge that the site visits have been made and that any discrepancies have been reported to the Building Official and the builder.
Required Worksite Visits. Worksite visits by the engineer or architect of record or such approved authorized representative shall be required for projects in which a special inspector and/or registered deputy inspector is required during construction as stated in this Code or the technical codes.
Such observation and statement shall not be relied upon by others as acceptance of the work, nor shall it be construed to relieve the builder in any way of its obligations and responsibilities.
SUPERVISION of SPECIAL INSPECTORS. When any work requires special inspection, the engineer or architect of record shall be responsible for supervising the work of the special inspectors.
CERTIFICATION BY ENGINEER OR ARCHITECT. Prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, the engineer or architect of record shall state in writing to the Building Official that to the best of his knowledge, information and belief while exercising reasonable professional judgment, those portions of the work which required special inspection were construed in substantial conformity with the stamped plans and specifications.
6.02.230 - Connection to utilities.
ENERGY CONNECTIONS. No person shall make connections from a source of energy, fuel or power to any building service equipment which is regulated by the technical codes and for which a permit is required by this Code, until approved by the Building Official.
TEMPORARY CONNECTIONS. If the Building Official finds no substantial hazard will result he may authorize the temporary connection of the building service equipment to the source of energy, fuel or power for the purpose of testing building service equipment, or for use under a temporary Certificate of Occupancy.
TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION UTILITY SERVICE. The Building Official may authorize the temporary connection of temporary construction service equipment to the source of energy, fuel or power for various approved construction activities.
COMPLIANCE WITH ENERGY STANDARDS. The servicing utility company providing energy, fuel or power shall determine that the buildings and structures meet local, state or federal energy resource allocation standards prior to the installation of new permanent utility service. The servicing utility company shall develop a pan to be approved by the City Council of the City of Richmond for dealing with buildings and structures which do not comply with the standards. This Section 6.02.230(D) shall not take effect until December 1, 1986.
REVOCATION. The Building Official may, in writing, suspend or revoke utility connection clearance issued under the provisions of this Code whenever an unsafe condition exists as a result of the clearance, the clearance is being used illegally to occupy the premises or when the energized system is being used for purposes other than those stated on the Certificate of Occupancy. Any utility disconnection or any revocation or suspension of utility connection clearance authorized by this section shall be performed pursuant to the provisions of Section
6.02.110(F).
6.02.240 - Certificate of Occupancy.
USE and OCCUPANCY:
No building or structure shall be used or occupied, and no change in the existing occupancy classification of a building or structure or portion thereof shall be made until the Building Official has issued a Certificate of Occupancy therefor as provided herein.
A Certificate of Occupancy shall not be issued until the Building Official has accepted all required inspection certifications.
CHANGE IN USE. Changes in the character or use of a building shall not be made except as specified in the Building Code.
CERTIFICATE ISSUED. After final inspection when it is found that the building or structure complies with the provisions of this Code and the technical codes, the Building Official shall issue a Certificate of Occupancy which shall contain the following:
The building permit number.
The address of the building.
The name and address of the owner.
A description of that portion of the building for which the certificate was issued.
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A statement that the described portion of the building complies with the requirements of this Code and the technical codes for the group and division of occupancy and the use for which the proposed occupancy is classified.
The name of the Building Official.
TEMPORARY CERTIFICATE. If the Building Official finds that no substantial hazard will result from occupancy of any building or portion thereof before the same is completed, he may issue a temporary Certificate of Occupancy for the use on a portion or portions of a building or structure prior to the completion of the entire building or structure.
POSTING. The Certificate of Occupancy shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises and shall not be removed except by the Building Official.
EXCEPTION: Group R, Division 3, and M Occupancies Certificate need not be posted in a conspicuous place, however, it must be posted in an accessible location.
REVOCATION:
The Building Official may, in writing, revoke or suspend a Certificate of Occupancy issued under the provisions of this chapter, whenever the certificate is issued in error or on the basis of incorrect information supplied, or when the Building Official has determined that the building or structure or portion thereof is in violation of any ordinance or regulation or any of the provisions of this chapter.
The Building Official shall issue the written notice suspending or revoking the certificate and direct a copy to the record owner of the property by certified mail, return receipt requested at the address shown on the last equalized assessment roll of the county and direct a copy to the occupant(s) of the building or structure by certified mail, return receipt requested at the address of the building or structure. The notice shall contain the street address and sufficient legal description of the property on which the structure is located, a statement of whether the certificate is being suspended or revoked, the basis for the revocation or suspension, and the time within which the use and occupancy of the building or structure be discontinued and the building or structure vacated.
Any party aggrieved by the determination of the Building Official to suspend or revoke the certificate may appeal said determination to the Board of appeals by filing a written request for appeal with the Building Official within the time period in which the Building Official has ordered the use to be discontinued. Failure of any person to file an appeal shall constitute a waiver of the right to an administrative hearing and adjudication of the notice suspending or revoking the certificate or any portion thereof. (Amended by Ordinance No. 11-94 N.S.)
6.02.250 - Adoption of technical codes.
Where any of the technical codes of the City of Richmond are adopted by reference, the effective dates of such codes shall be as follows:
Any new edition of the Uniform Housing Code, the Uniform Building Code, the Uniform Plumbing Code, the Uniform Mechanical Code, and the National Electric Code shall become effective 90 days after publication of said codes in the State Building Standards Code.
Any new edition of any other technical code shall become effective 90 days after the publication date of the new edition. (Amended by Ordinance No. 11-94 N.S. Source: Ordinance No. 20-86 N.S.)
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Richmond, California, Code of Ordinances >> Article VI - BUILDING REGULATIONS >> Chapter 6.04 - BUILDING CODE* >> Chapter 6.04 - BUILDING CODE*
Sections:
6.04.010 - Administration.
6.04.020 - Adoption by reference.
6.04.030 - Copies on file.
6.04.040 - Amendments, additions and deletions.
6.04.010 - Administration.
These regulations shall be known as the "Building Code," and may be cited as such, and will be referred to herein as "this chapter." This Code is one of the technical codes of Building Regulations and is administered under Chapter 6.02 of the Municipal Code of the City of Richmond as such.
6.04.020 - Adoption by reference.
The most recent edition of the Uniform Building Code, published by the International Conference of Building Officials, including all appendix chapters thereto, except as specifically deleted by Section 6.04.040 of this chapter, is adopted by this reference and incorporated herein the same as though fully set forth in this chapter, subject to the amendments, additions and deletions specified in Section 6.04.040 of this chapter. Any new edition of the Uniform Building Code shall be adopted and shall become effective 90 days after publication of said code in the State Building Standards Code.
(Amended by Ordinance No. 12-94 N.S.)
6.04.030 - Copies on file.
Three copies of the Uniform Building Code and Appendix as adopted by Section 6.04.020, and all amendments thereto, shall be kept on file in the office of the city clerk for inspection by the public.
6.04.040 - Amendments, additions and deletions.
The following amendments, additions and deletions are made to the Uniform Building Code as adopted by Section 6.04.020 of this chapter:
Addition — Chapter 1, Sec. 103 — Revise the Scope to add the following as an additional paragraph to Sec. 103:
"Sec. 103. . . .The Administrative part of this chapter is in addition to the City of Richmond's Building Regulations Administrative Code, Chapter 6.02 of the Municipal Code. Where conflicts occur between this chapter and Chapter 6.02 of the Municipal Code the provisions of Chapter 6.02 of the Municipal Code shall govern." Amendment — Section 204 — Revise Section 204(a) of the Uniform Building Code to read as follows:
"Sec. 204.(a) General. Appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the Building Official relative to the application and interpretation of this code shall be heard and decided by the Board of Appeals, the body created by Richmond Municipal Code Section 6.02.130."
Amendment — Section 409 — HABITABLE SPACE (ROOM). Revise the definition of HABITABLE SPACE (ROOM) to read as follows:
"Sec. 409. HABITABLE SPACE (ROOM) is space in a structure for living, sleeping, eating or cooking. Bathrooms, toilet compartments, closets, halls, storage or utility space, greenhouses, and similar areas are not considered habitable space." Addition — Section 420 — Swimming pool. The following definition is added to the Uniform Building Code Section 420, to read as follows:
"Swimming Pool: Any outside body of water created by artificial means, which is designed or used for swimming or immersion purposes, any portion of which exceeds eighteen inches (18Ǝ) in depth except portable swimming pools." Amendment — Section 1101 — Fences. Division 2 of the Uniform Building Code Section 1101 is amended to read as follows:
"Division 2: Fences over six feet (6ƍ) high, tanks, towers, and swimming pools." Addition — Section 1107 — Swimming pools. Section 1107 is added to the Uniform Building Code to read as follows:
"(1) To be enclosed. Every swimming pool shall be completely enclosed by a wall, fence or other substantial structure not less than four feet (4ƍ) in height measured on the outside of the enclosure. No openings other than doors and gates with any dimension greater than four inches (4Ǝ) shall be permitted therein except that a picket fence may be erected or maintained having horizontal spacing between pickets not more than four inches (4Ǝ). All gates or door openings through such enclosures shall be equipped with self-closing and self-latching devices designed to keep and are capable of keeping such door or gate securely closed at all times when not in actual use; provided, however, that the door of any dwelling occupied by human beings and forming any part of the enclosure hereinabove required need not be so equipped. Any self-latching device accessible from the outside of the pool enclosure shall be located at least four feet (4ƍ) above the ground or otherwise equally inaccessible to small children." "(2) Existing Pools. Existing swimming pools as well as those hereafter constructed shall be enclosed in accordance with the requirements of this section."
Deletion — Appendix Chapter 12. Delete Appendix Chapter 12, "REQUIREMENTS FOR GROUP R, DIVISION 3 OCCUPANCIES."