Title
Recommendation on Ordinance Amending Wastewater Regulations for Side Sewer Ownership
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the recommendation to forward the Ordinance amending Wastewater Regulations for Side Sewer ownership to Council for consideration.
Report
Issue:
Whether to recommend City Council adopt the Ordinance which amends Olympia Municipal Code 13.08 and Chapter 7 in the Engineering Design and Development Standards (EDDS).
Staff Contact:
Diane Utter, P.E., Water Resources Engineer, 360.753.8562
Presenter(s):
Diane Utter
Background and Analysis:
The Olympia Municipal Code (OMC) 13.08.040 states:
... The property owner is responsible for all costs and expense incidental to the installation, connection and maintenance of a side sewer, including that portion within the city right-of-way or utility easement. The City shall not be liable for any damages or costs incurred by reason of blockage or deterioration of a side sewer, up to and including its connection with the public sewer main.
This regulation has sometimes been problematic for the City. The average side sewer is 40 years old with some as old as 100 years. Many side sewers are as deep as eight feet and run under public streets making maintenance and repairs difficult and expensive. Repairs often take many months or even years to complete due to disputes with property owners. Disagreements are common about what caused a break, exactly where the break is located, and who is required to make the repair and pay for it. Staff has spent extensive time ensuring property owners make needed repairs. More than once, the situation has resulted in a lawsuit between citizens and the City.
Problems with side sewers have caused sink holes and sewer leaks. Expedient repair is sometimes needed to protect public health and safety. In addition, work within the right-of-way is often difficult and hazardous. Repairs by pri...
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