DPU proposes clarifications to sewer rules, adds low-pressure district standards and annual grease‑trap inspections

The Department of Public Utilities presented proposed revisions to the DPU Rules and Regulations for sewer service at the Board of Public Utilities meeting on Sept. 3. Staff said the edits clarify ownership and maintenance responsibilities for sewer service lines, add requirements and definitions for low‑pressure sewer districts, and formalize annual grease-trap inspections.

The clarifications aim to reduce recurring disputes about whether a continuous service line is the property owner’s responsibility or the county’s. DPU staff explained that where no property-line cleanout or segmentation exists, the entire continuous service line is the property owner’s responsibility because the county cannot access the line without entering private property.

Low‑pressure sewer districts and pump standards

The draft adds definitions and technical requirements for low‑pressure sewer districts, describing systems where household sewerage is collected in pressure sump systems and conveyed by pumps and pressurized piping to the county gravity system. Staff noted these configurations are used where gravity service is infeasible (an example cited was DP Road). The proposed language requires pumps and package systems to meet recognized industry performance standards and states that the department will consider deviations on a case‑by‑case basis. Staff explained E/One (E1) package grinder systems are industry-standard examples for the application, and that exceptions may be allowed if an alternative can demonstrate equivalent hydraulic performance and durability.

Grease traps and inspections

DPU staff proposed adding a sentence stating that DPU performs grease trap inspections on an annual basis for commercial customers. Staff said the clarification would formalize a practice that sometimes surprises new or recently opened businesses.

Process and next steps

Board members asked about specifying a single product or standard. Staff said the draft includes review language and a case‑by‑case exception clause; staff agreed to reword the specification so it reads as “department‑approved grinder system” with an allowance for equivalent engineered solutions, and to return the revised wording in the formal rule packet. The board directed staff to bring the revised rules back in two weeks for formal approval.

Ending: Staff will adjust the draft to clarify product‑specification language and return a formal redline of the Rules and Regulations at the next board meeting for adoption.