Board tables study to develop sump-pump disconnection program; consultants to refine options

Staff (S3) introduced a proposed task order to study a voluntary sump-pump disconnection program intended to reduce inflow to the sanitary system. S3 said the study would evaluate detection methods, draft policies, and educational material for residents.

Consultant Mary (S9) said the scope would include policy guidance, detection options and public-education tools: "There are a variety of ways to try to detect whether perimeter drains are connected or whether sump pumps are connected," she said, noting smoke testing, house inspections and camera work as possible methods. Board members highlighted the trade-offs: smoke testing can be incomplete, house inspections are intrusive and camera work is resource-intensive.

Members discussed incentives and enforcement. Board members asked the consultant to include options that minimize homeowner burden while giving the authority tools to identify problem areas; staff noted past neighborhood outreach successes and the need to prioritize areas based on basin and lift-station data.

The board voted to table the item to allow deeper coordination with staff and consultants and asked for a revised draft tailored to the district’s needs. Staff said they will return with a refined scope that includes detection method recommendations, cost estimates and proposed outreach strategies.

Next steps: consultants (S9) and staff will prepare a revised draft task order with detection methods, cost estimates and an implementation timetable for the board to review at a future meeting.