§ 122-189. High strength wastewater surcharge.

(a)

Establishment.

(1)

All users discharging high strength wastewater into the county wastewater system shall be assessed a monetary surcharge, in addition to the normally required sewer use charges, in an amount to be calculated as shown below. "High strength wastewater" is defined as wastewater which contains the parameters and is in excess of concentrations as normally discharged by the average residence. These concentrations shall be determined by the water system and approved by the county board of commissioners.

(2)

The parameters shall be determined by the utilization of the sampling and testing procedures as provided in section 122-185. Concentrations in excess of those set by the water system will be assessed a surcharge. The amount of the surcharge, which is hereby charged and assessed against all users discharging high strength wastewater into the county wastewater system, shall reflect the cost incurred by the county in handling the excess BOD, TSS, ammonia and total phosphorus. This surcharge shall include a proportionate share of charges for maintenance and operation of the wastewater treatment facilities, including depreciation and other incidental expenses.

(3)

The current domestic limits and rates shall be on file and available at the office of the director of the county water system.

(b)

Formula. When the concentrations of the surcharged parameters shown in this section exceed the values of the constituents as set forth in subsection (a) of this section, the excess concentrations shall be subject to a surcharge in the amount derived in accordance with the following formula:

P × (G − R) × 8.34 × C = $/month

Where:

"P" is equal to the concentration in mg/l of the parameter being evaluated (BOD, TSS, ammonia, total inorganic phosphates or floatable oil and grease), which is in excess of the amounts shown in subsection (a) of this section.

"G" is equal to the user's monthly water consumption in millions of gallons as determined from the user's monthly water meter or sewage flow meter readings.

"R" is equal to the quantity of water in millions of gallons per month which is retained by the user, or that portion of water consumption which goes into the manufactured product or its production byproducts, or is otherwise disposed of by means other than into the county wastewater system.

"8.34" is a conversion factor.

"C" is equal to the unit cost in dollars per pound ($/lb.) for the treatment of the surcharged parameters. This value shall be established by the department director based on actual wastewater treatment costs which shall be revised from time to time as necessary.

(c)

Quantitative measurement of surchargable parameters. The measurement of the surcharge parameters (BOD, TSS, ammonia, total phosphorus) shall be conducted as follows:

(1)

The county shall sample and test the user as provided in section 122-185 once per year, except that the duration of the sampling to determine surcharge shall be for a period of not less than five calendar days.

(2)

The county need not provide any prior notice to the industry with regard to the sampling period.

(3)

The county may sample the user as often as desired at the county's expense if, in the opinion of the county, representative samples have not been previously obtained.

(4)

If, in the opinion of the user, the samples taken by the county are not representative of the user's typical wastewater, then the user may request up to two additional re-samplings. The user will be assessed a fee by the county which will be based on the actual costs to the county associated with re-sampling. The county may, but is not required to, provide the user with prior notice of the entry.

(d)

Measurement of flow used in computing wastewater service charges and surcharges. The volumes of flow used in computing wastewater surcharges shall be based upon metered, estimated or prorated water consumption as shown in the records of meter reading maintained by the county water system. If a significant industrial user discharging wastewater into the county wastewater system provides evidence to the county that a significant portion of the total annual volume of water used for all purposes does not reach the county wastewater system, an estimated percentage of total water consumption to be used in computing charges may be approved by the county. The estimated water usage which is retained by the significant industrial user (not discharged to the wastewater system) shall be determined by an independent engineer acceptable to the county, who shall provide such analysis based on all available information. This retainage analysis shall then be submitted to the county by the significant industrial user to obtain proper credit for retainage to be credited against its surcharge and normal wastewater service charges.

(e)

Perceived harm. Where a discharge causes harm or is perceived to cause harm to the POTW in violation of section 122-181, the director of the water system may void any rights to surcharge for high strength wastes and proceed with any enforcement.

(Ord. of 6-28-88, § 3-26-100; Ord. of 12-12-00; Amd. of 2-26-13; Amd. of 2-25-14)