May 18, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 3
Waldwick
Sump pump ordinance is law; options must be sought
Waldwick residents who have sump pumps connected into the sanitary sewer system through a slop sink or other line now have to start seriously considering alternatives to get rid of the surface water on their property or risk monthly fines. After more than a year of discussions, the borough council last week adopted an ordinance prohibiting the unauthorized discharge. Officials estimate that 2,000 homes have sump pumps illegally discharging into the sanitary sewer system, many of them west of Crescent Avenue. “We’re willing to speak with residents and discuss possible alternatives. Many people have already stopped by asking what they can do,” said Borough Administrator Gary Kratz. He said in some areas drainage systems are already in place in the street, and residents can connect legally into them. Other residents might be able to install a dry well on their property. Mark DelCastillo of Lilyan Street attended last week’s council meeting to ask what discharge options are available to his neighborhood. Kratz said waterproofing the foundation might be the only alternative if the sump pumps can’t handle the water and a retaining tank is not an option. He said Lilyan Street does have some street drainage which could be tapped depending on DelCastillo’s home’s location. “If you have questions, call us,” Kratz urges residents. “We’re working on a solution to the problem, and we’re looking to do it as a partnership with the affected residents,” he said. By eliminating the illegal sump pump discharge, the borough hopes to cut in half its bill to the Northwest Bergen Utilities Authority, since clean storm water is now being treated as sewage. The borough pays nearly $2 million a year for sanitary sewer treatment. The ordinance prohibits the discharge of “any storm water, groundwater, roof runoff, yard drainage, yard fountain, swimming pool, pond overflow or any other substance other than sanitary sewage into the sanitary sewer collection system.” Properties believed to have illegal sump pumps may be inspected and assessed a $50 monthly surcharge if they don’t correct the violation within 120 days or if they refuse admission to the inspector. Property owners who voluntarily report an illicit connection at their home or business and submit a remediation plan by Dec. 31 will have all the permit, connection and inspection fees waived. After this date, the resident will have to pay all the fees. In either case, the actual cost of remediation will be borne by the property owner. A waiver may be granted if the resident can prove that all possible remedial measures have been exhausted, which would be the case in areas such as the Woodside/Derby area where the water table is high. The borough is planning to install a shallow manifold system connecting into the existing storm drain system to run along the right of way of flood-prone areas. Homeowners would connect into the new pipes to get rid of water from gutters, basements and yards, instead of sending this water down the drain. “It took a lot of nerve on this council’s part to finally pass this ordinance. Previous council’s couldn’t do it,” said Councilwoman Anita Bozzo. “We know we are asking a lot of our neighbors, but the situation affects everybody,” she added. “This will be costly for the town, and costly for the residents to hook up, but everybody will win in the long run,” said Councilman Frank Palladino. Councilman Andrew Brennecke voted no on the ordinance, again raising objections as to the way it would be enforced.
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