HomeMy WebLinkAbout10A - Prior Lake Sanitary Sewer Maintenance Policy
MEETING DATE:
AGENDA #:
PREPARED BY:
AGENDA ITEM:
DISCUSSION:
4646 Dakota Street S.E.
Prior Lake, MN 55372-1714
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
FEBRUARY 2, 2009
10A
CRAIG ELDRED, STREET AND UTILITIES SUPERVISOR
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE CITY OF
PRIOR LAKE SANITARY SEWER MAINTENANCE POLICY
Introduction
The purpose of this agenda item is to consider approval of the City of Prior
Lake Sanitary Sewer Maintenance Policy.
Historv
Currently, the City of Prior Lake maintains 565,435 lineal feet or 107 miles of
public mains, 2,809 manholes and 39 lift stations within its sanitary sewer
system. Although City staff maintains records on maintenance activities, there
is no written policy and procedures that state the practices, frequency,
direction or purpose for maintaining one of the City's largest assets.
Current Circumstances
The League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) is the City's insurer and has
recommended that all Cities have an adopted policy and procedures to limit
liability and ensure coverage by insurance. The procedures identified in this
policy are intended to maintain the City's sanitary sewer system to prevent
sewer backups and to extend the service life of the system.
While developing this policy, City staff took into consideration public safety, city
budget, personnel, environmental concerns, and the cost of implementation
versus the benefit to be achieved. As in the past, the City will use its
employees, equipment and/or private contactors to provide this service.
Attached, you will find a copy of the proposed Sanitary Sewer Maintenance
Policy and completed Sanitary Sewer System Assessment utilized to develop
the Policy.
Conclusion
The Council is being asked to approve the Sanitary Sewer Maintenance Policy
so that staff can implement and educate the citizens of Prior Lake about the
policy through pamphlets, local newspaper and additions to the City's website.
Staff intends to continue an annual review of the policy and improvement
processes, along with periodic annual updates to ordinances which relate to
City water and sanitary sewer systems.
R:\Council\2009 Agenda Reports\02 02 09ISaoi~CS&0l00al~00ei>o~~4245
www.cityofpriorlake.com
ISSUES:
This agenda item allows the City Council, City Staff, and the residents of the
city an opportunity to completely understand the responsibilities involved in
maintaining the city sanitary sewer system.
The LMCIT has recommended the City adopt this policy and follow its
procedures to ensure that City's insurance is not voided due to unintended
actions thereby exposing the City to additional liability. Of particular concern to
City Staff is clarification of the City's involvement in sewage backups in private
residences caused by plugged sewer mains. The League has been very clear
in directing that if a City has an adopted sewer maintenance policy and follows
procedures that the City should only assist with cleanups related to sewer
backups. This prohibits the City from participating in restoration of property
damaged due to sewer backups. The LMC policy on this type of incident is
clear in that restoration is the responsibility of the homeowner and they should
carry the required insurance protection.
FINANCIAL
IMPACT:
Although there are no current financial impacts, City staff have previously
budgeted $2,000.00 for lift station/jetting notifications as part of the sewer
utility enterprise fund, account #49450-203. These funds will be utilized to mail
pamphlets informing all residents of the new sanitary sewer maintenance
policy. The pamphlets and any additional information will be available on the
website in the new area under Public Works that relates to sanitary sewer.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve a resolution authorizing the adoption of the City of Prior Lake
Sanitary Sewer Maintenance Policy dated February 2, 2009.
2. Table this agenda item for a specific reason.
3. Deny this agenda item for a specific reason and provide staff with direction.
RECOMMENDED
MOTION:
Alternative #1
ReVieW~y: ul
~
~t\A. '
Frank Boyles, CfY Managt"l
J
R:\Council\2009 Agenda Reports\02 02 09\sanitary sewer maintenance policy agenda. DOC
Motion By:
Second By:
WHEREAS, Implementation of a Sanitary Sewer Maintenance Policy allows the City of Prior Lake to
comply with all applicable state and federal regulatory requirements; and
WHEREAS, Adoption of this policy is recommended by the League of Minnesota Cities to ensure
that the City does not void insurance coverage or take on additional liability; and
WHEREAS, The City of Prior Lake intends to provide effective and efficient maintenance to its
sanitary sewer system to meet the guidelines established in this policy; and
WHEREAS, The intent of the Sanitary Sewer Maintenance Policy is to prevent sewer backups and
to extend the life of the system.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PRIOR LAKE,
MINNESOTA as follows:
1. The recitals set forth above are incorporated herein as if fully set out herein.
2. The City Council adopts the City of Prior Lake Sanitary Sewer Maintenance Policy dated February,
2009.
3. Staff is directed to prepare a mailing to residents informing them of the policy and procedures.
PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 2nd DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2009.
YES
NO
Haugen
Erickson
I Hedberq
LeMair
Millar
I Haugen
Erickson
Hedberg
LeMair
r Millar
Frank Boyles, City Manager
R:\Council\2009 Agenda Reports\02 02 09\sanitary sewer maintenance policy reso.doc
www.cityofpriorlake.com
Phone 952.447.9800 / Fax 952.447.4245
SanLary Sewer
Y":ain':enance :?ojcy
February 2009
SANITARY SEWER MAINTENANCE POLICY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. MAINTENANCE POLICY
II. EXHIBITS
A.SANITARY SEWER CLEANING
SCHEDULE
B. TELEVISING SCHEDULE
C.STANDARD MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULE
D.SANITARY SEWER CLEANING
MAP
III.MAINTENANCE TRACKING A I I ACHMENTS
A. LIFT STATION OPERATION FORM
B.SANITARY CLEANING FORM
C. MANHOLE INSPECTION FORM
D. MAINTENANCE ACTION FORM
E. INCIDENT FORM
F. SEWER RELEASE FORM (MPCA)
IV. PUBLIC INFORMATION
A.JETTING INFORMATION LETTER
B. SEWER BACKUP INFORMATION BROCHURE
I. PRIOR LAKE SANITARY SEWER
MAINTENANCE POLICY
A. Introduction' Purpose
It is the policy of the City of Prior Lake to comply with all applicable state and federal
regulatory requirements.
The City intends to provide effective and efficient maintenance to its sanitary sewer
system by evaluating political, social, safety, and economic concerns, among others.
Procedures identified in this policy are intended to maintain the sanitary sewer system to
prevent sewer backups. These procedures, when implemented, may also extend the
service life of various components of the sanitary sewer system. The City has 565,435
feet or 107 miles of public sewer mains, 2,809 manholes and 39 lift/pump stations within
its sanitary sewer system.
Procedures identified in this policy are intended to maintain the City's sanitary sewer
system to prevent sewer backups and to extend the life of the system. The City has
developed and implemented this policy that takes into consideration public safety, the
City's budget and personnel, environmental concerns, and the cost of implementation
versus the benefit to be achieved. The City will use its employees, equipment and/or
private contractors to provide this service.
While the City fully intends to meet the guidelines established in this policy, there may be
times when this is not feasible. Issues including, but not limited to, budget constraints,
critical equipment failure, or weather and other emergencies may prevent the City from
meeting the guidelines established herein. The Public Works Superintendent may
override provisions established within this policy. Deviations from the goals established
in this policy will be documented.
The City will use this policy to guide any sanitary sewer maintenance activities to be
provided by a contractor or a party other than the City.
S/Sanitary/Sewer main! Sanitary Maintenance Policy 2009
B. Routine Maintenance and Inspection Goals
Sanitarv Sewer Mains
Scope of City's Responsibility - The City will maintain the components of the public
sanitary sewer system. This includes sanitary sewer mains, manholes, lift stations,
and other components. Private property owners are responsible for the maintenance
of sanitary sewer service components from their property up to and including the
connection to the public system. Examples of these components are as follows:
. The entire service line from the house to the city sanitary main line.
. The connection to the city sanitary main.
. Clean out access points over areas of 100' of service line.
. Venting stack cleared of debris to eliminate bubbling or surging of water
from toilet or laboratory fixtures.
Schedule - The City's goal is to inspect and maintain the components of its sanitary
sewer system according to the attached schedule, Exhibit A.
The sanitary sewer mains and facilities identified as Category 1 will receive ordinary
routine maintenance as noted on sewer maps. The sanitary sewer mains and
facilities identified on the sewer map as Category 2 will receive more frequent
maintenance and those identified as Category 3 will receive less frequent
maintenance. When a sewer main or facility is identified as anything other than
Category 1, the reasons why maintenance is needed on a different schedule will be
documented. Sewer mains and facilities will receive maintenance according to the
attached schedule, Exhibit A.
Equipment - The equipment used to perform maintenance will depend upon the
equipment available and its effectiveness as determined by qualified staff. Such
equipment may include vactor/jetter, easement cleaning machine and other
construction equipment to maintain access and repair of sanitary related structures.
Television Inspection - The City's sanitary sewer mains will be inspected by
television camera in accordance with the attached schedule, Exhibit B. Any sewer
mains located on a street where a street maintenance project is planned will be
inspected before and after such a project. Sanitary sewer mains in a new
development must be televised before said mains are turned over to the City.
Television inspection may also be used to inspect the system where there are
possible problems. In addition, the City may require any main near a construction
site to be televised before and after the construction (Le., near blasting, digging,
other activities that might disrupt the main, etc.)
Visual recordings of sewer main televising will be required of any vendor performing
this service for the City. A written report summarizing and interpreting the findings of
the televising will also be required. All visual and written reports must include pipe
segmenting. Prior contact with the City Engineering/Public Works Departments must
be completed for coordination of pipe numbering segments. Contact Information
(952) 447-9830. These records will be kept by the City for a minimum of 12 years.
S/Sanitary/Sewer main! Sanitary Maintenance Policy 2009
The Public Works Maintenance Supervisor determine whether a main or facility is
Category 1, receiving routine sewer maintenance, Category 2, receiving more frequent
maintenance or Category 3, receiving less frequent maintenance. Based on periodic
assessment, maintenance will be adjusted and a sewer main may be moved from on
category to another.
Sanitarv Sewer Lift Stations
The City maintains lift stations using specific maintenance that is reasonable and
recommended. The number of lift stations, location, date of installation, and capacity of
each lift station is kept on record. Maintenance for each lift station is reflected in
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Standard Maintenance Procedures (SMP).
Components of SOP and SMP are included in Exhibit C
c. Inflow and Infiltration
Inflow and infiltration occur when clear water gets into the sanitary sewer system. This
may occur through cracks or leaks in the sewer pipes and manholes or through sump
pumps incorrectly connected to the sanitary sewer system. Inflow and infiltration can
lead to backups, overflows and unnecessary and expensive treatment of clear water.
City employees will periodically inspect manholes to identify any that contribute to this
problem. Sanitary sewer mains will be maintained and inspected pursuant to the City's
Sanitary Sewer Maintenance Policy.
D. Personnel Responsibilities and Requirements
a) Exercise of Professional Judgment
It is expected that City employees, in accordance with their job duties and
responsibilities, will exercise their professional judgment in the implementation of this
policy. Further, it is expected that in emergency situations City employees will be
required to exercise their discretion and weigh political, social, and economic
considerations including but not limited to public and employee safety, the potential
for damage to private property and the City sanitary sewer system, and
environmental concerns.
b) Training and Education
The City will provide training to employees responsible for maintenance of and
emergency response to issues with the sanitary sewer system. Training of
employees will include education necessary to earn and maintain appropriate
operator certifications. Training will also address standard operating procedures,
proper use of equipment, emergency response and other topics required by state
and federal regulatory agencies.
S/Sanitary/Sewer main! Sanitary Maintenance Policy 2009
c) Work Schedule
Full-time City employees in the Street and Utilities department will be expected to
work eight-hour shifts. In emergencies, employees may be required to work in
excess of eight hours. Budget and safety concerns may limit the length of time an
employee is permitted to work.
d) Weather Conditions
Regular sewer maintenance operations will be conducted only when weather
conditions do not endanger the City employees and equipment. Factors that may
delay sewer maintenance operations include, but are not limited to: severe cold,
severe heat, flooding, rain, snow and other severe weather events.
E. Documentation
The City will document all of its inspection and maintenance activities and emergency
responses for its sanitary sewer system. The City will also document circumstances that
limit its ability to comply with this policy. A report should be prepared periodically for the
purpose of evaluating maintenance activities and for determining goals for the future.
These records will be kept in accordance with the City's records retention schedule.
F. Public Education
Periodically, the City will inform residents of their responsibilities related to sanitary
sewer service from the City of Prior Lake. Examples will include the City website
(www.citvoforiorlake.com) , Wavelength, and Prior Lake American.
G. Other Sanitary Sewer System Policies
The City has a number of other policies and/or ordinances that are important to the
ongoing operation of the City's sanitary sewer system. The following documents are
available on the City's web site and in the public works department.
· Emergency Response Policy
· Public Sanitary Sewer Use Ordinance
. Capital Improvement Program Policy
S/Sanitary/Sewer main! Sanitary Maintenance Policy 2009
Exhibit A - Sanitary Collection Main Cleaning
Status
Category I
Category II
Category III
Frequency
Once per three years
Once per year
Once per six years
Manhole Inspections: Twenty-five percent of total manholes in
sanitary system annually.
S:\Sanitary\Sewer Backup Policies\schedule of services sanitary sewer maintenance policy. doc
Exhibit B - Sanitary Television Inspection
Reason
City Maintenance Project
Sanitary lining
Sanitary backup/issue
Construction project
New
development/construction
Before
X
X
After
X
X
X
X
X
S:\Sanitary\Sewer Backup Policies\schedule of services sanitary sewer maintenance policy.doc
Exhibit C - Lift Stations
Service Type Service Provider Frequency
Inspections Vendor Once per year
Staff Twice per week
Cleaning wet well Staff Twice per year
Alarm system Staff Twice per year
Generators Vendor Twice per year
Staff Once per week
Air-release valves Staff Once per year
Pump calibrations Staff Twice per year
Site maintenance Staff Continuous
S:\Sanitary\Sewer Backup Policies\schedule of services sanitary sewer maintenance policy. doc
Exhibit D
Sanitary Sewer Cleaning Map
(insert)
No. <<No>> <<Lift station>> Amps <<Amp>>
<<Address>> <<Month>>, <<Year>>
Pmp 1 Pmp 2 Hrs 1 'Hrs 2 Comb. Remarks/Service Init.
Hrs
1
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
12
3
14 I
5 I
16 I
7
8 I
9 I
10 I
11
/12 I
13 I
14
115 I
16
17 I
118 I
19
20 I
21 I
22 I
23
124 I
25
26
27
28 I
29
30 I
31 I
S:\Sanitary\lift stations\1ift station book info\ls info for books.doc
SANITARY CLEANING FORM
Initials
ILocation
lFootage
ISize
Date
Time
MH#
MH#
Gal. Used
#Set ups
Checked
Flushed
Sewer Flowing
Sewer Plugged
Remarks:
Initials ILocation J ]Footage ~Size t
IDate MH# MH# Gal. Used
ITime #Set ups
Remarks: Checked Sewer Flowing
Flushed Sewer Plugged
Initials ]Location I ]Footage jSize
Date MH# MH# Gal. Used
Time #Set ups
Remarks: Checked Sewer Flowing
Flushed Sewer Plugged
Initials ]Location I ]Footage jSize
Date MH# MH# Gal. Used
Time #Set ups
Remarks: Checked Sewer Flowing
Flushed Sewer Plugged
Initials ILocation fMH# ]Footage jSize
Date MH# Gal. Used
Time I #Set ups
Remarks: Checked Sewer Flowing
Flushed Sewer Plugged
S:\Sanitary\Sewer Backup Policies\Sanitary Cleaning Form
Location:
Inside diameter:
Condition of:
Invert: G F P Type: V P C
Floor: G F P Type: V P C
Walls: G F P Type: B C
Castings: G F P Type: LP STD
Chimney:G F P Type: B P C
Cover: G F P Type: _CON _ CH_
Elevation of Manhole to Grade:
Comments:
SANITARY SEWER MANHOLE INSPECTIONS
Date:
By Whom:
Manhole #
/
oi"/
Location: Date:
Inside diameter: Manhole # By Whom:
Condition of:
Invert: G F P Type: V P C I -\
Floor: G F P Type: V P C /'
/"
Walls: G F P Type: B C
Castings: G F P Type: LP STD
Chimney:G F P Type: B P C
Cover: G F P Type: CON CH
Elevation of Manhole to Grade:
Comments:
Location: Date:
Inside diameter: Manhole # By Whom: ,
Condition of:
Invert: G F P Type: V P C /'
Floor: G F P Type: V P C
Walls: G F P Type: B C
Castings: G F P Type: LP STD
Chimney:G F P Type: B P C
Cover: G F P Type: CON CH
Elevation of Manhole to Grade:
Comments:
Kev: G- Good F- Fair P- Poor V- Clay P- PVC C- Cement B- Brick
Con- Concealed CH- Center Hole LP- Low Profile STD. Standard
s:/sanitary/forms/sanitary sewer manhole inspections form
SANITARY MAINTENANCE
ACTION FORM
DATE: TIME: A.M. P.M.
OPERATIORS: REGULAR: OVERTIME:
ADDRESS OF CALL:
DSewer Call DJetting DT.V.
DRoutine Cleaning DMaintenance on Equip. DDying Sewers
DManhole Inspection DManhole Repairs DChecking Sewers
o Root Control DSewer Repairs DOther
Was City Line: DPlugged or DOkay
City sewer flowing normal when you left location? DYes DNo
Amount and type of material removed:
Manhole #
to Manhole#
Length of line
No. of Set ups
Gal. of Water
Size of Sewer:
Operator's Remarks or Problems:
Homeowner information on back side:
S:\Sanitary\FORMS\SANITARY MAINTENANCE FORM.doc
Was Homeowner contacted: DYes DNo
Name:
Address:
Phone:
Homeowner
Remarks:
Provide Drawing of location and asbuild number #
S:\Sanitary\FORMS\SANITARY MAINTENANCE FORM.doc
PUBLIC WORKS INCIDENT FORM
Date:
Time of Call:
Time at Scene:
Name/Address/Site:
Employee:
Others Called In:
Equipment Used:
Reason for call out: 0 Sanitary 0 Water
o Street
o Storm Water
Describe incident in detail (including time line, damage, what was done to correct the problem & what could
be done to prevent future problems):
Signed:
Date:
Attach:
1.
2.
Map of site including utility involved
Dispatch incident report from Police Department Dispatch
Put additional comments on back
S:\Sanitary\FORMS\pw incident form. doc
S:\Sanitary\FORMS\pw incident form.doc
FACILITY NAME/ADDRESS:
Prior Lake Collection System
Collection System
. Prior Lake, MN 55372
I Permit Number'
Duty Officer
Report No.
RELEASE SAMPLING REPORT
I
PERMITTEE NAME/ADDRESS:
Prior Lake, MN 55372
@
MCS016
MPCA: ?
1. IReceiving Waters:
2. jRelease Start Date: ~I I
3. jRelease Start Time: _~_~m j
4. IRelease Discovery Date: II I
5. [Release Discovery Time: i I
6. IRelease Anticipated? (Yes/No) II I
7. Location of Release:
8. IRe lease Related to Wet Weather? (Yes/No/Unknown) .~~
COMMENTS:
The definition of an "anticipated bypass" is a known equipment shutdown.
REPORT THE SAMPLING DATA FOR THIS RELEASE ON THE BACK SIDE OF THIS FORM.
Page 01 of D2
FACILITY NAME/ADDRESS:
Prior Lake Collection System
Collection System
Prior Lake, MN 55372
PERMITTEE NAME/ADDRESS:
; Permit Number
r-
i Duty Officer
i Report No.
RELEASE SAMPLING REPORT
I
MCS016
Prior Lake, MN 55372
The following parameters are commonly required for facilities with domestic flow. For permitted facilities, the permit may require you to
sample for additional analytes or multiple samples. Either add them at the bottom of this page or make additional copies of this page.
@
MPCA: ?
PARAMETER VALUE MEASURED UNIT SAMPLE DATE SAMPLE TIME
IPrecipitation [00193] inches I I I
IFlow [50050] MG I I l
ICBOD 05 Day (20 Deg C) [80082] mg/L I I I
~SS [00530] mg/L I I I
IPH [00400] SU I I I
I
I
IPhosphorus Total (as P) [00665] mg/L L I I
Eecal Coliform, MPN/ Membrane Fltr 44.5C [48201] # /100ml I I I
I
IDisCharge Duration [81381] day/mo '-- ~ J
IDischarge Duration [81381] hours I I j
I L I I
Send immediately upon completion of form
(no later than 30 days after the release) to:
MINNESOTA POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY
520 LAFAYETTE RD
ST. PAUL, MN 55155-4194
ATTN: WQ Submittals - Release Sampling Report
COMMENTS:
I certify that I am familiar with the
information contained in this
report and that to the best of my
knowledge and belief the infor-
mation is true, complete, and
accurate.
SIGNATURE OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER OR AUTHORIZED AGENT
I
SIGNATURE OF CHIEF OPERATOR
PHONE
DATE
DATE
CERTIFICA TION#
Page D2 of D2
Maintenance Center
17073 Adelmann Street S.E.
Prior Lake, MN 55372
Date,
The City of Prior Lake is scheduled to clean sanitary sewer mains in your neighborhood
on April II th for a period of up to two weeks.
The sanitary sewer lines are cleaned using high performance sewer cleaning equipment.
A cleaning nozzle is propelled from one manhole to the next using water under high
pressure. The nozzle is then pulled back to the starting manhole. As the nozzle is pulled
back, water scours the inside of the sanitary sewer pipe. Any debris in the pipe is pulled
back with the water. The debris is removed from the manhole with a vacuum unit. If
roots are found, they are cut with a root cutter. This process is repeated on every sewer
line cleaned.
During cleaning of sanitary sewer lines, air occasionally vents into a home through the
sanitary sewer service line and ventilation system. When this happens, water in the toilet
bowl can bubble or surge or, in rare instances, splash out of the bowl. The common
causes of air venting into homes during sanitary sewer cleaning are: air movement from
normal cleaning operations, the use of higher pressure needed when cleaning sanitary
sewer lines that have a steep slope, sewer lines running close to the building, a plugged
roofvent, and the size and complexity of the home's waster and ventilation system. To
minimize water splashing out of your toilet bowl, keep the lid down.
If you have any further questions, please contact the Public Works Department at 952-
447-9830.
Thank you,
CraifrEldred-
Craig Eldred
Streets & Utilities Supervisor
www.citvofnriQrlake.com
S'\Sanitary\Jetlina\sanitarv sewer clean out informationarmemO.doc
Phone 952.440.9675 / Fax 952.440.9678
...
TO: PRIOR LAKE RESIDENT
FROM: PRiOR LAKE PUBLiC WORKS DEPARTMENT
RE: SANITARY SEWER CLEANING
The City of Prior Lake has scheduled to clean the sanitary sewer
mains in your neighborhood on
for a period of up to two weeks.
The sanitary sewer lines are cleaned using high performance sewer
cleaning equipment. A cleaning nozzle is propelled from one
manhole to the next using water under high pressure. The nozzle
is then pulled back to the starting of the manhole. As the nozzle
is pulled back, water scours the inside of the sanitary sewer pipe
loosening the material in the pipe. Any debris material in the pipe
is pulled back with the water. The debris is then removed from
the manhole with the vacuum unit. If roots are found, they are cut
with a root cutter which also utilizes water during the root cutting
process. These processes are repeated or utilized on every sewer
line cleaned.
During cleaning of the sanitary sewer lines, air occasionally vents
into a home through the sanitary sewer service line and household
ventilation system. When this happens, water in the toilet bowl can
bubble, surge, or in rare instances, splash out of the bowl. We re-
mind you that the water that could come from this type of incident
is from the bowl itself. Therefore during the two week period it
would be beneficial to make sure to keep the lid of your toilet bowl
down to minimize the water splashing for your toilet.
The common causes of air venting into homes during sanitary
sewer cleaning are: air movement from normal cleaning operations,
the use of higher pressure needed when cleaning the sanitary sewer
lines that have steep slope, sewer lines running close to the house
or building, a plugged roof vent, and the size and complexity of the
home's waster and ventilation system.
If you have questions or concerns regarding this matter feel free to
contact the Public Works Department at 952-447-9830.
THANK YOU,
Lit i OF PRIOR LAKE PUBLiC WORKS DEPARTMENT
~
ln$l.lrance Pro~on
City of Prior Lake
Sewer Back up
information
What you should know
and how you should
protect yourself
Occasionally a blockage in a sewer
line will result in a backup of
sanitary sewage into a private
home. If you experience a backup,
immediately contact the City of
Prior lake Public Works
Department at the following
numbers:
. Business hours 7:00 a.m.- 3:30
p.m. 952-447-9830
. After hour pager 612-534-7071
This will allow City staff to
determine if the blockage is in the
main line or in your service line.
The following information will
answer the basic questions about
what to do if you experience a
backup and how to begin cleaning.
City of Prior lake Public Works
Help prevent backups
The following items should be disposed
of in your trash can, NOT in the
sanitary sewer system:
. Diapers
. Paper Towels
. Cooking Grease
. Food (do NOT use the disposal for
food items)
17073 Adelmann St. S.E.
Prior Lake, MN 55372
Phone: 952~7-9830
Fax: 952-440-9678
E-mail: www.cityofpriorlake.com
Clean Up
. If any materials are still wet or moist after 24-48
hours, you should assume they have mold growing
on them.
Wet Furniture
· Discard upholstered furniture if it has been
exposed to water or contaminated material.
· Clean, rise and disinfect wood furniture.
· Place wood furniture outside in a shady area
so it will dry slowly.
Wet Appliances
· If your hot water heater became wet due to
flooding, it should be discarded. The insula-
tion typically can't be replaced and the burner
or heating element might become damaged
and could cause an explosion or fire if used. If
in doubt consult a service professional before
using.
· If the furnace was flooded, have it inspected
and serviced by a professional furnace service
before using.
Record Keeping
· Take pictures of damage for your records.
· Keep all receipts for all work done.
· Write a description of the extent of damage.
· Record date and time of occurrence and note
which sewer areas surcharged- floor drain,
lower level toilet, laundry tub and the like
Reminder
Property owners are responsible for the mainte-
nance, repair, and cleaning of the service line from
the house to the City main line.
Food
For Large clean ups, you should call a cleaning
serviCe. Your insurance carrier might have sugges-
tions on which service to use or you can look in
the Yellow Pages. For smaller backups you can
clean yourself, use a solution of two tablespoons
chlorine bleach in one gallon of water. To reduce
health hazards, thoroughly clean the areas affected
by the backup as soon as possible. The Minnesota
Department of Health suggests the following:
. Throw out any opened food or packaged foods that
are not waterproof. Commercially canned foods can
be salvaged if the labels are removed and the cans
are thoroughly washed. The cans should be disin-
fected by wiping the entire surface with a laundry
bleach and water mixture and rinsed in clear water.
. Use outside air to dry your home.
Clothing/Household
. Line-dry all articles before attempting to clean or
treat them.
. After drying, brush off loose dirt and debris.
· Send "Dry Clean Only" items to a professional
cleaner.
· Wash clothes several times in cold water. Add up to
a cup of bleach per load of wash if it will not harm
the clothing.
. Rinse and dry all items as soon as possible.
. Throw out mattresses and pillows.
Wet Carpeting
· Pull up waterlogged carpet immediately to prevent
further floor damage.
. Carpet pads cannot be saved. Remove the pads and
throw them away.
. Attempt to save carpets or throw rugs only if they
would be very expensive to replace.
· Clean and dry your floors thoroughly before re-
carpeting.
Wet floors of Hardwood
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For more information
contact
. Open windows and doors and use an exhaust
fan to remove moist air from the house.
. If available, use a room de-humidifier, Empty it
often.
. If your basement is flooded, pump the water
in stages, about one third per day.
· Wear a mask to prevent inhaling contami-
nated dust, especially if your have allergies.
. Open, clean, decontaminate, and thoroughly
dry cavities in walls, floors, and ceilings.
. Release any water or mud that has been
trapped in walls, ceilings or floor cavities.
· Allow walls to dry from the inside out.
· Remove moisture and debris from all surfaces
and get surface materials dry within 24-48
hours.
. Remove all moisture or debris.
City of Prior Lake
17073 Adelmann St S.E.
Prior Lake, MN 553n
Phone:952~7-9830
Fax:952~0-9678
E-mail: www.cityofpriorlake.com
. Remove all interior wall finishing materials
containing asbestos in your home, call the
Minnesota Department of Health at 651-201-
4620.
· Scrub floors and woodwork within 48 hours using a
stiff brush, water, detergent, and disinfectant.
. Allow all wood to dry thoroughly.