Property Owner Responsibilities
Repair & Maintenance
Each resident or property owner is responsible for the repair and maintenance of their lateral, from the house to the sewer main.
Inflow is surface water that enters the sewer system. This often happens when the caps are not replaced on cleanouts. Infiltration is the intrusion of water into the system because of cracked or leaky pipes. It is important for residents to keep their lateral maintained to avoid inflow and infiltration (I & I). The Township pays for sewage treatment based on the gallonage of the sewage; keeping I & I down helps keep the costs down.
Pool Water and Chemical Disposal
Pool water and other wastewater cannot be discarded into the storm sewer, groundwater, stream or other natural water source. To properly dispose of pool water and other waste water, you must contact the Tredyffrin Township Sewer Department for permission to discard into the sanitary sewer system.
sewer@tredyffrin.org or (610) 644-1400
Chemicals and paints should not be disposed of in the sewer or storm drain systems. The Department of Environmental Protection, http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/airwaste/wm/hhw/hhw.htm and the Chester County Health Department http://www.chesco.org/health/hhw.html, holds free house hold hazardous waste collection events each year.
Fats, Oils & Greases
Fats, oils and greases are a problem in the sewer system because they have poor solubility in water and tend to separate from the liquid solution. Large amounts of oil and grease in the wastewater cause trouble in the collection system pipes. It decreases pipe capacity and, therefore, requires that piping systems be cleaned more often and/or some piping to be replaced sooner than otherwise expected. Oil and grease also hamper effective treatment at the wastewater treatment plant.
Grease in a warm liquid may not appear harmful. But, as the liquid cools, the grease or fat congeals and causes nauseous mats on the surface of settling tanks, digesters, and the interior of pipes and other surfaces which may cause a shutdown of wastewater treatment units.
Problems caused by wastes from restaurants and other grease-producing establishments have served as the basis for ordinances and regulations governing the discharge of grease materials to the sanitary sewer system. This type of waste has forced the requirement of the installation of preliminary treatment facilities, commonly known as grease traps or interceptors.
If fats, oils and greases are improperly disposed, sewer lines and septic systems can become clogged causing sewage to back up into the basements of homes and businesses.
Tips
Use a trash can for food scraps. Solid waste can accommodate 20 percent liquid so even your gravies and other oily sauces can be sent to the dumpster. Handle solid waste wisely for health safety: secure trash bags, dump daily, and keep the dumpster lid secured.
Post "No Grease" signs to remind employees not to pour used cooking grease, hood-vent grease, or any other used fats and oils down the sink drain. Contrary to popular belief, adding hot water, detergent, or even commercial degreasers does not liquefy the grease long enough to escape your drains. Posting signs will remind employees to use the recycle container.
Businesses can contract with a Fat, Oil and Grease recycling company to remove and recycle these wastes.
Fact sheet for Best Management Practices for Fats, Oils and Greases http://www.p2pays.org/ref/05/04281.pdf.
