HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-19-25 EO&WR Committee Packet
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OTAY WATER DISTRICT
ENGINEERING, OPERATIONS, & WATER RESOURCES COMMITTEE MEETING
and
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2554 SWEETWATER SPRINGS BOULEVARD
SPRING VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
BOARDROOM
THURSDAY
JUNE 19, 2025
12:00 P.M.
This is a District Committee meeting. This meeting is being posted as a special meeting
in order to comply with the Brown Act (Government Code Section §54954.2) in the event that
a quorum of the Board is present. Items will be deliberated, however, no formal board actions
will be taken at this meeting. The committee makes recommendations
to the full Board for its consideration and formal action.
AGENDA
1. ROLL CALL
2. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION – OPPORTUNITY FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO
SPEAK TO THE BOARD ON ANY SUBJECT MATTER WITHIN THE BOARD’S JU-
RISDICTION INCLUDING AN ITEM ON TODAY’S AGENDA
DISCUSSION ITEMS
3. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 4459 APPROVING THE 2025 UPDATE OF THE OTAY
WATER DISTRICT’S SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN AS REQUIRED BY
THE STATEWIDE WASTE DISCHARGE REQUIREMENTS GENERAL ORDER FOR
SANITARY SEWER SYSTEMS WQ 2022-0103-DWQ1 (JULIANA LUENGAS
[5 MINUTES]
4. ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 598 AMENDING SUBDIVISION “E” OF SECTION 2.01 OF
THE DISTRICT’S CODE OF ORDINANCES TO ESTABLISH A GENERAL MANAG-
ER’S SIGNATORY AUTHORITY OF $100,000 FOR NON-PUBLIC WORKS CON-
TRACTS, AND TO AUTHORIZE THE GENERAL MANAGER TO AWARD PUBLIC
WORKS CONTRACTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE THRESHOLDS AND PROCE-
DURES ESTABLISHED UNDER THE CALIFORNIA UNIFORM PUBLIC CON-
STRUCTION COST ACCOUNTING ACT (CUPCCAA), AS AMENDED FROM TIME
TO TIME (KENT PAYNE) [5 MINUTES]
BOARD MEMBERS ATTENDING:
Francisco Rivera, Chair
Mark Robak
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All items appearing on this agenda, whether or not expressly listed for action, may be delib-
erated and may be subject to action by the Board.
The agenda, and any attachments containing written information, are available at the Dis-
trict’s website at www.otaywater.gov. Written changes to any items to be considered at the
open meeting, or to any attachments, will be posted on the District’s website. Copies of the
agenda and all attachments are also available by contacting the District Secretary at
(619) 670-2253.
If you have any disability which would require accommodation in order to enable you to par-
ticipate in this meeting, please call the District Secretary at 619-670-2253 at least 24 hours
prior to the meeting.
Certification of Posting
I certify that on June 13, 2025, I posted a copy of the foregoing agenda near the regular
meeting place of the Board of Directors of Otay Water District, said time being at least 24
hours in advance of the meeting of the Board of Directors (Government Code Section
§54954.2).
Executed at Spring Valley, California on June 13, 2025.
/s/ Tita Ramos-Krogman, District Secretary
STAFF REPORT
TYPE MEETING: Regular Board MEETING DATE: July 2, 2025
SUBMITTED BY: Juliana Luengas,
Environmental Compliance Specialist
PROJECT: S1210-
025000
DIV. NO. 3, 5
APPROVED BY: Beth Gentry, Engineering Manager
Michael Long, Chief, Engineering
Jose Martinez, General Manager
SUBJECT: Adopt Resolution No. 4459 Approving the 2025 Update of the Otay Water District’s Sewer System Management Plan as Required
by the Statewide Waste Discharge Requirements General Order for Sanitary Sewer Systems WQ 2022-0103-DWQ1
GENERAL MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt Resolution No. 4459 approving the 2025 Update of the Otay Water District’s Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) as required by the
Statewide Waste Discharge Requirements General Order for Sanitary Sewer Systems Order No. WQ 2022-0103-DWQ1.
COMMITTEE ACTION:
Please see Attachment A.
PURPOSE:
To adopt Resolution No. 4459 approving the District’s SSMP Update, per
the State Water Resources Control Board Order WQ 2022-0103-DWQ Statewide Waste Discharge Requirements General Order for Sanitary
Sewer Systems.
AGENDA ITEM 3
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ANALYSIS: On December 6, 2022, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) adopted Order 2022-0103-DWQ1, the Statewide Waste Discharge Requirements (WDR) General Order (General Order) for Sanitary Sewer Systems. The General Order went into effect 180 days after the
adoption date on June 5, 2023. This General Order serves as the state waste discharge requirements and supersedes the previous State Water
Board Order No. 2006-0003-DWQ and all amendments thereafter. This General Order regulates sanitary sewer systems designed to convey
sewage and requires public agencies that own or operate sanitary sewer systems to develop, implement, and periodically update a SSMP. A
sanitary sewer system is a system that is designed to convey sewage, including, but not limited to, pipes, force mains manholes, pump stations, siphons, wet wells, diversion structures and/or other
pertinent infrastructure, upstream of a WWTP headworks. This General Order is applicable for all publicly owned sewage collection systems
with more than one mile of sewer pipe. All sections and attachments of the General Order are enforceable by the State Water Board and Regional Water Quality Control Board (Regional Water Board). New regulatory changes in the reissued General Order include the
following: clarifications to the existing Water Code; required collaboration with storm drain agencies; procedures for maintaining sewer maps; enhanced training for O&M staff; implementation of a Spill
Emergency Response Plan and clarifications to spill reporting; changes to notification and monitoring requirements; implement procedures for
pipe-blocking substances; prioritization of asset management and resiliency by focusing on internal and external factors such as climate change; modifications to the SSMP Audit and Update schedules; enhanced communication procedures (public, owners, nearby agencies); and full electronic reporting to CIWQS (California Integrated Water
Quality System) for compliance and public transparency purposes.
Under the reissued WDR, each agency must develop a Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP). The SSMP, at a minimum, must be audited at least every three years and updated every six years. The SSMP must be
approved and adopted by the agencies governing board at a public meeting. The SSMP is developed specifically for the size and
complexity of the agency’s sewer system. The goal of the SSMP is to provide a plan and schedule to properly manage, operate, and maintain all parts of the sewer system, reduce and prevent spills, and contain
and mitigate spills that do occur.
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The District first approved its SSMP on July 1, 2009 under the previous General Order. An Audit, in compliance with the new General
Order, was conducted internally in February 2025. The more extensive SSMP Update, which incorporated the new WDR requirements, requires Board certification. This 2025 Update is the first update under the new General Order. The next Update will be completed in six years, by August 2031, or earlier, if there are significant changes to the SSMP.
To ensure compliance with the reissued General Order, Water Works Engineers assisted in completing the Update. If approved, the SSMP
Update will be uploaded to CIWQS website by August 2, 2025. Staff recommends that the Board adopt Resolution No. 4459 (Attachment
B) approving the 2025 Update of the District’s SSMP which satisfies the state Waste Discharge Requirements of recertification every six
years. The completed SSMP is included as Attachment B. FISCAL IMPACT: Joe Beachem, Chief Financial Officer
None.
STRATEGIC GOAL: This Project supports the District’s Mission statement, “To provide exceptional water and wastewater service to its customers, and to
manage District resources in a transparent and fiscally responsible manner” and the General Manager’s Vision, "To be a model water agency by providing stellar service, achieving measurable results, and
continuously improving operational practices." GRANTS/LOANS: Not applicable. LEGAL IMPACT:
None. JL/BG:jf
Attachments: Attachment A – Committee Action Attachment B – Resolution No. 4459
Attachment C – 2025 SSMP Update Exhibit A – OWD Sanitary Sewer System Map
ATTACHMENT A
SUBJECT/PROJECT: S1210-025000
Adopt Resolution No. 4459 Approving the 2025 Update of the
Otay Water District’s Sewer System Management Plan as Required by the Statewide Waste Discharge Requirements General Order for Sanitary Sewer Systems WQ 2022-0103-DWQ1
COMMITTEE ACTION: The Engineering, Operations, and Water Resources Committee (Committee)
reviewed this item at a meeting held on June 19, 2025. The Committee supported Staff's recommendation.
NOTE:
The “Committee Action” is written in anticipation of the Committee
moving the item forward for Board approval. This report will be sent to the Board as a Committee approved item or modified to reflect any discussion or changes as directed from the Committee prior to
presentation to the full Board.
ATTACHMENT B
RESOLUTION NO. 4459 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF THE OTAY WATER DISTRICT APPROVING THE 2025 SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD WASTE DISCHARGE REQUIREMENTS GENERAL ORDER WQ 2022-0103-DWQ1 WHEREAS, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB)
adopted Order WQ 2022-0103-DWQ1 (Order) requiring any public
entity that owns or operates a sanitary sewer system greater
than one mile in length to implement a Sewer System Management
Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Order WQ 2022-0103-DWQ1 requires sewer
agencies to update its Sewer System Management Plan every six
(6) years; and
WHEREAS, the Otay Water District has updated its Sewer
System Management Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Order WQ 2022-0103-DWQ1 requires the updated
Sewer System Management Plan to be approved by the agency’s
governing entity; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Board of Directors of the
Otay Water District to approve updates to the Sewer System
Management Plan in accordance with the SWRCB Waste Discharge
Requirements General Order WQ 2022-0103-DWQ1; and
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the Board of
Directors of the Otay Water District approve the updated Sewer
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System Management Plan (SSMP). Authority is hereby delegated to
the District’s Legally Responsible Official, the System
Operations Manager, to submit materials to the State Water
Resources Control Board and make revisions to the SSMP in a
manner consistent with the Order when necessary or desirable.
PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED by the Board of Directors of
the Otay Water District at a regular board meeting held the 2nd
day of July, 2025, by the following vote.
AYES:
NAYES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
___________________________________ President
ATTEST:
________________________________ District Secretary
2554 Sweetwater Springs Blvd
Spring Valley, CA 91978-2004
www.otaywater.gov
Sewer System Management Plan
WDID# 9SSO10679
June 2025
Updated By:
7777 Alvarado Rd, Suite 300, La Mesa, CA 91942
ATTACHMENT C
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June 2025 P A G E | 2
Contents
1 Goal and Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 5
2 Organization ........................................................................................................................................ 10
3 Legal Authority .................................................................................................................................... 15
4 Operations and Maintenance Program .............................................................................................. 20
5 Design and Performance Provisions ................................................................................................... 26
6 Spill Emergency Response Plan ........................................................................................................... 27
7 Sewer Pipe Blockage Control Program ............................................................................................... 28
8 System Evaluation, Capacity Assurance, and Capital Improvements ................................................. 30
9 Monitoring, Measurement, and Program Modifications ................................................................... 36
10 Internal Audits ............................................................................................................................... 38
11 Communication Program ............................................................................................................... 39
12 Appendices ..................................................................................................................................... 43
Tables
Table 1. Due Dates ........................................................................................................................................ 7
Table 2. Existing Lift Stations ........................................................................................................................ 8
Table 3. Existing Sewer Force Mains ............................................................................................................. 8
Table 4. Existing Gravity Sewer Pipe ............................................................................................................. 8
Table 5. Overall Assets .................................................................................................................................. 9
Table 6. Phone List of Responsible District Staff ......................................................................................... 14
Table 7. Otay Water District Legal Authority - Code of Ordinances ........................................................... 15
Figures
Figure 1. Overall Organizational Chart ........................................................................................................ 11
Figure 2. Water Operations Organizational Chart ...................................................................................... 12
Figure 3. Engineering Organizational Chart ................................................................................................ 12
Figure 4. Otay Water District Sanitary Sewer System ................................................................................. 22
Figure 5. Sewer Project Example, 1 ............................................................................................................ 34
Figure 6. Sewer Project Example, 2 ............................................................................................................ 35
Figure 7. Communication Media Examples - Sewer Construction Project Sign .......................................... 41
Figure 8. Communication Media Examples - Sewer System Information on District Website ................... 41
Figure 9. Communication Media Examples - Customer Newsletter Articles .............................................. 42
Figure 10. Communication Media Examples - Instagram Posts .................................................................. 42
Appendices
a. SSMP Update Log
b. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
c. Spill Emergency Response Plan (SERP)
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Key Definitions & Acronyms
Key definition and acronyms have been defined below. For a comprehensive list, refer to the
General Order and the SWRCB website.
California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) – CIWQS is the statewide database that
provides for mandatory electronic reporting as required in State and Regional Water Board-
issued waste discharge requirements.
Data Submitter – A Data Submitter is an individual designated and authorized by the Enrollee’s
LRO to enter Spill data into the online CIWQS SSS Database. A Data Submitter does not have the
authority of a LRO to certify reporting entered into the online CIWQS SSS Database.
General Order - Statewide Waste Discharge Requirements General Order for Sanitary Sewer
Systems (ORDER WQ 2022-0103-DWQ) that mandates a Sanitary Sewer Management Plan.
Lateral (including Lower and Upper) – A lateral is an underground segment of smaller diameter
pipe that transports sewage from a customer’s building or property (residential, commercial, or
industrial) to the Enrollee’s main sewer line in a street or easement. Upper and lower lateral
boundary definitions are subject to local jurisdictional codes and ordinances, or private system
ownership.
A lower lateral is the portion of the lateral located between the sanitary sewer system main, and
either the property line, sewer clean out, curb line, established utility easement boundary, or
other jurisdictional locations.
An upper lateral is the portion of the lateral from the property line, sewer clean out, curb line,
established utility easement boundary, or other jurisdictional locations, to the building or
property.
Legally Responsible Official (LRO) – A Legally Responsible Official is an official representative,
designated by the Enrollee, with authority to sign and certify submitted information and
documents required by the WDR.
Private Sewer Lateral (PSL) – A private sewer lateral is the privately-owned lateral that transports
sewage from private property(ies) into the SSS.
Sanitary Sewer System (SSS) – A sanitary sewer system includes a collection system (e.g., laterals,
pipes, manholes, siphons, diversion structures, etc.) and a conveyance system (e.g., pump
stations, forcemains) upstream of a treatment plant owned and/or operated by Enrollee.
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Satellite Sewer System or Tributary Sewer System (STSS) – A satellite sewer system or Tributary
sewer System is a portion of a SSS owned or operated by a different owner than the owner of
the downstream WWTP ultimately treating the sewage.
State & Regional Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB & RWCB) - The State and Regional
Water Boards are California’s regulatory agencies responsible for ensuring that the quality of the
State’s rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands, ocean, and groundwaters is protected. To protect our
water resources, the Water Boards set water quality standards in plans and policies, monitor and
assess the State’s Waters, regulate identified pollutant sources, and enforce compliance with
regulatory requirements.
While the State Water Board develops statewide policy and regulations for water quality control,
the nine Regional Water Boards provide local implementation of statewide policy and
regulations, set water quality standards and implementation provisions in plans and policies,
issue waste discharge permits, determine compliance with permit requirements, and take
enforcement actions against violators.
Spill – A Spill is a discharge of sewage from any portion of a SSS due to a sanitary system overflow,
operational failure, and/or infrastructure failure. Exfiltration of sewage is not considered to be a
Spill under the WDR if the exfiltrated sewage remains in the subsurface and does not reach a
surface water of the State. There are 4 categories of spills (see the SSSWDR for a full definition).
Waste Discharge Identification Number (WDID) – Waste Discharge Identification Number
assigned as a unique identifier by the SWRCB to each Enrollee for regulatory recordkeeping and
data management purposes.
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1 Goal and Introduction
Regulatory Context
This Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) has been prepared pursuant to the requirements
of the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) Statewide Water Discharge
Requirements (WDRs) General Order for Sanitary Sewer Systems Order No. WQ 2022-0103-
DWQ1 (General Order).
The General Order serves as statewide WDRs and supersedes the previous State Water Board
Order No. 2006-0003-DWQ and amendments thereafter. The General Order is enforceable by
the State Water Board and Regional Water Quality Control Boards (Regional Water Boards). For
the General Order, a sanitary sewer system includes, but is not limited to, a collection system
(such as sewer gravity pipelines, service lines, and manholes) and a conveyance system (such as
lift stations and forcemains). The General Order is applicable for all publicly owned sewage
collection systems with more than one mile of sewer pipe.
Otay Water District (District) is a special district that provides water, recycled water, and sewer
service. It owns, operates and maintains a sewer collection system and conveyance system that
has more than one mile of sewer pipe and is therefore subject to the General Order and was
issued Agency WDID (Waste Discharge Identification No) 9SS010679.
The General Order requires each agency to develop and certify a Sewer System Management
Plan (SSMP). The SSMP is broken into various Elements:
1. Sewer System Management Plan Goal and Introduction
2. Organization
3. Legal Authority
4. Operations and Maintenance Program
5. Design and Performance Provisions
6. Spill Emergency Response Plan
7. Sewer Pipe Blockage Control Program
8. System Evaluation, Capacity Assurance, and Capital Improvements
9. Monitoring, Measurement, and Program Modifications
10. Internal Audits
11. Communications Program
The goal of the SSMP is provide a plan and schedule to properly manage, operate, and maintain
all parts of the sewer system, reduce, prevent, contain, and mitigate spills.
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Element Requirements
Goal and Introduction: Provide a plan and schedule to: (1) properly manage, operate, and
maintain all parts of the Enrollee’s sanitary sewer system(s), (2) reduce and prevent Spills, and
(3) contain and mitigate Spills that do occur. The Plan must include a narrative Introduction
section that discusses the following items:
Regulatory Context: The Plan Introduction section must provide a general description of
the local sewer system management program and discuss Plan implementation and
updates.
Sewer System Management Plan Update Schedule: The Plan Introduction section must
include a schedule for the Enrollee to update the Plan, including the schedule for
conducting internal audits. The schedule must include milestones for incorporation of
activities addressing prevention of sewer Spills.
Sewer System Asset Overview: The Plan Introduction section must provide a description
of the Enrollee-owned assets and service area, including but not limited to:
• Location, including county(ies);
• Service area boundary;
• Population and community served;
• System size, including total length in miles, length of gravity mainlines, length
of pressurized (force) mains, and number of pump stations and siphons;
• Structures diverting stormwater to the sewer system;
• Data management systems;
• Sewer system ownership and operation responsibilities between Enrollee and
private entities for upper and lower sewer laterals;
• Estimated number or percent of residential, commercial, and industrial service
connections;
• Unique service boundary conditions and challenge(s)
Sewer System Management Plan Update Schedule
The District Board will certify and approve its SSMP pursuant to the General Order’s required due
date and frequency shown on Table 1. On an as-needed and periodic basis, the District may
produce updates to its SSMP, such as but not limited to revised organizational charts and contact
lists. Refer to Appendix A: SSMP Update Log for a summary of major changes implemented to
this SSMP.
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Table 1. Due Dates
Requirement Due Date Frequency
SSMP Certification &
Approval
August 2, 2025 Every 6 years
SSMP Audit 6 months after August 2nd, 2024 Every 3 years
The District has incorporated milestones for the activities addressing prevention of sewer spills
and completing areas of the SSMP that are deficient, as discussed in its most recent Audit and as
further defined herein under various SSMP elements.
Sewer System Asset Overview
Otay Water District provides sewer service to approximately 15,300 customers through 6,071
connections. The sewer service area is in the northern portion of the District and covers
approximately 8,797 acres, which is about 11 percent of the District’s total service area. The
sewer collection and conveyance system serves the following unincorporated area in San Diego
County: Rancho San Diego, Calavo Gardens, Singing Hills, La Mesa, El Cajon and portions of Mount
Helix within the Upper Sweetwater River Basin, also known as the Jamacha Basin.
Wastewater collection within the larger, overarching Jamacha Basin is provided by two agencies:
Otay Water District and San Diego County (Spring Valley Sanitation District). The Jamacha Basin
is characterized by rough, steep, and varying terrain and there are a significant number of vacant
and undeveloped properties, and existing residents in the basin not served by either agency that
utilize septic systems.
The District is a member of the San Diego Metropolitan Wastewater Joint Powers Authority
(Metro) which provides transmission, conveyance, and treatment services. Two-thirds of the
wastewater generated in Jamacha Basin is discharged into the County-owned and operated
Rancho San Diego Pump Station (RSDPS) which is then pumped into Metro. Up to 1.3 MGD of
wastewater is diverted to the District’s Ralph W. Chapman Water Reclamation Facility
(RWCWRF), which is then treated and served as recycled water. At several locations, County
sewer gravity mains discharge into District facilities, pursuant to existing agreements. Residential
customers comprise 97.5% of the customer base. Commercial accounts comprise 2.5% of the
sewer customer base.
The District owns, operates, and maintains five (5) lift stations, see Table 2. The lift stations
include typical resiliency upgrades, such as but not limited to onsite generators or towed
generator hookup-capable, emergency storage, redundant pumps, wet well bypass hookups,
forcemain bypass hookups, ragging management, backup telemetry, intrusion alarms,
dual/secondary forcemains, SCADA remote monitoring/autodialing, etc.
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Table 2. Existing Lift Stations
Pump Station Firm Capacity (gpm)
Calavo 350
Cottonwood 510
Hidden Mountain 100
Russel Square 20
Steel Bridge (SBPS) 1,200
The wastewater system includes 95 miles of collection system pipelines, including 92 miles of
gravity sewers and 3 miles of force mains. These gravity sewers range in diameter from 4 inches
to 27 inches, with the vast majority (84%) consisting of 8-inch diameter pipes. See Table 3 and
Table 4 below for the existing sewer force mains and the existing gravity sewer pipelines,
respectively. A summary of the collection system pipelines based on the diameters and material
types of pipe is shown on Table 5.
Table 3. Existing Sewer Force Mains
Material Total Length (LF) Total Length (mi)
Cast Iron 348 0.1
Ductile Iron Pipe (DIP) 3719 0.7
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) 1553 0.3
Polyvinyl-Chloride Pipe (PVC) 7351 1.4
Vitrified Clay Pipe (VCP) 587 0.1
Other 915 0.2
Table 4. Existing Gravity Sewer Pipe
Material Total Length (LF) Total Length (mi)
ABS 140,028 26.5
CPR 33 0.0
DI 910 0.2
HDPE 199 0.0
PVC 250,251 47.4
VCP 36,669 6.9
Other 649 0.1
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Table 5. Overall Assets
Diameter
(Inch)
Gravity Sewers Force Mains
Length
(feet)
Length
(miles)
% of
Total
Length
(feet)
Length
(miles)
% of
Total
4 811 0.2 0.2 1,568 0.3 9.3
6 835 0.2 0.2 3,773 0.7 22.3
8 410,955 77.8 84.4 -- --
10 25,870 4.9 5.3 -- --
12 8,190 1.6 1.7 3,400 0.6 20.1
15 21,646 4.1 4.4 --
18 10,226 1.9 2.1 --
21 2,678 0.5 0.5 -- --
24 603 0.1 0.1 8,188 1.6 48.3
27 5,303 1.0 1.1 --
Total 487,117 92.3 100 16,929 3.2 100
All public roads, bridges, right-of-way, and storm drain infrastructure is owned and maintained
by the County. The District maintains improved or unimproved private easements as needed to
maintain access to sewer manholes.
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2 Organization
Element Requirements
This Plan must include copies or an electronic link to the Enrollee’s current sewer system use
ordinances, service agreements and/or other legally binding procedures to demonstrate the
Enrollee possesses the necessary legal authority to:
• The name of the Legally Responsible Official (Designation of a Legally Responsible
Official);
• The position titles, telephone numbers, and email addresses for management,
administrative, and maintenance positions responsible for implementing specific Sewer
System Management Plan elements;
• Organizational lines of authority; and
• Chain of communication for reporting spills from receipt of complaint or other
information, including the person responsible for reporting spills to the State and
Regional Water Boards and other agencies, as applicable.
Legally Responsible Official(s)
The Legally Responsible Official and main point of contact for the sanitary sewer system is Jake
Vaclavek, Systems Operations Manager.
Governance
The District is governed by an elected five-member Board of Directors. Directors serve four-year
terms on the Board. The Board typically meets monthly, in an open public session at District
headquarters in Spring Valley, California. The District General Manager acts under the
administration of the Board of Directors is subject to its direction. The overall District
organization, departments, and lines of authority are illustrated in Figure 1.
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Figure 1. Overall Organizational Chart
Departments and positions are responsible for the development and execution of specific SSMP
elements are further defined and illustrated in Figure 2 and Figure 3.
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Figure 2. Water Operations Organizational Chart
Figure 3. Engineering Organizational Chart
General Position Descriptions
General Manager
Responsible for the overall operation of the District and all of its employees, finances, functions
and operations. Reports directly to the District’s Board of Directors.
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Chief, Water Operations
Will ensure that new and rehabilitated assets meet required standards, will assure that staff is
trained as required by SSMP standards, will prepare for working with District field crews to handle
emergencies when contractors are involved and provide verbal reports to the Board and General
Manager’s office.
Systems Operations Manager and/or Utility Services Manager
Oversee all work needed to complete the operations training required by the SSMP, compiles
and includes the updated operations information into the SSMP and coordinates with the
assigned Engineering Staff, oversees all field operations, responses, activities and reports to the
Chief, Water Operations.
Utility Maintenance Supervisor and/or Reclamation Plant Supervisor
Manages field operations and maintenance activities, provides relevant information to agency
management, prepares and implements contingency plans, leads emergency response,
investigates and reports spills and trains field crews.
Lead Reclamation Plant Operator
Staff preventive maintenance activities, mobilizes and responds to notification of stoppages and
spills (mobilizes sewer cleaning equipment, bypass pumping equipment, and portable
generators).
Reclamation Plant Operator(s)
Responding to a spill and applying best management practices for spill containment until the
Utility Workers arrive with collection system maintenance equipment. The Reclamation Plant
Operator provides the Utility Workers with any additional information on the spill obtained after
they arrive on site. The plant operator also operates/troubleshoots lift station equipment and/or
uses blockage- removal hand tools to remove the cause or lessen the severity of the spill.
Additionally, the plant operator captures all field data used for reporting and forwards it to the
Lead Operator and/or Plant Supervisor
Utility Crew Workers
Assigned to the collection system on a long-term basis, they are responsible for responding to
the spill when notified, removing blockages, and determining the cause of the spill. After normal
working hours the standby Reclamation Plant Operator directly notifies the standby-duty Utility
Crew Leader who will then call their standby Utility Worker crew to respond to the overflow site
Contact Information
Contact information for key, general positions are listed in Table 6. All emails can be directed to
sewersystem@otaywater.gov.
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Table 6. Phone List of Responsible District Staff
Position Phone
General Manager 619-670-2280
Chief, Water Operations 619-670-2224
Systems Operation Manager 619-670-2230
Utility Services Manager 619-670-2235
Utility Maintenance Supervisors
619-670-2285
619-670-2229
Reclamation Plant Supervisor 619-670-2521
Lead Reclamation Plant
Operator
619-670-2271
Environmental Compliance
Specialist
619-670-2219
Customer Service 619-670-2222
24-Hour Phone 619-670-2207
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3 Legal Authority
Element Requirements
This Plan requires the wastewater collection system agency to demonstrate, through collection
system use ordinances, service agreements, or other legally binding procedures, that it possesses
the necessary legal authority that include the following items:
• Prevent illicit discharges into its sanitary sewer system from inflow and infiltration (I&I);
unauthorized stormwater; chemical dumping; unauthorized debris; roots; fats, oils, and
grease; and trash, including rags and other debris that may cause blockages;
• Collaborate with storm sewer agencies to coordinate emergency spill responses, ensure
access to storm sewer systems during spill events, and prevent unintentional cross
connections of sanitary sewer infrastructure to storm sewer infrastructure;
• Require that sewer system components and connections be properly designed and
constructed;
• Ensure access for maintenance, inspection, and/or repairs for portions of the service
lateral owned and/or operated by the Enrollee;
• Enforce any violation of its sewer ordinances, service agreements, or other legally binding
procedures; and
• Obtain easement accessibility agreements for locations requiring sewer system
operations and maintenance, as applicable.
Existing Legal Authority
The District possesses the necessary legal authority to prevent, require, ensure, limit and enforce
specific features and operations required by the General Order. However, the District does not
bear any responsibility for performing sewer maintenance on any portion of infrastructure not
owned by the District including, but not limited to, a property owners sewer lateral or sewer
connection to a building (reference Private Sewer Laterals Board Of Director’s Policy, Revised
2019). A summary of the relevant sections of the District Code of Ordinances and other adopted
documents is listed in Table 7.
Table 7. Otay Water District Legal Authority - Code of Ordinances
Legal Authority Ordinance
a. Prevent illicit discharges into sanitary sewer system. CO: §52.04
b. Requires that sewers and connections be properly designed and
constructed
CO: §60.08
c. Ensures access for maintenance, inspection or repairs for all
portions served by the District and to determine if they are
complying with the rules of the District concerning sewer services.
(NOTE: Sewer laterals are owned by customers, and not the District)
CO: §51.03
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d. Limit the discharge of fats, oils and grease and other debris that
may cause blockages
CO: §52.06
e. Enforce any violation of District sewer policies CO: §52.03
Code of Ordinances
52.04 PROHIBITIONS AGAINST DISCHARGE OF OBJECTIONABLE WASTES
It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge or permit the discharge of any substance into the
District sewer system that could cause a public nuisance or hazard to life, or that could be harmful
to the District sewer system or its wastewater reclamation facilities or processes.
Discharge of the following into the District sewer system is expressly prohibited:
• gasoline, cleaning solvent, fuel, oil;
• ashes, sand, cinders, rocks;
• tar, plastics, other water insoluble viscous materials;
• mineral oils, lubricating oils;
• feathers, hair;
• rags, sanitary napkins, disposable diapers;
• broken glass, metal, wood and plastic shavings;
• unground garbage;
• swimming pool drainwater;
• wastes which contain or result in the production of toxic, corrosive and explosive gases;
• animal or dairy waste;
• cesspool and septic tank wastes;
• or any other substance, material or liquid that could be harmful to the District sewer
system.
52.05 GUIDELINES TO DETERMINE ACCEPTABILITY OF WASTES
The following provisions and the values set forth herein are not to be regarded or construed as
regulating or limiting the quantity or characteristics of any specific wastes which may be received
into the sewer system, but such shall serve as a guide in implementing this Section for regulation
of the use of the District sewer system and for determination of accept- ability of waste into the
sewer system. In considering the following sewage characteristics, the dilution effect of the
sewage at the point of discharge or any affected part of the system, and whether or not unusual
attention or expenses would be required to handle such material in the sewer system, shall be
taken into consideration:
A. The discharge into the District sewer system of any water or waste having an average
daily flow greater than one percent (1%) of the average daily flow at the sewage
treatment plan shall be subject to review.
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B. The temperature of industrial waste discharged into the sewer system should not
exceed 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
C. Industrial wastes having a grease and oil concentration in excess of 200 ppm will be
considered on a case-by-case basis to determine if the sewer system can
safely receive said wastes.
D. Industrial discharge of toxic or radioactive wastes into the sewer system will be
considered on a case-by-case basis.
E. Industrial discharge of wastes having a biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) in excess of
300 ppm will be considered on a case-by-case basis to determine if the sewer system can
safely receive said wastes.
F. Industrial discharge of wastes having suspended solids in excess of 300 ppm will be
considered on a case-by case basis to determine if the sewer system can safely receive
said wastes. To make such determination, the following procedures shall apply:
1. Where warranted, installation of an appropriate manhole for purposes of sampling the
final industrial waste discharge may be required.
2. The source to be used for the chemical and bacteriological analysis shall be the
"Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Sewage," latest edition, approved
by the Joint Committee of the Public Health Association, Federation of Sewage and
Industrial Waste Association and American Water Works Association.
60.08 REQUIREMENT FOR APPROVED PLANS AND CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT
A. Developer shall prepare detailed engineering drawings for construction of the
proposed system shown on the tentative map and submit such drawings to the District
for review and approval. Each system shall provide for water service and/or sewer service,
where applicable, to each lot in a subdivision and to each parcel in a parcel map
development. The utility system proposed shall not be detrimental in any way to
operation of the District utility system and shall conform to the requirements of the
approved SAMP.
B. The General Manager shall review the construction drawings and either accept, reject,
or revise them for compliance with District standards and specifications. Upon approval
of the drawings, the General Manager shall return them to the Developer with the
following: (i) District estimates for construction costs and the amount of additional
District deposit; (ii) the required standard District agreement for installation of water or
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sewer facilities; and (iii) the amount of security required to guarantee performance of the
agreement.
C. Developer shall return to the District the revised drawings, if required, the executed
subdivision construction agreement, together with the required deposits and security,
either cash, surety bond, or letter of credit, acceptable to the General Manager, and the
grant of easements or rights-of-way that may be required. If such are complete, and the
proposed subdivision has been annexed into an Improvement District, the Construction
Agreement for the project will be authorized by the General Manager.
D. Upon approval of the construction agreement by the General Manager, the Developer
shall submit the mylar construction plans for signature by the General Manager.
51.03 INSPECTION OF CUSTOMER PREMISES
Authorized District personnel shall have unrestricted access at reasonable hours to all premises
served by District sewers for inspection and testing purposes, and to determine whether the
customer is complying with the rules, regulations and ordinances of the District concerning sewer
services.
52.06 DISCHARGE OF INDUSTRIAL WASTE
Any person or governmental agency desiring to discharge industrial wastes into the District sewer
system shall obtain a permit from the District for the discharge of said wastes. The District may
require installation of on-site facilities by the discharger for purposes of pretreatment of sewage
before industrial waste can be discharged into the District sewer system.
52.03 ENFORCEMENT OF DISTRICT RULES AND REGULATIONS
The General Manager shall enforce rules and regulations set forth in this Code relating to District
sewer service. The General Manager shall be authorized to take such action as he deems
necessary for preservation of public health or safety, or for the protection of public or private
property. The General Manager may suspend sewer services to any customer using the District
sewer system in a manner that would endanger the public health or safety, or public or private
property. In suspending such service, the Customer's connection to the District sewer system
may be severed. If danger is imminent, the General Manager may act immediately to suspend
sewer service coincident with giving notice or warning to the customer.
Storm Drain Coordination
The District has established practices for operating and maintaining a sewer system near County
storm drain assets and actively collaborates with and notifies the County. District Staff may access
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the storm drain system and alert the County they are doing so and will collaborate with the
County if additional efforts are required (where feasible), such as but not limited to stopping,
holding, damming, or plugging storm drain flows in an effort to mitigate a spill, but will do so in
collaboration with the County. The San Diego County’s storm drain infrastructure has been fully
integrated into the District’s GIS dashboard, allowing staff to seamlessly access and interact with
this data while in the field. This integration enhances real-time decision-making and supports
efficient maintenance and inspection workflows.
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4 Operations and Maintenance Program
Element Requirements
The Waste Discharge Requirements (GWDR) for the Operations and Maintenance Program are:
A. Maintain an up-to-date map(s) of the sanitary sewer system, and procedures for
maintaining and providing State and Regional Water Board staff access to the map(s). The
map(s) must show gravity line segments and manholes, pumping facilities, pressure pipes
and valves, and applicable stormwater conveyance facilities within the sewer system
service area boundaries.
B. A scheduling system and a data collection system for preventive operation and
maintenance activities conducted by staff and contractors which must include:
• Inspection and maintenance activities;
• Higher-frequency inspections and maintenance of known problem areas, including
areas with tree root problems; and
• Regular visual and closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspections of manholes and sewer
pipes.
The data collection system must document data from system inspection and maintenance
activities, including system areas/components prone to root-intrusion potentially
resulting in system backup and/or failure.
C. In-house and external training provided on a regular basis for sanitary sewer system
operations and maintenance staff and contractors. The training must cover:
• The requirements of this General Order;
• The Enrollee’s Spill Emergency Response Plan procedures and practice drills;
• Skilled estimation of spill volume for field operators; and
• Electronic CIWQS reporting procedures for staff submitting data.
D. An inventory of sewer system equipment, including the identification of critical
replacement and spare parts.
Sanitary Sewer System Mapping
The District operates and maintains a Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping system that
includes information for its wastewater collection system assets. The GIS mapping and associated
attribute information is available to all staff through web maps available on desktops, laptops,
tablets and phones. These web maps are available to District staff in the office and in the field.
The web maps are connected to District databases and as additions and corrections are made to
an asset’s location or information, it is immediately viewable by staff using the maps. A pdf map
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book, which is updated regularly, is uploaded to all of the laptops and/or tablets taken into the
field so that in the rare case of a loss of connectivity to the District’s network, users still have
access to the District’s mapping while working or responding to an emergency. The District also
maintains a limited number of hard copy map books in the rare case that web maps are not
available. Digital maps are available upon request.
The San Diego County’s storm drain infrastructure has been fully integrated into the District’s GIS
dashboard, allowing staff to seamlessly access and interact with this data while in the field. This
integration enhances real-time decision-making and supports efficient maintenance and
inspection workflows.
The District’s sewer system overview map is depicted in Figure 4.
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Figure 4. Otay Water District Sanitary Sewer System
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Preventative Operation and Maintenance Activities
District Staff implement comprehensive preventative operation and maintenance procedures for
collection system and conveyance system assets and utilize Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
which are documented in Appendix B. All preventative and corrective activities are tracked at the
asset level using a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS). The District uses
the Cityworks enterprise system to plan, track, and document maintenance work across all sewer
infrastructure assets. Work orders are created and completed for tasks associated with each
maintenance program.
Collection System (Gravity Sewer Mains, Manholes, and Sewer Cleanouts)
• Programmatic CCTV inspections and condition assessments of sewer gravity mains. The
observed conditions are categorized and recorded using the National Association of
Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO) Pipeline Assessment Certification Program (PACP)
and is managed and collected in the Pipeline Observation System Management (POSM)
software. Goal: 20% of the collection system each fiscal year. Severe defects that require
immediate maintenance or repairs are flagged and may be converted into an expedited
work order. The District prioritizes and conducts higher-frequency inspection of pipeline
segments have a history of maintenance conditions (“Warm Spots”) and segments that
have a high environmental consequence if a spill were to occur. A list is available upon
request.
• Incidental visual down-hole inspections of sewer manholes or sewer cleanouts (where
owned by the District and not private) are conducted incidentally when conducted during
primary hydro-flushing and CCTV inspections, this typically nets approximately 900
inspections in number per fiscal year. In addition, the District prioritizes and conducts
higher-frequency inspection of sewer manholes or cleanouts that have a history of
maintenance conditions (“Warm Spots”) and at locations that have a high environmental
consequence if a spill were to occur. A list is available upon request.
• Programmatic standard hydro-flushing cleaning program of sewer gravity mains. Goal:
50% of the collection system each fiscal year. CCTV spot checks are made on a case-by-
case basis after pipelines are cleaned. The District prioritizes and conducts higher-
frequency cleaning of pipeline segments that have a history of maintenance conditions
(“Warm Spots”) and segments that have a high environmental consequence if a spill were
to occur. A list is available upon request. Additional chemical root control methods may
be utilized on a case-by-case basis where mechanical removal is not practical.
• Dye-testing is conducted on as needed basis to investigate suspected illicit storm drain
connections.
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Force Mains
• The hydraulic performance of pumps and forcemains are routinely monitored.
• The District periodically inspects exposed piping, valves, fittings and appurtenances on its
sewer forcemains.
• The District will continue to gather information on the performance of its forcemains and
will evaluation the need for any additional condition assessment measures in the future.
Lift Stations
• Lift stations are operated by the District’s treatment plant operators and are
periodically inspected, maintained, and assessed. Maintenance and
inspection of electrical and controls equipment is conducted by pump and
electrical staff on a periodic basis. Severe issues that require immediate
maintenance or repairs are flagged and may be converted into an expedited
work order.
Training
Collection System and Reclamation Plant section staff responsible for maintaining the sewer
mains and lift stations are trained in both maintenance procedures and general safety policies
and procedures. Training is provided by section supervisors and leads, the District Safety and
Security Administrator, other designated employees, and by outsourced training facilities.
Additional training is also required through a District-contracted online training firm. Examples
of some of the regular training courses are listed below:
• Confined Space Entry General Safety (Initial before entry) [Refresher annually]
• Trenching & Shoring - Competent Person - (Initial seminar before working in trenches <
4') [Refresher every 3 years + periodic on-line refresher]
• Vehicle Incident Reporting Procedure, Report Form, and Fleet-Vehicle Driving & Parking
- (Annual Review - Supervisor's call)
Utility Worker II positions assigned to the collection system section on a long-term basis are
required to maintain a Collection System Maintenance Grade I certification administered by the
California Water Environment Association (CWEA). All collection system and reclamation plant
section staff are trained in all written procedures related to the collection system as appropriate
for their job responsibilities. Staff also utilizes industry standard training manuals, vendor and
CWEA training events, and manufacturer equipment manuals. Routine safety training for
maintenance-related activities is scheduled by the Safety and Security Administrator and the
Reclamation Plant and Utility Maintenance section supervisors according to regulatory and
District requirements. Additional on-the-job maintenance and operation training is provided to a
new section member by a more experienced operator. Additionally, details describing methods
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and techniques needed for specific recurring maintenance activities in the collection system are
listed in the CMMS work order templates for sections in which they will need to be applied.
All training records for District staff and required proof of certification are maintained on the
District’s Intranet system and are available upon request.
Vendors are required to adhere to all Cal-OSHA safety standards when contracted for work by
the District. In some circumstances, such as confined space entries and working within the
reclamation plant, District policy requires that vendors receive additional documented safety
training prior beginning their work.
Additionally, staff are trained in collection system-specific activities using procedures located
electronically on the Otay Information System (OIS) and as hardcopy in the Collection System
Procedures Manual.
Equipment Inventory
Materials used for emergency response and repairs are available at the Sewage Treatment
(Reclamation) Plant, the Operations Warehouse, and the Operations Main Storage Yard.
Materials are routinely inventoried to verify adequate supplies. Equipment used for emergency
response is in use or stored at the District’s Reclamation Plant and Operations Main Yard.
Routine preventative maintenance is performed for all equipment and is documented in CMMS.
Other resources which can be used to respond to a sewage spill include contractors who are able
to provide repairs and services and suppliers to provide repair supplies. Additionally, the District
has entered into a Shared Services Agreement with surrounding local water and wastewater
agencies to provide equipment and personnel in the event of an emergency. Agency and vendor
contact information is included in approved response procedures where appropriate.
A list of all equipment, materials, and supplies, used for preventative and corrective maintenance
in the collection system is maintained on the District’s intranet system and updated periodically.
This comprehensive inventory of equipment accounts for equipment used and also includes a list
of traffic equipment. The sewer pipeline and lift station inventory items are considered critical
replacement parts.
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5 Design and Performance Provisions
Element Requirements
The Plan must include the following items as appropriate and applicable to the Enrollee’s system:
A. Updated Design Criteria and Construction Standards and Specifications
• Updated design criteria, and construction standards and specifications, for the
construction, installation, repair, and rehabilitation of existing and proposed system
infrastructure components, including but not limited to pipelines, pump stations, and
other system appurtenances. If existing design criteria and construction standards are
deficient to address the necessary component-specific hydraulic capacity as specified in
Section 8 (System Evaluation, Capacity Assurance and Capital Improvements), the
procedures must include component-specific evaluation of the design criteria.
B. Procedures and Standards
• Procedures, and standards for the inspection and testing of newly constructed, newly
installed, repaired, and rehabilitated system pipelines, pumps, and other equipment and
appurtenances.
Design Criteria and Construction Standards
The District has adopted the Water Agency Design Guidelines (WASD) and the Water
Agency Standards (WAS) as the District’s design and construction standards, and
specifications for construction details to install, rehabilitate, repair, test and inspect new
and existing sewers and pump stations constructed within the District’s service area.
These design and construction standards can be found online on the website, San Diego
Water Agency Standards (www.sdwas.org). Each design guideline document, standard
design drawings and standard specifications are listed below (Disclaimer: URL subject to
change, refer to website for full directory as needed).
Design Guidelines
• Gravity Sewer Pipeline: sdwas.org/Design-Guidelines#Sewerdesign (Section 6.1)
• Sewer Manholes and Cleanouts: sdwas.org/Design-Guidelines#Sewerdesign (Section 6.2)
• Sewer Laterals: sdwas.org/Design-Guidelines#Sewerdesign (Section 6.3)
• Pressure Systems/Force Mains: sdwas.org/Design-Guidelines#Sewerdesign (Section 6.4)
Standard Specifications & Drawings
• Standard Specifications for Potable Water, Recycled Water and Sewer Facilities:
sdwas.org/Standard-Specifications
• Standard Drawings for Potable Water, Recycled Water and Sewer Facilities:
sdwas.org/Standard-Drawings/Standard-Drawings-Sewer
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6 Spill Emergency Response Plan
Element Requirement:
Up to date Spill Emergency Response Plan to ensure prompt detection and response to Spills to
reduce Spill volumes and collect information for prevention of future Spills. The Spill Emergency
Response Plan must include procedures to:
• Notify primary responders, appropriate local officials, and appropriate regulatory
agencies of a spill in a timely manner;
• Notify other potentially affected entities (for example, health agencies, water suppliers,
etc.) of spills that potentially affect public health or reach waters of the State;
• Comply with the notification, monitoring and reporting requirements of this General
Order, State law and regulations, and applicable Regional Water Board Orders;
• Ensure that appropriate staff and contractors implement the Spill Emergency Response
Plan and are appropriately trained;
• Address emergency system operations, traffic control and other necessary response
activities;
• Contain a spill and prevent/minimize discharge to waters of the State or any drainage
conveyance system;
• Minimize and remediate public health impacts and adverse impacts on beneficial uses of
waters of the State;
• Remove sewage from the drainage conveyance system;
• Clean the spill area and drainage conveyance system in a manner that does not
inadvertently impact beneficial uses in the receiving waters;
• Implement technologies, practices, equipment, and interagency coordination to expedite
spill containment and recovery;
• Implement pre-planned coordination and collaboration with storm drain agencies and
other utility agencies/departments prior, during, and after a spill event;
• Conduct post-spill assessments of spill response activities;
• Document and report spill events as required in this General Order; and
• Annually, review and assess effectiveness of the Spill Emergency Response Plan, and
update the Plan as needed.
Spill Emergency Response Plan (SERP)
The District SERP is included in Appendix C.
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7 Sewer Pipe Blockage Control Program
Element Requires:
Procedures for the evaluation of the Enrollee’s service area to determine whether a sewer pipe
blockage control program is needed to control fats, oils, grease, rags and debris. If the Enrollee
determines that a program is not needed, the Enrollee shall provide justification in its Plan for
why a program is not needed. The Sewer Pipe Blockage (SPB) Control Program shall include the
following as appropriate:
• An implementation plan and schedule for a public education and outreach program that
promotes proper disposal of pipe-blocking substances;
• A plan and schedule for the disposal of pipe-blocking substances generated within the
sanitary sewer system service area. This may include a list of acceptable disposal facilities
and/or additional facilities needed to adequately dispose of substances generated within
a sanitary sewer system service area;
• The legal authority to prohibit discharges to the system and identify measures to prevent
spills and blockages;
• Requirements to install grease removal devices (such as traps or interceptors), design
standards for the removal devices, maintenance requirements, best management
practices requirements, recordkeeping and reporting requirements;
• Authority to inspect grease producing facilities, enforcement authorities, and whether
the Enrollee has sufficient staff to inspect and enforce the fats, oils, and grease ordinance;
• An identification of sanitary sewer system sections subject to fats, oils, and grease
blockages and establishment of a cleaning schedule for each section; and
• Implementation of source control measures for all sources of fats, oils, and grease
reaching the sanitary sewer system for each section identified above.
System Evaluation and Determination of SPB Control Program Necessity
The District has an SPB Control Program and has included ten (10) pipelines on a higher frequency
cleaning schedule (See Element 4 for O&M program details) due to grease buildup.
The District is not aware of pipe blockage related to fats, oil, grease, rags and debris-related spills,
and this indicates that the District’s historical management of dischargers, combined with the
District’s sewer system preventive maintenance program, has been effective and that there is no
basis for further developing and adding elements to the existing SPB Control program. The
District’s existing program is adequate to address FOG, rags, and other debris.
The District has a total of 125 non-residential sewer customers and of those customers, only 26
are related to the food business, of which only six are actual restaurants. District customers are
provided with educational information regarding fats, oil, grease, rags and debris (See Element
11 for outreach details) and the sewer collection system, and this has been determined to be
adequate.
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The District will continue to gather information on its related spills, and it will evaluate the need
for any additional control program measures during the next update of its SSMP.
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8 System Evaluation, Capacity Assurance, and Capital Improvements
Element Requirements:
A. System Evaluation and Condition Assessment
• Evaluate the sanitary sewer system assets utilizing the best practices and technologies
available;
• Identify and justify the amount (percentage) of its system for its condition to be
assessed each year;
• Prioritize the condition assessment of system areas that:
o Hold a high level of environmental consequences if vulnerable to collapse, failure,
blockage, capacity issues, or other system deficiencies;
o Are located in or within the vicinity of surface waters, steep terrain, high
groundwater elevations, and environmentally sensitive areas;
o Are within the vicinity of a receiving water with a bacterial-related impairment on
the most current Clean Water Act section 303(d) List
• Assess the system conditions using visual observations, video surveillance and/or other
comparable system inspection methods;
• Utilize observations/evidence of system conditions that may contribute to exiting of
sewage from the system which can reasonably be expected to discharge into a water
of the State;
• Maintain documents and recordkeeping of system evaluation and condition
assessment inspections and activities; and
• Identify system assets vulnerable to direct and indirect impacts of climate change,
including but not limited to: sea level rise; flooding and/or erosion due to increased
storm volumes, frequency, and/or intensity; wildfires; and increased power
disruptions.
B. Capacity Assessment and Design Criteria; The Plan must include procedures to identify
system components that are experiencing or contributing to spills caused by hydraulic
deficiency and/or limited capacity, including procedures to identify the appropriate
hydraulic capacity of key system elements for:
• Dry-weather peak flow conditions that cause or contributes to spill events;
• The appropriate design storm(s) or wet weather events that causes or contributes to
spill events;
• The capacity of key system components; and
• Identify the major sources that contribute to the peak flows associated with sewer
spills.
The capacity assessment must consider:
• Data from existing system condition assessments, system inspections, system audits,
spill history, and other available information;
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• Capacity of flood-prone systems subject to increased infiltration and inflow, under
normal local and regional storm conditions;
• Capacity of systems subject to increased infiltration and inflow due to larger and/or
higher-intensity storm events as a result of climate change;
• Increases of erosive forces in canyons and streams near underground and above-
ground system components due to larger and/or higher-intensity storm events;
• Capacity of major system elements to accommodate dry weather peak flow
conditions, and updated design storm and wet weather events; and
• Necessary redundancy in pumping and storage capacities.
C. Prioritization of Corrective Action:
The findings of the condition assessments and capacity assessments must be used to
prioritize corrective actions. Prioritization must consider the severity of the
consequences of potential spills.
D. A Capital Improvement Plan:
The capital improvement plan must include the following items:
• Project schedules including completion dates for all portions of the capital
improvement program;
• Internal and external project funding sources for each project; and
• Joint coordination between operation and maintenance staff, and engineering
staff/consultants during planning, design, and construction of capital
improvement projects; and Interagency coordination with other impacted utility
agencies.
System Evaluation and Condition Assessment
The District collects condition assessment and performance data for its sewer collection system
and conveyance system assets and conducts evaluations as outline for each asset below:
Sewer Gravity Mains:
• Standard NASSCO PACP CCTV condition assessment data is logged and assessed in the
District’s spreadsheet-based asset management system that is based on internal
condition (PACP codes), anecdotal surcharging stains from CCTV data, volume of flow,
customer count, surcharge impacts to environmentally sensitive areas and drainage
channels and State Right of Way, accessibility, other anecdotal information.
• The District is currently modifying this system and will be replacing it with a software-
based solution in 2026 and a new sewer risk of failure model (likelihood of failure and
consequence of failure). This will add into consideration:
o Age, material, and proximity to external hazards. External hazards may include but
are not necessarily limited to surface waters, steep terrain, erosion/scour, high
groundwater, environmentally sensitive areas, 303(d) impaired waters, wildfires,
and power disruptions.
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• This assessment produces recommended repair, rehabilitation, or replacement corrective
actions for the sewer gravity mains.
Manholes
• Downhole manhole visual inspection data is logged and assessed and is used to identify
defects and recommend repairs, rehabilitation, or replacement corrective actions.
Forcemains:
• Inspection data is utilized to identify defects and prioritize repairs, rehabilitation, or
replacement corrective actions.
Lift Stations
• Condition assessment data is used to identify deficiencies and recommend repairs,
rehabilitation, or replacement corrective actions.
Capacity Assessment and Design Criteria
The District evaluated the capacity of the City’s collection and conveyance systems in the 2013
Wastewater Management Plan (WWMP) which was comprised of:
• All-assets hydraulic assessment of the District’s collection and conveyance utilizing
peaked dry weather flows
• Sewer flow generation analysis and evaluation of the existing system based on land uses,
flow meter data, and water use data. Development and calibration of the City’s collection
system based on flow meter data. Projection of ultimate sewer flows and evaluation of
future infrastructure needs up to 2030 buildout condition window.
• Preparation of recommended Capital Improvement Program projects where triggered by
flows that exceeded specified depth over diameter (d/D) criteria for gravity sewer
pipelines.
Some of the recommendations within 2013 WWMP have been superseded by recommendations
made in more recent preliminary design reports and inflow and infiltration surcharging
assessments made by District staff. The District is pleased to report no sewer spills during the
large storm (3.56-in rain in 24 hours per NOAA Data US1CASD0040) that occurred on January
23rd, 2024 which approaches a 25-year, 24-hour return storm event pursuant to NOAA Atlas 14
PFDS Rancho San Diego.
The District will produce an updated System Evaluation, Capacity Assessment, and Capital
Improvements (SECAP) assessment within the next 6 years that will entail the following
components:
• Conversion to new hydraulic model software
• Updated growth scenarios and appropriate buildout population and employment
estimates
• Recalibrated wastewater generation factors for dry weather flows
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• Estimating rainfall-derived inflow and infiltration
• Estimated peak wet weather flows projected under a specified design storm
This effort is anticipated to occur in 2029 through 2030 and will provide updated capacity
assessment results based on standard d/D design criteria triggers and will inform corrective
actions for gravity sewer pipeline segments and subsequent Capital Improvement Projects
occurring after 2031.
Prioritization of Corrective Action
The District reviews the findings of its capacity assessment and asset management process. It
then develops capacity-triggered and condition-and-risk-triggered corrective actions for each
asset, prioritizes them based on severity, condition, and risk, and bundles them based on location
and schedule into “phases” of work. Every fiscal year, existing corrective actions are reprioritized,
and may move up into a higher priority phase, as needed
Capital Improvement Plan
The District collaborates between internal departments, staff, and outside agencies to produce
an updated capital improvement plan every fiscal year that projects out five (5) fiscal years. It is
comprised of three project types: a) Replacement/renewal, b) capital purchases, and c) capital
facilities (backbone). Based on the last few fiscal $1M is budgeted (averaged) for each fiscal year.
It includes CIP numbers, budget amounts, funding sources, project manager, context,
prioritization, background, anticipated construction start and end dates.
Project schedules and budgeting are actively managed to best prioritize the District’s most critical
needs. Capital improvement projects are discussed and approved at public board meetings.
These meetings are documented and available upon request.
See the following figures for a sample CIP informational packet that is included in the budget.
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Figure 5. Sewer Project Example, 1
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Figure 6. Sewer Project Example, 2
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9 Monitoring, Measurement, and Program Modifications
Element Requirements:
An Adaptive Management section that addresses Plan-implementation effectiveness and the
steps for necessary Plan improvement, including:
• Maintain relevant information, including audit findings, to establish and prioritize
appropriate SSMP activities;
• Monitor the implementation and measure the effectiveness of each element of the SSMP;
• Assess the success of the preventative operation and maintenance program;
• Update SSMP procedures and activities, as appropriate, based on results of monitoring
and performance evaluations; and
• Identify and illustrate spill trends, including: frequency, locations, and estimated volume.
The District maintains a structured process to monitor the effectiveness of its SSMP, reduce spills,
and implement timely updates to ensure system integrity and compliance.
Maintain Information Pertaining to SSMP Activities
The District has identified the Environmental Compliance Specialist, and the Reclamation Plant
Supervisor oversee SSMP implementation. Their responsibilities include:
• Routine inspections and system assessments
• Managing preventative maintenance schedules
• Evaluating performance data
• Coordinating field staff and post-spill briefings to assess root causes and
recommend corrective actions
• Adjusting cleaning intervals in response to past spill data
Although the District does not currently use upstream satellite investigations or develop specific
spill reduction metrics for future planning, it continues to refine its program through operational
reviews.
Monitor and Measure SSMP Elements
As the SSMP elements are implemented and evolve, the District will modify the elements due to
new equipment, technology, code changes, specific program enhancements, and the collection
system’s rehabilitation through implementation of the CIP. The District’s staff members
responsible for monitoring the SSMP provisions will identify and recommend updates to this
SSMP as part of the District’s assessment of performance indicators.
The District’s key performance indicators Include the following:
• Total number of spills
• Number of spills per 100 LF per year
• Total volume of spills
• Cause of spills (Roots, Debris, FOG, Debris, Pipe Failure, Capacity Limitation)
o Average response time during business hours
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o Average response time after business hours
Assessment of Preventative Maintenance Program
Sewer system maintenance activities are tracked in the District’s CMMS system. This data can be
retrieved and assembled into report form to identify trends and help to evaluate effectiveness
of the program. On an annual basis, the District shall evaluate the effectiveness of its preventative
maintenance program and adjust the program as needed.
Update Program Elements
It is the District’s intention that the SSMP remain a living document and that it be regularly
updated to reflect program or organizational changes, new regulatory requirements, and other
changing conditions. District staff will review the SSMP on a regular basis and update the
document with any significant changes.
Identify and Illustrate Spill Trends
The District maintains information related to actual spills in its CMMS system. When an actual
spill event occurs, a detailed report is completed and the information is entered into CMMS. This
enables District staff to analyze the information as necessary to identify any spill trends. Spills
will be plotted to identify spill trends and to evaluate overall SSMP program success by comparing
information for varying years.
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10 Internal Audits
Element Requirement:
An internal audit shall be appropriately scaled to the size of the system(s) and the number of
Spills. The Enrollee’s sewer system operators must be involved in completing the audit. At
minimum, the audit must:
• Evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of the SSMP in preventing Spills;
• Evaluate the Enrollee’s compliance with the General Order;
• Identify SSMP deficiencies in addressing ongoing Spills and discharges to waters of the
State; and
• Identify necessary modifications to the SSMP to correct deficiencies.
The audit report will be submitted on a 3-year basis at minimum. To be considered a complete
audit it shall include:
• Audit findings and recommended corrective actions;
• A statement that sewer system operators’ input on the audit findings has been
considered; and
• A proposed schedule for the Enrollee to address the identified deficiencies.
SSMP Audit Program Procedures
The District’s plan is to conduct triennial audits of its SSMP pursuant to General Order
requirements. The audit will include, but not be limited to the following:
1. Review of the progress made on the development of SSMP elements
2. Review of the status of any SSMP programs implemented
3. Identifying the success of any SSMP programs implemented
4. Description of system improvements made within the three-year audit period
5. Description of planned system improvements for the upcoming 6 years
6. Review of the data for any spill occurrences.
The results of the triennial audit will be compiled in a report and kept on file. The most recent
SSMP Audit is available upon request.
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11 Communication Program
Element Requirement:
This Plan must include procedures for the Enrollee to communicate with:
• The public for:
o Spills and discharges resulting in closures of public areas, or that enter a source of
drinking water, and
o The development, implementation, and update of its Plan, including opportunities
for public input to Plan implementation and updates.
• Owners/operators of systems that connect into the Enrollee’s system, including satellite
systems, for:
o System operation, maintenance, and capital improvement-related activities.
Public Education and Outreach
This section of the SSMP discusses the District’s efforts to educate and inform the public
regarding the proper use of the District’s sanitary system. The goal of these communication
efforts is to facilitate public awareness of sanitary sewer system issues and to provide the public
with the opportunity to provide input to the District’s SSMP as it is developed and implemented.
The District communicates with the public regarding spills and discharges that may result in
closures of public areas, or that enter a source of drinking water.
Communication System
The following is a summary of the District’s efforts to educate, inform and engage the public’s
participation in the proper utilization of the District’s sanitary sewer system and comply with
the SSMP requirements.
Otay Water District Official Website
The District has a website (www.otaywater.gov) that is used to inform the public about District
activities. The main page provides access to diverse information and includes a link to information
about the sanitary sewer system. There is a link on the website to access selected District
publications where the public can view the SSMP document and another link for providing
comments to the District. Additionally, the main page has a section for announcements which
will be utilized to notify the public of any important activities related to sewer system
management.
Public Meetings
The District holds a Board of Directors meeting on the first Wednesday of each month. These
meetings are held in the Board Room at the District’s headquarters at 2554 Sweetwater Springs
Boulevard, Spring Valley, California, 91978, and the public is invited and encouraged to attend.
The Board meetings provide a forum for citizens to provide input on programs within the District
during the Public Participation portion of the meeting. Copies of the Board Meeting Agenda are
made readily available to the public from the District’s website. Certification and subsequent re-
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certification of the completed SSMP is required by the Board of Directors during a public Board
of Directors meeting.
Project specific meetings may also be convened with community leaders, community groups and
other citizens to discuss sewer related projects and efforts. These meetings provide citizens with
the opportunity to learn about the District’s activities, voice any concerns they may have, and
receive clarification on a variety of issues. Project specific meetings are usually arranged by the
District’s specific Project Manager for each sewer project.
Other Outreach Media Efforts
The District also uses several additional forms of media to educate and inform the public
regarding impacts to the District’s sanitary sewer system. These include the following:
1. Instagram (#otaywater) and Twitter/X (@OtayWater) posts
2. District newsletter mailed quarterly to customers
3. Brochures distributed at community events
4. Bill inserts
5. Sewer project construction signs located near construction areas
6. Door hangars
Examples of the website, newsletter articles and a project construction sign are depicted
in Figure 7, Figure 8, Figure 9, and Figure 10.
Communication with Tributary and/or Satellite Collection Systems
The District communicates regularly with the agencies that operate the collection systems
tributary to the District’s collection system (County of San Diego, Padre Dam Water District, Helix
Water District).
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Figure 7. Communication Media Examples - Sewer Construction Project Sign
Figure 8. Communication Media Examples - Sewer System Information on District Website
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Figure 9. Communication Media Examples - Customer Newsletter Articles
Figure 10. Communication Media Examples - Instagram Posts
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12 Appendices
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APPENDIX A: SSMP Update Log
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13 SSMP Update Log
DATE TRIGGERING EVENT/REASON NOTES/COMMENTS
5/2025 The 2019 SSMP was updated because of the
revised SSSWDR General Order No. 2022-
0103-DWQ.
Major updates and revisions were
made as further detailed in Table A.1.
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Table A.1 - SSMP Element Changes due to SSSWDR General Order No. 2022-0103-DWQ1
SSMP Element Changes
1. Goals and
Introduction
(a) SSMP Goals
Updated to meet
requirements of
revised General Order
(b) Regulatory Context
(c) Update Schedule
(d) Sewer System Asset Overview
2. Organization
(a) Identify Legally Responsible Official (LRO)
Updated to meet
requirements of
revised General Order
(b) Titles, telephone numbers, and email addresses for all positions responsible for
implementing SSMP elements
(c) SSMP responsibility and organization chart
(d) Chain of communication for reporting spills
3. Legal Authority
(a) Prevent illicit discharges
Updated to meet
requirements of
revised General Order
(b) Stormwater Collaboration for spill response and system separation
(c) Properly designed and constructed sewers
(d) Ensure access to laterals owned/maintained
(e) Enforce any violation of ordinances
(f) Obtain easement accessibility agreements
4. Operation and
Maintenance
Program
(a) Updated Map of Sanitary Sewer System
Updated to meet
requirements of
revised General Order
(b) Preventive O&M activities
(d) Training
(e) Equipment Inventory
5. Design and
Performance
Provisions
(a) Updated Design Criteria and Construction Standards and Specifications Updated to meet
requirements of
revised General Order (b) Procedures and Standards
6. Spill Emergency
Response Plan
(“SERP”)
(a) Notification Procedures
Updated to meet
requirements of
revised General Order
(b) Compliance with Notification, Monitoring, and Reporting Requirements
(c) Spill Response Staff and Contractors Implementation and Training
(d) Emergency Response Procedures
(e) Spill Containment/Minimization, Removal, and Cleaning
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(f) Implementation and Coordination/Collaboration of Spill Containment
(g) Post-spill Assessments
(h) Spill Event Documentation and Reporting
(i) Annual Review and Assessment of SERP Effectiveness
7. Sewer Pipe
Blockage (SPB)
Control Program
(a) Public Education and Outreach Plan
Updated to meet
requirements of
revised General Order
(b) SPB Disposal Plan and Schedule
(c) Legal authority
(d) FOG Removal Device Requirements
(e) Authority to inspect and enforce FOG ordinance
(f) FOG Characterization Assessment and Hot Spot Cleaning Schedule
(g) FOG Control Program Measures
8. System
Evaluation, Capacity
Assurance, and
Capital
Improvements
(a) System Evaluation and Condition Assessment
Updated to meet
requirements of
revised General Order
(b) Design Criteria
(c) Capacity Assessment
(d) Capital Improvement Plan
9. Monitoring,
Measurement and
Program
Modifications
(a) Maintain relevant information, including Audit findings, to establish and prioritize SSMP
activities
Updated to meet
requirements of
revised General Order
(b) Monitoring the implementation and measuring the effectiveness of SSMP elements
(c) Assess success of preventative operation and maintenance program
(d) Update SSMP procedures and activities as appropriate, based on results of monitoring
and performance evaluations
(e) Identify and illustrate spill trends, including spill frequency, locations and estimated
volumes
10. Internal Audits
(a) Conduct triennial audits
Updated to meet
requirements of
revised General Order
(b) Evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of the SSMP in preventing spills.
(c) Evaluate compliance with Revised General Order
(d) Identify SSMP deficiencies in addressing ongoing spills and recommend corrective
modifications to the SSMP with a proposed schedule
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(e) State the operator’s input on Audit findings has been considered
11. Communication
Program
(a) Procedures for communication with public for spills resulting in closures of public areas,
or that enter a source of drinking water
Updated to meet
requirements of
revised General Order
(b) Communicate with public on the development, implementation, and updating of the
SSMP, including opportunities for public input
(c) Communicate with Owners/operators of tributary/satellite systems for operation,
maintenance, and capital improvement-related activities
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APPENDIX B: Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
DOCUMENTS & PROCEDURES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. SAFETY
1. Vactor Truck Safety
2. Treatment Plant Entry and Exit
3. Directions to Cottonwood Meadows Lift Station
4. Directions to Hidden Mountain Lift Station
5. Directions to Russell Square Lift Station
6. Directions to Steele Canyon Lift Station
7. Directions to Calavo Gardens Lift Station
B. SPILL NOTIFICATION
1. SERP
C. COLLECTION SYSTEM & T-PLANT ALARM SYSTEMS
1. T-Plant Alarm Systems Acknowledgement
2. Acknowledging SACDA Alarms
3. Acknowledging Lift Station Auto Dialer Alarms
4. Lift Station Communications Failures
5. Alarm Systems Phone Number Configuration
D. COLLECTIONS & EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS
1. CCTV Operation
2. Steele Canyon Lift Station Periodic Inspection
3. Cottonwood Meadows Lift Station Periodic Inspection
4. Cottonwood Meadows Emergency Contingency Plan
5. Hidden Mountain Lift Station Periodic Inspection
6. Russell Square Lift Station Periodic Inspection
7. Calavo Gardens Lift Station Periodic Inspection
8. Silverado Emergency Sewer Lift Station Activation
9. Pump Station Level Set Points
10. Refilling Bioxide Tanks
54
A.SAFETY
VACTOR TRUCK
Safety, Equipment, and Workflow
Workflow
Vactor Truck Driver
1. Engages PTO when at manhole
2. Turns on arrow board in front of truck if needed+-
3. Turns on hazard lights and beacon
4. Chalks truck tires
5. Sets up cones in back of truck
6. Helps with set up in front of truck
7. When setting up tubes for vacuum gets tubes and clamps while another
worker adjusts boom
Vactor Truck Passenger
1. Passenger guides truck to manhole
2. Sets up cones in front of truck
3. Gets manhole hook and water gun
4. Turns on arrow board for back of truck if needed
5. Hooks up light for seeing into deep manholes
6. Gets the footage together for the length of run to be cleaned
7. Guides truck back to manhole to decant
Equipment and Tool Location
1. Ear plugs, gloves, hand sanitizer in cab of truck
2. Rags located under passenger seat
3. Light located under passenger seat
4. Arrow board for the front of the truck located on dash
5. Wrenches, clamps, nozzles, manhole hook, hydrant wrench etc. located in
passenger side cabinet
6. Arrow board for back of truck in passenger side cabinet
7. Traffic control signs on passenger side of truck
8. Sign stands on driver’s side of truck
9. Broom, shovels, dig bar, probe on passenger side of truck
10. Traffic Cones on both sides of truck
11. Grease fittings and controls for debris body on passenger side of truck
12. Water hose gun valve on passenger side of truck
13. Decant valve on back of truck
14. Basket on back of truck (driver’s side)
15. Locater, measuring wheel, pruners located in cabinet on driver’s side
16. Water jug driver’s side.
17. 7.5’ vacuum tubes and the tube holder are located in the Treatment Plant
Warehouse
https://otaywater365.sharepoint.com/sites/engoperating/Shared Documents/Environmental/SSMP/2025 SSMP Update/Data Request/SOPs/RWCWRF - Treatment Plant Entry and
Exit.docx
Water Operations Department
Department and Division Procedures – Division 3244
Page 1 of 1 No.
32
RWCWRF – Treatment Plant Entry and Exit
Original Date:
March 30, 2010
Latest Revision Date:
August 6, 2015
Purpose:
To provide efficient Treatment Plant access with a minimum of false alarms or delays.
Procedure:
Plant Entry
1. Open the yellow gate at the Treatment Plant access road on Singer Lane (Figure 1).
2. Travel on EL Tea Rd. (Figure 1) and Open the Treatment Plant main gate with your RFID or
your FOB.
2a. If TP main gate does not open, walk past the walking trail on the left side and enter thru double
fence gate secured with a padlock.
3. Disarm the point to point beam from the Admin/Lab Building to the Hillside by using your
FOB on the outside of the Admin/Lab Building door and/or Main Gate FOB.
4. When entry to any of the buildings is required, FOB the access control reader located next to all
entrance doors.
4.a. Staff will need a plant door key, to unlock the door to gain access to the lab Building.
4.a.1 If FOB reader at lab door is inoperable, access building using steel gate in
front of odor control scrubber and double doors using "TP" key.
4.a.2 Staff will then need to enter in the current security code for the alarm
system within 30 seconds before the alarm is sounded on security keypad.
4.b. When staff is ready to leave the Treatment Plant follow the Treatment Plant exit
procedures shown below.
Plant Exit
1. Secure all buildings accessed during after hours, during normal hours, confirm all building
security systems are armed and doors physically secured.
1.a Make sure that your vehicle or all access past the security beam next to Lab Building
door is cleared and will not be broken after arming the system.
2. If the access control reader was utilized to unarm the security system, staff will FOB the inside
Laboratory entrance door to re-arm the system before leaving.
2.a. If FOB is inoperable, key the current security code into the security control panel.
2.b. Within 1 minute, FOB the inside of the Laboratory Building before exiting the door.
2.c. Once outside, lock the entrance door and ensure the control reader status is red.
3. Exit Treatment Plant main gate and wait for gate to close
4. Secure yellow gate at Singer Lane.
5. Secure the yellow front gate should we be the only agency on site.
https://otaywater365.sharepoint.com/sites/engoperating/Shared Documents/Environmental/SSMP/2025 SSMP Update/Data Request/SOPs/RWCWRF - Treatment Plant Entry and
Exit.docx
Figure 1 - Aerial Map
Directions to Cottonwood Meadows Lift Station from RWCWRF
1. Leaving RWCWRF, 11901 Singer Lane, Spring Valley, 91978
2. Head East down the access road to Campo Road
3. Turn Left onto Campo Road for 0.4 miles
4. Turn Right onto Jamacha Road for 0.8 miles
5. Turn Right onto Willow Glen Drive for 0.8 miles
6. Turn Right onto Steele Canyon Road for 0.4 miles
7. Take the 2nd Right onto Par Four Drive for 0.2 miles
8. The Cottonwood Meadows Lift Station is at the end of Par Four Drive
9. Enter through the metal swing gate and take the easement road to the Lift Station
10. Cottonwood Meadows Lift Station, 3550 Par Four Drive, El Cajon, 92019
Directions to Hidden Mountain Lift Station from RWCWRF
1. Leaving RWCWRF, 11901 Singer Lane, Spring Valley, 91978
2. Head East down the access road to Campo Road
3. Turn Left onto Campo Road for 0.4 miles
4. Turn Right onto Jamacha Road for 2.7 miles
5. Turn Right onto Hidden Mesa Road for 0.6 miles
6. Turn Left onto Hidden Springs Drive for 0.1 miles
7. Take the 2nd Left onto Hidden Mountain Drive for 0.3 miles
8. The Hidden Mountain Lift Station will be on your left
9. Hidden Mountain Lift Station, 1256 Hidden Mountain Drive, El Cajon, 92019
Directions to Russell Square Lift Station from RWCWRF
1. Leaving RWCWRF, 11901 Singer Lane, Spring Valley, 91978
2. Head East down the access road to Campo Road
3. Turn Left onto Campo Road for 0.4 miles
4. Turn Left to stay on Campo Road for 1.3 miles
5. Take exit 12 for Calavo Drive toward Avocado Boulevard for 0.1 miles
6. Turn Right onto Avocado Boulevard for 1.4 miles
7. Turn Left onto Fuerte Drive for 0.9 miles
8. Turn Right onto Russell Road for 0.1 miles
9. Turn Left to stay on Russell Road for 0.2 miles
10. Take the first Right into the gated community of Russell Square
11. The Russell Square Lift Station will be on your right
12. Russell Square Lift Station, 5139 ½ Russell Square, La Mesa, 91941
Driving directions to Steele Canyon Pump Lift Station from RWCWRF
1. Leaving RWCWRF, 11901 Singer Lane, Spring Valley, 91978
2. Head east down the access road
3. Lift Station will be on your right
4. Steele Canyon Lift Station, 11977 Singer Lane, Spring Valley, 91978
Directions to Calavo Gardens Lift Station from RWCWRF
1.Leaving RWCWRF, 11901 Singer Lane, Spring Valley, 91978
2.Head East down the access road to Campo Road
3.Turn Left onto Campo Road for 0.4 miles
4.Turn Left to stay on Campo Road for 1.1 miles
5.Turn Right onto Via Mercado for 0.2 miles
6.Turn Left onto Calle Verde Drive for 0.2 miles
7.Turn Left onto Avocado Boulevard for 0.1 miles
8.The Calavo Gardens Lift Station drive way will be on your right
9.Calavo Gardens Lift Station, 3700 Avocado Boulevard, Spring Valley, 91977
B. SPILL NOTIFICATION - SEE SPILL EMERGENCY
RESPONSE PLAN (SERP)
C. COLLECTION SYSTEM & TREATMENT PLANT
ALARM SYSTEMS
Water Operations Department
Department and Division Procedures – Section 3244
Page 1 of 1 No.
RWCWRF – Treatment Plant Alarm Systems
Acknowledgment when Reclamation Plant Operator is
unavailable.
Approval Date:
January 13, 2004
Latest Revision Date:
August 18, 2014
Purpose:
To assist in Treatment Plant Staff or Otay Water District Employees, the steps to convey to
the Reclamation Plant Operators of alarms at the Treatment Plant when they are not present.
Procedure:
1. If an alarm condition occurs at the Treatment Plant when the only Reclamation Plant
Operator has left the facility, the Treatment Plant Staff or Otay Water District
personnel will follow these steps:
2. 1a) Immediately call any of the Reclamation Plant Operators on their cell phones
listed on SharePoint. If no contact is made, call the two on call pagers. (Located in
SharePoint, Water Operator Schedule and On-call T Plant Schedule. Treatment Plant
11901 Singer Lane, Spring Valley.)
1b) In the event of a chlorine leak alarm, follow the Treatment Plant Emergency
Evacuation Procedure.
http://sharepoint/operations/reclamationplant/Procedures/Forms
3. If all staff members leave while the operator is out covering normal duties, SCADA
and the remote auto dialer will handle alarm notification as normal. The SCADA
system and auto dialer will call a sequence of our phone numbers to notify the
Reclamation Plant operators of an alarm.
4. All current phone numbers for operators, pagers, cell phones, utility maintenance
crews, and emergency situations are listed on Sharepoint, Water Operator Schedule
and On-call T Plant Schedule.
C:\Users\Lisa.coburn-boyd\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\CPDIJ3EJ\SCADA - Acknowledging SCADA Alarms.doc
Water Operations Department
Department Procedures – Division 3244
Page 1 of 1 REV
1
SCADA - Acknowledging SCADA Alarms
Approval Date:
July 1, 2002
Latest Revision Date:
August 18th, 2014
Purpose:
To allow the Water Treatment Operators to receive and acknowledge alarms from the
District’s five sewer lift stations and the Treatment Plant via SCADA. Those sewer lift
stations are Cottonwood Meadows Lift Station, Hidden Mountain Lift Station, Russell
Square Lift Station, Calavo Gardens Lift Station and Steele Canyon Lift Station.
Procedure:
1. Log on to the SCADA system and click on the “ALM” button.
2. Check alarms listed and click on “Acknowledge” button.
3. If an alarm is received via a pager you can call the system and acknowledge the
alarm.
3.a. Dial the number 660.9784 and follow the prompts.
3.b. When prompted enter your access code and press the # key.
3.c. After listening to what the alarm is you will be prompted to enter the
acknowledgement code. The acknowledgement code is 9 and then the # key.
4. If an alarm is received via the telephone listen to the message and follow the prompts.
4.a. When prompted enter your access code and the # key.
4.b. After listening to the alarms you will be prompted to enter the
acknowledgement code. The code is 9 and then the # key.
Water Operations Department
Department and Division Procedures – Section 3244
Page 1 of 1 No. 39
RWCWRF – Acknowledging Lift Station Auto Dialer Alarms
Approval Date:
July 1, 2002
Latest Revision Date:
August 18th, 2014
Purpose:
To allow operators to receive and acknowledge auto dialer alarms from the District’s five
sewer lift stations. Those sewer lift stations are Cottonwood Meadows, Hidden Mountain,
Russell Square, Calavo gardens and Steele Canyon.
Procedure:
To acknowledge the alarm via phone:
1. The auto dialers at each station will send a page and or phone calls to the on call
operator
2. Once an alarm is acknowledged via pager or phone, a call into the auto dialers is
warranted. At this point, a series of codes will need to be entered so that the alarm is
acknowledged and it doesn’t continue sending repeated alarms
3. Once the alarm condition is cleared and reset of all latched alarms, via SCADA or at
the station, the auto dialers will be re-armed automatically
4. Before leaving the station or logging off of SCADA, ensure all normal conditions are
back in order
Auto dialers are web based and can be accessed on any computer that is connected to the
internet using www.123mc.com.
To acknowledge the alarm via website:
1. Enter the username and password to access, review auto dialer status, acknowledge
alarms or configure alarms
2. For more information or configuration settings contact SCADA personnel.
Water Operations Department
Department and Division Procedures – Division 3244
Page 1 of 1 REV
0
RWCWRF – Lift Station Communications Failures
Original Date:
March 1, 2012
Latest Revision Date:
August 18, 2014
Purpose:
To assist the Reclamation Plant Operator troubleshoot communication failures for the lift
stations via SCADA during working hours and after hours
Procedure:
During working hours:
1. Contact the SCADA Instrumentation Department Technicians.
After hours:
1. Check SCADA communication screen, check if PLC times are updating, if so
communications between SCADA and PLC are working. Contact SCADA
Instrumentation Technician for further troubleshooting solutions.
2. With no SCADA communication, ensure the redundant auto dialer at the station is
working properly by logging onto www.123mc.com.
3. Notify the Reclamation Plant Supervisor of the SCADA communications out and the
lift station dialer. Determine if facility can be left in its current state, until the next
day when personnel may be available to repair issue. Complete appropriate
documentation as needed.
D. COLLECTIONS & EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS
https://otaywater365.sharepoint.com/sites/engoperating/Shared Documents/Environmental/SSMP/2025 SSMP Update/Data Request/SOPs/RWCWRF - CCTV
Equipment Operation.docx
Water Operations Department
Department and Division Procedures – Division 3232
Page 1 of 2 REV
1
RWCWRF – CCTV Equipment Operation
Original Date:
August 28, 2007
Latest Revision Date:
August 4th, 2014
Purpose:
To provide uniform guidelines for the operation of the closed-circuit television (CCTV)
inspection equipment.
Procedure:
1. Determine location of access to pipeline that requires inspection. Load camera
equipment into a truck and drive to location. Assess the current traffic conditions
and set up traffic cones as needed.
2. Set up camera equipment around manhole to provide for safe maneuvering once
manhole lid has been removed. Set-up of equipment begins with starting the
generator. This is done by:
2a Twist grey knob on top of gas tank one full turn to allow ventilation.
2b. Turn fuel knob to the on position.
2c. Pull out choke knob.
2d. Turn the RED switch to the on position.
2e. Pull cord to start generator.
2f. After a few seconds push in the choke knob, and turn the BLACK switch to
Econ.
3. Open the box that contains the TELEVISION/VCR/DVD player. Next open the
small compartment located below the keyboard and remove the power cord.
4. Make sure the camera power switch is in the off position (toggle switch is next to
T.V. screen, OFF is in the middle). Plug power cord into generator and camera.
5. Once that is done plug in the blue camera cable by unraveling the power cord and
plugging it into the TELEVISION box.
6. Turn camera power switch located next to the T.V. screen to A.C. (push the switch
down) and power on the VCR.
7. Assemble the ABS pipes by screwing one into the other and lower into the manhole
facing the direction of the inspection.
8. Unlock the cable reel by turning the knob counter clock wise. Remove camera head
and run it through the ABS assembly until it goes all the way through into the pipe.
When the camera is in the pipe turn on the light by twisting the dial labeled LIGHT
HEAD.
9. Zero out the counter on the cable reel and on the T.V. This is done by pressing Ctrl
+ F3.
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Equipment Operation.docx
10. To data script the video you are recording follow these steps:
a) Press Ctrl + F9 – data display scrip – date time,
b) scroll down to preset text lines delete address with back space button,
c) enter new address – delete manhole number enter in new manhole number,
d) press [esc] button to return to main screen
11. Begin pushing the camera head up the line; this is done by pulling out a little slack
12. As problems are observed such as root intrusion and cracked joints, stop the camera
head and press RECORD on the remote control.
13. After a few seconds of recording press STOP on the remote control and proceed on
with the inspection.
14. Upon completion of inspection pull back the camera head and feed it into the reel
housing. Use a rag to clean the cable as it comes back.
15. When the camera head is clear of the ABS pipe clean it off with the water sprayer and
wipe it off with a rag.
16. Put away equipment by first turning power to the camera off (toggle switch next to
T.V. in the middle).
17. Remove all power-supply cords and shut off the fuel to allow the generator to run
itself out of gas and then turn the power switch to the “off” position
18. Put away all equipment and close manhole lid.
19. To finalize disk go to menu , then go to disk manager , go to finalize and enter
Yes, it will ask to continue then enter yes again
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Lubrication and Maintenance.docx
Operations & Maintenance Department
Department Procedures – Division 3240
Page 1 of 1 REV
1
RWCWRF – Vactor Lubrication & Maintenance
Approval Date:
December 12, 2006
Latest Revision Date:
February 29, 2012
Purpose:
To assure the proper lubrication of wear-points such as the hose reel, vacuum boom, debris
body door, and the debris body ram. Maintenance is also done to optimize safe operation and
equipment service life.
This lubrication and maintenance procedure for the Vactor truck will be performed on a
monthly basis by section 3242 Utility Workers who are assigned to the Treatment Plant on a
long-term basis. Additional maintenance will be conducted by the Fleet Maintenance Section
at intervals determined by mileage and run-time hours.
**NOTE**
Due to lubrication point relocation there is no need to climb onto the Vactor truck; all
lubrication points are now located on lower points of the truck.
When using lubrication gun, first clean around the zirk fitting with a rag, then pump grease
until you can see the older grease start to move. As indicated above, if you cannot see the
area where the grease is going, give the lubrication gun two to three pumps.
Lubrication Points: There are a total of 24 lubrication points throughout the truck.
Product: Refer to The Fleet Department for correct product to use for all lubrication points.
Hose Reel: There are eight lubrication points (zirk fittings) on the hose reel, including one
zirk fitting under the hose reel and one under the hose-control box.
Body Dump Door: There are eight lubrication points on the door, six on back, and two on
the right-side of door.
Debris Body: On the passenger side of the truck there is a spot where there are seven
lubrication points. When using these fittings give each one two to three pumps. The reason
behind this is that it’s difficult to see where the grease is going. There is also one lubrication
point on the debris body fluid level needle.
Y-Strainer Inspection: Remove, clean, and inspect for damage the two-inch y-strainer
located on the passenger side of the truck above the upper water tank. Also remove and
inspect the four-inch y-strainer located below the bumper on the passenger side.
Water Operations Department
Department Procedures – Division 3244
Page 1 of 2 No. 49
Sewer Lift Station – Steele Canyon Sewer
Lift Station Periodic Inspection
Approval Date:
May 12, 2006
Latest Revision Date:
April 25, 2023
Purpose:
Verify normal operation of pumps, monitoring system, and back-up power equipment at the
Steele Canyon Sewer Lift Station.
Procedure:
1. Inspect throughout the lift station for any unusual conditions i.e. vandalism, graffiti or
safety concerns.
2. Inspect around the wet well for any signs of a sewer spill.
3. Inspect the potable water back flow for any potential leaks by listening and touching
the backflow device itself for any signs of a leak.
4. Check the pumps for the following:
• Leaks
• Unusual noises
• Vibrations
• Oil level (should be more than half full on the sight glass), a white oil indicates a
seal leak
• Open and close the ball valve on the air release (ensure no rags are stuck)
• Air-release spring position
5. Check control panel for the following:
• Verify pump discharge rate
• Alarm indicators
• Control switch position
6. Complete lift station inspection sheet with the following information:
• Operator initials
• Wet well level
• Pump 1 & 2 run times
• Generator run time
• Note any maintenance performed
7. Complete the APCD Generator Log with the following information:
• Hour meter reading
• Monthly run hours
• Yearly run hour
• Comment section if needed
8. Before leaving verify the following:
• All breakers are in the “ON” position or back in its temporary position as
applicable.
• All pump switches are in “AUTO” or back to its temporary pump sequence
position as applicable.
• The Emergency Generator doors are locked.
• The Dialer cabinet is locked.
• The Pump Control cabinet is locked.
• The Pump Stations fence gate is locked, and Station is armed
9. Log any maintenance performed into the HachWIMs Operations Daily LogBook.
10. Initiate a weekly cleaning of the wet well when inflow to the Treatment Plant has
been restricted to 0.5MGD or less (ten inches on partial flume).
11. The inspection forms for all sewer lift stations are to be replaced within the first week
of the month and placed into the 3 ringed binders located in the Conference Room.
Water Operations Department
Department Procedures – Division 3244
Page 1 of 2 No. 44
Sewer Lift Stations – Cottonwood Meadows Sewer
Lift Station Periodic Inspection
Approval Date:
May 12, 2006
Latest Revision Date:
April 25, 2023
Purpose:
Verify normal operation of pumps, monitoring system, and back-up power equipment at the
Cottonwood Sewer Lift Station.
Procedure:
1. Inspect throughout the lift station for any unusual conditions i.e. vandalism, graffiti
and safety concerns.
2. Inspect dry well for standing water.
3. Inspect the wet well for any signs of a sewer spill
4. Inspect the potable water back flow for any potential leaks by listening and touching
the backflow device itself for any signs of a leak.
5. Check pumps for the following:
• Leaks
• Unusual noises
• Air-release spring position
• Pump priming and draw down rate. Compare the pump you are testing with the
other pump to ensure equal draw down rate.
6. Periodically check and clean the low-level float ball and submersible transducer for
grease and rag build up. Follow the steps below:
• Turn both pumps “OFF”
• Notify the RPO at the Treatment Plant
• Remove the low float ball and the submersible transducer carefully
• Wipe off any excess grease and rags and use CLR if necessary
• Slowly lower the float ball and transducer back into the wet well
• Turn the pumps back into “AUTO”
7. To clear the low-level alarm, pull up the low level float ball to reset the float ball
which will reset the stations alarm condition.
8. Ensure that all alarm conditions are cleared on the Control Panel by resetting them.
9. Complete lift station inspection sheet as follows:
• Operator initials
• Time
• Wet well
• Pump 1 and 2 run times
• Generator run time
• Note any maintenance performed
10. Complete the APCD Generator Log with the following information:
• Hour meter reading
• Monthly run hours
• Yearly run hours
• Comment section if needed
11. Inspect wet well for debris build up
12. Before leaving verify the following:
• All breakers are in the “ON” position or back in its temporary position as you
found it.
• All pump switches are in “AUTO” or back to its temporary pump sequence
position as you found it.
• The Emergency Generator doors are locked.
• The dry well hatch is locked
• The Dialer cabinet is locked.
• The Pump Control cabinet is locked.
• The Pump Stations fence gate is locked.
• The iron swing gate on Par Four is locked.
13. Log any maintenance performed in the HachWIMs Operations Daily LogBook.
14. The inspection forms for all sewer lift stations are to be replaced within the first week
of the month and placed into the 3 ringed binders located in the Conference Room.
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Sewer Lift Station Emergency Contingency Plan.docx
Water Operations Department
Department and Division Procedures – Division 3244
Page 1 of 1 REV
1
RWCWRF – Cottonwood Meadows
Emergency Contingency Plan
Original Date:
July 25, 2007
Latest Revision Date:
March 1, 2012
Purpose:
To have an action plan for simultaneous loss of utility and generator power or failure in the force
main.
Procedure:
In the event of an after-hour problem, call for assistance using the Utility Maintenance standby
sheet. It directs you to call the on-call crew leader for help. Also notify the Reclamation Plant
Supervisor. The wet well dimensions are approximately 20-feet in depth by 8-feet in diameter
(7,500 gal). The wet well fill rate is approximately 145 gpm. The force main from the lift
station to the discharge manhole at the intersection of Willow Glenn Road and Steel Canyon
Road is approximately 0.7 miles.
Protect all potentially affected storm drains and follow the Sewer Spill Response & Notification
procedure as necessary.
Confined space entry equipment may be necessary for entry into the drywell for some of the
following tasks.
If the station’s pumps are inoperable:
1. Drive the Gorman Rupp blue pump into the easement road at the end of Par Four Drive.
2. Unhook the pump when you arrive at the station and park the truck next to the generator.
3. Push the Gorman Rupp pump into position so that the suction hose can go into the wet
well and the discharge fire hose can reach the emergency discharge connection in the dry
well. No circumstances. It will only have to be turned if the upper check valve and
lower flapper valve on adjustment to the pump discharge “T” valve should be necessary
under most the No. 1 or No. 2 Pump fails.
4. Connect discharge fire hose and drop suction hose into wet well.
5. Turn both station pumps to “off”.
6. Start the Gorman Rupp pump at slow speed. You will need to make a C-5 confined space
entry to turn the discharge valve one-quarter turn.
7. With the discharge valve open, increase pump-engine speed to full throttle.
8. Use the wet well level as your guide for slowing down or shutting off the pump.
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Sewer Lift Station Emergency Contingency Plan.docx
If the sewer force main is ruptured or broken:
1. Call the Utility Maintenance and Collection crews once you assess the problem is with
the force main
2. Call in the Vactor crew to start pumping from the lowest manhole on Par Four Drive if
the system is backed up. It is located in front of 3572 Par Four Drive (MH-332-022,IE
336.85). In a serious backup of sewage, a second location to pump from would be at the
low manhole (MH-332-010,IE 338.85) at the dead-end of Heatherwood Drive. If the
system has not surcharged to the manholes yet, it is desirable for the trucks to draw from
the station wet well
3. Contact vendors to employ the use of sewer pumping trucks on a rotational basis.
4. Dumping of sewage is done at the manhole located at the intersection of Sawgrass St. and
Medinah Dr., (MH-344-095,IE 355.60), which is just north of the intersection of Steele
Canyon and Willow Glen Drive.
Draining the force main:
1. Connect the rigid suction hose located in the station storage shed to the 3 in. bypass cam-
lock fitting located on the pumps’ discharge line. Then open the ¼-turn plug valve just
below the connection to allow drain-back into the wet well or Vactor truck. This can be
done from on top of the drywell.
Sewer Pumping Trucks: Two pumping trucks are needed to keep up with flow to the station.
When ordering service from vendors request a six-inch discharge-port adapter to speed up the
dumping. Also request 4 inch suction lines if available, 3 in. will work. It may be necessary to
use multiple vendors due to availability. Lead time is 1-2 hrs. A “10-wheeler” truck with a 4
inch suction line is ideal to set up at the station. This larger truck can then discharge into another
smaller truck for disposal at the discharge manhole. However it will take effort to back up the
larger truck to the station’s wet well. It takes approximately 20 minutes to fill and another 20
minutes, round-trip, to empty a truck
Sewer Pumping Vendors:
1. Atlas Pumping – (619) 443-7867
2. Diamond Environmental – 1(888) 744-7191, Pedro
3. All-Max – (619) 562-5540, Chuck
Water Operations Department
Department Procedures – Division 3244
Page 1 of 2 No. 45
Sewer Lift Station – Hidden Mountain Sewer
Lift Station Periodic Inspection
Approval Date:
May 12, 2006
Latest Revision Date:
April 25, 2023
Purpose:
Verify normal operation of pumps, monitoring system, back-up power equipment and
chemical feed equipment at the Hidden Mountain Sewer Lift Station.
Procedure:
1. Inspect all around the lift station for any unusual conditions i.e. vandalism, graffiti
and safety concerns
2. Inspect around the three wet wells and the pump station for any signs of a sewer spill.
3. Inspect the potable water back flow for any potential leaks by listening and touching
the backflow device itself for any signs of a leak.
4. Check the pumps for the following:
• Leaks
• Unusual noises
• Air-release spring position
• Pump priming and draw down rate. Compare the pump you are testing with
the other pump to ensure equal draw down rate.
5. Periodically check and clean the low-level float ball and the submersible transducer
for grease and rag build up.
6. To inspect the float ball and the submersible transducer follow the steps below:
• Turn both pumps “OFF”
• Notify an RPO at the Treatment Plant
• Set up the necessary traffic control cones and Traffic Signage for accessing
the wet well
• Remove the low float ball and transducer carefully
• Wipe off any excess grease and rags and use CLR if necessary
• Slowly lower the float ball and transducer back into the wet well
• Turn the pumps back into “AUTO”
7. To clear the low-level alarm, pull up the low level float ball to reset the float ball
which will reset the stations alarm condition.
8. Ensure that all alarm conditions are cleared on the Control Panel by resetting them.
9. Complete lift station inspection sheet with the following information:
• Operator Initial
• Wet well level
• Pump 1 and 2 run times
• Generator run time
• Bioxide level (notify supervisor at 12-inch level or below)
• Note any maintenance performed
10. Before leaving verify the following:
• All breakers are in the “ON” position or back in its temporary position as you
found it.
• All pump switches are in “AUTO” or back to its temporary pump sequence
position when you found it.
• The potable water hatch is locked.
• The Bioxide suction pipe is locked.
• The Pump Stations housing is locked
11. Log any maintenance performed in the HachWIMs Operations Daily Log Book.
12. The inspection forms for all sewer lift stations are to be replaced within the first week
of the month and placed into the 3 ringed binder located in the Conference Room.
Water Operations Department
Department Procedures – Division 3244
Page 1 of 2 No. 47
Sewer Lift Stations – Russell Square Sewer Lift Station
Periodic Inspection
Approval Date:
May 12, 2006
Latest Revision Date:
April 25, 2023
Purpose:
Verify normal operation of pumps, monitoring system and chemical feed equipment at the
Russell Square Sewer Lift Station.
Procedure:
1. Inspect all around the lift station for any unusual conditions i.e. vandalism, graffiti
and safety concerns.
2. Inspect around the wet well for any signs of a sewer spill.
3. Inspect the potable water back flow for any potential leaks by listening and touching
the backflow device itself for any signs of a leak.
4. Open and inspect the wet well for debris build up.
5. Check the pumps for the following:
• Discharge piping leaks
• Unusual noises
• Pump priming and draw down rate. Compare the pump you are testing with
the other pump to ensure equal draw down rate.
6. Wash down the Bioxide mat all the while pumping down the wet well level until you
reach the shut off level set point.
7. Periodically check and clean the low float ball and submersible transducer for grease
and rag build up.
8. To inspect the low float ball and submersible transducer follow the steps below:
• Turn both pumps “OFF”
• Notify an RPO at the Treatment Plant
• Remove the low float and transducer carefully
• Wipe off any excess grease and rags and use CLR if necessary
• Slowly lower the float ball and transducer back into the wet well
• Turn the pumps back in “AUTO”
9. To clear the low-level alarm, pull up the low level float ball to reset the float ball
which will reset the stations alarm condition.
10. Ensure that all alarm conditions are cleared on the Control Panel by resetting them.
11. Complete the lift station inspection sheet with the following information:
• Operator Initial
• Wet well level
• Pump 1 and 2 run times
• Bioxide level (notify supervisor at 6-inch level or below)
• Note any maintenance performed
12. Before leaving verify the following:
• All pump breakers are in the “ON” position or in its temporary position you
found it
• All pump switches are in “AUTO” or back to its temporary pump sequence
position when you found it.
• The wet well hatch is locked.
• The Dialer cabinet is locked.
• The Pump Control cabinet is locked.
• The Bioxide cabinet is locked.
• The Pump Stations fence gate is locked.
13. Log any maintenance performed into the HachWIMs Operations Daily Log Book.
14. The inspection forms for all sewer lift stations are to be replaced within the first week
of the month and placed into the 3 ringed binder located in the Conference Room.
Water Operations Department
Department and Division Procedures – Division 3244
Page 1 of 2 No. 42
Sewer Lift Stations – Calavo Gardens Sewer Lift Station
Periodic Inspection
Approval Date:
May 5, 2009
Latest Revision Date:
April 25, 2023
Purpose:
The District replaced the Calavo Gardens lift station in September 2008. The station is
primarily intended for emergency use in the event flow from the collection system needs to
be diverted from the County’s Rancho San Diego pump station or the Reclamation Plant. In
the event of the station running in an emergency, the pump station will need to be inspected
by either SCADA or an onsite inspection. During the weekends if an operator is not working
or is working, a SCADA inspection will be sufficed. Every Monday to verify the operational
readiness of the pumps and equipment, an actual testing of the pumps and discharge rates
will be performed.
Procedure:
District vehicles must park on the station’s driveway only. Contact property owners prior to
events when more parking spaces will be needed.
1. Inspect all around the lift station for any unusual conditions i.e. vandalism, graffiti
and safety concerns.
2. Inspect around the wet well for any sewer spills.
3. Inspect the potable water back flow for any potential leaks by listening and touching
the backflow device itself for any signs of a leak.
4. Open and inspect the wet well for debris build up.
5. Test each pump and check for the following:
• Discharge pipe leaks
• Unusual noises
• Pump priming and draw down rate
• Discharge rate for each pump and both pumps running together
6. To test both pumps perform the following steps:
• Place a pump in “HAND” and the other pump in the “OFF” position.
• Record the discharge rate
• Turn the pump that was running in the “OFF” position and place the other
pump in the “HAND” position.
• Record the discharge rate.
• Place both pumps in the “HAND” position.
• Record the discharge rates
• After testing the station, place both pumps in the position you found it.
7. Complete the lift station inspection sheet with the following information;
• Operator initials
• Wet Well level
• Totalizer reading (Totalizer measures flow in units of 100 gallons)
• Individual and combined pumping discharge rates
8. Before leaving verify the following:
• All pump breakers are in the “AUTO” position or in its temporary position
you found it.
• All pump switches are in “AUTO” or back to its temporary pump sequence
position when you found it.
• The wet well hatch is closed and secured shut.
• Both control cabinets are locked.
• The Pump Stations fence gate is locked.
9. Log any maintenance performed in the HachWIMs Operations Daily LogBook.
10. The inspection forms for all sewer lift stations are to be replaced within the first week
of the month and placed into the 3 ringed binder located in the back Admin
Operations Office at the Treatment Plant. Flow readings for the month must also be
inputted into Hach WIMS under the form “RSD and Calavo L/S Flows”
11. The station’s valve from the Calavo Vault is normally closed when the station is not
being operated. The valve to the Treatment Plant in the Calavo Vault is normally
open. Notification to the Reclamation Plant Supervisor will need to be made if
changing the operation of the valves.
• The hydraulic grade line of the wet well and influent line is about 10.14 feet. In the
event the 10-inch trunk line backs up downstream of the station, a sewer spill will
first occur at manhole MH 342-087 located on the southbound shoulder of Avocado
Blvd. near the entrance roadway to the station.
• #1 pump discharge rate: around 336 gpm at 14.7 psi.
• #2 pump discharge rate: around 361 gpm at 14.9 psi.
• #1 and #2 pumps simultaneous discharge rate: 563 gpm at 17.4 psi.
• The high-level float bypass is about 5.5 – 6.0 feet, when the pumps will run on floats
instead of the PLC. Once the level reaches the low-level float, it will return back to
PLC control.
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Emergency Lift Station Activation.docx
Water Operations Department
Department Procedures – Division 3244
Page 1 of 1 REV
1
RWCWRF – Silverado Emergency Sewer Lift Station
Activation
Approval Date:
August 29, 2006
Latest Revision Date:
March 9, 2012
Purpose:
To maintain a safe and effective sewage removal system from the Silverado Community
during an emergency situation.
1. Back the portable pump into the station.
2. Perform confined space entry into the manhole to the right of the pump station near
the sidewalk. (See confined space entry procedures.)
3. Remove pipe cap in manhole to allow sewage to flow into the wet well.
4. Place sandbags in the manhole to back up the sewer flow.
5. Connect pump-suction hose to four-inch female cam-lock connection at the station.
6. Connect pump-discharge hose to four-inch female cam-lock connection at the station.
7. Open station discharge hose.
8. Pump wet well based on level.
Note: Water is available at the station for priming the pump.
Equipment:
Portable Gorman Rupp Pump (Blue Pump)
Eight-foot discharge hose with four-inch male cam-lock fittings
Eight-foot suction hose with four-inch male cam-lock fittings
Sandbags (4)
Bolt cutters (to cut lock off curb stop)
Otay Water District Lift Station Level Set Points
Steele Canyon Lift Station
High Level Set Point 9.0 feet
Low Level Set Point 1.3 feet
Calavo gardens Lift Station
High Level Set Point 8.0 feet
Low Level Set Point 0.8 feet
Cottonwood Meadows Lift Station
High Level Set Point 7.3 feet
Low Level Set Point 1.6 feet
Hidden Mountain Lift Station
High Level Set Point 5.0 feet
Low Level Set Point 1.5 feet
Russell Square Lift Station
High Level Set Point 5.2 feet
Low Level Set Point 1.6 feet
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Tanks.docx
Water Operations Department
Department Procedures – Section 3240
Page 1 of 1 REV
1
RWCWRF – Refilling Bioxide Tanks
Original Date:
August 29, 2006
Latest Revision Date:
February 29, 2012
Purpose:
For safely and efficiently refilling the Bioxide storage tanks to control odor in the sewer
force mains located at the Hidden Mountain and Russell Square Sewer Lift Stations.
Procedure:
1. Verify that the chemical to be received is Bioxide by checking shipment manifest
prior to unloading by the vendor.
2. Unlock cam-lock cap at tank fill point.
3. Observe flow from truck into tank.
4. At approximately 6-inches from the top of the tank, the truck pump is turned off and
the truck operator blows air through the feeder lines.
5. Replace and relock the cam-lock on the cap.
6. Open the Bioxide Pump cabinet and manually run the pump between two and five
minutes to check for air in the lines and verify chemical addition to wet well.
7. Log information into lift station inspection sheet.
8. Log information into the HACH Daily LogBook.
In the event of spill:
1. Use the portable spill kit.
2. After the spill is contained clean it up with absorbent materials and shovel into a
container.
3. Dump the contents into the drying beds at the Treatment Plant.
4. Notify the supervisor and log the incident into the lift station LogBook.
5. Log incident into the HACH Daily LogBook.
Otay Water District
Sewer System Management Plan
June 2025 P A G E | 50
APPENDIX C: Spill Emergency Response Plan (SERP)
1
SSMP Appendix C
Otay Water District
Sanitary Sewer System
Spill Emergency Response Plan
Revised June 2025
2
Contents
Definitions & Acronyms ........................................................................................................... 3
1. Purpose ................................................................................................................................. 5
1.1 District Goals ................................................................................................................... 5
1.2 State Requirements for a Spill Emergency Response Plan ............................................... 5
1.3 Regional Board Requirements for Private Sewer Lateral Spills ........................................ 6
2. District Procedures ............................................................................................................... 6
2.1 Spill Detection and Notification ....................................................................................... 6
2.2 Spill Response Procedures ............................................................................................... 7
2.3 Initial Response ............................................................................................................... 7
2.4 Spill Containment Measures.......................................................................................... 10
2.5 Correction of the Cause of the Spill ............................................................................... 10
2.6 Recovery and Cleanup ................................................................................................... 10
2.7 Outside Agency Coordination Prior to and During Spill Event ....................................... 11
2.8 Traffic Control and Crowd Control................................................................................. 11
2.9 Notification Requirements ............................................................................................ 12
2.10 Post-Spill Assessment .................................................................................................. 12
2.11 Spill Specific Monitoring .............................................................................................. 16
2.12 Spill Emergency Response Plan Training ..................................................................... 17
2.13 Documentation and Reporting of Spill Events ............................................................. 17
2.14 Annual Review of Spill Emergency Response Plan ....................................................... 18
Appendix 1 Spill Category Determination Worksheet ........................................................... 19
Appendix 2 Sanitary Sewer Overflow Field Report ................................................................ 21
Appendix 3 Spill Notification Contact Information ................................................................ 25
Appendix 4 Post Spill Assessment Worksheet ....................................................................... 26
Appendix 5 Volume Estimation Techniques .......................................................................... 30
Appendix 6 Water Quality Monitoring................................................................................... 34
Appendix 7 Category Specific Information Needed for Spill Regulatory ............................... 36
3
Definitions & Acronyms
Basin Plan – A water quality control plan specific to a Regional Water Quality Control Board (Regional
Water Board), that serves as regulations to: (1) define and designate beneficial uses of surface and
groundwaters, (2) establish water quality objectives for protection of beneficial uses, and (3) provide
implementation measures.
California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) – The statewide database that provides for
mandatory electronic reporting as required in State and Regional Water Board-issued waste discharge
requirements.
District – Refers to the Otay Water District.
Drainage Conveyance System – A publicly- or privately-owned separate storm sewer system, including
but not limited to drainage canals, channels, pipelines, pump stations, detention basins, infiltration
basins/facilities, or other facilities constructed to transport stormwater and non-stormwater flows.
Force Main – Refers to a pressure sewer used to convey wastewater from a pump station to the point of
discharge.
Geographical Information System (GIS) – Refers to the District’s system that it uses to capture, store,
analyze, and manage geospatial data associated with the District’s sanitary sewer system assets.
Global Positioning System (GPS) – Refers to the method used to determine the longitude and latitude of
sanitary sewer overflows for use in meeting CIWQS reporting requirements.
Initial Responder – Refers to the District employee who provides the District’s initial response to a
sewer system event.
Lateral – Refers to the piping that conveys sewage from a building to the District’s sewer system.
Office of Emergency Services (OES) – Refers to the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services
which is part of the California Emergency Management Agency.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Any equipment used to minimize exposure to hazards that cause
workplace injuries or illnesses.
Receiving Water – A water of the State that receives a discharge of waste.
San Diego Department of Public Works (SD DPW) – Refers to the agency responsible for wastewater
treatment in San Diego County.
San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board (SDRWQCB) – Refers to the Region 9 (San Diego
region) Board and staff responsible for protecting the San Diego area’s water resources.
Spill – Any overflow, spill, release, discharge or diversion of untreated or partially treated wastewater
from a sanitary sewer system (formerly “sanitary sewer overflow; “SSO”)
4
Waters of the State – Surface waters or groundwater within boundaries of the state as defined in Water
Code section 13050(e), in which the State and Regional Water Boards have authority to protect
beneficial uses. Waters of the State include, but are not limited to, groundwater aquifers, surface
waters, saline waters, natural washes and pools, wetlands, sloughs, and estuaries, regardless of flow or
whether water exists during dry conditions. Waters of the State include waters of the United States.
Waters of the United States – Surface waters or waterbodies that are subject to federal jurisdiction in
accordance with the Clean Water Act.
5
Otay Water District Collection System
Spill Emergency Response Plan
1. Purpose
The purpose of the Otay Water District’s (District) Spill Emergency Response Plan (SERP) is to ensure an
organized and effective response to any spill within the District’s sewer service area. The SERP provides
guidelines for District personnel to follow in responding to, cleaning up and reporting any spills. The SERP
satisfies the requirement mandated in the Statewide Waste Discharge Requirements General Order No.
WQ 2022-0103-DWQ (General Order) to update and implement an enrollee’s SERP.
District employees are required to report all wastewater overflows found and to take the appropriate
action to secure the wastewater overflow area, properly report to the appropriate regulatory agencies,
relieve the cause of the overflow, and ensure that the affected area is cleaned as soon as possible to
minimize health hazards to the public and protect the environment.
1.1 District Goals
The District’s goals for responding to spills are the following:
• Work safely;
• Respond quickly to minimize the volume of the spill;
• Eliminate the cause of the spill;
• Prevent sewage system overflows or leaks from entering the storm drain system or receiving
waters to the maximum extent practicable;
• Contain the spilled wastewater to the extent feasible;
• Minimize public contact with the spilled wastewater;
• Mitigate the impact of the spill;
• Meet the regulatory reporting requirements;
• Evaluate the causes of failure related to certain spills; and
• Revise response procedures resulting from the debrief and failure analysis of certain spills.
1.2 State Requirements for a Spill Emergency Response Plan
The collection system agency must develop a SERP to assure immediate detection and response to spills
to reduce spill volumes and collect information for prevention of future spills. The SERP must include
procedures to:
• The Spill Emergency Response Plan must include procedures to:
A. Notify primary responders, appropriate local officials, and appropriate regulatory
agencies of a spill in a timely manner;
B. Notify other potentially affected entities (for example, health agencies, water suppliers,
etc.) of spills that potentially affect public health or reach waters of the State;
C. Comply with the notification, monitoring and reporting requirements of this General
Order, State law and regulations, and applicable Regional Water Board Orders;
6
D. Ensure that appropriate staff and contractors implement the Spill Emergency Response
Plan and are appropriately trained;
E. Address emergency system operations, traffic control and other necessary response
activities;
F. Contain a spill and prevent/minimize discharge to waters of the State or any drainage
conveyance system;
G. Minimize and remediate public health impacts and adverse impacts on beneficial uses of
waters of the State;
H. Remove sewage from the drainage conveyance system;
I. Clean the spill area and drainage conveyance system in a manner that does not
inadvertently impact beneficial uses in the receiving waters;
J. Implement technologies, practices, equipment, and interagency coordination to expedite
spill containment and recovery;
K. Implement pre-planned coordination and collaboration with storm drain agencies and
other utility agencies/departments prior, during, and after a spill event;
L. Conduct post-spill assessments of spill response activities;
M. Document and report spill events as required in this General Order; and
N. Annually, review and assess effectiveness of the Spill Emergency Response Plan, and
update the Plan as needed.
1.3 Regional Board Requirements for Private Sewer Lateral Spills
District ownership, operation, and maintenance of sewer gravity mains does not extend to “lower” or
“upper” laterals, and all sewer laterals are privately owned, maintained, and operated outside the sewer
gravity main connection point. Pursuant to the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board Order
No R9-2007-0005, the District participates in mandatory notification and reporting of private sewer
lateral discharges that meet certain requirements.
2. District Procedures
2.1 Spill Detection and Notification
Notification of a spill will be generally occur through observation by the public, receipt of an alarm, or
observation by District employees.
If a call is received from the public concerning a spill, the individual receiving the call will collect the
following information:
• Time and date of call
• Specific location of potential overflow or incident
• Nature of call
• In case of spill, estimated start time of overflow and how long it has been occurring
• Caller’s name, telephone number, and address
• Caller’s observations (e.g., odor, duration, location on property, known impacts, indication if
surface water impacted, appearance at cleanout or manhole)
• Any other relevant information
7
District staff may also observe a spill as part of their routine activities. Any problems noted with the
sewer system should be reported to District Reclamation staff who will conduct an initial response.
Figure 2-1 is the overview of the spill Response and Reporting Workflow Plan.
Contractors may also cause or witness a spill . Any Contractor working on the District’s sewer system will
be trained on the proper procedures to follow should they cause or witness a spill. Each Contractor will
be provided with the notification procedures for reporting a spill event to the District.
2.2 Spill Response Procedures
District staff will respond to spills as soon as feasible following notification of an overflow/backup or
unauthorized discharge. Upon notification of a potential spill, Otay Water District Reclamation staff will
conduct an initial response and evaluation of any report of a sanitary sewer discharge within its sewer
jurisdiction.
2.3 Initial Response
Initial Responder priorities are the following:
• To follow safe work practices, utilizing all appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) prior
to any physical investigation.
• To respond promptly with the appropriate and necessary equipment.
• To contain the spill wherever feasible.
• To restore the flow as soon as practicable.
• To minimize public access to and/or contact with the spilled sewage.
• To promptly notify the Engineering Department in event of major spill.
• To return the spilled sewage to the sewer system.
• To restore the area to its original condition (or as close as possible).
• To photograph and document affected and unaffected areas from a spill.
The initial responder must respond to the reporting party/problem site and visually check for potential
sewer stoppages or overflows.
The initial responder will:
• Note arrival time at the site of the overflow/backup.
• Confirm that the sewer system spill or backup is within the District’s jurisdiction and
responsibility.
• If the spill is not within District jurisdiction, notify the responsible agency and document the
time and contact information into the appropriate work order.
• If the spill is within District jurisdiction, note if the actual blockage is occurring from a District,
County-owned or private appurtenance. Consider that a blockage in a nearby County-owned
manhole could cause a backup in the District collection system.
• Identify and assess the affected area and extent of spill. Document conditions with photographs.
8
• Use the Spill Category Determination Worksheet to determine the category for the spill.
(Appendix 1)
• Contact immediate Supervisor and:
If the overflow is caused by a blockage or lift station equipment failure, follow the
standby duty notification protocol for the Utility Maintenance and/or Pump/Electrical
sections.
• The Utility Workers assigned to the collection system section may be called to respond in lieu of
the Utility Maintenance standby personnel if available for immediate response. If possible, use
special tools such as a grabber or clam shell to open the channel and allow flow through
blockage until the District’s Vactor crew arrives.
• Visually estimate the amount of spill utilizing the spill volume estimation guide (see Appendix 5)
or use pumping hours at pump station if appropriate. Document the estimate using photos
and/or video of the spill site before and during recovery operation.
• Take all necessary steps to contain the spill. See Spill Containment Measures below.
• Start Regulatory reporting as required by the Spill Category and within the time constraints
mandated by the General Order. (see Table 2.1)
• Begin completing spill Field Report (see Appendix 2) if feasible at the site. This field report may
be completed after the spill has been contained.
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CMMS Work Request Forwarded
Sanitary Sewer Overflow Response and Reporting Work Flow Plan
OR OR
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Creates a CMMS Work Request
Outside Source or
Operations/Field Staff
Observes Sewer Spill
REC PLANT
SUPERVISOR
LEAD REC PLANT
OPERATOR
RECLAMATION
PLANT OPERATOR
SYSTEM
OPERATIONS
MANAGER and
UTILITY
SERVICES
MANAGER and/or
CHIEF OF
OPERATONS
and ENVIRONMENTAL
COMPLIANCE
SPECIALIST
LEAD / REC PLANT OPERATOR
Monitors capture of overflow
report data
UTILITY CREW LEADER
and/or UTIITY MAINTENANCE
SUPERVISOR
calls in their stand-by
UTILITY WORKERS to respond to the overflow
DESIGNATED
REGULATORY
AGENCIES NOTIFIED
LEAD/REC PLANT
OPERATOR – Creates an
internal preliminary report
REC PLANT SUPERVISOR
Reviews internal preliminary report
LEAD/REC PLANT OPERATOR
Enters data in CIQWS under the
“submit data” status
SYSTEM OPERATIONS MANAGER
and/or CHIEF OF OPERATIONS
Reviews and accepts report data submitted and updates the report status to “ready to certify”
After Hours
Answering
Service
Notifies Stand-by
Crew
Dispatched to SSO Informs
OPS & ENG of SSO Updates
Supvsr
of SSO
Spill Reported
Figure 1: Sanitary Sewer Overflow Response and Reporting Workflow Plan
Customer Service
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2.4 Spill Containment Measures
The initial responder and/or response team will attempt to contain as much of the spilled sewage as
possible using any or all of the following steps:
• Determine the immediate destination of the overflowing sewage (e.g., street curb gutter, storm
drain, drainage channel, creek bed, body of water, etc.).
• Take immediate steps to contain and recover the overflow (e.g., block or plug storm drains,
recover sewage with a Vactor truck, dig or construct a containment pond, divert sewer flow
away from catch basins or drop inlets with sandbags to more strategic location, etc.). If the
spilled sewage has reached the storm drain system, attempt to contain the spill by plugging
downstream storm drainage facilities.
• Identify and request, if necessary, assistance or additional District and/or Contractor resources
(materials and equipment) to contain or isolate the overflow.
• Pump around the blockage/pipe failure.
2.5 Correction of the Cause of the Spill
Once the spill has been contained and the cause determined, District Utility Maintenance staff will use
the appropriate cleaning equipment to clear any blockage and observe the flows to ensure the blockage
does not reoccur downstream. If staff are unable to clear the blockage within a reasonable time from
arrival, or construction repairs are required to restore flow, containment and/or bypass pumping will be
initiated. Detailed documentation of these efforts, with photo documentation, should be included.
2.6 Recovery and Cleanup
If recovery is possible, the spilled sewage and any rinse water should be vacuumed up and/or pumped
and discharged back into the sewer system.
All spill sites must be thoroughly cleaned as soon as possible after an overflow occurs. Clean-up and
disinfection, if applicable, will be implemented to reduce the potential for human health issues and
adverse environmental impacts associated with a spill event. No identifiable residue (e.g., sewage solids,
papers, plastics, etc. is to remain at the site. Clean-up of the site will be handled using the following
procedures:
• The spill site must be secured to prevent contact by members of the public until the site has
been thoroughly cleaned.
• Where practical, the area shall be thoroughly flushed and cleaned of any sewage or wash-down
water using a high-pressure water hose or Vactor truck; wash-down water shall be contained
and recovered; solids and debris shall be flushed, swept, raked, or manually removed, and
hauled away for proper disposal.
• Where appropriate (typically in areas with hard surfaces), areas that were in contact with the
sewage shall be cleaned using an approved sanitizing agent and deodorizer.
• If any sewage is discharged into a body of water that may contain fish or other aquatic life, the
appropriate agency, usually the CA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife, will be contacted to determine
proper methods for clean-up of the waterbody.
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• Post signage of possible sewage contamination if the spill has reached a drainage conveyance or
surface water.
• Where sanitizing agents are utilized, all contaminants shall be contained and collected for
proper disposal.
• Where sewage resulted in ponding, the pond must be pumped dry, and the residue removed
and disposed of properly.
• If spill occurs during a heavy storm event (i.e., sheet of rainwater across paved surfaces) with
heavy runoff, flushing and sampling (if required) should be omitted. Any conditions that prevent
the completion of an appropriate spill response or sampling shall be documented and included
in the Certified Spill Report.
2.7 Outside Agency Coordination Prior to and During Spill Event
The District participates in an Interagency Shared Resources Program with four neighboring water
utilities (Sweetwater Authority, Helix Water District, Padre Dam Water District, and Lakeside Water
District). The District has an established relationship with the County of San Diego Department of Public
Works (County DPW) and have shared resources with the County in the past. If additional resources are
needed to expedite containment and clean-up of a spill, District staff should contact the County DPW
Division 1 Headquarters and/or any of the agencies under the Interagency Shared Resources Program.
Contact information for these agencies is included in Appendix 3 of the SERP.
Sweetwater Authority Water Quality and Water Treatment Plant staff should be notified in the event of
a sewer spill that has the potential to reach the Sweetwater River which, in turn could impact the
Sweetwater Reservoir, a drinking water reservoir owned by the Sweetwater Authority. Contact numbers
for the appropriate Sweetwater Authority staff are included in Appendix 3.
Another critical agency that the District has coordinated with is the County of San Diego Watershed
Protection Division. If the spill has entered or has the potential to enter the storm drain system, the
County of San Diego Watershed Protection, and the County DPW Division 1 Headquarters should be
contacted as soon as possible/feasible. The first responder and any other District staff present at the
spill site will use GIS information that identifies County storm drains near the spill to determine which
storm drain or drainages are impacted. Proper coordination with County DPW and the County
Watershed Protection Division will help District staff to determine the path of the spill and its potential
impact within the storm drain system and whether the spill could ultimately reach a surface water.
Contact information for the Agency is included in Appendix 3 of the SERP.
2.8 Traffic Control and Crowd Control
Traffic Control
The purpose of traffic control is to allow District crews to safely work when responding to an spill event
and to limit public access to areas potentially impacted by un-permitted discharges of sewage. The
extent of traffic control will depend on the location and the magnitude of the spill.
District Utility Maintenance staff have the equipment and expertise to implement traffic control in most
spill events. Traffic control equipment is stored at the reclamation plant and operations main yard.
Equipment includes barricades, delineators, lighted signboards, traffic cones, lighted signs, flashers, and
utility vehicles. If the spill location and extent is beyond District’s UM staff ability to handle traffic
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control, Utility Maintenance staff will implement preliminary traffic control and contact their contracted
traffic control company for assistance. If the spill is greater than 10,000 gallons, District staff should call
the County of San Diego’s Sheriff’s Department for assistance in the event of road closures and traffic
control and ask County DEH for help in informing the public of hazards due to the spill.
Crowd Control
Crowd control can be handled similar to traffic control with the additional use of sewer spill notification
signs, caution tape, and materials to rope-off an area affected by the spill until cleanup is completed.
2.9 Notification Requirements
The volume, impact and location of a spill determine the level of notifications to comply with regulatory
requirements. Table 2.1 provides a summary of the four different spill categories and the notification,
monitoring and reporting associated with each category. Notification of CalOES should occur within the
time period indicated in Table 2.1. There are additional agencies that must be notified as soon as it is
feasible after the discovery of a spill. The contact information for these agencies is included in Appendix
3.
2.10 Post-Spill Assessment
A thorough post-spill assessment of each spillevent will help District staff become more effective in
responding to any future spills. Each spill event is an opportunity to evaluate the District’s response and
reporting procedures. As soon as possible after Category 1, Category 2 and Category 3 spill events, all of
the participants, from the person who received the call to the last person to leave the site, will meet to
review the procedures used and to discuss what worked and where improvements could be made in
preventing or responding to and mitigating future spill events. The results of the debriefing will be
documented and tracked to ensure the action items are completed as scheduled.
The following information and questions should be addressed during the post-spill assessment.
Appendix 4 is a form that can be used to record the information.
Response to the Spill:
• Spill location name and address.
• Review of the incident timeline and other documentation regarding the spill.
• Were proper notification procedures adhered to and effective?
• Were spill response time goals met?
• What safety procedures were used and if they were effective?
• Were the initial response procedures followed and were they effective?
• Review of volume estimate, volume recovered estimate and volume estimation assumptions.
• Review of spill photographs.
• The containment procedures used and if they were effective.
• What clean-up and recovery procedures were used and if they were effective?
• What sewer back up procedures were implemented and if they were they effective?
• If sampling was conducted, were chain of custody procedures followed?
Reporting and Notification Procedures:
• Were all reporting and notification timeline requirements met (CIWQS reports)?
13
• Was a spill event file created?
• Was QA/QC performed to ensure that the field data matches data inputted to CIWQS?
14
Table 1 Spill Categories
Category 1
Definition A Category 1 spill is a spill of any volume of sewage from or caused by a sanitary sewer
system regulated under this General Order that results in a discharge to:
A surface water, including a surface water body that contains no flow or volume of water;
or a drainage conveyance system that discharges to surface waters when the sewage is
not fully captured and returned to the sanitary sewer system or disposed of properly.
Any spill volume not recovered from a drainage conveyance system is considered a
discharge to surface water unless the drainage conveyance system discharges to a
dedicated stormwater infiltration basin or facility.
A spill from an Enrollee-owned and/or operated lateral that discharges to a surface water
is a Category 1 spill.
Notification Within two (2) hours of the Enrollee’s knowledge of a Category 1 spill of 1,000 gallons or
greater, discharging or threatening to discharge to surface waters:
Notify the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) at (800) 852-7550 and obtain
a notification control number.
Monitoring Conduct spill-specific monitoring. Conduct water quality sampling of the receiving water
within 18 hours of initial knowledge of spill of 50,000 gallons or greater to surface waters.
Reporting Submit a Draft Spill Report within three (3) business days of the Enrollee’s knowledge of
the spill and submit Certified Spill Report within 15 calendar days of the spill end date.
Submit Technical Report within 45 calendar days after the spill end date for a Category 1
spill in which 50,000 gallons or greater discharged to surface waters; and submit Amended
Spill Report within 90 calendar days after the spill end date.
Category 2
Definition A Category 2 spill is a spill of 1,000 gallons or greater, from or caused by a sanitary sewer
system regulated under this General Order that does not result in a discharge to surface
water.
A spill of 1,000 gallons or greater that spills out of a lateral and is caused by a failure or
blockage in the sanitary sewer system, is a Category 2 spill.
Notification Within two (2) hours of the Enrollee’s knowledge of a Category 2 spill of 1,000 gallons or
greater, discharging or threatening to discharge to waters of the state (Any surface water
or groundwater, including saline waters, within the boundaries of the state.)
Notify the CalOES at (800) 852-7550 and obtain a notification control number.
Monitoring Conduct spill-specific monitoring.
Reporting Submit a Draft Spill Report within three (3) business days of the Enrollee’s knowledge of
the spill and submit Certified Spill Report within 15 calendar days of the spill end date.
Submit Amended Spill Report within 90 calendar days after the spill end date.
Category 3
15
Definition A Category 3 spill is a spill of equal to or greater than 50 gallons and less than 1,000
gallons, from or caused by a sanitary sewer system regulated under this General Order
that does not discharge to surface water.
A spill of equal to or greater than 50 gallons and less than 1,000 gallons, that spills out of
a lateral and is caused by a failure or blockage in the sanitary sewer system, is a Category
3 spill.
Notification Not applicable.
Monitoring Conduct spill-specific monitoring.
Reporting Submit monthly Certified Spill Report to the online CIWQS Sanitary System Database
within thirty (30) calendar days after the end of the month in which any spills occur and
submit an Amended Spill Report within 90 calendar days after the Certified Spill Report
due date.
Category 4
Definition A Category 4 spill is a spill of less than 50 gallons, from or caused by a sanitary sewer
system regulated under this General Order that does not discharge to surface water.
A spill of less than 50 gallons, that spills out of a lateral and is caused by a failure or
blockage in the sanitary sewer system, is a Category 4 spill.
Notification Not applicable.
Monitoring Conduct spill-specific monitoring.
Reporting If, during any calendar month, Category 4 spills occur, certify monthly, the estimated total
spill volume exiting the sanitary sewer system, and the total number of all Category 4 spills
into the online CIWQS Sanitary Sewer System Database, within 30 days after the end of
the calendar month in which the spills occurred.
Upload and certify a report, in an acceptable digital format, of all Category 4 spills to the
online CIWQS Sanitary Sewer Database, by February 1st after the end of the calendar year
in which the spills occur .
Private Sewer Lateral Spill > 1,000 Gal
Definition Private lateral sewage discharge that equals or exceeds 1,000 gallons which District
becomes aware of; result in a discharge to a drainage channel and/or surface water;
and/or discharge to a storm drain pipe that was not fully captured and returned to the
sanitary sewer system
Notification to
SDRWQCB
Within twenty-four (24) hours of Enrollee’s knowledge of spill (as defined above) notify
the San Diego Regional Board (name, phone number of person reporting private lateral
sewage discharge, service area, responsible party, estimated volume, location, receiving
water (if any), start date/time, end date/time, confirmation that the local health services
agency was or will be notified under the reporting requirements of the local health
services agency.
Monitoring Not applicable.
Reporting to
SWRCB
Within 30 days after the end of the calendar month of the Enrollee’s knowledge of spill
(as defined above) the Enrollee must identify the sewage discharge as occurring and
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caused by a private lateral, and a responsible party should be identified, if known. The
Enrollee will not be responsible for the cause, cleanup, or repair of Private Lateral Sewage
Discharges, but only the reporting of those within their jurisdiction and for which they
become aware of.
2.11 Spill Specific Monitoring
Spill Location and Spread
The spill location and spread will be assessed using photography and GPS coordinates. Photos and GPS
coordinates are required for the location where the spill originated. Additional photographs will be
taken to document the following:
• Drainage conveyance system entry location(s)
• Location of any spill discharge into surface waters (if applicable)
• Extent of the spread of the spill
• Location of the clean-up of the spill
Spill Volume Estimation
The volume of the spill will be estimated for assessment of the approximate magnitude and extent of
the spill. The volume estimation techniques that can be used are presented in Appendix 5. The reporting
of the volume estimate will be updated as further information is obtained during and after a spill event.
Receiving Water Monitoring
If a spill is discharging to a surface water, the following visual observations will be gathered and
documented:
• Estimated travel time of the spill to the receiving water;
• If a spill enters a drainage conveyance system, the estimated travel time of the spill from the
point of entry to the drainage conveyance system to the point of discharge into the receiving
water;
• Estimate of the spill volume entering the receiving water;
• Photographs of any:
o Waterbody bank erosion;
o Floating matter;
o Water surface sheen;
o Discoloration of receiving water;
o Impact to the receiving water.
Water Quality Sampling and Analysis
When the estimated volume of a sewage spill is 50,000 gallons or greater and is discharged into a
surface water, water quality sampling must be conducted, no later than 18 hours after knowledge of a
potential discharge to the surface water. The water quality monitoring plan is included as Appendix 6.
The collected receiving water samples will be analyzed for the following constituents:
• Ammonia
• Appropriate bacterial indicator(s) per the applicable Basin Plan water quality objectives,
including one or more of the following, unless directed otherwise by the San Diego Regional
Water Quality Control Board:
o Total Coliform Bacteria
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o Fecal Coliform Bacteria
o E-coli
o Enterococcus
The SDRWQCB, in conjunction with the County DEH, will determine if additional samples should be
collected and analyzed per the applicable Basin Plan water quality objectives.
2.12 Spill Emergency Response Plan Training
All District personnel who may have a role in responding to, reporting, and/or mitigating a sewer system
overflow will receive training on the contents of this SERP. All new employees will receive training
before they are placed in a position where they may have to respond. Current employees will receive
annual refresher training on this plan and the procedures to be followed.
Training sessions shall also incorporate hands-on field demonstrations to insure the preparedness of all
response personnel to all anticipated situations. An overview of the SSMP and the SERP will be provided
to District staff. This will serve as a mode of instructing staff on the SSMP, Spills, and required
documentation.
All training will be conducted for affected employees and will include the following topics:
• The District’s Spill Emergency Response Plan and Sanitary Sewer Management Plan
• Sanitary Sewer Overflow Volume Estimation Techniques
• Researching and documenting Sanitary Sewer Overflow Start Times
• Response Procedures for Impacted Surface Waters
• Water Quality Sampling Plan
Periodic training drills or field exercises will be held to ensure that employees are up to date on SERP
spill response procedures, equipment is in working order, and the required materials are readily
available. The training drills will cover scenarios typically observed during sewer related emergencies
(e.g. mainline blockage, mainline failure, and lateral blockage). The results and the observations during
the drills will be recorded and action items will be tracked to ensure completion. Training and event
participation will be documented and maintained.
2.13 Documentation and Reporting of Spill Events
Each spill must be properly documented, and information gathered for the spill that includes the
mandatory information required by the General Order for the initial draft report and the subsequent
certified report. This mandatory information varies according to the Category of the spill. Appendix 7
details the information that needs to be obtained for a spill for each of the categories.
A spill field report form, included as Appendix 2, should be completed for the spill as soon as it is safe
and feasible. The information in the field report will provide much of the spill information necessary for
the draft report that needs to be submitted to the online CIWQS Sanitary Sewer System Database within
three business days for Category 1 and 2 spills. Category 3 spill information is submitted monthly and
Category 4 spill information is submitted annually.
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2.14 Annual Review of Spill Emergency Response Plan
The District’s Spill Emergency Response Plan will be reviewed annually in February of each year. This
review will evaluate the effectiveness of the plan during the prior 12 months. If any changes are needed
to increase the effectiveness of the SERP, they will be incorporated into the document and the SERP will
be updated. Changes in personnel and/or contact information will also be updated, as needed, to keep
the SERP current.
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Appendix 1 Spill Category Determination Worksheet
20
DETERMINE RESPONSIBILITY
Private (Source of problem is within a privately-owned system – if so – jump to last box)
Other Public Agency (Source of problem is within another publicly owned system, not
OWD)
OWD (Source of problem is within OWD system) If this box is checked, answer
questions below to determine correct category of spill.
CATEGORY 1 Spill (If answer to any question below is Yes)
• Discharge to Surface Water? Yes No
• Discharge to Drainage Conveyance System that discharges to Surface Water and
is not fully contained? Yes No
• Exfiltrated to a Hydraulically Connected Surface Water? Yes No
CATEGORY 2 Spill (If spill is NOT a Category 1 and answer to question below is Yes)
• Is Discharge Volume 1,000 gallons or larger? Yes No
CATEGORY 3 Spill (If spill is NOT a Category 1 and answer to question below is Yes)
• Is Discharge Volume between 50 gallons and 999 gallons? Yes No
CATEGORY 4 Spill (If spill is NOT a Category 1 and answer to question below is Yes)
• Is Discharge Volume less than 50 gallons? Yes No
Private Sewer Lateral Spill (if spill is private and answer to question below is Yes)
• Is Discharge Volume 1,000 gallons or larger? Yes No
• Discharge to Surface Water? Yes No
• Discharge to Drainage Conveyance System that discharges to Surface Water and
is not fully contained? Yes No
21
Appendix 2 Sanitary Sewer Overflow Field Report
22
23
24
25
Appendix 3 Spill Notification Contact Information
Otay Water District Contacts
Contact Title Office Phone Cell Phone
Damon Newman Reclamation Plant Supervisor 619-670-2521 619-651-3449
Gabriel Mendez Lead Reclamation Plant Operator 619-994-9884 619-994-9884
Zachary Thorton Utility Maintenance Supervisor 619-670-2285 619-536-2520
Jake Vaclavek Systems Operations Manager 619-670-2230 619-339-5146
Charles Mederos Utility Services Manager 619-670-2231 619-916-8957
Juliana Luengas Environmental Compliance Specialist 629-670-2219 949-547-5183
General Reporting Contacts
Contact Phone Avail. Notes
CA Office of Emergency Services 800-852-7550 24 HR
San Diego County DEH 858-565-5255 24 HR
San Diego RWQCB 619-516-1990 Business
Hours
If no answer, email
RB9Spill_Report@waterboards.ca.gov
San Diego County DPW, Div.1
San Diego County Sheriff Dept.
Shared Resources Contacts
Agency Contact Phone Number Email
Helix Water Oliver Malkin 619-596-1313 oliver.malkin@helixwater.org
Padre Dam Water James Vargas 619-258-4663 jvargas@padre.org
Lakeside Water Quinn Johnze 619-443-3806 quinnj@lakesidewater.org
Sweetwater Authority Ron Mosher 619-409-6750 rmosher@sweetwater.org
San Diego County DPW Stacey Preve 619-660-2008
858-248-9458
NA
Sweetwater Authority Contacts (for spills that may impact the Sweetwater Reservoir)
Contact Cell Phone Office Phone Email
Justin Brazil, Director, Water Quality 619-729-7346 619-409-6812 jbrazil@sweetwater.org
Sweetwater Lab Supervisor, TBD 619-797-0630 619-409-6813
Water Treatment On-Duty Operator 619-408-6800
Giovanni Outlaw, Plant Supervisor 619-980-6829 619-409-6803 goutlaw@sweetwater.org
Davis Doane, Maintenance Supervisor 619-322-4758 619-409-6807 ddoane@sweetwater.org
26
Appendix 4 Post Spill Assessment Worksheet
27
28
29
30
Appendix 5 Volume Estimation Techniques
31
32
33
34
Appendix 6 Water Quality Monitoring
Sanitary Sewer Overflow Water Quality Monitoring Program
This monitoring program will be implemented for a Category I spill in which 50,000 gallons or
greater are discharge into a surface water and must be conducted as soon as possible but no later than
18 hours after initial spill notification.
Sampling Requirements
Collect one water sample, each day of the duration of the spill. The sampling locations are as follows:
• If sewage discharges to a surface water via a drainage conveyance system, a sample should be
taken at a point in the drainage conveyance system before the flow discharges into a receiving
water;
• The surface water receiving a sewage discharge from a spill, either directly or from a drainage
conveyance should be sampled in three locations;
o A point in the receiving water where sewage initially enters the receiving water;
o A point in the receiving water, upstream of the point of sewage discharge, to capture
ambient conditions, absent of sewage; and
o A point in the receiving water, downstream of the point of sewage discharge, where the
spill material is fully mixed with the receiving water.
Take photographs of the sampling locations and the condition of the receiving water where the sewer
spill is discharging.
The collected receiving water samples will be analyzed for the following constituents:
• Ammonia
• Appropriate bacterial indicator(s) per the applicable Basin Plan water quality objectives,
including one or more of the following, unless directed otherwise by the San Diego Regional
Water Quality Control Board:
o Total Coliform Bacteria
o Fecal Coliform Bacteria
o E-coli
o Enterococcus
If District staff taking the water quality samples encounters access restrictions or unsafe conditions that
prevents compliance with the sampling requirements of the General Order, documentation of access
restrictions and/or safety hazards should be documented so that the information can be included in the
corresponding required report.
Proper Sanitary Sewer Overflow Sampling Procedures
Obtain spill field sampling kit from the RWCWRF laboratory.
Don the PPE from the sample kit in preparation for taking samples.
Grab samples will be collected by submerging a properly cleaned sample collection container provided
by the laboratory directly in the sewerage flow.
35
Collected sewage will be transferred from the collection container to the preserved laboratory-supplied
sample bottles being careful not to overfill the bottles so as not to flush out any preservative.
To maintain sample integrity and prevent cross-contamination, sample collection personnel will abide by
the following protocols:
• Collect samples (for laboratory analysis) only in laboratory-provided sample containers and
remove the cap from each bottle immediately before collecting a sample;
• Wear clean, powder-free nitrile gloves when collecting samples;
• Change gloves whenever something not known to be clean has been touched and between
sites.
The most important aspect of grab sampling is to collect a sample that represents the entire
sewerage overflow stream. Collect samples well away from the bank (preferable where water is
visibly flowing) and 6” below the surface. Avoid sampling debris or scum layer from the surface or
disturbing bottom sediment.
Typically, samples are collected by dipping the collection container in the sewerage flow paths and
streams as noted below. *
• For small sewerage streams and flow paths, simply dip the bottle facing upstream until full.
• For larger stream that can be safely accessed, collect a sample in the middle of the flow stream
by directly dipping the mouth of the bottle. Once again making sure that the opening of the
bottle is facing upstream as to avoid any contamination by the sampler.
• For larger sewerage streams that cannot be safely waded, pole-samplers may be needed to
safely access the representative flow.
• Avoid collecting samples from ponded, sluggish or stagnant water.
• Do not stand upstream of the sampling point within the flow path.
Once samples have been collected, take a photograph of the sampling location if possible.
Once all samples have been collected, they should be returned to the RWCWRF laboratory for analysis
or for outside laboratory pickup for analysis. The chain of custody for the samples should be filled out.
Sample analysis must be conducted according to sufficiently sensitive test methods. A method is
sufficiently sensitive when the minimum level of the analytical method approved under 40 Code of
Federal Regulations Part 136 is at or below the receiving water pollutant criteria. Additionally, an
Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) accredited laboratory must be used for the
analysis of all samples.
Currently the two laboratories for analysis of samples are the following:
Ammonia – Analytical Chemical Labs, Inc. (619) 276-1558
Total, Fecal, E.Coli – Alpha Analytical Laboratories, Inc. (760) 930-2555 and Environmental Lab Network,
Inc. (858) 266-1666
* Note that depending upon the specific analytical test, some containers may contain preservatives. These containers should
never be dipped into the stream but filled indirectly from the pole sampler.
36
Appendix 7 Category Specific Information Needed for Spill Regulatory
Reports
Category 1 and Category 2 Spills
Draft Report
Within three (3) business days of a Category 1 or 2 spill, a Draft Spill Report must be submitted
to the online CIWQS Sanitary Sewer System Database.
The Draft Spill Report must, at minimum, include the following items:
• Contact information: Name and telephone number of District contact person to
• respond to spill-specific questions;
• Spill location name;
• Date and time the District was notified of, or self-discovered, the spill;
• Operator arrival time at location of spill;
• Estimated spill start date and time;
• Date and time the District notified the CalOES, and the assigned control number;
• Description, photographs, and GPS coordinates of the system location where the spill
originated;
o If a single spill event results in multiple appearance points, provide GPS
coordinates for the appearance point closest to the failure point and describe
each additional appearance point in the spill appearance point explanation field;
• Estimated total spill volume exiting the system;
• Description and photographs of the extent of the spill and spill boundaries;
• Did the spill reach a drainage conveyance system? If Yes:
o Description of the drainage conveyance system transporting the spill;
o Photographs of the drainage conveyance system entry location(s);
o Estimated spill volume fully recovered from the drainage conveyance system;
o Estimated spill volume remaining within the drainage conveyance system;
• Description and photographs of all discharge point(s) into the surface water;
• Estimated spill volume that discharged to surface waters; and
• Estimated total spill volume recovered.
Certified Spill Report
Within fifteen (15 calendar days) of a Category 1 or 2 spill, a Certified Spill Report must be
submitted to the online CIWQS Sewer System Database.
The Certified Spill Report must, at minimum, include the following mandatory information in
addition to all information in the Draft Category 1 or Draft Category 2 Spill Report.
• Description of the spill event destination(s), including GPS coordinates if available,
that represent the full spread and reach of the spill;
37
• Spill end date and time;
• Description of how the spill volume estimations were calculated, including at a
minimum:
o The methodology, assumptions and type of data relied upon, such as supervisory
control and data acquisition (SCADA) records, flow monitoring or other
telemetry information used to estimate the volume of the spill discharged, and
the volume of the spill recovered (if any volume of the spill was recovered), and
o The methodology(ies), assumptions and type of data relied upon for estimation
of the spill start time and the spill end time;
• Spill cause(s) (for example, root intrusion, grease deposition, etc.);
• System failure location (for example, main, lateral, pump station, etc.);
• Description of the pipe material, and estimated age of the pipe material, at the failure
location;
• Description of the impact of the spill;
• Whether or not the spill was associated with a storm event;
• Description of spill response activities including description of immediate spill
containment and cleanup efforts;
• Description of spill corrective action, including steps planned or taken to reduce,
eliminate, and prevent reoccurrence of the spill, and a schedule of major milestones for
those steps;
• Spill response completion date;
• Detailed narrative of investigation and investigation findings of cause of spill;
• Reasons for an ongoing investigation (if applicable) and the expected date of
completion;
• Name and type of receiving water body(s);
• Description of the water body(s), including but not limited to:
o Observed impacts on aquatic life,
o Public closure, restricted public access, temporary restricted use, and/or posted
health warnings due to spill,
o Responsible entity for closing/restricting use of water body, and
o Number of days closed/restricted as a result of the spill.
• Whether or not the spill was located within 1,000 feet of a municipal surface water
intake; and
• If water quality samples were collected, identify sample locations and the parameters
the water quality samples were analyzed for. If no samples were taken, Not applicable
shall be selected.
Spill Technical Report (only applicable to Category 1 Spills)
If a Category 1 Spill results in a discharge of 50,000 gallons or greater into a Surface Water, the
District must submit a Spill Technical Report within forty-five (45) days of the spill end date. See
Attachment E1, Section 3.1.3 of the General Order for the information required to be included
in the Category 1 Spill Technical Report.
38
Category 3 Spills
Monthly Certified Spill Reporting for Category 3 Spills
The District must report and certify all Category 3 spills to the online CIWQS Sanitary Sewer
System Database within 30 calendar days after the end of the month in which the spills
occurred. After the Legally Responsible Official certifies the spills, the online CIWQS Sanitary
Sewer System Database will issue a spill event identification number for each spill.
The monthly reporting of all Category 3 spills must include the following items for each spill:
• Contact information: Name and telephone number of District contact person to
• respond to spill-specific questions;
• Spill location name;
• Date and time the District was notified of, or self-discovered, the spill;
• Operator arrival time;
• Estimated spill start date and time;
• Description, photographs, and GPS coordinates of the system location where the spill
originated;
o If a single spill event results in multiple appearance points, provide GPS
coordinates for the appearance point closest to the failure point and describe
each additional appearance point in the spill appearance point explanation field;
• Estimated total spill volume exiting the system;
• Description and photographs of the extent of the spill and spill boundaries;
• Did the spill reach a drainage conveyance system? If Yes:
o Description of the drainage conveyance system transporting the spill;
o Photographs of the drainage conveyance system entry location(s);
o Estimated spill volume fully recovered from the drainage conveyance system;
o Estimated spill volume remaining within the drainage conveyance system; and
o Estimated spill volume discharged to a groundwater infiltration basin or facility,
if applicable.
• Estimated total spill volume recovered.
• Description of the spill event destination(s), including GPS coordinates, if available, that
represent the full spread and reaches of the spill;
• Spill end date and time;
• Description of how the spill volume estimations were calculated, including, at minimum:
o The methodology and type of data relied upon, including supervisory control and
data acquisition (SCADA) records, flow monitoring or other telemetry
information used to estimate the volume of the spill discharged, and the volume
of the spill recovered (if any volume of the spill was recovered), and
o The methodology and type of data relied upon to estimate the spill start time,
on-going spill rate at time of arrival (if applicable), and the spill end time;
• Spill cause(s) (for example, root intrusion, grease deposition, etc.);
• System failure location (for example, main, pump station, etc.);
39
• Description of the pipe/infrastructure material, and estimated age of the
pipe/infrastructure material, at the failure location;
• Description of the impact of the spill;
• Whether or not the spill was associated with a storm event;
• Description of spill response activities including description of immediate spill
containment and cleanup efforts;
• Description of spill corrective actions, including steps planned or taken to reduce,
eliminate, and prevent reoccurrence of the spill, and a schedule of the major milestones
for those steps; including, at minimum:
o Local regulatory enforcement action taken against an illicit discharge in response
to this spill, as applicable, and
o Identifiable system modifications, and operation and maintenance program
modifications needed to prevent repeated spill occurrences at the same spill
event location, including:
▪ Adjusted schedule/method of preventive maintenance,
▪ Planned rehabilitation or replacement of sanitary sewer asset,
▪ Inspected, repaired asset(s), or replaced defective asset(s),
▪ Capital improvements,
▪ Documentation verifying immediately implemented system modifications
and operating/maintenance modifications,
▪ Description of spill response activities
▪ Spill response completion date, and
▪ Ongoing investigation efforts, and expected completion date of
investigation to determine the full cause of spill;
• Detailed narrative of investigation and investigation findings of cause of spill.
Category 4 Spills
Monthly Certified Spill Reporting for Category 4 Spills
The District must report and certify the estimated total spill volume exiting the sanitary sewer
system, and the total number of all Category 4 spills to the online CIWQS Sanitary Sewer System
Database, within 30 calendar days after the end of the month in which the spills occurred.
40
Records of Revisions
Version Date Notes
1. Initial SERP May 2023 Added Spill Emergency
Response Plan per General
Order WQ 2022-0103-DWQ
under Section VIII – Documents
and Procedures
2. SERP Update January 2024 Minor updates to contact
information following annual
review and training
3. SERP Update June 2025 2025 SSMP Update
STAFF REPORT
TYPE MEETING: Regular Board MEETING DATE: July 2, 2025
PROJECT: Various DIV. NO. ALL
SUBMITTED BY: Kent Payne Purchasing and Facilities Manager
APPROVED BY: Adolfo Segura, Chief, Administrative Services
Jose Martinez, General Manager
SUBJECT: ADOPT ORDINANCE #598 TO ESTABLISH GENERAL MANAGER AUTHORITY FOR NON-PUBLIC WORKS AND FOR DIRECT OR INFORMAL PUBLIC WORKS
CONTRACTS IN ALIGNMENT WITH CALIFORNIA UNIFORM PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION COST ACCOUNTING ACT (CUPCCAA) THRESHOLDS
GENERAL MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
That the Otay Water District (District) Board of Directors (Board) adopt
Ordinance #598 amending subdivision “E” of Section 2.01 of the
District’s Code of Ordinances to establish a General Manager’s signatory
authority of $100,000 for non-public works contracts, and to authorize
the General Manager to award public works contracts in accordance with
the thresholds and procedures established under the California Uniform
Public Construction Cost Accounting Act (CUPCCAA), as amended from time
to time.
COMMITTEE ACTION:
See “Attachment A”.
PURPOSE:
To establish a General Manager signatory authority of $100,000 for non-
public works contracts, and to authorize the General Manager to award
public works contracts in accordance with CUPCCAA thresholds and
procedures, thereby improving procurement responsiveness, reducing
acquisition lead times, and supporting the efficient execution of
routine and time-sensitive District projects.
AGENDA ITEM 4
2
ANALYSIS:
At the September 7, 2016 Board meeting, the District revised the General
Manager’s signatory authority, setting it at $75,000 for all contracts,
and adopted CUPCCAA for public works. Established in 1983, CUPCCAA
provides an alternative contracting framework that allows local
agencies to streamline the delivery of smaller public projects. In
exchange for access to higher direct contracting and informal bidding
thresholds, agencies must follow standardized cost accounting
procedures for work performed by their own staff, which in turn places
limits on the dollar amount of public works that can be self-performed
without bidding. At the time, staff recommended a $125,000 General
Manager authority based on inflationary trends, operational growth, and
peer agency comparisons. The Board, exercising its discretion, approved
a more conservative increase. While CUPCCAA was adopted to reduce
administrative burden on smaller public works projects, corresponding
General Manager authority aligned with CUPCCAA thresholds was not
established at that time.
Today, the District’s operating environment continues to evolve.
Workload efficiency, staffing constraints, and the increasing costs of
even minor infrastructure and maintenance work highlight the need to
revisit the General Manager’s purchasing authority. Accordingly, staff
recommends two actions:
1. Establish a General Manager non-public works contracting authority of $100,000; and
2. Align the General Manager’s public works contracting authority with CUPCCAA thresholds, currently:
• $75,000 for direct contracting (no competitive process required),
and • $220,000 for informal bidding.
CUPCCAA is administered by the California Uniform Construction Cost
Accounting Commission (CUCCAC), a 14-member body overseen by the State
Controller. The Commission includes representatives from both the
public and private sectors -- seven from cities, counties, school, and
special districts, and six from the construction industry and organized
labor -- along with one representative from the Contractors’ State
License Board. CUCCAC reviews and adjusts project threshold amounts
approximately every five years based on statewide construction cost
trends. Aligning the General Manager’s authority with CUPCCAA
3
thresholds ensures that the District’s public works procurement remains
efficient, scalable, and in step with industry conditions, while
preserving Board oversight of larger projects and avoiding the need for
repeated ordinance updates as thresholds evolve.
Public works projects often involve time-sensitive infrastructure
maintenance or repairs. CUPCCAA was adopted by the District to take
advantage of its flexible, expedited bidding procedures for small to
mid-size projects. However, without corresponding General Manager
authority, the District cannot fully benefit from the efficiencies the
Act was designed to provide.
Granting the General Manager authority to award CUPCCAA-compliant
public works contracts up to the current thresholds would allow the
District to:
• Address minor capital or repair projects more quickly;
• Reduce delays caused by multiple layers of review and Board scheduling;
• Respond faster to third-party damage and routine utility maintenance issues; and
• Capture cost savings through timely informal solicitations.
For example, in a typical scenario where final street repairs following
a water main break are estimated below the informal threshold, the
current process may delay award by 30 to 60 days—despite CUPCCAA
allowing contract award within 10 days. A recent real-world example
occurred on Telegraph Canyon Road, where a leaking hydrant valve
required deep excavation and specialized equipment. Although the
$171,600 repair qualified for informal bidding under CUPCCAA, the
General Manager’s $75,000 limit required full Board approval, delaying
the project by several months. CUPCCAA was specifically designed to
streamline projects like this -- where time, cost, and operational
urgency intersect. Had CUPCCAA-aligned authority been in place, the
District could have completed the repair within weeks, reducing service
risk, public disruption, and administrative burden.
The District last revised the General Manager’s contracting authority
in 2016, setting a single threshold of $75,000 for all contracts. This
proposal formally establishes a distinct non-public works threshold,
set at $100,000. When adjusted for inflation, the 2016 level equates to
nearly $100,000 in today’s dollars, providing a practical and
4
financially grounded basis for the update, while aligning with current
economic conditions.
Furthermore, a recent 2025 Water Agency Purchasing Authority Survey,
which included responses from water agencies across California, found
that the median General Manager purchasing authority is $100,000.
Updating the District’s limit to this level brings Otay Water District
in line with both regional and statewide norms (see “Attachment B”).
Raising the non-public works threshold will also support more efficient
handling of routine operational needs, including IT licensing, vendor
services, software, fleet operations, compliance items, and
professional services, without adding unnecessary approval delays. All
contracts executed under this authority will continue to be reported
through existing financial reports and the General Manager’s monthly
report, ensuring transparency and maintaining Board oversight.
FISCAL IMPACT: Joe Beachem, Chief Financial Officer
While specific savings are not easily quantifiable, the proposed changes
are expected to reduce administrative overhead, accelerate procurement
timelines, and improve vendor responsiveness. These efficiencies help
control project costs and reduce staff workload, supporting the
District’s commitment to prudent financial management.
STRATEGIC GOAL:
Supports the District’s strategic goal to ensure financial health
through formalized policies, efficient operations, and responsive
service delivery. LEGAL IMPACT:
None. ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A – Committee Action Report
Attachment B – 2025 Consolidated Survey Responses
Attachment C – Ordinance #598
Exhibit 1 – Section 2.01 E, Authority of the General
Manager, of the District’s Code of Ordinances
Attachment D – Proposed Copy of Section 2.01 E, Authority of the
General Manager, of the District’s Code of Ordinances
5
ATTACHMENT A
SUBJECT/PROJECT:
ADOPT ORDINANCE #598 TO ESTABLISH GENERAL MANAGER AUTHORITY FOR NON-PUBLIC WORKS AND FOR DIRECT OR INFORMAL PUBLIC WORKS
CONTRACTS IN ALIGNMENT WITH CALIFORNIA UNIFORM PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION COST ACCOUNTING ACT (CUPCCAA) THRESHOLDS
COMMITTEE ACTION:
The Engineering, Operations, and Water Resources Committee reviewed this
item at a meeting held on June 19, 2025. The Committee supports
presentation to the full Board for their consideration.
NOTE:
The “Committee Action” is written in anticipation of the Committee moving
the item forward for Board approval. This report will be sent to the
Board as a Committee approved item or modified to reflect any discussion
or changes as directed from the Committee prior to presentation to the
full Board.
6
ATTACHMENT B
2025 CONSOLIDATED SURVEY RESPONSES
Agency County GM Authority
Irvine Ranch Water District Orange $200,000
Padre Dam Municipal Water District San Diego $150,000
San Diego County Water Authority San Diego $150,000
Tuolumne Utilities District* Tuolumne $150,000
Alameda County Water District Alameda $100,000
Coachella Valley Water District Riverside $100,000
Cucamonga Valley Water District* San Bernardino $100,000
Eastern Municipal Water District Riverside $100,000
Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District Riverside $100,000
Marin Water Municipal Water District Marin $100,000
Modesto Irrigation District Stanislaus $100,000
San Bernardino Municipal Water District San Bernardino $100,000
Santa Margarita Water District* Orange $100,000
South Coast Water District* Orange $100,000
Western Water Municipal Water District Riverside $100,000
Zone 7 Water Agency Alameda $100,000
Helix Water District San Diego $80,000
Vista Irrigation District San Diego $80,000
Monte Vista Water District* San Bernardino $75,000
Moulton Niguel Water District Orange $75,000
Olivenhain Municipal Water District San Diego $75,000
Otay Water District San Diego $75,000
Placer County Water Agency Placer $75,000
Sweetwater Authority San Diego $75,000
Three Valleys Municipal Water District Los Angeles $75,000
West Valley Water District San Bernardino $75,000
Yorba Linda Water District* Orange $75,000
Ramona Municipal Water District San Diego $60,000
Laguna Beach County Water District* Orange $50,000
Las Virgenes Municipal Water District Los Angeles $50,000
West Basin Municipal Water District Los Angeles $50,000
Median $100,000
Otay Water District Purchasing Authority Survey, conducted February–April
2025 via email. Survey recipients included procurement officials listed
in the California Association of Public Procurement Officials (CAPPO)
directory and other agencies. Response rate: 43.23%. Items marked with
an asterisk (*) are sourced from the South Coast Water District Staff
Report, dated April 24, 2025.
7
ATTACHMENT C
ORDINANCE NO. 598
AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE OTAY WATER DISTRICT AMENDING SECTION 2.01 E, AUTHORITY OF THE GENERAL MANAGER, OF THE DISTRICT’S CODE OF ORDINANCES
WHEREAS, the Otay Water District Board of Directors has been
presented with an amended subdivision “E” of Section 2.01 AUTHORITY OF
THE GENERAL MANAGER of the District’s Code of Ordinances for the
management of the Otay Water District; and
WHEREAS, the amended subdivision “E” Section 2.01 has been
reviewed and considered by the Board, and it is in the interest of the
District to adopt the amended policy; and
WHEREAS, the strike-through copy of the proposed policy is
attached as Exhibit 1 to this ordinance; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, DETERMINED, AND ORDERED by the
Board of Directors of the Otay Water District that the amended Section
2.01, incorporated herein as Attachment D, is hereby adopted.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the Board of Directors of Otay
Water District at a board meeting held this 2nd day of July 2025, by
the following vote:
Ayes: Noes: Abstain: Absent:
ATTEST:
President
District Secretary
EXHIBIT 1
CHAPTER 2 ADMINISTRATION OF THE DISTRICT SECTION 2 MANAGEMENT OF THE DISTRICT
2.01 AUTHORITY OF THE GENERAL MANAGER
Pursuant to Sections 71362 and 71363 of the California Water Code, and other applicable laws of the State of California, the General Manager shall, subject to the approval
and direction of the Board of Directors, operate and manage the affairs of the District. The General Manager shall have the
following specifically enumerated powers and authority: A. To control the administration, maintenance, operation and construction of the water and sewer systems and facilities
of the District in an efficient manner.
B. To employ and discharge all employees and assistants,
other than those referred to in Section 71340 of the California Water Code, and to prescribe their duties and promulgate specific rules and regulations for such employees and
assistants.
C. To promulgate policies and procedures necessary to
enhance the security of the District and increase the transparency of District operations, including provisions for the disclosure of conflicts of interest by employees.
D. To establish the terms and conditions for collection of receivables, thereby facilitating the efficient administration
of the District’s receivables. The General Manager or designee is given this authority as well as the authority to waive, adjust, or reduce any receivable for amounts up to $10,000.
E. To execute agreements, contracts, other documents, or commitments on behalf of the District where the amount involved
does not exceed $75,000, provided that Public Works Contracts shall be awarded in compliance with $100,000 for non-public works contracts, and for public works contracts, where the amount does not exceed the thresholds established under the California Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act
(CUPCCAA), as amended from time to time, provided that such public works contracts are awarded in accordance with CUPCCAA
procedures and all applicable laws.
ATTACHMENT D
CHAPTER 2 ADMINISTRATION OF THE DISTRICT
SECTION 2 MANAGEMENT OF THE DISTRICT
2.01 AUTHORITY OF THE GENERAL MANAGER
Pursuant to Sections 71362 and 71363 of the California
Water Code, and other applicable laws of the State of California, the General Manager shall, subject to the approval
and direction of the Board of Directors, operate and manage the affairs of the District. The General Manager shall have the following specifically enumerated powers and authority:
A. To control the administration, maintenance, operation and construction of the water and sewer systems and facilities
of the District in an efficient manner.
B. To employ and discharge all employees and assistants, other than those referred to in Section 71340 of the California
Water Code, and to prescribe their duties and promulgate specific rules and regulations for such employees and
assistants.
C. To promulgate policies and procedures necessary to enhance the security of the District and increase the
transparency of District operations, including provisions for the disclosure of conflicts of interest by employees.
D. To establish the terms and conditions for collection of receivables, thereby facilitating the efficient administration of the District’s receivables. The General Manager or designee is given this authority as well as the authority to waive, adjust, or reduce any receivable for amounts up to $10,000.
E. To execute agreements, contracts, other documents, or commitments on behalf of the District where the amount involved does not exceed $100,000 for non-public works contracts, and for public works contracts, where the amount does not exceed the thresholds established under the California Uniform Public
Construction Cost Accounting Act (CUPCCAA), as amended from time to time, provided that such public works contracts are awarded in accordance with CUPCCAA procedures and all applicable laws.