Where pg 9 10-31-13
- Details
- Category: Current Issue
By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s RPC sporty shout out is sent along to Putnam chiropractor, Dr. Fred Barks. Involved in many aspects of community service, Dr. Barks is one of the main supporters of semi-professional football in northeastern Connecticut.
It’s been some time since someone from northeastern Connecticut has been involved with professional baseball. There was a time, many years ago, when Walter Dropo, the “Moose from Moosup” was the talk of Major League baseball. But today there are very few who recall Dropo and his exploits with the Boston Red Sox when he captured the 1950 American League Rookie of the Honors.
Then there was Bruce Boisclair from Killingly High School who became the premier pinch hitter in the National League when he played for the New York Mets. And of course there was Putnam’s Bob Auger who played minor league ball for a couple seasons before arm problems shortened his career. Later a pair of Tourtellotte diamond standouts Brian Murphy and Alan Leboeuf made their names in the minor league ranks.
Today we have to reach down to southeastern Connecticut to connect with anyone associated in Major League baseball. It was with great pleasure that we read on Bleacher Report about two local products, Pete Walker and Rajai Davis. Both are associated with the Toronto Blue Jays of the American League East Division.
Walker, who this year was elevated by the Jays from bullpen coach to pitching coach, has been retained by Toronto for next season despite the disastrous season that the Canadian franchise suffered this past season. Although some of the Toronto coaching staff was not retained for the 2014 season, Walker and Manager John Gibbons will be back in the spring as the Blue Jays aspire to correct things in the nest and once again contend for an AL East title.
Davis, who played at New London High School and UConn-Avery Point, is currently part of the Blue Jays organization but will become a free agent as soon as the World Series ends. The second leading base stealer in the American League this season behind Boston’s Jacoby Ellsbury, Davis is hoping to catch on with some team that will allow him to play every day. According to Bleacher Report, he may be able to demand a salary of more than $6.5 million with the right organization. There’s still a slim chance that Davis may sign with Toronto.
It’s unfortunate that northeastern Connecticut doesn’t have a Major League player to write about but with Walker, Davis and John McDonald, currently with the Red Sox and Matt Harvey of the New York Mets we have an opportunity, albeit somewhat long distance, to associate with players from Eastern Connecticut.
More News from Southeastern Connecticut…
Owen Coderre, “Big O” to his close friends, the son of former Putnam High School baseball and basketball standout Lance Coderre and his wife Lisa of Waterford, recently enjoyed an athletic experience that very few 11-year-old young men get to experience.
Coderre, along with two of his classmates, James Hodge and Connor Elci, traveled to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., home of the Jets and Giants for a very special sports-related day. The boys, all 6th graders at Clark Lane Middle School were guest of James Hodge’s stepdad who has a friend who works for the New York Daily News.
The Daily News was sponsoring a couple of flag football games at the stadium, one for kids and one for “big kids,” adults. In the kids game Owen was the quarterback for his team, and although they lost 14- 0, he had a blast. Following the games the participants were all treated to a dinner, where they got to meet two former Jets’ players, defensive back Bobby Jackson and running back/kick returner Bruce Harper. As an aside to deeply dedicated Jets and NFL fans, if you’ve ever seen a Jets fan on television known as “Fireman Ed,” he’s the guy wearing Harper’s #42.
Despite the thrill of playing in MetLife Stadium and meeting the former Jets’ players, young Coderre remains a loyal New England Patriots fan. Owen Coderre’s paternal grandparents are Moe and Pam Coderre of Putnam.
Chugging Along…
The Putnam Science Academy Mustangs got their basketball season off running, literally, as the team bonded with a 1-mile run at the St. Marie-Greenhalgh Athletic Complex. According to coach Tom Espinosa, “This was a great way to kickoff the 2013 hoop season.”
After shaking off the early morning cobwebs, the team took the four laps around the 440 track with Jalen Terry, who’s accustomed to running fast in the frigid Alaska weather, being the first player to cross the finish line. He posted a time of 5:39 a full 46 seconds ahead of second-place finisher Anthony Durham who hails from Pennsylvania. In third place one second behind Durham at 6:06 was Danny Upchurch from Bridgeport.
World Series Lucky…
Two Thompson residents were among the more than 40,000 chilly fans at Fenway Park in Boston on Thursday, Oct. 24 for the second game of the 2013 World Series. Kirby Cunha and John Lesniewski, a pair of avid baseball fans, although it’s possible they’re not necessarily Red Sox fans, were on hand as the BoSox went down at the hand of Cardinal rookie pitching sensation Michael Wacha by a score of 4-2.
Get Well Soon…
A rehab patient at Westview Health Care Center is former Plainfield businessman, all-around good guy and community servant Bob Quintal. The former owner of Quintal Insurance and ex-president of the Plainfield Chamber of Commerce, is in the rehab unit following surgery. Send Quintal a note and wish him a speedy recovery at Westview HCC, 150 Ware Road, Dayville, CT 06241. RPC is rooting for a quick recovery, Bob.
From The Annals of Putnam Sports History…
October 1903: Putnam has a pro basketball team and has joined the Connecticut Eastern League, which consists of teams from Mystic, Norwich, New London, Danielson and Willimantic. (Information contributed by Willie Zamagni)
RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: “When I’m on the road, my greatest ambition is to get a standing boo.” Al Hrabosky, Major League relief pitcher.
Killingly pg 9 10-31-13
- Details
- Category: Current Issue
By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s action featured five of the area’s six teams in action with Plainfield enjoying an off week, which may help to heal some aches and provide much needed rest for the Panthers.
The biggest surprise of the weekend was Killingly’s 26-21 victory over Montville. Quinebaug Pride and Hyde-Woodstock continued to rack up points as both rolled to lopsided victories. Woodstock suffered yet another loss as the Centaurs are mirroring the season that’s taking place in Storrs with UConn. Pomfret School dropped a heartbreaker.
The Killingly Redmen scored all 26 of their points in the second half as they beat a good Montville team in a game played at Redmen Field. Trailing 7-0 at intermission, Killingly rode the coattails of Tyler Stucke, who appears to be healing from his ankle injury, as he ran for 132 yards on 27 carries that included touchdown scampers of 22, 17 and 3 yards.
Senior Nick Hewitt stepped in for freshman quarterback Kyle Derosier who suffered a hip injury and threw a 22-yard touchdown pass to Michael Elsey. It was Hewitt’s only completion of the half. Before being injured, Derosier was 6-for-12 for 45 yards. The win raises the Redmen’s record to 4-3 overall and 2-2 in the ECC Medium.
The Quinebaug Pride had to keep an eye on the scoreboard as they were in jeopardy of violating the Connecticut 50-point rule in easily beating Wolcott Tech 48-0. The Pride running game once again proved to be the major difference, as five running backs racked up 309 yards on the ground for Coach Joe Asermelly. The one-two punch of Jon Sanderson and Raif Santerre ran for 121 and 72 yards respectively as the Pride raised its record to 5-2.
In another scoreboard watcher, Ledyard led by quarterback Ty Edbon raced out to a 20-0 first quarter lead over Woodstock as they ran away from the now 0-7 Centaurs by a 48-0 margin.
Hyde Woodstock traveled to Kents Hill, Maine, wherever that is, and were rewarded for the long journey with a 43-18 victory. Coach Sean Saucier’s Wolfpack are now riding a four game winning streak. The catalyst in the victory was Kyle Jordan who ran for 251 yards on 22 carries that included touchdown runs of 5, 20 and 83 yards. The Wolfpack is 4-2 overall and 3-1 in the Evergreen League.
Pomfret School, which was hoping to pick up its second win in a row, was disappointed at home as visiting Gunnery School scored a touchdown with 11 ticks remaining on the clock to walk off with a 26-20 win. The Griffins of Coach Henry Large are now 3-3 overall and 3-3 in the Colonial League.
Extra Points…
The Quinebaug Pride victory over Wolcott Tech was played at the Ellis Tech Field in Danielson. The game was a celebration of Homecoming for the team composed of players from Ellis Tech, Tourtellotte and Putnam…Killingly’s Tyler Stucke raised his season rushing total to 646 yards despite being out or hobbled for three games…Killingly Coach Chad Neal called the win over Montville the biggest win in his 10-year coaching stint with the Redmen…Quinebaug Pride’s running back combo of Raif Santerre and Jon Sanderson have a combined total of 1251 rushing yards. Santerre has 632 and Sanderson 619…Tylor Genest, quarterback for the Pride, kept his scoring streak intact, having tallied a touchdown in all seven games this season. He leads the area in scoring with 74 points… The Killingly defense led by linebacker Henry Hewig held vaunted Montville running back Jeremiah Crowley to 187 yards on 28 carries…The Pride unveiled a new offensive weapon when Saige Louis caught a Genest 25-yard pass for a touchdown… Austin Jones tallied two touchdowns in Pomfret’s loss to Gunnery…As the teams move into November, the Friday schedule includes Plainfield at North Smithfield, RI (6 p.m.) and Portsmouth-Abbey at Hyde-Woodstock (3 p.m.). On Saturday, Killingly visits Windham (10 a.m.); Quinebaug Pride is at O’Brien Tech (Noon); Woodstock travels to Kingswood-Oxford (1 p.m.); and Pomfret is at Williston-Northampton (6 p.m.).
Putnam Town Crier Super Standings: Quinebaug Pride – 5-2; Hyde-Woodstock – 4-2; Killingly – 4-3; Pomfret School – 3-3; Plainfield – 2-4; Woodstock Academy – 0-7.
..
Legal pg 10 - Grease 10-31-13
- Details
- Category: Current Issue
Legal Notice - Town of Putnam
The following ORDINANCE was approved at the Special Town Meeting held on October 21, 2013 and shall become effective twenty-one (21) days after date of publication.
Dated at Putnam, Connecticut this 23rd day of October, 2013
Sara J. Seney, Town Clerk
Oct. 30, 2013
ORDINANCE - FATS, OILS AND GREASE PRETREATMENT
(Adopted)
1. Purpose.
The purpose of this Ordinance is to outline the wastewater pretreatment requirements for Food Preparation Establishments and other commercial and industrial facilities that discharge fats, oils, and grease in their wastewater flow. All new and existing facilities that generate and discharge fats, oils, and grease in their wastewater flow shall install, operate and maintain FOG Management Equipment.
2. Definitions.
AGENT — Authorized representative of the Town of Putnam.
CONTACT PERSON - The Contact Person shall mean the individual responsible for overseeing daily operation of the Food Preparation Establishment and who is responsible for overseeing the Food Preparation Establishment’s compliance with the FOG Pretreatment Program as established herein.
FOG - FATS, OILS AND GREASE (FOG) - Animal and plant derived substances that may solidify or become viscous between the temperatures of 32°F and 150°F (0°C to 65°C), and that separate from wastewater by gravity. Any edible substance identified as grease per the most current EPA method as listed in 40- CFR 136.3.
FOG INTERCEPTOR - A passive tank installed outside a building and designed to remove fats, oils and grease from flowing wastewater while allowing wastewater to flow through it, and as further defined herein.
FOG MANAGEMENT EQUIPMENT- Refers to properly installed and operated FOG Interceptors and Alternate FOG Management Equipment as approved by the Town of Putnam Water Pollution Control Director.
FOOD PREPARATION ESTABLISHMENTS - Food Preparation Establishments include establishments that use food preparation processes and that are regulated by the Northeast District Department of Health and classified as a Class III or Class IV facility, or are regulated by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. These facilities include but are not limited to restaurants, hotel kitchens,hospitals, school kitchens, bars, factory cafeterias and clubs. Industrial Food Processing Facilities are not regulated by this Ordinance.
GREASE RECOVERY UNIT (GRU) - All active indoor mechanical systems designed to remove fats, oils and grease by physical separation from flowing wastewater, as further defined herein.
NOTIFICATION OF APPROVED ALTERNATE FOG MANAGEMENT EQUIPMENT- Written notification from the Town of Putnam Water Pollution Control Director for authorization to install and/or operate Alternate FOG Management Equipment as defined herein.
RENDERABLE FATS, OILS, AND GREASE — Refers to fats, oils, and grease not contaminated by contact with wastewater, and which can be recycled by a rendering company. Renderable fats, oils, and grease sources include but are not limited to fryolators, grills and exhaust hoods.
RENDERABLE FATS, OILS AND GREASE CONTAINER - Refers to a closed, leak-proof container for the collection and storage of food grade fats, oils, and grease.
REGIONAL FOG DISPOSAL FACILITY- A facility for the collection and disposal of non-renderable FOG approved by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
3. Application to Install FOG Management Equipment.
A. FOG Management Equipment shall be
provided for:
(1) All new and existing Food Preparation Establishments, including restaurants, cafeterias, diners, and similar nonindustrial facilities using food preparation processes that have the potential to generate FOG in wastewater at concentrations in excess of the limits defined in this Ordinance.
(2) New and existing facilities which, in the opinion of the Water Pollution Control Director, require FOG Management Equipment for the proper handling of wastewater containing fats, oils, or grease, except that such FOG Management Equipment shall not be required for private living quarters or dwelling units.
B. All new Food Preparation Establishments which generate and discharge wastewater containing fats, oils, and grease and which will require FOG Management Equipment, as determined by the Water Pollution Control Director, shall include the design and specifications for the FOG Management Equipment as part of the sewer connection application as described in Town of Putnam Water and Sewer Ordinance.
C. All existing Food Preparation Establishments which generate, and discharge wastewater containing fats, oils, and grease, and which require new FOG Management Equipment, as determined by the Water Pollution Control Director, shall submit an application for the installation of new FOG Management Equipment within twelve (12) months of adoption of this Ordinance. The application shall be in accordance with appropriate sections of the Water and Sewer Ordinance. The approved FOG Management Equipment shall be installed within two (2) years of adoption of this Ordinance.
D. Existing Food Preparation Establishments which generate, and discharge wastewater containing fats, oils, and grease, and which have existing non- complying FOG Management Equipment may, as determined by the Water Pollution Control Director, operating the
existing FOG Management Equipment. Such facilities shall submit an application for “Alternate FOG Management Equipment” as described in Section 6C. Such application shall be submitted within twelve (12) months of adoption of this Ordinance.
E. All costs and related expenses associated with the installation and connection of the FOG Interceptor(s) or GRU(s) shall be borne by the Food Preparation Establishment. The Food Preparation Establishment shall indemnify the Town of Putnam and its Agents for any loss or damage that may directly or indirectly occur due to the installation of the GRU.
4. Discharge Limits
A. No facility shall discharge or cause to be discharged any wastewater with a FOG concentration in excess of one hundred (100) milligrams per liter, as determined by the currently approved test for total recoverable fats and grease listed in 40 CFR 136.3, or in concentrations or in quantities which will harm either the sewers or the Water Pollution Control Facility, as determined by the Water Pollution Control Director.
5. Management Equipment Requirements.
A. An Application for the design and installation of FOG Management Equipment shall be subject to review and approval by the Water Pollution Control Director per the Water and Sewer Ordinance, and subject to the requirements of all other applicable codes, ordinances and laws.
B. Except as provided by Section 6, the wastewater generated from Food Preparation Establishments shall be treated to remove FOG using a FOG Interceptor or GRU meeting the requirements of the Connecticut DEEP’s General Permit for the Discharge of Wastewater Associated with Food Preparation Establishments.
C. Every structure at the subject facility shall be constructed, operated and maintained, in a manner to ensure that the discharge of food preparation wastewater is directed solely to the FOG interceptor, or Alternate FOG Management Equipment. No valve or piping bypass equipment that could prevent the discharge of food preparation wastewater from entering appropriate treatment equipment shall be present.
D. The Contact Person at each Food Preparation Establishment shall notify the Water Pollution Control Director when the FOG Management Equipment is ready for inspection and connection to the public
sewer. The connection and testing shall be made under the supervision of the plumbing inspector, and/or Agent.
E. All applicable local plumbing/building codes shall be followed during the installation of the FOG Management Equipment.
F. FOG Interceptor Requirements.
The FOG Interceptor shall be installed on a separate building sewer servicing only kitchen flows and shall meet all the requirements of the Connecticut DEP’s General Permit for the Discharge of Wastewater Associated with Food Preparation Establishments.
(2) The inlet and outlet piping shall be PVC ASTM D 1785 Schedule 40 with rubber compression gaskets or solvent weld couplings. The joints must meet ASTM 3212 specifications. The authorized agent may approve other piping materials for use. The minimum diameter of the inlet and outlet piping shall be four inches. The inlet and outlet shall utilize a tee- pipe fitting on the interior of the grease trap/interceptor. The tee-pipe of the inlet and outlet shall extend to within twelve inches of the bottom and at least five inches above the liquid level of the tank.
(3) When it is not practical for the Food Preparation Establishment to install an outdoor in-ground FOG Interceptor per Section 5, a GRU may be utilized. The installation of the GRU must meet the requirements as provided in the Connecticut DEP’s General Permit for the Discharge of Wastewater Associated with Food Preparation Establishments.
6.Alternate FOG Management Equipment.
A. Other Alternate FOG Management Equipment
(1) Other Alternate FOG Management Equipment that does not meet the requirements of Section 5E or Section 6D, may be considered for approval by the Water Pollution Control Director on a case-by-case basis. The application shall include:
(a) Documented evidence that the Alternate FOG Management Equipment will not discharge FOG concentrations that exceed the discharge limits per Section 4.
(b) Plans and specifications for the proposed system including plans and profile of system installation, manufacturer’s literature, documentation of performance and any other information detailing the alternate system.
(c) A written Operation and Maintenance Plan, which shall include the schedule for cleaning and maintenance, copies of maintenance log forms, a list of spare parts to be maintained at the subject facility, and a list of contacts for the
manufacturer and supplier. Following receipt of written
Notification of Approved Alternate FOG Management Equipment from the Water Pollution Control Director, the Operation and Maintenance Plan shall be maintained on
the premises. The plan shall be made available for inspection on demand by the Agent.
(d) A written FOG Minimization Plan, which shall include procedures for all Food Preparation Establishment employees to minimize FOG entering the wastewater collection system.
(e) Description of a FOG Pretreatment Training Program for Food Preparation Establishment employees in minimization procedures.
(2) A Notification of Approved Alternate FOG Management Equipment may be granted for a duration not to exceed three (3) years, with extensions, when demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Water Pollution Control Director that the Alternate FOG Management Equipment, Operation and Maintenance Plan, FOG Minimization Plan and FOG Pretreatment Training
Program are adequate to maintain FOG concentration in the wastewater discharge below the limits set in Section 4.
7. Pretreatment Equipment Maintenance
A. The FOG Management Equipment shall be maintained continuously in satisfactory and effective operation, at the Food Preparation Establishment’s expense.
B. The Contact Person shall be responsible for the proper removal and disposal, by appropriate means, of the collected material removed from the FOG Management Equipment.
C. A record of all FOG Management Equipment maintenance activities shall be maintained on the premises for a minimum of three (3) years.
D. Chemical and/or biological additives that could cause the fats, oils and grease fraction to be released from the FOG Management Equipment are not permitted without the written approval of the Water Pollution Control Director.
E. The Contact Person shall ensure that the FOG interceptor is inspected when pumped to ensure that all fittings and fixtures inside the interceptor are in good condition and functioning properly. The depth of grease inside the tank shall be measured and recorded in the maintenance log during every inspection along with any deficiencies, and the identity of the inspector.
F. The Contact Person shall determine the frequency at which its FOG Interceptor(s) shall be pumped according to the following criteria:
(1) The FOG Interceptor shall be completely cleaned by a licensed waste hauler when 25% of the operating depth of the FOG Interceptor is occupied by solids or a minimum of once every three (3) months, whichever is more frequent.
(2) If the Contact Person can provide data demonstrating that less frequent cleaning of the FOG Interceptor will not result in grease and settled solids level in excess of 25% of the operating depth of the FOG Interceptor, the Water Pollution Control Director may allow less frequent cleaning. The Contact Person shall provide data including pumping receipts for four
(4) consecutive cleanings of the FOG Interceptor, complete with a report from the FOG hauler indicating the grease level at each cleaning, and the FOG Interceptor maintenance log.
(3) A maintenance log shall be maintained on the premises, and shall include the following information: dates of all activities, volume pumped, grease depth, hauler’s name, location of the waste disposal, means of disposal for all material removed from the FOG Interceptor, and the name of the individual recording the information. The maintenance log and waste hauler’s receipts shall be made available to the Agent for inspection on demand. Interceptor cleaning and inspection records shall be maintained on file a minimum of three (3) years.
G. All removal and hauling of the collected materials must be performed by State licensed waste hauler. Pumped material may be disposed of at the Putnam Wastewater Treatment Facility FOG Disposal Facility. Pumping shall include the complete removal of all contents, including floating materials, wastewater and settled sludge. Decanting back into the FOG Interceptor shall not be permitted. FOG interceptor cleaning shall include scraping excessive solids from the wall, floors, baffles and all piping.
H. The Contact Person shall be responsible for the cost and scheduling of all repairs to FOG Management Equipment components. Repairs required by the Agent shall be completed within thirty (30) days after the date of written notice of violation is received by the Contact Person.
8. FOG Minimization.
A. The Contact Person shall make every practical effort to reduce the amount of FOG contributed to the sewer system.
B. Renderable FOG shall not be disposed of, in any sewer, septic tank or FOG Interceptor. All renderable FOG shall be stored in a separate, covered, leak- proof, Renderable FOG Container, stored out of reach of vermin, and collected by a renderer.
C. Small quantities of FOG scraped or removed from pots, pans, dishes and utensils shall be directed to the municipal solid waste stream for disposal.
Legal - Storm pg 19 10-31-13
- Details
- Category: Current Issue
Legal Notice -- Town of Putnam
The following ORDINANCE was approved at the Special Town Meeting held on October 21, 2013 and shall become effective twenty-one (21) days after date of publication.
Dated at Putnam, Connecticut this 23rd day of October, 2013.
Sara J. Seney, Town Clerk
Oct. 30, 2013
MUNICIPAL STORM SEWER MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE
Description:
An illicit discharge is defined as any discharge to a municipal separate storm sewer system (stormwater drainage system) that is not composed entirely of stormwater runoff (except for discharges allowed under an NPDES permit or non-polluting flows). These non-stormwater discharges occur due to illegal dumping Or illegal connections to the stormwater drainage system. This ordinance provides Putnam with the authority to deal with illicit discharges and establishes enforcement actions for those persons or entities found to be in noncompliance or that refuse to allow access to their facilities.
Table of Contents
*Introduction
*Section I. General Provisions
*Section 2. Definitions
*Section 3. Prohibitions
*Section 4. Industrial or Construction Activity Discharges
*Section 5. Access and Inspection of Properties and Facilities
‘Section 6. Notification of Accidental Discharges and Spills
*Section 7. Violations, Enforcement and Penalties
Introduction
It is hereby determined that:
Discharges to the municipal separate storm sewer system that are not composed entirely of stormwater runoff contribute to increased nonpoint source pollution and degradation of receiving waters;
These non-stormwater discharges occur due to spills, dumping and improper connections to the municipal separate storm sewer system from residential, industrial, commercial or institutional establishments;
These non-stormwater discharges not only impact waterways individually, but geographically dispersed, small volume non-stormwater discharges can have cumulative impacts on receiving waters;
The impacts of these discharges adversely affect public health and safety, drinking water supplies, recreation, fish and other aquatic life, property values and other uses of lands and waters;
These impacts can be minimized through the regulation of spills, dumping and discharges into the municipal separate storm sewer system;
Localities in the State of Connecticut are required to comply with a number of State and Federal laws, regulations and permits which require a locality to address the impacts of stormwater runoff quality and nonpoint source pollution due to improper non-stormwater discharges to the municipal separate storm sewer system;
Therefore, the Town of Putnam adopts this ordinance to prohibit such non-stonnwater discharges to the municipal separate storm sewer system. It is determined that the regulation of spills, improper dumping and discharges to the municipal separate storm sewer system is in the public interest and will prevent threats to public health and safety, and the environment.
Section 1. General Provisions
1.1. Purpose and Intent
The purpose of this ordinance is to protect the public health, safety, environment and general welfare through the regulation of non-stormwater discharges to the municipal separate storm sewer system to the maximum extent practicable as required by Federal law. This ordinance establishes methods for controlling the introduction of pollutants into the municipal separate storm sewer system in order to comply with requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit process. The objectives of this ordinance are to:
(1) Regulate the contribution of pollutants to the municipal separate storm sewer system by any person;
(2) Prohibit illicit discharges and illegal connections to the municipal separate storm sewer system;
(3) Prevent non-stonnwater discharges, generated as a result of spills, inappropriate dumping or disposal, to the municipal separate storm sewer system; and,
(4) To establish legal authority to carry out all inspection, surveillance, monitoring and enforcement procedures necessary to ensure compliance with this ordinance.
1.2. Applicability
The provisions of this ordinance shall apply throughout the Town of Putnam.
1.3. Compatibility with Other Regulations
This ordinance is not intended to modify or repeal any other ordinance, rule, regulation, other provision of law. The requirements of this ordinance are in addition to the requirements of any other ordinance, rule, regulation, or other provision of law, and where any provision of this ordinance imposes restrictions different from those imposed by any other ordinance, rule, regulation, Or other provision of law, whichever provision is more restrictive or imposes higher protective standards for human health or the environment shall control.
1.4. Severability
If the provisions of any section, subsection, paragraph, subdivision or clause of this ordinance shall be adjudged invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such judgment shall not affect or invalidate the remainder of any section, subsection, paragraph, subdivision or clause of this ordinance.
1.5. Responsibility for Administration
The Putnam Board of Selectmen shall administer, implement, and enforce the provisions of this ordinance. Day to day enforcement will be the responsibility of the designated, authorized agent.
Section 2. Definitions
“Accidental Discharge” means a discharge prohibited by this ordinance which occurs by chance and without planning or thought prior to occurrence.
“Authorized Agent” means the Public Works Director, The Mayor or Board of Selectmen may, in writing, designate other employees and designees as deputy authorized agents to act through the authorized agent. The authorized agent could include but not be limited to the Northeast District Department of Health, the Regional Engineer, the Town Planner, the Zoning Enforcement Officer, the Wetlands Enforcement Officer, as well as appropriate boards or commissions.
“Authorized Enforcement Agency” means the Town of Putnam Board of Selectmen.
“Clean Water Act” means the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq.), and any subsequent amendments thereto.
“Construction Activity” means activities subject to the Connecticut Erosion and Sedimentation Control Act or General Permit for the Discharge of Stormwater and Dewatering Wastewaters from Construction Activities. These include construction projects resulting in land disturbance. Such activities include but are not limited to clearing and grubbing, grading, excavating, and demolition.
“Illicit Discharge” means any direct or indirect non-stormwater discharge to the municipal separate storm sewer system, except as exempted in Section 3 of this ordinance.
“Illegal Connection” means either of the following:
a) Any pipe, open channel, drain or conveyance, whether on the surface or
subsurface, which allows an illicit discharge to enter the storm drain system including but not limited to any conveyances which allow any non-stormwater discharge including sewage, process wastewater, and wash water to enter the storm drain system, regardless of whether such pipe, open channel, drain or conveyance has been previously allowed, permitted, or approved by an authorized enforcement agency; or
b) Any pipe, open channel, drain or conveyance connected to the municipal separate storm sewer system which has not been documented in plans, maps, or equivalent records and approved by an authorized enforcement agency.
“Industrial Activity” means activities subject to NPDES Industrial Permits as defined in 40 —FR, Section 122.26 (b)(14) or CGS 22a-430b.
“National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Storm Water Discharge Permit” means a permit issued by the Connecticut DEEP under authority delegated pursuant to 33 USC § 1342(b) that authorizes the discharge of pollutants to waters of the United States, whether the permit is applicable on an individual, group, or general area-wide basis.
“Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System” means any facility designed or used for collecting and/or conveying stormwater, including but not limited to any roads with drainage systems, highways, municipal streets, curbs, gutters, inlets, catch basins, piped storm drains, pumping facilities, structural stormwater controls, ditches, swales, natural and man-made or altered drainage channels, reservoirs, and other drainage structures, and which is:
a) Owned or maintained by the Town of Putnam;
b) Not a combined sewer; and
c) Not part of a publicly-owned treatment works.
“Non-Stormwater Discharge” means any discharge to the storm drain system that is not composed entirely of stormwater.
“Person” means, except to the extent exempted from this ordinance, any individual, partnership, firm, association, joint venture, public or private corporation, trust, estate, commission, board, public or private institution, utility, cooperative, city, county or other political subdivision of the State, any interstate body or any other legal entity.
“Pollutant” means anything which causes or contributes to pollution. Pollutants may include, but are not limited to: paints, varnishes, and solvents; petroleum hydrocarbons; automotive fluids; cooking grease; detergents (biodegradable or otherwise); degreasers; cleaning chemicals; non-hazardous liquid and solid wastes and yard wastes; refuse, rubbish, garbage, litter, or other discarded or abandoned objects and accumulations, so that same may cause or contribute to pollution; floatables; pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers; liquid and solid wastes; sewage, fecal coliform and pathogens; dissolved and particulate metals; animal wastes; wastes and residue that result from constructing a building or structure; concrete and cement; and noxious or offensive matter of any kind.
“Pollution” means the contamination or other alteration of any water’s physical, chemical or biological properties by the addition of any constituent and includes but is not limited to, a change in temperature, taste, color, turbidity, or odor of such waters, or the discharge of any liquid, gaseous, solid, radioactive, or other substance into any such waters as will or is likely to create a nuisance or render such waters harmful, detrimental or injurious to the public health, safety, welfare, or environment, or to domestic, commercial, industrial, agricultural, recreational, or other legitimate beneficial uses, or to livestock, wild animals, birds, fish or other aquatic life.
“Premises” means any building, lot, parcel of land, or portion of land whether improved or unimproved including adjacent sidewalks and parking strips.
“State Waters” means any and all rivers, streams, creeks, branches, lakes, reservoirs, ponds, drainage systems, springs, wells, and other bodies of surface and subsurface water, natural or artificial, lying within or forming a part of the boundaries of the State of Connecticut which are not entirely confined and retained completely upon the property of a single person.
“Stormwater Runoff” or “Stormwater” means any surface flow, runoff, and drainage consisting entirely of water from any form of natural precipitation, and resulting from such precipitation.
“Structural Stormwater Control” means a structural stormwater management facility or device that controls stormwater runoff and changes the characteristics of that runoff including, but not limited to, the quantity and quality, the period of release or the velocity of flow.
“Wastewater” means any water or other liquid, other than uncontaminated stormwater, discharged from a facility.
Section 3. Prohibitions
3.1 Prohibition of Illicit Discharges
No person shall throw, drain, or otherwise discharge, cause, or allow others under its control to throw, drain, or otherwise discharge into the municipal separate storm sewer system any pollutants or waters containing any pollutants, other than stormwater.
The following discharges are exempt from the prohibition provision above providing they contain no pollutants:
(1) Water line flushing performed by a government agency, landscape irrigation or lawn watering, diverted stream flows, rising ground water, ground water infiltration to storm drains, uncontaminated pumped ground water, foundation or footing drains (not including active groundwater dewatering systems), crawl space pumps, air conditioning condensation, springs, natural riparian habitat or wetland flows, and any other water source not containing pollutants;
(2) Discharges or flows from fire fighting, and other discharges specified in writing by the Board of Selectmen as being necessary to protect public health and safety;
(3) The prohibition provision above shall not apply to any non-stormwater discharge permitted under an NPDES permit or order issued to the discharger and administered under the authority of the State and the Federal Environmental Protection Agency, provided that the discharger is in full compliance with all requirements of the permit, waiver, or order and other applicable laws and regulations, and provided that written approval has been granted for any discharge to the municipal separate storm sewer system.
3.2 Prohibition of Illegal Connections
The construction, connection, use, maintenance or continued existence of any illegal connection to the municipal separate storm sewer system is prohibited.
(1) This prohibition expressly includes, without limitation, illegal connections made in the past, regardless of whether the connection was permissible under law or practices applicable or prevailing at the time of connection.
(2) A person violates this ordinance if the person connects a line conveying sewage to the municipal separate storm sewer system, or allows such a connection to continue.
(3) Improper connections in violation of this ordinance must be disconnected and redirected, if necessary, to an approved onsite wastewater management system or the sanitary sewer system upon approval of the Putnam Water Pollution Control Authority.
(4) Any drain or conveyance that has not been documented in plans, maps or equivalent, and which may be connected to the storm sewer system, shall be located by the owner or occupant of that property upon receipt of written notice of violation from the authorized agent requiring that such locating be completed. Such notice will specify a reasonable time period within which the location of the drain or conveyance is to be completed, that the drain or conveyance be identified as storm sewer, sanitary sewer or other, and that the outfall location or point of connection to the storm sewer system, sanitary sewer system or other discharge point be identified. Results of these investigations are to be documented and provided to the Board of Selectmen and Water Pollution Control Authority.
Section 4. Industrial, Commercial or Construction Activity Discharges
Any person subject to an industrial, commercial or construction activity NPDES stormwater discharge permit shall comply with all provisions of such permit. Proof of compliance with said permit may be required in a form acceptable to the authorized agent prior to allowing discharges to the municipal separate storm sewer system.
Section 5. Access and Inspection of Properties and Facilities
The authorized agent shall be permitted to enter and inspect properties and facilities at reasonable times as often as may be necessary to determine compliance with this ordinance.
(1) If a property or facility has security measures in force which require proper identification and clearance before entry into its premises, the owner or operator shall make the necessary arrangements to allow access to representatives of the Board of Selectmen.
(2) The owner or operator shall allow the authorized agent ready access to all parts of the premises for the purposes of inspection, sampling, photography, videotaping, examination and copying of any records that are required under the conditions of an NPDES permit to discharge stormwater.
(3) The authorized agent shall have the right to set up on any property or facility such devices as are necessary in the opinion of the authorized agent to conduct monitoring and/or sampling of flow discharges.
(4) The authorized agent may require the owner or operator to install monitoring equipment and perform monitoring as necessary, and make the monitoring data available to the authorized agent. This sampling and monitoring equipment shall be maintained at all times in a safe and proper operating condition by the owner or operator at his/her own expense. All devices used to measure flow and quality shall be calibrated to ensure their accuracy.
(5) Any temporary or permanent obstruction to safe and easy access to the property or facility to be inspected and/or sampled shall be promptly removed by the owner or operator at the written or oral request of the authorized agent and shall not be replaced. The costs of clearing such access shall be borne by the owner or operator.
(6) Unreasonable delays in allowing the authorized agent access to a facility is a violation of this ordinance.
(7) If the authorized agent has been refused access to any part of the premises from which stormwater is discharged, and the authorized agent is able to demonstrate probable cause to believe that there may be a violation of this ordinance, or that there is a need to inspect and/or sample as part of a routine inspection and sampling program designed to verify compliance with this ordinance or any order issued hereunder, or to protect the overall public health, safety, environment and welfare of the community, then the Board of Selectmen may seek issuance of a search warrant from any court of competent jurisdiction.
Section 6. Notification of Accidental Discharges and Spills
Notwithstanding other requirements of law, as soon as any person responsible for a facility, activity or operation, or responsible for emergency response for a facility, activity or operation has information of any known or suspected release of pollutants or non-stormwater discharges from that facility or operation which are resulting or may result in illicit discharges or pollutants discharging into stormwater, the municipal separate storm sewer system, State Waters, or Waters of the U.S., said person shall take all necessary steps to ensure the discovery, containment, and cleanup of such release so as to minimize the effects of the discharge.
Said person shall notify the authorized enforcement agency in person or by phone, facsimile or in person no later than 24 hours of the nature, quantity and time of occurrence of the discharge. Notifications in person or by phone shall be confirmed by written notice addressed and mailed to the authorized agent within three business days of the phone or in person notice. If the discharge of prohibited materials emanates from a commercial or industrial establishment, the owner or operator of such establishment shall also retain an on-site written record of the discharge and the actions taken to prevent its recurrence. Such records shall be retained for at least three years. Said person shall also take immediate steps to ensure no recurrence of the discharge or spill.
In the event of such a release of hazardous materials, emergency response agencies and/or other appropriate agencies shall be immediately notified.
Failure to provide notification of a release as provided above is a violation of this ordinance.
Section 7. Violations, Enforcement and Penalties
7.1. Violations
It shall be unlawful for any person to violate any provision or fail to comply with any of the requirements of this Ordinance. Any person who has violated or continues to violate the provisions of this ordinance, may be subject to the enforcement actions outlined in this section or may be restrained by injunction or otherwise abated in a manner provided by law.
In the event the violation constitutes an immediate danger to public health or public safety, the authorized agent is authorized to enter upon the subject private property, without giving prior notice, to take any and all measures necessary to abate the violation and/or restore the property. The authorized agent is authorized to seek costs of the abatement as outlined in Section 7.5.
7.2 Notice of Violation Whenever the authorized agent finds that a violation of this ordinance has occurred, the authorized agent may order compliance by written notice of violation.
A. The notice of violation shall contain:
(1) The name and address of the alleged violator;
(2) The address when available or a description of the building, structure or land upon which the violation is occurring, or has occurred;
(3) A statement specifying the nature of the violation;
(4) A description of the remedial measures necessary to restore compliance with this ordinance and a time schedule for the completion of such remedial action;
(5) A statement of the penalty or penalties that shall or may be assessed against the person to whom the notice of violation is directed; and,
(6) A statement that the determination of violation may be appealed to the Board of Selectmen by filing a written notice of appeal within thirty (30) days of service of notice of violation.
B. Such notice may require without limitation:
(1) The performance of monitoring, analyses, and reporting;
(2) The elimination of illicit discharges and illegal connections;
(3) That violating discharges, practices, or operations shall cease and desist;
(4) The abatement or remediation of stormwater pollution or contamination hazards and the restoration of any affected property;
(5) Payment of costs to cover administrative and abatement costs; and,
(6) The implementation of pollution prevention practices.
7.3. Appeal of Notice of Violation
Any person receiving a Notice of Violation may appeal the determination of the authorized agent. The notice of appeal must be received within thirty (30) days from the date of the Notice of Violation. Hearing on the appeal before the Board of Selectmen or his/her designee shall take place within 15 days from the date of receipt of the notice of appeal. The decision of the Board of Selectmen or their designee shall be final.
7.4. Enforcement Measures After Appeal
If the violation has not been corrected pursuant to the requirements set forth in the Notice of Violation or, in the event of an appeal, within 10 days of the decision of the appropriate authority upholding the decision of the authorized agent, then representatives of the Board of Selectmen may enter upon the subject private property and are authorized to take any and all measures necessary to abate the violation and/or restore the property. It shall be unlawful for any person, owner, agent or person in possession of any premises to refuse to allow the government agency or designated contractor to enter upon the premises for the purposes set forth above.
7.5 Costs of Abatement of the Violation
Within 30 days after abatement of the violation, the owner of the property will be notified of the cost of abatement, including administrative costs. The property owner may file a written protest objecting to the assessment or to the amount of the assessment within 30 days of such notice. If the amount due is not paid within thirty (30) days after receipt of the notice, or if an appeal is taken, within thirty (30) days after a decision on said appeal, the charges shall become a special assessment against the property and shall constitute a lien on the property for the amount of the assessment. Any person violating any of the provisions of this article shall become liable to the Town of Putnam by reason of such violation.
7.6 Civil Penalties
In the event the alleged violator fails to take the remedial measures set forth in the notice of violation or otherwise fails to cure the violations described therein within ten days, or such greater period as the Board of Selectmen shall deem appropriate, after the Board of Selectmen has taken one or more of the actions described above, the Board of Selectmen may impose a penalty not to exceed $25 (depending on the severity of the violation) for each day the violation remains unremedied after receipt of the notice of violation.
7.7 Violations Deemed a Public Nuisance
In addition to the enforcement processes and penalties provided, any condition caused or permitted to exist in violation of any of the provisions of this ordinance is a threat to public health, safety, welfare, and environment and is declared and deemed a nuisance, and may be abated by injunctive or other equitable relief as provided by law.
7.8 Remedies Not Exclusive
The remedies listed in this ordinance are not exclusive of any other remedies available under any applicable Federal, State or local law and the Board of Selectmen may seek cumulative remedies.