Title 15 of the Rules of the City of New York is amended by adding a new Chapter 31 to
read as follows:
Rule Governing House/ Site
Connections to the Sewer
System
Published on the City Record: October 1, 2010
Printed: November 24, 2010
§31-01 Applicability and Scope ...................................................................................... 3
§31-02 Sewer Availability Certification ....................................................................... 10
§31-03 Standards for issuance of permits ..................................................................... 14
§31-04 Standards for Installation of Sewer connections ............................................... 21
§31-05 Inspections ........................................................................................................ 26
§31-06 Repair Order...................................................................................................... 27
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§31-01 Applicability and Scope
(a) Applicability.
(1) This Rule applies to the certification of sewer availability and to the
issuance of permits for the construction, alteration, repair or relay,
plugging, unplugging, and inspection of all Sewer connections and
appurtenances.
(2) The portion of a new Sewer connection extending from the curb line to
sewers built under New York City capital sewer construction projects are
not subject to this Rule and are covered by the standards and specifications
for such projects.
(b) Definitions.
For the purposes of this Rule, the following definitions apply:
Agency. “Agency” means an agency of the City.
Allowable flow. “Allowable flow” means the storm flow from developments
based on existing sewer design criteria that can be released into an existing storm
of combined sewer.
Allowable sewer or drain. “Allowable sewer or drain” means an existing sewer
or drain built in accordance with a City drainage plan or an approved Drainage
proposal, and is the approved outlet to receive Flow from the site of an existing or
a proposed development.
Alteration map. “Alteration map” means a map showing proposed changes to
the City map.
A.N.S.I. “A.N.S.I.” means the American National Standards Institute.
Applicant. “Applicant” means the Owner of an existing or a proposed
development or his or her legally designated representative.
Applicant’s offering plan. “Applicant’s offering plan” or “Applicant’s offering
prospectus” means the set of legal documents setting forth the rights, privileges,
and duties of purchasers of shares in the Applicant’s proposed development, and
which is submitted to the New York State Department of Law in accordance with
the requirements of Section 352-e of the New York State General Business Law.
Approved outlet. “Approved outlet” means an existing storm, sanitary or
combined sewer or drain built to receive flow from a development.
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As-built drawing or Record drawing. “As-built drawing” or “Record drawing”
means a map or a drawing which represents the actual constructed state of a City
sewer, a Private sewer, or a Private drain and appurtenances.
A.S.T.M. “A.S.T.M.” means the American Standards for the Testing of
Materials, latest edition.
Available sewer or drain. “Available sewer or drain” means an existing fronting
sewer or drain which has existing adequate capacity for use by an existing or a
proposed development.
Block. “Block” means a tract of land bounded by consecutive intersecting
streets.
Building. “Building” means a structure having a specific Block and Lot (or tax
sub-lot). In general, a structure will be considered a Building if it has a separate
entrance from an outdoor area.
BWSO. “BWSO” means the Bureau of Water & Sewer Operations or its
successor.
Catch basin. “Catch basin” means a structure designed to collect and convey
stormwater runoff to a Storm sewer, a Combined sewer, or an approved outlet by
means of a catch basin connection pipe.
City. “City” means the City of New York.
City drainage plan. “City drainage plan” or “drainage plan” means a plan for
the proper sewage and drainage of the City of New York, or any part thereof,
prepared and adopted in accordance with Section 24-503 of the Administrative
Code of the City of New York.
City map. “City map” means the City map referred to in Sections 198 and 199 of
the City Charter.
Combined sewage. “Combined sewage” means a combination of Sanitary
sewage, industrial wastewater and stormwater runoff.
Combined sewer. “Combined sewer” means a sewer receiving a combination of
sanitary and/or industrial wastewater and stormwater runoff.
Combined sewer connection. “Combined sewer connection” means a Sewer
connection which extends from the property line and conveys both Sanitary
sewage and storm water runoff to a Combined sewer or drain.
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Commissioner. “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of the New York City
Department of Environmental Protection.
Condominium association. “Condominium association” means the legal entity
comprising the present and future unit-Owners of a condominium development
and established in accordance with Article 9-B of the New York State Real
Property Law.
Connection permit. “Connection permit” means a written authorization issued
by the DEP to connect to an existing sewer or drain or an approved outlet.
Contractor. “Contractor” means an entity retained by the Owner/Applicant to
construct a facility.
Contributory drainage area. “Contributory drainage area” means a drainage
area bounded by the ridge lines of the furthest boundaries from which flow
reaches a point of discharge.
DEP. “DEP” means the New York City Department of Environmental Protection
or its successor Agency.
Detention basin. “Detention basin” means a structure designed to store an
accumulation of stormwater runoff and release it at a controlled rate into an
approved outlet sewer system of limited capacity.
Direct discharge. “Direct discharge” means a discharge by means of a sewer
connection to a City sewer, a Private sewer, a Private drain, or an approved outlet
fronting the property.
DOB. “DOB” means the New York City Department of Buildings or its
successor Agency.
DOF. “DOF” means the New York City Department of Finance or its successor
Agency.
DOT. “DOT” means the New York City Department of Transportation or its
successor Agency.
Drainage proposal. “Drainage proposal” means a plan showing a proposed
sewerage system to serve an existing or a proposed development and Contributory
drainage area that does not conform to the City drainage plan.
Dwelling unit. “Dwelling unit” means one or more rooms in a Building that are
arranged, designed, used or intended for use by one family.
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Finally mapped street. “Finally mapped street” means a street as shown on the
City map.
Flow. “Flow” means a continuous movement of storm water or wastewater.
Fronting. “Fronting” means an existing sewer or drain abutting an existing or
proposed development.
Groundwater. “Groundwater” means any existing water in subsoil stratums,
including water from springs and natural underground streams, but excluding
water from wells used for the delivery of potable or processed water.
Groundwater table. “Groundwater table” means the actual depth of ground
water below surface.
Homeowners’ association. “Homeowners’ association” means the legal entity
compromising the present and future homeowners/unit owners of a development.
House connection proposal. “House connection proposal” means a plan
showing proposed Sewer connection(s) to a City sewer, a Private sewer, a Private
drain, or an approved outlet to serve Fee Simple One (1), Two (2) or Three (3)
Family Dwelling Units.
Indirect discharge. “Indirect discharge” means a discharge into a City sewer, a
Private sewer, or an approved outlet by means other than a direct discharge.
Industrial waste. “Industrial waste” means any liquid, gaseous or solid
substance, or a combination thereof, resulting from any process of industry,
manufacturing, trade or business, or from the development or recovery of natural
resources.
Inspector. “Inspector” means a DEP or DOB sewer connection inspector.
Internal drain. “Internal drain” means a drainage system under the jurisdiction
of the DOB and which is not located in a Final mapped street, a Record street or
an Easement under the jurisdiction of the DEP.
Intercepting sewer. “Intercepting sewer” or “Interceptor sewer” means a sewer
which, during dry weather, receives the dry -weather flow from a number of
transverse Sanitary or Combined sewers and conveys such Flow to a wastewater
pollution control plant. During storms, it receives predetermined quantities of
dry-weather flow mixed with stormwater and conveys Combined sewage to a
wastewater pollution control plant.
Interceptor-collector. “Interceptor-collector” means an Intercepting sewer which
also serves as a local Sanitary sewer.
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Legally designated representative. “Legally designated representative” means a
Professional Engineer or Registered Architect licensed by the State of New York
who represents the Owner in connection with a proposal, plan, or application.
Licensed Master Plumber. “Licensed Master Plumber” means a plumber
licensed to perform plumbing work within the City by the City agency having
jurisdiction over such licensing.
Lot. “Lot” means a tax lot as shown on the Tax map of the City.
Mapping action. “Mapping action” means a proceeding to change the City map
pursuant to the New York City Charter.
Opinion of dedication. “Opinion of dedication” means an opinion by the
Corporation Counsel that a street is an open and continuously traveled street
dedicated for public use.
Owner. “Owner” means any individual, firm, corporation, company, association,
society, institution or any other legal entity that owns the property, appurtenances,
and easements compromising an existing or a proposed development.
Private drain. “Private drain” means a private sanitary, stormwater, or combined
drain that is constructed in a Finally mapped street, a Record street, or an
easement and discharges into an approved outlet.
Private pumping station. “Private pumping station” means a privately owned,
operated, and maintained wastewater collection facility required for the pumping
of sanitary or stormwater runoff or Combined sewage to a Private force main.
Private force main. “Private force main” means a privately owned, operated and
maintained pressurized pipe designated to receive the wastewater discharged from
a Private pumping station and to convey it under pressure to a point of discharge.
Private sewage treatment plant. “Private sewage treatment plant” means a
privately owned, operated and maintained wastewater collection facility located
on private property that is used for the physical, chemical, and/or biological
treatment of wastewater.
Private sewer. “Private sewer” means a private sanitary, stormwater, or
combined sewer that is designed and constructed in accordance with the
requirements of the City drainage plan to serve a specific development and is
located in a Finally mapped street, a Record street, or a sewer easement, and
discharges into an approved outlet.
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Private sewer plan or private drain plan. “Private sewer plan” or “Private drain
plan” means a construction plan for the installation of Private sewers or Private
drains and appurtenances thereto.
Record street. “Record street” means a street that appears on the Tax map of the
City, but is not a Finally mapped street.
Repair/relay. “Repair/relay” means complete, substantial, or partial repair or
replacement of any existing Sewer connection.
Rule. “Rule” means all the standards and requirements of the DEP governing
connection to the sewer system, as contained herein.
Runoff. “Runoff” means overland stormwater flow that is not absorbed into the
ground.
Sanitary sewage. “Sanitary sewage” means bodily waste, swimming pool
discharge, wash water, or similar waste which is discharged into a Sanitary sewer
or a Combined sewer.
Sanitary sewer. “Sanitary sewer” means a sewer which conveys Sanitary sewage
and/or industrial waste.
Sanitary sewer connection. “Sanitary sewer connection” means a Sewer
connection which extends from the property line of a building and conveys only
Sanitary sewage to a Sanitary sewer/drain or a Combined sewer/drain.
Seepage basin. “Seepage basin” means a drainage structure constructed in the
street area designed to dispose of street storm water runoff collected by catch
basins and catch basin connections at locations where storm or combined sewer
do not exit.
Sewer certification . “Sewer certification” or “Sewer availability certification”
means a house connection proposal application or site connection proposal
application to certify the adequacy of the existing abutting sewer to receive site
storm and sanitary discharge from a development.
Sewer connection. “Sewer connection” means that part of a sanitary, stormwater,
or combined sewer disposal pipe which extends from the property line of a
Building to an existing City sewer, a Private sewer, a Private drain, or an
approved outlet under the jurisdiction of the DEP.
Sewer easement. “Sewer easement” means a nonpossessory interest in private
property, which allows for the limited right to use the property that is designated
for the construction and maintenance of a drainage facility such as a City sewer, a
Private drain, a Watercourse, a Watercourse diversion, or related structures.
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Site connection proposal. “Site connection proposal” means a plan showing
proposed Sewer connection(s) from existing or proposed developments other than
Fee Simple of One (1), Two (2) or Three (3) Family Dwelling Units to a City
sewer, a Private sewer, a Private drain, or an approved outlet.
Special conditions. “Special conditions” mean and include, but is not limited to,
the construction or use of a Private sewage treatment plant, a Private on-site
pumping station, a private on-site Detention basin, a private Watercourse
diversion by an open channel or closed piping, or a proposed development
requiring a Mapping action.
Storm sewer. “Storm sewer” means a sewer which conveys only stormwater.
Stormwater. “Stormwater” means the excess water running off the surface of a
drainage area during, and immediately following, a period of precipitation.
Stormwater sewer connection. “Stormwater sewer connection” means a Sewer
connection, which extends from the property line of a Building and conveys
stormwater runoff to a Storm sewer/drain, or Combined sewer/drain or an
approved outlet.
Tax map. “Tax map” means the Tax map of the City as defined and referred to in
Section 11-203 of the Administrative Code of the City of New York.
Tentative lot. “Tentative lot” means a proposed tax lot as shown on the “Request
to Real Property Assessment, Department of Surveying, Division for Tentative
Lot Numbers”.
Water Board. “Water Board” means the New York City Water Board.
Watercourse. “Watercourse” means a natural or artificial channel, a visible path
or an active trench, which carries stormwater runoff from a Contributory drainage
area.
Watercourse diversion. “Watercourse diversion” means the re-routing of an
existing Watercourse by either open channel or closed piping.
Water service connection. “Water service connection” – The pipe from the street
water main or other source of water supply to the building served.
(c) Variances.
(1) The DEP may grant a variance from one or more of the requirements of
this Rule only upon:
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(a) written request by the Applicant; and
(b) the presentation of adequate proof substantiating that
compliance with the requirements of this Rule would impose
an exceptional hardship.
(2) Every request for a variance shall:
(a) identify the specific provision(s) of this Rule for which a
variance is sought;
(b) demonstrate that an exceptional economic, technological or
safety hardship would result from compliance with the
identified provision(s) and that the variance requested is the
minimum necessary to afford relief; and
(c) demonstrate that the proposed variance would not result in any
adverse impact on public health, safety, or welfare, the
environment, or any natural resource(s).
(3) There shall be no variances granted from the bonding, insurance, or
security requirements of this Rule.
(4) In granting variance, the DEP may impose specific conditions
necessary to assure that the variance will have no adverse impact on
public health, safety, or welfare, the environment, or any natural
resource. Failure to comply with any condition of a variance shall be a
violation of these rules.
§31-02 Sewer Availability Certification
(a) General Requirements.
Owners proposing to connect to a City sewer, a private sewer, a private drain, or
an approved outlet to serve an existing or a proposed development must file a
sewer certification application with the appropriate department of the City, in
accordance with the following requirements:
(1) For an existing or a proposed Fee Simple One (1), Two (2) or Three (3)
Family Dwelling Unit, a House Connection Proposal for sewer availability
certification shall be required.
(2) For all existing or proposed developments other than Fee Simple One (1),
Two (2) or Three (3) Family Dwelling Units, a Site Connection Proposal
for sewer availability certification shall be required.
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(3) For the elimination of existing cesspools or septic tanks for existing
buildings other than Fee Simple One (1), Two (2) or Three (3) Family
Dwelling Units, a Site Connection Proposal for sewer availability
certification shall be required, unless the site has been granted a prior
sewer availability certification.
(4) All House Connection Proposals or Site Connection Proposals for
sewer availability certification shall be prepared by, or under the
supervision of, a professional engineer or registered architect licensed by
the State of New York, and shall be submitted with the appropriate sewer
certification application form. The signature and seal of a professional
engineer or registered architect shall appear on each proposal.
(b) Specific Requirements.
(1) A professional engineer or registered architect may self-certify the
availability of sewers by using the appropriate self-certified sewer
certification application, except as specified in paragraph (3) of this
subdivision.
(2) All sewer certification applications for new construction under the
jurisdiction of theDOB may be submitted to the DEP or to the DOB. All
other sewer certification applications for construction that is not under the
jurisdiction of the DOB and do not require DOB project identification
number(s) (DOB PIN(s)) shall be submitted to the DEP.
(3) A professional engineer or registered architect shall not self-certify sewer
certification applications for the cases listed below. Such applications
shall be submitted to the DEP for review and certification:
(i) Applications involving mapping actions;
(ii) Applications for connection(s) to a proposed private sewer or
private drain under construction by the applicant to serve a
proposed development;
(iii) Applications for proposed developments to be constructed in
staged phases;
(iv) Applications for proposed developments on part of a tax lot;
(v) Applications to connect to a sewer or drain where the flow
discharged must pass through a private pumping station;
(vi) Applications for proposed developments which must utilize an
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easement through, or cross, adjacent properties, to gain access to
an approved outlet;
(vii) Applications for proposed developments on a site traversed by a
watercourse, active ditch, or existing sewer easement;
(viii) Applications for proposed discharge of flow to a private drain not
built in accordance with the City drainage plan and which is not
owned by the owner(s) of the proposed development(s);
(ix) Applications to connect to sewers or drains discharging to a private
sewage treatment plant;
(x) Applications for proposed sanitary discharge to an interceptor
sewer;
(xi) Applications for proposed sanitary discharge to six (6) inch
diameter sanitary sewers or drains;
(xii) Applications for proposed discharge of site storm flow to a
highway drain, Work Project Administration (WPA) sewer,
Temporary Connection (TC), plumber’s drain, watercourse
diversion, or State arterial highway drain;
(xiii) Applications for skewed connections or connections to stub
extensions from existing manholes; and
(xiv) Application for proposed developments in areas rezoned after
June 1993.
(4) All sewer certification applications shall contain the appropriate
identification number(s) as issued by the DOB,except for:
(i) Self-certified applications filed with the DOB; or
(ii) Applications which are not required to be filed with the DOB.
(5) Sewer certification applications shall show the proposed sanitary
discharge; the proposed storm flow and the allowable storm flow from the
site, in accordance with the following:
(i) Computation of allowable storm flow to be discharged into
stormwater or combined sewers or drains shall be based on either
the City drainage plan or an approved drainage proposal under
which the existing sewers or drains were constructed.
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(ii) Developed site storm flow shall be computed using the rational
method for the total site area, with rainfall intensity of 5.95 inches
per hour and the weighted runoff coefficient (Cw) based on the site
development.
(iii) Applicants shall specify the method(s) of disposal of all developed
site storm flow in conformance with the provisions of local laws
governing such disposal.
(iv) Sanitary flow discharged to sanitary or combined sewers or drains
shall be computed based on the densest development permissible
under zoning designation for the proposed development in
accordance with the most recent drainage design criteria of the
DEP.
(6) Block and lot numbers shall correspond to the most recent records
supplied by the DOF. Any applicant proposing to alter an existing block
and/or lot layout shall submit to the DOB a Tentative Lot Number(s)
Request Form bearing the applicant’s signature and seal and showing the
proposed block or lot modifications. Such forms shall be approved by the
DOB.
(7) All existing and proposed sewer connections shall be shown on the site
plan and supporting documents.
(8) No horizontal bends for sewer connections shall be permitted outside the
property lines of the project site.
(9) All sewer connections shall be gravity connections. Single structures
utilizing an internal ejector shall follow provisions of the New York City
Building Code and shall connect to the sewer by gravity for such use. In
cases where multiple structure developments use internal ejectors, the
internal ejector system shall discharge into a pressure relief manhole
within the property lines, and then flow into the existing sewer by a
gravity sewer connection.
(10) All site plans submitted to the DEP with sewer certification applications
shall be prepared in accordance with the latest standards and requirements
of the DEP, as indicated below:
(i) Site plans shall be drawn to scale, and shall contain the original
seal and signature of the filing professional engineer or registered
architect.
(ii) All hydraulic computations, and the proposed method(s) of
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disposal for all sanitary and storm discharge, must be shown on the
site plan.
(iii) Swimming pool(s) must be shown on the site plan, but are not
reviewed as part of the sewer certification application(s). A
separate approval for the discharge from swimming pools must be
obtained from the DEP. All swimming pools must discharge to an
internal sanitary system prior to discharge into the existing sewer
or drain.
(iv) Computations and details for the proposed on-site retention or
detention of stormwater runoff from the developed site, which
exceeds the allowable flow, must be shown on the site plan.
(11) For sites with industrial waste discharge, the applicant must obtain
approval from the DEP for such discharge prior to the certification of the
sewer certification application. For self-certified sewer certification
applications, the approval for the discharge of industrial waste must be
obtained prior to submission of the self-certified sewer certification
application to the City.
§31-03 Standards for issuance of permits
(a) Permits.
(1) No person or Owner shall connect to, make use of, or make an
opening into any interceptor sewer, interceptor collector, sanitary,
storm, or combined sewer or drain, or install, repair, relay or plug
sewer connections, except upon issuance of a permit consistent
with the provisions of this Rule. No sewer connections shall be
permitted to any catch basin. Any such connection made without a
permit shall be in violation of this Rule.
(2) Permits for a new connection or connections shown on certified
sewer certification applications shall be required for the following:
(i) new developments;
(ii) alterations performed on existing buildings, where sewer
availability certification is required by the DOB;
(iii) existing buildings served by cesspools or septic tanks to be
connected to fronting sewers or drains; and
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(iv) unplugging and reuse of a plugged sewer connection.
(3) Plug permit(s) shall be required when an existing connection or
connections are to be abandoned.
(4) Repair or relay permits shall be required for the repair or
replacement of an existing sewer connection. Where realignment
of the existing sewer connection or connections to new points of
connection results in the plugging of an existing sewer connection
or connections, no separate plug permit shall be required.
(5) Permits shall be required to install manholes on existing sewers or
drains.
(6) Permits shall be required to install catch basins and catch basin
connections outletting to existing sewers or drains, or an approved
outlet.
(7) Permits shall be required to install seepage basins and catch basins
outletting to such seepage basins.
(b) General Requirements.
Sewer connection permits shall be required as follows:
(1) For a single structure on an individual tax lot fronting an existing
combined sewer, a new sewer connection permit shall be required
for each connection.
(2) For individual structures on one tax lot with individual combined
sewer connections to an existing combined sewer or drain, a sewer
connection permit shall be required for each individual combined
connection. Where such structures have separate connections to
separate sanitary and storm sewers, a new connection permit shall
be required for each individual sanitary and/or storm sewer
connection.
(3) For several individual structures on one tax lot sharing a
common internal drain or drains connecting to existing combined
sewers, one new sewer connection permit shall be required for
each connection. Where such structures have common sanitary
and storm internal drains for connection to separate sanitary and
storm sewers or drains, a new sewer connection permit shall be
required for each connection made to the sewers or drains.
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(4) For individual structures on individual tax lots, which will
share common internal drains owned, operated or maintained by a
Homeowners Association, connections to existing combined
sewers shall require a new sewer connection permit for each tax
lot.
(5) Where individual structures on individual tax lots, which share
common internal drains owned, operated and maintained by a
Homeowners Association, connect to separate sanitary and storm
sewers or drains, a sewer connection permit shall be required for
each sanitary and storm sewer connection made to the common
internal drains from each tax lot.
(c) Application Procedure.
(1) A certified house connection proposal or site connection proposal
shall be required for all permits, except for the following:
(i) plug permits;
(ii) repair/relay permits;
(iii) catch basin, catch basin connection, and manhole
permits;
(iv) catch basin, catch basin connection, and seepage basin
permits; and
(v) connection to an existing sewer for elimination of existing
cesspool or septic tanks for fee simple one, two, or three
family dwelling units.
(2) Prior to the issuance of a permit, applicants shall comply with the
following requirements:
(i) Upon certification of a house connection proposal or site
connection proposal by the DEP or DOB, the applicant’s
Licensed Master Plumber shall apply for the required sewer
connection permits at the DEP’s water and sewer records
office.
(ii) If work is to be done by a subcontractor, said subcontractor
must be identified on the application and an affidavit
of authorization must be executed by the Licensed Master
Plumber. The authorization shall specify the location and
work to be done and shall state that the work is being done
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under the supervision of the Licensed Master Plumber.
Such authorization and responsibility will be effective for
the duration of the permit. If coring is to be done as part of
the work, it shall be performed by the Licensed Master
Plumber, or his/her authorized designee.
(iii) Only a Licensed Master Plumber may apply for a permit to
install new catch basins, catch basin connections, and
manholes on existing sewers or drains.
(iv) A Licensed Master Plumber or a Contractor may apply for
a permit or permits to install seepage basins, catch basins,
and catch basin connections outletting to such seepage
basins.
(v) No sewer connection permit shall be issued without the
presentation of a valid building construction permit or
alteration repair application (ARA) from DOB or
other Agencies having jurisdiction.
(vi) No permits shall be issued to install new catch basins, catch
basin connections, seepage basins, or manholes on existing
sewers or drains until an approved builder’s pavement plan
has been submitted.
(d) Permit Issuances.
(1) Prior to the issuance of any permit for sewer connection, applicants
must submit the following to the DEP:
(i) the appropriate permit application form and, if applicable,
an affidavit by the Licensed Master Plumber authorizing a
subcontractor to perform work;
(ii) a certified house connection proposal or site connection
proposal application;
(iii) a valid street/sidewalk opening permit from the DOT or
other entity having
jurisdiction;
(iv) proof of payment of the appropriate permit fee to the
Water Board;
(v) proof of compliance with all conditions set forth in the
certified house connection proposal or site connection
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proposal application form;
(vi) a letter of authorization from the Owner to retain a
Licensed Master Plumber;
(vii) except for a single structure condominium development,
which is exempt from this requirement, a declaration of
covenants and restrictions establishing a Homeowners
Association or a declaration of condominium recorded at
the appropriate City Register’s or County Clerk’s Office
and a letter issued by the New York State Attorney General
accepting the offering plan/prospectus for filing; or a “No-
Action Letter” issued by the New York State Attorney
General and reviewed by the Legal Counsel of the
DEP;
(viii) easement documents, declaration of maintenance and deed
restrictions approved by the Legal Counsel of the
DEP and recorded at the office of the County Clerk.
(ix) proof of compliance with all other conditions that may be
set forth by the City and with all applicable Federal, State,
and Local Laws, Rules and Regulations.
(2) Unplug and Reuse or Reuse. For one, two or three family
dwellings only, permits for unplugging and reuse of a plugged
sewer connection, or reuse of an existing sewer connection will be
issued upon:
(i) compliance with all of the requirements listed in paragraph
(1) of this subdivision (d); and
(ii) submission to the DEP of the following:
(A) a notarized letter of intent from the owner
requesting reuse of the plugged sewer connection or
reuse of the existing sewer connection;
(B) signed and sealed certification from the filing
professional engineer or registered architect that the
existing sewer connection is adequate; and
(C) signed and sealed certification from the Licensed
Master Plumber that such plumber has verified that
the existing sewer connection is in good working
order.
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(3) Plug Permit for plug of an existing sewer connection will be
issued upon:
(i) compliance with the requirements contained in
subparagraphs (i), (iii), (iv), (vi) and (ix) of paragraph (1)
of this subdivision (d);
(ii) presentation of a notarized letter of intent from the Owner
to plug the existing sewer connection and to retain a
Licensed Master Plumber for this purpose; and
(iii) verification of the existence of the sewer connection to be
plugged.
(4) Repair or Relay of Existing Sewer Connections. Permits for
repair/relay of existing sewer connections will be issued upon
compliance with the requirements in subparagraphs (i), (iii), and
(ix) of paragraph (1) of this subdivision (d);
(5) Connections to an existing sewer for the purpose of eliminating
cesspools or septic systems. Permits for sewer connections to an
existing sanitary or combined sewer in order to eliminate cesspools
or septic systems will be issued upon:
(i) compliance with the requirements contained in
subparagraphs (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v), and (ix) of paragraph
(1) of this subdivision (d);
(ii) for fee simple one, two or three family dwelling units,
submission of approval from DOB to abandon the
existing cesspool or septic system;
(iii) for other than fee simple one, two or three family dwelling
units, submission of:
(A) an approval from DOB to abandon the existing
cesspool or septic system; and
(B) a certified site connection proposal from the
appropriate department, as required by
subparagraphs (i), (ii ) and (v) of paragraph (1) of
this subdivision (d).
(6) New manholes on existing sewers or drains for new sewer
connections or for new catch basin connections. Permits for new
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manholes to be placed on existing sewers for new sewer
connections or for new catch basin connections will be issued
upon:
(i) compliance with all of the requirements in subparagraphs
(i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v), and (ix) of paragraph (1) of this
subdivision (d); and
(ii) for new catch basin connections, compliance with all
requirements contained in paragraph (7) of this subdivision
(d).
(7) New catch basins, catch basin connections, and seepage basins.
Permits for new catch basins, catch basin connections, and
seepage basins will be issued upon:
(i) compliance with the requirements contained in
subparagraphs (i), (iii), (iv), and (ix) of paragraph (1) of
this subdivision (d); and
(ii) presentation of a valid approved Builders Pavement Plan.
A Builders Pavement Plan, approved by the City, must be
on file with the Borough office of BWSO prior to
issuance of the permit.
(e) Terms and Conditions.
(1) Each permit shall be valid for a period not to exceed sixty (60)
calendar days from the date of issuance. An additional one time
thirty (30) day extension may be granted upon written request by
the Licensed Master Plumber explaining reasons for the delay.
(2) After expiration of the permit period and any extension, the
permittee shall be required to file for a new permit and pay all
required fees.
(3) Any permit issued by the DEP pursuant to this Rule may be
revoked by the Commissioner for cause.
(f) Fees.
(1) All fees shall conform to the latest fee schedule published by the
Water Board.
(2) All fees shall be paid to the Water Board.
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(g) Violations. It shall be a violation to perform any operation or work
without a permit as required by this Rule.
§31-04 Standards for Installation of Sewer connections
(a) General Requirements. All new sewer connections shall be in
compliance with this Rule.
(b) Specific Requirements.
(1) Sewer connections may be made to available existing sewers,
drains, or approved outlets, upon the issuance of a permit.
(2) New sewer connections shall have a minimum of four (4) feet of
cover unless the DEP grants approval for a lesser cover. No cover
above a sewer connection less than two and a half (2.5) feet shall
be permissible. Sewer connections with less than three (3) feet of
cover must be encased in concrete.
(3) Connections to sewers supported by piles must be ductile iron pipe
Class fifty-six (56), on broken stone with push on joints. The
thickness of the broken stone bedding shall be a minimum of nine
(9) inches.
(4) Where the replacement or repair of an existing sewer connection
results in damage or defect to adjacent or connected facilities, the
Commissioner, upon being notified of such damage or defect, may
order the Licensed Master Plumber to investigate and effect any
repairs to the adjacent or connected facilities that may be required
at such plumber’s own expense. Representatives of adjacent or
connected facilities shall be mailed copies of the Commissioner’s
order.
(5) Catch basin connections to storm or combined sewers of forty-
eight (48) inches in diameter or smaller shall be made to existing
or new manholes. For sewers larger than forty-eight (48) inches in
diameter, the catch basin connections shall be made to existing
manholes, if available, or directly to the sewer. Details of all other
methods of connections shall be reviewed and approved by the
DEP. All work must be in accordance with any Builders Pavement
Plan, approved by the City.
(6) New sewer connections shall be made to existing spurs fronting the
property.
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(7) In cases where no spurs exist, or connection to an existing spur is
not feasible, one of the following methods of connection shall be
used:
(i) For six (6) inch diameter sewer connections to six (6) inch
diameter sewers or drains, three (3) sections of the existing
sewer or drain shall be replaced with two (2) straight pipe
sections and a central spur piece.
(ii) For six (6) inch diameter sewer connections to eight (8)
inch diameter sewers or drains, if the existing eight (8) inch
diameter sewer or drain is not supported by a concrete
cradle, the connection method described in subparagraph (i)
of this paragraph (7) shall apply. For sewers or drains on
concrete cradles, a minimum of four (4) feet in length of
the existing sewer or drain shall be encased in concrete
from the point of connection. The concrete shall be allowed
to set for twenty-four (24) hours, after which time, core
drilling shall be performed.
(iii) Core drilling to install a spur into an existing sewer or drain
shall only be performed with an approved coring machine.
Such coring shall be made at the one (1) or two (2) o’clock
or ten (10) to eleven (11) o’clock position as described in
paragraph (9) of this subdivision (b). The cored portion of
the sewer shall be retained and submitted to the
Inspector. Core drilling shall only be permitted
in the following circumstances:
(A) where the new sewer connection is six (6) inches in
diameter and the existing sewer or drain is ten (10)
inches in diameter or larger;
(B) where the new sewer connection is eight (8) inches
in diameter and the existing sewer or drain is twelve
(12) inches in diameter or larger;
(C) where the new sewer connection is ten (10) inches
in diameter and the existing sewer or drain is
twenty-four (24) inches in diameter or larger.
(iv) Any sewer connection twelve (12) inches in diameter or
larger to existing sewers or drains less than forty-eight (48)
inches in diameter shall be made only to an existing or
proposed manhole. For sewer connections larger than
eighteen (18) inches in diameter, the applicant shall submit
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a detail of the proposed method of connection to the
DEP for review and approval.
(8) Core drilling. Core drilling shall be performed in accordance with
the following requirements:
(i) Clay or Cement Sewers or Drains. A six (6) inch thick
concrete encasement on top and bottom of the existing
sewer or drain for a minimum of four (4) feet length along
the existing sewer shall be provided. The concrete
encasement shall be allowed to set for a minimum of
twenty-four (24) hours before the core drill may be
performed.
(ii) Brick Sewers or Drains. A three (3) inch concrete
encasement with six (6) by six (6) w2.9/w2.9 wire mesh
over the top half of the sewer for a minimum of four (4)
feet along the length of the sewer shall be provided. The
concrete encasement shall be allowed to set for a minimum
of twenty-four (24) hours before the core drill may be
performed.
(9) Installation of a spur on the existing sewer or drain shall be
performed in accordance with the following requirements:
(i) A hole shall be core drilled with an approved core drilling
machine to produce a smooth hole equal to the inside
diameter of the sewer connection. A tap saddle/tee made of
cast iron shall be installed and bonded to the existing sewer
or drain with a quick setting two-part mix of epoxy
adhesive that will harden in four (4) to seven (7) hours.
(ii) A hole shall be core drilled with an approved core drilling
machine to produce a smooth hole equal to the outside
diameter of either a Dutchman (short piece of pipe with
belt) or the outside diameter of a neoprene rubber tee
fitting, which shall be placed in the drilled hole and held in
place by a tampered plastic insert. The sewer connection
shall fit into the open end of the tee fitting and be held in
place by a mechanically tightened steel band.
(10) Should unanticipated field conditions necessitate a different
method of construction than that shown on the certified sewer
certification application, such method shall be submitted for
review and approval by the DEP, prior to any work being
performed.
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(c) Materials.
(1) The materials used for new sewer connections or replacement of
existing sewer connections and appurtenances shall meet the
following requirements:
(i) Extra strength vitrified clay pipe (ESVP), conforming to
A.S.T.M. C-700 on six (6) inch concrete cradle, class forty
(40), for sewer connections up to and including an eighteen
(18) inch diameter;
(ii) Ductile iron pipe (DIP), Class fifty-six (56) with push-on
joints, conforming to A.N.S.I. specification on broken stone
bedding conforming to A.S.T.M. C-33, size sixty-seven
(67);
(iii) Pre-cast Reinforced Concrete Pipe (PCRP) Class three (3)
or higher on six (6) inch concrete cradle conforming to
A.S.T.M. Class thirty five (35) for sewer connections of a
twenty-four (24) inch diameter and larger.
(2) Materials differing from those described in paragraph (1) of this
subdivision (c) shall not be issued without written approval of the
DEP. The burden of establishing the suitability of the material
shall be with the applicant.
(d) Manhole Connections.
(1) The inner top of the proposed sewer connection shall not be lower
than the inner top of the sewer. The invert of the proposed sewer
connection shall be at least three (3) inches above the bench
elevation at the manhole wall. The invert of the proposed sewer
connection shall not be more than four (4) feet above the spring
line (1/2 the diameter) of the sewer.
(2) The use of pre-cast manholes on existing sewers or drains shall be
in conformance with the latest DEP Sewer Design Standards, and
shall be supplied by an approved vendor.
(3) No pre-cast manholes shall be installed on existing brick sewers.
(e) Seepage Basins, Catch Basins and Catch Basin Connections.
(1) All proposed seepage basins, catch basins, and catch basin
connections shall be installed in accordance with any Builders
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Pavement Plan approved by the City and the latest Department
standards and requirements, and shall be supplied by approved
vendors.
(f) Trench Excavation.
(1) Prior to performing any excavation, the permittee shall give notice
to the New York City & Long Island One Call Center in
accordance with 16 NYCRR Part 753.
(2) Excavations, trenching, and shoring as required, shall be in
conformance with sections 23 and 53 of the New York State
Industrial Code, and all other applicable Federal, State, and Local
Laws, Rules and Regulations.
(3) Permittees shall comply with all requirements of the DOT or other
entity having jurisdiction.
(4) The permittee shall properly support, protect, and maintain all
facilities encountered.
(5) Rock excavation for proposed sewer connections shall be made in
compliance with applicable sections of the DEP’s Standard
Specifications.
(6) The maximum width of a sheeted trench shall be in accordance
with DEP Sewer Design Standards.
(g) Backfilling.
(1) Backfilling and pavement restoration shall be in compliance with
the Standards and Requirements of the DOT or other entity having
jurisdiction.
(2) No backfilling shall commence until the sewer connection, seepage
basin, catch basin and catch basin connection has been properly
installed, inspected and accepted by the Inspector.
(3) If the work is not accepted by the Inspector, the permittee shall
make the trench safe, including plating in as required by the DOT
or other entity having jurisdiction.
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§31-05 Inspections
(a) General Requirements.
(1) All sewer connections, including new connections, relays/repairs,
plugs, catch basin and catch basin connections, and seepage basins
shall be inspected and approved by an Inspector.
(2) A permittee shall be granted an inspection one business day
following the request for such inspection.
(3) Prior to commencing excavation for sewer connections, the
permittee shall verify that the sewer or drain is not surcharged,
obstructed, or damaged. If the sewer is surcharged, obstructed, or
damaged, the permittee shall not perform any work and shall
immediately notify the DEP.
(4) No sewer connection or related work shall be inspected or
approved by an Inspector unless the trench is open for any length
of previously un-inspected work and all pipes, joints, and related
work are visible. A suitable ladder affording safe access for such
inspection shall be provided by the permittee. Trenches must
conform to all applicable Rules, Regulations and laws regarding
safety.
(5) An Inspector is required to be present during any drill-in to a sewer
or drain.
(6) Any trench backfilled without completed inspection shall be re-
excavated to the degree necessary as determined by the Inspector.
(7) Inspections will be conducted Monday through Friday (except on
holidays) between the hours of seven (7) A.M. and four (4) P.M.
Exceptions to this requirement may be granted upon traffic and
work stipulations set forth by the DOT or other entity having
jurisdiction or for other unforeseen circumstances, at the discretion
of the DEP.
(8) No inspection shall be performed unless all permits and
appropriate documentation required by the DEP are displayed at
the work site. Such documentation shall include:
(i) the certified house connection proposal or certified site
connection proposal, with all pertinent supporting
documents where required;
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(ii) the approved permit application and sewer connection
permit;
(iii) the street opening permit from the DOT or other entity
having
jurisdiction, and when a Builder’s Pavement Plan has been
required, an approved copy thereof;
(iv) all approved shop drawings;
(v) all Mayor’s Traffic Construction Coordination Committee
traffic stipulations, where weekend and/or night work is
scheduled; and
(vi) all applicable notarized affidavits regarding the reuse of
existing connections.
(b) Certificate of Inspection.
(1) A certificate of inspection shall be issued for each permit granted
by the DEP upon:
(i) successful completion of an inspection; and
(ii) compliance with all applicable requirements in sections 31-
04 and 31-05 of this Rule.
(2) For sewer certifications with multiple permits, a certificate of
inspection shall be issued for each unit.
(3) No certificate of inspection shall be issued unless all sewer work
shown on the certified house connection proposal or site
connection proposal has been completed and inspected.
§31-06 Repair Order
(a) General Requirements.
(1) When a sewer connection, private pumping station, private sanitary
ejector or a private force main is found to be leaking, inoperative
or defective at a particular premises, the DEP shall issue a repair
order to the Owner of such premises. The repair order shall
instruct the Owner to make all necessary repairs and otherwise
comply with the requirements of such order within 30 days of the
date of issuance of such order, except when the DEP determines
that there is an immediate danger to public health, property or to
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the environment, in which case such order may provide that repairs
shall be made immediately upon issuance of such order. For
purposes of this section, “ejector” shall mean a mechanical device
used to pump or eject sewage.
(2) If the Owner has not complied with the repair order in the period
allowed, the DEP shall shut off the water service tap/wet
connection of the premises. All repair work concerning a sewer
connection shall be performed by a Licensed Master Plumber, as
provided herein.
(3) If an Owner believes that a repair order has been issued in error or
that exigent circumstances exist such that shutting off the tap/wet
connection of the premises would result in extreme hardship, the
Owner may apply by letter to the Commissioner who shall make a
final determination as to whether the repair order was issued in
error or whether exigent circumstances exist warranting an
abeyance of issuance of the repair order.
(4) A Licensed Master Plumber shall obtain a sewer connection repair
permit prior to performing work pursuant to a repair order on a
sewer connection or in compliance with sections 25-03(a)(4) and
25-05(a) of this Rule. Upon completion of all necessary repairs by
the Licensed Master Plumber and approval by the DEP, a Licensed
Master Plumber shall obtain a tap/wet connection permit to restore
the water service.
(5) When the water service is shut off by the DEP, the Owner must
engage a Licensed Master Plumber to assume responsibility for the
excavation over the tap or wet connection. If the Owner fails to
engage a Licensed Master Plumber, the water service will remain
shut off, the excavation will be backfilled, and the street will be
properly restored.